Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of January 30, 2026

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

Welcome back to the latest edition of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s New Music Reviews! We got a lot of new music to unpack, so let’s start this party!

 

The Last Dance – Part One by Jason Derulo

Jason Derulo surprised fans on January 23 by dropping part one of his latest project, The Last Dance – Part One. The album is a pivotal moment for the “Want to Want Me” singer-songwriter, who is marking 16 years in the recording industry. The first eight tracks include an interpolation of Avril Lavigne’s “Complicated,” which will transport millennials back to their middle and high school days and features guest vocalist INNA; “Sexy for Me,” and the superb dance track, “Pineapple.” The Last Dance – Part One is a superb album from start to finish, showcasing Jason Derulo’s mastery of dance-pop. A

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Sexy for Me,” “Complicated,” “Deep Love,” “Pineapple,” & “Who Hurt You.”

 

How Did I Get Here? By Louis Tomlinson

Louis Tomlinson dropped his third studio album, How Did I Get Here? The former X Factor UK alum and judge co-crafted all the tracks with assistance from Theo Hutchcraft, Nicholas Rebscher (who also produced the bulk of the record), Dave Gibson, Mathias Wang, Jamie Scott, and Joseph Cross. While there are several standout songs, such as “Lemonade” and “Palaces,” my main concern is that at times, the tunes seemed repetitive as I thought some of the arrangements sounded similar. Despite that concern, How Did I Get Here? Shows that Louis Tomlinson has grown comfortable (and found his calling) in the indie and folk-rock music world. B-/B

 Tracks to Download or Stream: “Lemonade,” “On Fire,” “Palaces,” & “Imposter.”

 

World’s Gone Wrong by Lucinda Williams

Legendary rocker Lucinda Williams dropped her sixteenth studio album, World’s Gone Wrong. The “Get Right with God” singer-songwriter co-penned nine new songs and covered Bob Marley’s “So Much Trouble in the World” with gospel legend Mavis Staples in her latest offering. Ray Kennedy and Tom Overby produced the record and joined with Lucinda in creating the tunes along with Doug Pettibone, Alexander Meek, Travis Stephens, and Adrianne Lenker.  In addition to Ms. Staples, Brittany Spencer joins for two songs (the title track and “Something’s Gotta Give”), and Norah Jones wraps up the album with the duet “We’ve Come Too Far to Turn Around.” Lucinda does an impeccable job pouring her outrage into her music, and World’s Gone Wrong is one of the top protest albums of the 2020s. A-

Tracks to Download or Stream: “The World’s Gone Wrong,” “Something’s Gotta Give,” “Sing Unburied Sing,” “How Much Did You Get for Your Soul?” & “We’ve Come Too Far to Turn Around.”

 

“Light of a Clear Blue Morning” by Dolly Parton with Lainey Wilson, Miley Cyrus, Queen Latifah & Reba McEntire

The forever Queen of Country Music, Dolly Parton, just celebrated her 80^th birthday! To commemorate this milestone, the “Here You Come Again” singer-songwriter re-recorded her 1976 classic tune, “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” (which celebrates its 50^th anniversary this year). She invited four talented women to join her in the recording booth – her goddaughter Miley Cyrus, Joyful Noise co-star Queen Latifah, rising country star Lainey Wilson, and fellow country music legend Reba McEntire.  Legendary music producer David Foster performed the piano, while the Christ Church Choir provided backing vocals. This reimagining of “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” is a warm hug that we need in this turbulent time. Thank you, Dolly Parton, for your impeccable gift, and we will “Always Love You.” A+

 

“Aperture” by Harry Styles

Three-time Grammy-winning recording artist Harry Styles surprised fans earlier this month by dropping “Aperture,” the first single off his forthcoming fourth studio album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally. The “Watermelon Sugar” performer reunited with frequent collaborator Kid Harpoon to craft the tune.  I truly believe that Harry and Kid Harpoon had an excellent approach, as music lovers might expect “Aperture” to mix 80s synthpop with modern-day EDM.  It’s a solid track, and I am looking forward to seeing what the “Sign of the Times” singer-songwriter has in store for us in this era. B

 

Artists to Watch:

Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are some of the recording artists and bands you need to keep an eye on in 2026.

 

Don’t Know You (But I Miss You) by Jeff Richards

Saturday Night Live and MADTV alum Jeff Richards released a 31-track collection, Don’t Know You (But I Miss You). Produced by Ben Seeward, Arlo Sanders, Daniel White, and Ron Eigen, Don’t Know You (But I Miss You)’s songs showcase some of his work at various “farewell shows” across the United States. Don’t Know You (But I Miss You) showcases musical comedy at its finest – hysterical lyrics and excellent musical backgrounds. Jeff Richards’s material makes listeners laugh or snort and, at times, makes them dance.  A-

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Vegas,” “Don’t Know You (But I Miss You),” “Muscle Bitch,” “Rain Makes Me Wet,” & “Dare.”

 

“Everything’s Gonna Be All Right” by Dawn Derow & Sean Harkness

Musical theatre veteran Dawn Derow teamed up with longtime collaborator Sean Harkness for a superb cover of Tuck and Patti’s 1988 hit “Everything’s Gonna Be All Right.” Dawn’s beautiful vocals will melt listeners’ hearts, and Sean’s guitar arrangement is splendid to the ears! A

 

“For Hire” by People I’ve Met

Vocalist/guitarist Moses Martin, drummer Orlando Wiltshire, and bassist Andrew Suster are the New York City-based alt-rock band People I’ve Met. The trio released their latest single, “For Hire.” Moses has a superlative voice, and I loved the guitar and bass arrangements that he and Andrew provided, while Orlando’s drum composition was hypnotic. People I’ve Met has a bright future ahead. B+

 

“LAST CALL” by Red Leather

Rising recording artist Red Leather wraps up this edition of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s New Music Reviews. He is preparing to release his highly anticipated studio album, TAHOE. His latest single is “Last Call,” and it is a superb toe-tapper that has shades of both Justin Timberlake and Chris Stapleton’s “Say Something” and The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights.” “Last Call” brilliantly transports its audience to a lodge ready to close as the in-house band performs one final song. Bravo, Red Leather! A-

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