Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of August 14, 2026

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

Before we get to the latest Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s New Music Reviews, I want to acknowledge a special historic moment.  On August 14, I released my first blog post.  Little I did I know that this blog post would lead me on a journey that would take me behind the scenes of my favorite TV shows, interview a diverse group of content creators, entertainers, and news makers; start a podcast; and meet my heroes and hundreds of fascinating people along the way!  To all of my previous guests and their respective media teams, Thank you for taking a chance on me.

To all of my readers, listeners, and viewers, thank you for following me on my journey. To my family, friends, and colleagues, thank you for supporting me!  I look forward to spending the next 15 years with you!

So, let’s get back to business! We got a lot of new music to unpack, so let’s start this party!

 

Petal by Ariana Grande

Pop music superstar Ariana Grande dropped her first post-Wicked studio album, Petal. Like 2024’s Eternal Sunshine, the “God is a Woman” performer wrote all the tracks and recruited Ilya Salamanzaeh to co-produce them with her. Iconic hitmaker Max Martin also assisted the duo on “Hate That I Made You Love Me,” the titular track, and “Stay.” Petal has several standouts and a well-produced album. However, if there were certain tracks that were left on the cutting room floor, then it would have been a slam dunk for Ariana! B-

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Hate That I Made You Love Me,” “Petal,” “Freak,” & “Like I Do.”

 

The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales by Shaboozey

Shaboozey is one of the 2020s’ breakout country music artists. The Outlaw Cherrie Lee & Other Western Tales is his first album in four years. The album focuses on outlaw Cherrie Lee, who is out for revenge. The “(A Bar Song) Tipsy” performer recruited an all-star group of featured artists of various genres such as Gunna, Kehlani, Leon Bridges, Orville Peck, and Teyana Taylor, who make cameos throughout the album. Oscar nominee Sam Elliott and Academy Award and Grammy-winning recording artist Jamie Foxx also make appearances on the record’s spoken word dialogues. The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales splendidly blends Americana, country, and hip-hop with spectacular results and superb world-building. B+

Tracks to Download or Stream: “High Noon,” “Cowgirl,” “Burn It Down,” “Bullets & Blades,” & “Born to Die.”

 

“Love Sensation (Afterhours Radio Edit)” by Madonna & Kylie Minogue

Since the 1980s, both Madonna and Kylie Minogue have entertained audiences with their music. In 2024, both pop music legends shocked the world when they sang together at the Los Angeles stop on Madonna’s Celebration Tour. Recently, Madonna and Kylie teamed up for a remix on the “Ray of Light” performer’s Confessions II hit “Love Sensation.” Their mutual collaborator, Stuart Price, produced this historic track, and I expect this remix to be played at multiple dance parties for generations to come. A

 

“The Game of Love” by Michelle Branch & the New Radicals

Nearly 25 years ago, singer-songwriter Michelle Branch recorded “The Game of Love” with iconic rock band Santana. This November, she will release re-recordings of her classic tunes, Everywhere and Back Again.  This go-around, the “All You Wanted” performer welcomed The New Radicals frontman Gregg Alexander to re-record the tune. As a Millennial who grew up listening to this song throughout middle school and high school, Michelle and Gregg did a superb job rekindling this classic that will make listeners dance. B+

 

“Just One Bite” by Patty Cake Productions featuring Sabrina von B

Actress and performer Sabrina von B found viral fame thanks to her superb portrayal of the Evil Queen. However, People reported that the actress was allegedly fired by the Disneyland Resort after eight years. Thankfully, they have not seen Sabrina as Snow White’s iconic villainess. The actress collaborated with content creators PattyCake Productions on an original song, “Just One Bite.” PattyCake Productions does a superb job crafting a tune that focuses on how the Evil Queen poisoned her stepdaughter. Sabrina is a fantastic vocalist and does a phenomenal job channeling Her Majesty once again. Bravo! A+

 

Artists to Watch:

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

 

Honey Trap by Sherrionn

Chicago singer, songwriter, and engineer Sherrionn dropped her debut mixtape, Honey Trap. This 14-track project blends bass-heavy productions, sharp songwriting, and Chi-Town’s influence on her artistry. Sherrionn does a splendid job blending classic and modern R&B.  Honey Trap is a superb introduction, and I believe that we will be hearing more about Sherrionn for years to come. A-

Tracks to Download or Stream: “SLOW,” “PINEAPPLE,” “FAVORITE,” “BIRTHDAY BADDIE,”  & “HEARTS ON THE MOON.”

 

 

“Again” by Liam Horne

Originally from Scotland, Pop-R&B singer-songwriter Liam Horne moved to Los Angeles at a young age to pursue a music career that included writing songs for Justin Bieber. Now, “The Truth Is” singer-songwriter dropped his new single, “Again,” which he co-wrote with Grammy winners James Fauntleroy and Brian Kennedy. “Again” is a hypnotic track that will get listeners on the dance floor.  B+

 

“TNT” by WOLVESofJUNE

WOLVESofJUNE rounds out this edition of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s New Music Reviews. WOLVESofJUNE is the new project of Neil Perry, who made headlines in an interview with Stereogum when he said his sister, Kimberly, allegedly pushed him out of their family band, The Band Perry. “TNT” is an outstanding debut single that showcases powerful guitar licks and superb vocals! I cannot wait to listen for more! A

 

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