Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of July 17, 2026

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

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

 

ADAM by Adam Lambert

Since his debut on American Idol in 2009, Adam Lambert has showcased why he is one of pop rock’s most powerful vocalists. On his sixth solo self-titled album, ADAM, the “Superpower” singer focuses on many personal transitions.  In an interview with USA TODAY, the former Cabaret star revealed that he relocated from his longtime home, Los Angeles, to New York City and emerged from a breakup. The album reflects many of these transitions but also has shades of previous records such as Velvet and The Original High. Adam delivers a solid album, and this author hopes he goes on tour sometime soon. B+

Tracks to Download or Stream: “RAT CITY,” “EAT U ALIVE,” “CLOUD 9,” & “UNDER THE RHYTHM.”

 

Resurrection by Chlöe & Timbaland

A decade after Beyoncé introduced her and sister Halle, Chlöe stepped into the spotlight with legendary hitmaker Timbaland in their mixtape, Resurrection. Both artists recruited Justin and Jordan Mosley, Cristian Luis Colon, Lorena Dos Santos, and Eloise Keating to co-craft these tunes. Resurrection may remind veteran listeners of the golden era of success Timbaland had with Aliyah, Missy Elliott, and Nelly Furtado, and also solidifies Chlöe as one of R&B’s brightest stars in this era. B

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Priorities,” “World on Fire,” “Better Than She Can,” & “Main Attraction.”

 

CONFESSIONS II by Madonna

21 years ago, Madonna released one of her most prized albums – Confessions on a Dance Floor. That record brought a new generation of fans to the Queen of Pop’s fiefdom thanks to catchy tunes such as “Hung Up” and “Jump.”  Recently, she dropped the long-awaited sequel to the album, CONFESSIONS II. Apple Music reported that the former Super Bowl Halftime Show headliner reunited with Stuart Price, the co-mastermind behind the blockbuster 2005 record. The duo brought on top Millennial and Generation Z talent, including Andrew Watt, Cirkut, HARLOE, Tainy, and Upsahl, to co-craft and co-produce the tracks, while Sabrina Carpenter, Martin Garrix, Feid, Strome, and daughter Lola Leon are this album’s featured artists. CONFESSIONS II is Madonna’s best album IN YEARS, and it is fantastic to hear from the Queen of Pop. A+

Tracks to Download or Stream: “I Feel So Free,” “Good for the Soul,” “Bring Your Love,” “Danceteria,” “Love Sensation,” & “Bizarre.”

 

Highway 79 by Ne-Yo

Country music plays a massive role on Ne-Yo’s tenth studio album, Highway 79. The “Let Me Love You (Until You Learn to Love Yourself)” entertainer incorporated elements of the genre into his first record since 2022. Ne-Yo reunited with collaborators Chuck Harmony and Claude Kelly, and welcomed country music hitmakers Breland and Dave Cohen into the fold. Highway 79 is a superb offering from Ne-Yo, as I loved seeing him expand the boundaries of his artistry. A-

 Songs to Download or Stream: “Up Out & Gone,” “Hate Me Now,” “Thinking What I’m Thinking,” “Dance Right Now,” & “Simple Things.”

 

Foreign Tongues by the Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones hit a massive milestone on July 10, 2026. The iconic rock band (Sir Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood) dropped their twenty-fifth(!) studio album, Foreign Tongues! The band recruited five-time Grammy-winning producer Andrew Watt to produce the record, while he and Matt Clifford had the unique privilege of co-penning two tunes each with the iconic Jagger/Richards songwriting team. Foreign Tongues is historic for other purposes. First, it features “Hit Me in the Head,” which marks the final contribution from the band’s late drummer Charlie Watts, who passed away on August 24, 2021. Secondly, the band had an all-star group of musicians who assisted in the recording process, including Bruno Mars, Chad Smith, Robert Smith, Steve Winwood, and even their fellow British rock music GOAT – Sir Paul McCartney! The Rolling Stones’ Foreign Tongues serves as a roadmap for veteran musicians not only as they enter their twilight but also as a showcase of how they still got it. A

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Rough & Twisted,” “In the Stars,” “Jealous Lover,” “Divine Intervention,” “Never Wanna Lose You,” & “You Know I’m No Good.”

 

Artists to Watch:

 

Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are some recording artists looking to shake up the recording industry!

 

“High Hopes” by Audien featuring Shaun Farrugia

Grammy-nominated DJ and producer Audien teamed up with Shaun Farrugia for his latest single, “High Hopes.” Audien’s superb production and Shaun’s fantastic vocals make him one of the top progressive house DJs in the music scene. I hope this song is featured in countless playlists! A-

 

“FSU” by Caldwell

Billboard charting recording artist (and future Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast guest) Caldwell is gaining ground in the music scene after being Rolling Stone UK’s #1 Artist to Watch in 2025. Now, the “Get Out the Way” singer-songwriter has dropped his latest single, “FSU.”  Caldwell combined both country rock and rap together in an intriguing way that would satisfy country crossover fans and could be a powerful newcomer in the bro-country movement. B+

 

“Blink Twice” by Jutes

Jutes is gaining a social media and Spotify following by combining metal, hip-hop, and R&B elements, along with co-penning tunes for Demi Lovato & TOGETHER X TOMORROW. His latest single, “Blink Twice,” opens with metal in the first half, then shifts to R&B in the latter half.  Jutes seamlessly moves in and out of genres, keeping listeners intrigued. I am looking forward to hearing his full album, Chin Up, Beautiful, this August. B

 

“Slide” by Trey Calloway

Country music artist Trey Calloway dropped his interpretation of Gary Allen’s 2021 hit song, “Slide.” I loved Trey’s cover because it reminds me a lot of classic storytelling country that is missing from today’s music. Bravo, Trey! A

 

“Nightingale” by Wendy Colonna

Wendy Colonna wraps up this edition of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s New Music Reviews! The San Marcos, Texas-based singer-songwriter’s latest project, Banned, is a collection of original songs inspired by books being challenged and banned across America. “Nightingale,” the album’s first single, was inspired by Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale. Wendy’s vocals and the track’s superb string production will hypnotize listeners and transport them into France during World War II. B+

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