Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of April 3, 2026

 

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

Happy New Music Friday! We have a lot of music to unpack, so let’s get this party started!

 

Arirang by BTS

K-pop powerhouse BTS is back! Arirang, the group’s tenth overall studio album, marks the first time that RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook reunited after completing Korea’s mandatory military service. The septet recruited an all-star group of collaborators ranging from producers Diplo, Mike Will Made-It, and Ryan Tedder to songwriters such as Ant Clemons, Delacey, Kevin Parker, Sarah Aarons, and Sean Foreman to craft their comeback. Arirang has a lot of pieces of ear candy that will satisfy both veteran fans and newcomers alike. Welcome back, guys! B

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Body to Body,” “FYA,” “SWIM,” & “NORMAL.”

 

Whatever’s Clever! By Charlie Puth

There have been significant changes since Charlie Puth recorded his fourth studio album, Whatever’s Clever! He sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the Super Bowl, and People reported that Charlie and his wife, Brooke, welcomed their first son, Jude, on March 23. The “Left Right Left” singer-songwriter opened his album to an elite group of collaborators, including music legends Kenny G, Kenny Loggins, and Michael McDonald, and rising stars Coco Jones, Hikaru Utada, and Ravyn Lenae. I believe that Charlie found the perfect musical partner in BloodPop, who assisted with the album’s production. Whatever’s Clever showcases Charlie Puth at his best, and I predict that the album will not only be a roadmap to aspiring recording artists but will play a role in this year’s music awards race. A-

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Changes,” “Beat Yourself Up,” “Cry,” “Don’t Meet Your Heroes,” & “Home.”

 

Sexistential by Robyn

Dance pop icon Robyn’s Sexistential is finally out! The “Dancing On My Own” performer created nine new songs that brought in music royalty, such as Klas Åhlund, Max Martin, and Oscar Holter, into the recording studio. Sexistential brings Robyn back to the forefront as not one of Sweden’s best, but one of the world’s top songstresses. A

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Really Real,” “Dopamine,” “Blow My Mind,” “Talk to Me,” & “Sexistential.”

 

“When It Comes to Loving You” by Cody Simpson

Australian international phenomenon Cody Simpson released new music for the first time in six years. The Masked Singer Australia champion dropped his latest single, “When It Comes to Loving You.” The song reminds me of classic synth-pop smashes like “This Kiss” and “Good Time.” Cody’s voice still has the power to make music lovers swoon, and I am looking forward to hearing more music from him! B+

 

“Say So” by Dan + Shay

Country music duo Dan + Shay returned to the music world with a haunting new song, “Say So.” Variety reported that the “Save Me the Trouble” performers’ new tune tackles a massive topic – mental health awareness. Dan + Shay, Jimmy Robbins, and David Hodges paid homage to their late friend and former head of Warner Chappell Publishing, Ben Vaughn, who sadly, unexpectedly took his life.  “Say So” is a powerful song that will touch the hearts of listeners everywhere. Always remember, “tomorrow is a brand-new day.” A

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please visit the Mental Health Hotline website or call 9-8-8.

 

Artists to Watch:

 

Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are some of the artists and bands that are shaking up the music world:

 

“Ride” by Arkells featuring Grouplove

9-time JUNO Award-winning band Arkells dropped their latest single, “Ride,” which is on their upcoming album, Between Us.  The group teamed up with GROUPLOVE for a superb anthem, “Ride.”  Listeners will be transported to a major city of their choice as they ride across the city from start to finish. “Ride” will definitely put a smile on your face.   B+

 

“Where Is My Husband!” by H3rizon

Star Search standouts H3rizon (Bernie, Gabby, and Tiara) made it all the way to the finals of the Netflix live talent competition. The trio released their cover of RAYE’s “Where Is My Husband!” with their newly signed record label – Epic Records/RZ3 Recordings. H3rizon’s harmonies are superb, and I believe that they are going to be forces of nature in the recording industry! A-

 

“Wasting Time” by Justin Maki

Japan-born, Canada-raised recording artist Justin Maki released “Wasting Time,” a slow-groove R&B ballad that transforms uncertainty into devotion. Justin worked on this song with friend and collaborator Josh Ellison. The song is a good start to his latest album, Technicolor Dreams, which is expected to be released in late June 2026. I am looking forward to hearing more from Justin in the coming months. B

 

“Hymne a L’Amour” by SCS Cello Ensemble

The SCS Cello Ensemble wraps up this edition of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s New Music Reviews. SCS stands for the Scandinavian Cello School, which is home to young elite classical music talents. The ensemble tackled “Hymne a L’Amour,” which French music legend Edith Piaf performed way back in 1949. The eight cellos do an impeccable job by honoring Ms. Piaf’s classic and infusing a new classical crossover sound into the love song. A

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