Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of June 19, 2026

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

Happy New Music Friday, everyone! I hope that you are enjoying the long weekend!  Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s New Music Reviews is back!  We got a lot of new music to unpack, so let’s start this party!

 

DIRTY BLONDE by Bebe Rexha

Bebe Rexha began a new chapter in her recording career with the release of her fourth studio album, DIRTY BLONDE. This record marks the first album from her new record company, Empire Distribution. The “I’m A Mess” singer-songwriter recruited an all-star group of collaborators, including Boaz van de Beatz, DJ Snake, Edwin Serrano, Jean Bapiste, Mitch Allan, the Punctual production team, and Sarah Hudson, to craft DIRTY BLONDE’s 13 tracks. She also reunited with frequent creative partner David Guetta on “Sad Girls” and with English dance music band Faithless on “New Religion.” DIRTY BLONDE is one of the best dance-pop albums of 2026 and will possibly serve as a roadmap for future recording artists. A+

Tracks to Download or Stream: “New Religion,” “Cike Cike,” “I Like You Better Than Me,” “Drink And A Little Love,” “One Day,” & “Sad Girls.”

 

Flow State by Keith Urban

Country music icon Keith Urban did a first in his long career – he released an all-covers album, Flow State. The former American Idol judge and The Voice Australia mentor took some of yacht rock’s most iconic songs, ranging from Player’s “Baby Come Back” and Grover Washington, Jr.’s and Bill Withers’ “Just the Two of Us” to Seals & Crofts’ “Summer Breeze.”  He also welcomed John Mayer (“Guitar Man”), Little Big Town (“Magnet & Steel”), and Michael McDonald (“We Go Back”) as featured artists. I loved how “The Fighter” guitarist and recording artist, along with his production team, rearranged these classic tunes without altering their core elements. B

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Baby Come Back,” “Magnet & Steel,” “Just the Two of Us,” & “Summer Breeze.”

 

B-Word by Lizzo

Four years separate Lizzo’s recent two studio albums, Special (2022) and B-Word (2026). Between these two records, the “2 Be Loved (Am I Ready?)” singer-songwriter was in the headlines for numerous controversies that include allegations of sexual misconduct by former backing dancers in 2023 and applauding Pro-Hamas/Anti-Israel college encampment participants in 2024. The question that I pondered is whether it is possible to listen to Lizzo’s new album without separating the art from the artist. The answer is Yes. While B-Word has some strong material, such as “Happy 2 Be,” the Bon Jovi + Desmond Child-co-penned “Don’t Make Me Love U,” and a reimagined version of Meredith Brooks’ classic “B-Word,” the album is uninspiring! D

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Happy 2 Be,” “Don’t Make Me Love U,” & “B-Word.”

 

Dinner Party by Niall Horan

Niall Horan is back with his fourth studio album, Dinner Party. The X Factor UK finalist-turned-The Voice USA winning coach reunited with frequent collaborators John Ryan and Julian Bunetta and welcomed Amy Allen, Joel Little, Matt Zara, and Steph Jones into the family. Dinner Party is full of fun and whimsical pop-rock tunes that are a breath of fresh air in today’s music market. B

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Tastes So Good,” “Dinner Party,” “Little More Time,”  & “End of an Era.”

 

God Must Really Love Me by Tori Kelly

Tori Kelly dropped her first gospel record, God Must Really Love Me. The “Should’ve Been Us” actress and songstress teamed up with top hitmakers Ammo, Dan Farber, Emily Warren, Forrest Frank, Jeff Gitelman, Nija Charles, Tommy King, to co-write and co-produce her sixth studio album. God Must Really Love Me showcases Tori Kelly’s superb songwriting and splendid vocals, uplifting listeners and music lovers everywhere. A-

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Control,” “Fly,” “Pray for You,” “Dive,” & “Hurts So Good.”

 

 

“Over and Over” by Little Big Town

Little Big Town dropped their second single off their upcoming twelfth studio album, It’s a Dying Art. “Over and Over” could be the younger sibling of classic “Better Man.” I got the chills from Karen’s vocals, the catchy chorus, and superb electric guitar arrangements. I cannot wait for the rest of It’s A Dying Art to drop on August 28! B+

 

“I Knew It, I Knew You” by Taylor Swift

One of the biggest surprises that Walt Disney Records and Pixar gave fans was a new song recorded by another popular TS, Taylor Swift! The “I Knew You Were Trouble” recording artist reunited with frequent collaborator Jack Antonoff to co-pen and co-produce a new song for Toy Story’s latest chapter. “I Knew It, I Knew You” marks a return to the recording artist’s first genre – country music. The song was inspired by our favorite cowgirl, Jessie! The song is classic Taylor and would give listeners goosebumps. A-

 

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