Welcome to the latest installment of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews of 2026! (Bitmoji property of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Welcome to the latest episode of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s New Music Reviews! We got a lot of new music to unpack, let’s start this party!
Wuthering Heights showcases Charli XCX’s superb ability to infuse her synth-pop with the 1800s and will encourage her audience to discover the literary classic. (Album cover property of Charli XCX Inc & Atlantic Records)
Wuthering Heights by Charli XCX
Generation Z fan favorite recording artist Charli XCX released her second soundtrack album, Wuthering Heights. The “BRAT” singer-songwriter wrote music for the 2026 film starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. Charli XCX co-wrote the 12 tracks with Justin Raisen, Joe Keery, Nathan Klein, Sky Ferreira (who also appears on “Eyes on the World”), and Finn Keane, who executive-produced the album. Wuthering Heights showcases Charli XCX’s superb ability to infuse her synth-pop with the 1800s and will encourage her audience to discover the literary classic. B+
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Dying for You,” “Chains of Love,” “Out of Myself,” & “Eyes of the World.”
License to Thrill is a spectacular listening experience, and I hope that James Bond’s Broccoli Family has the opportunity to hear Kendra Erika’s masterful take on their franchise’s classic songs. (Album cover property of Oyster Shell Music)
License to Thrill by Kendra Erika
Billboard Top 10 recording artist and recent Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast guest, Kendra Erika, dropped her latest studio album, License to Thrill. This record marks a first for Kendra as she transitions from EDM to Jazz music. Kendra’s velvet vocals fit perfectly with Dame Shirley Bassey’s “Goldfinger” and “Diamonds are Forever,” Tina Turner’s “Goldeneye,” and Adele’s iconic “Skyfall.” License to Thrill is a spectacular listening experience, and I hope that James Bond’s Broccoli Family has the opportunity to hear Kendra Erika’s masterful take on their franchise’s classic songs. A
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Goldfinger,” “Diamonds Are Forever,” “A View to a Kill,” “Goldeneye,” & “Skyfall.”
While WILLOW has found her identity through Petal black rock, several tunes should have been left on the cutting room floor. (Album cover property of Three Six Zero Recordings)
Petal rock black by WILLOW
WILLOW (Willow Smith) is back with her seventh studio album, Petal rock black. The album starts with an introduction from funk music legend George Clinton, then takes listeners on an interesting musical journey. While there are some moments of brilliance, such as “Hear me out” and her cover of Prince’s classic “I would die 4 u,” I believe that many musical lovers would be scratching their heads over several confusing songs, including “Vegetation” and “Sitting Silently.” While WILLOW has found her identity through Petal black rock, several tunes should have been left on the cutting room floor. C
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Hear me out,” “I would die 4 you,” & “holy mystery.”
“Cry” by Charlie Puth featuring Kenny G
Fresh off singing “The Star Spangled Banner” at the Super Bowl, Charlie Puth dropped his latest single, “Cry.” The “Left Right Left” recording artist co-wrote the song with music legend Kenny G. “Cry” is a splendid soft rock anthem that is pleasant to the ears and transports listeners back to the classic 1990s and early 2000s adult contemporary radio. B/B+
“For the Rest of My Life” by Frankie Zulferino
Frankie Zulferino is one of the hardest-working independent recording artists I have encountered in the first 15 years of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar. The singer, dancer, and choreographer released a new song in honor of Valentine’s Day, “For the Rest of My Life.” This song has the same impact as any classic Backstreet Boys, Boyz II Men, and Enrique Iglesias love anthem on the listener. While delivering an exceptional vocal performance, the song’s sweeping production would give listeners chills. Bravo, Frankie! A
“Bein’ Alive” by Melissa Etheridge
My fellow Kansan and rock legend, Melissa Etheridge, is preparing to release her seventeenth album, Rise. The “Come to My Window” singer-songwriter dropped her latest single, “Bein’ Alive,” which is a rousing anthem whose lyrics have shades of Etheridge’s longtime friend, Bruce Springsteen. The guitar arrangements for this song are some of the best I have heard in years, and this life-affirming anthem will motivate listeners to charge through the rest of 2026. B+
“KAGE NIMO HINATA NIMO” by Travis Japan
America’s Got Talent alums and J-pop fan favorites Travis Japan dropped a new single, “KAGE NIMO HINATA NIMO,” which roughly translates to “In Shadows as in Sunlight.” In this track, the group played a deviously strategic game of love. The hypnotic production, along with the group’s excellent vocals and rap solos, will make their fans scream in delight! A-
Artists to Watch:
Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are some recording artists who are looking to shake up the music world!
Weekend Rockstar by Feng
19-year-old UK-based rapper Feng is one artist who has the music world talking. Complex, The Fader, Interview, Ones to Watch, and Pitchfork are several entertainment brands that have praised his music. Recently, he dropped his debut album, Weekend Rockstar. Feng has a superb ability to combine indie-pop and hip-hop, with fiery results. Weekend Rockstar is a superb debut, and I believe that this is a start for a massive career. B
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Cali Crazy,” “J*b,” “Firework,” & “Ex Sex.”
IDOL1ST (Special Edition) by Kento Nakajima
Kento Nakajima has taken the J-pop world by storm! Now, he has set his sights on the rest of the global music market. The former member of Sexy Zone has released his sophomore studio album, IDOL1ST. As I listened to the album, my jaw dropped in awe at Kento’s vocals and the record’s slick production. Kento’s sound is what we need in the North American music market right now, as his sound would ignite charts and playlists! Bravissimo! A+
Tracks to Download or Stream: “SOL1ST,” “IDOLIC,” “XTC,” “Waraigusa,” “My Sweet Tea,” & “LIGHTNING.”
“King of Hearts” by Ana Sky
Ana Sky wraps up this edition of Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews! Discovered by music legend Diane Warren, Ana Sky has already sold out a tour with Jesse McCartney, and her single, “Loving You is Hard,” peaked at number five on the UK music charts. Her latest song, “King of Hearts,” is a beautiful, luxurious tune that channels classic 1960s girl-group sounds, including the iconic wall of sound. Ana’s vocals grab at listeners’ heartstrings, and I hope that we hear “King of Hearts” on numerous radio and streaming playlists throughout 2026. A-
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