Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of July 31, 2026

 

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

Happy New Music Friday, everyone! This is the final Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s New Music Reviews for July 2026!  We have a lot of new music to unpack, so let’s start this party!

Music.Fashion.Film by Charli XCX

Charli XCX dropped her second album of 2026 – her eighth studio album, Music.Fashion.Film. The Brat Summer mastermind collaborated with longtime collaborators A.G. Cook and Finn Keane to craft 11 new songs to add to her library. The record leans towards aggressive pop rock over the synthpop that 2024 album Brat produced.  Sadly, I was bored by the listening experience and nearly fell asleep. C

Tracks to Download or Stream: “SS26,” “2007,” & “Wink Wink.”

 

Little Miss Twain by Shania Twain

Country music icon Shania Twain dropped her seventh record, Little Miss Twain. The 16-track album features co-writes from the “Still the One I Want” performer along with all-star collaborators such as Ammo, Bianca Atterberry, Denise Rich, Eren Cannata, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Justin Tranter, Ronnie Wood, and Zach Dawes, who either co-wrote or produced the tracks. Meanwhile, Josh Homme, fellow country music queen Tanya Tucker, and the War and Treaty are this album’s guest artists. Little Miss Twain is a superb record that takes life anecdotes and makes them superb bops. A

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Stranger Things,” “Little Miss Twain,” “Dirty Rosie,” “Quit My Life,” & “Faded Blue Jeans.”

 

The Thread by WILLOW

WILLOW surprised fans by dropping her second album of 2026! I admit that the avant-garde Petal Rock Black left me with an unsatisfying taste in my mouth, so I was a little hesitant to review this record.  As I was listening to The Thread, I heard WILLOW and her production elements from Beyoncé’s Lemonade, Joni Mitchell’s Blue, and John Lennon’s “Instant Karma” enhancing the listening experience. The Thread is a spectacular album and is one of WILLOW’s best pieces of work yet. B+

Tracks to Download or Stream: “She’s My Religion,” “TALK ON THE HILL,” “Hell to Pay,” & “Shrink to Fantasy.”

 

“We Will Dance Again” by Boy George

Music legend Boy George released one of the most powerful songs I have heard this year. The reggae-inspired tune ‘We Will Dance Again” tackles a post-October 7 world, where both Israel and Jews around the world (including the author) have faced countless toxic antisemitic and anti-Zionist verbiage. This song would give listeners chills! Boy George, you are a true hero to the global Jewish community! A++ 

 

“Been by Now” by Morgan Wallen

Country music superstar Morgan Wallen released his first solo single of 2026, “Been by Now.” The “Last Night” performer’s newest song, which he co-wrote with Rocky Block, John Byron, Blake Pendergrass, Taylor Phillips, and longtime collaborator Charlie Handsome, who also co-produced the single with fellow Wallen veteran Joey Moi and Matt Hastings. “Been by Now” continues to follow the country pop route that was incorporated in his 2024 hit “Love Somebody.” “Been by Now” is extremely catchy and has a beat that people can bounce around in their seats. It is worthy of becoming a crossover hit on radio and streaming playlists.   A-

 

“Too Little Too Late” by Orville Peck

Orville Peck will unleash his sophomore full-length studio album, Mule, on September 18. Consequences of Sound reported that the “Drift Away” recording artist released the album’s first song, “Too Little Too Late.” Orville co-wrote the tune with Dan Wilson and Steve Rusch, with production by Jay Joyce. “Too Little Too Late” is an excellent rockabilly song that perfectly lets Orville showcase his “Roy Orbison” esque voice. I cannot wait to hear more from this album!  A+

 

“Privacy” by Pitbull & Jason Derulo  

Longtime collaborators and hitmakers Pitbull and Jason Derulo dropped their fourth collaboration, “Privacy.” This time, the duo welcomed Grammy Award-winning team STYREOTYPES into the mix, and “Privacy” was the result! The song infuses smooth R&B club sounds with the Latin flair that will make listeners dance. B+

 

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!

 

Right Here by Noah Kosta

At 22, Toronto’s Noah Kosta is shaking up the Jazz-pop music world. He recently dropped his debut album, Right Here. As music lovers listen to Right Here, they will notice that Noah’s vocal styling would remind them of some of the greatest crooners in music history, such as current favorite Michael Buble and the late Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Tony Bennett. Right Here is a splendid debut album and showcases that Noah has potential to become one of his generation’s best jazz interpreters. A

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Right Here,” “Twentysomething,” “Someone Else,” “Angel Eyes,”  & “That’s Life.”

 

Rock for You by You Yokohama

Global sensation You Yokohama first became a household name as part of the J-pop band SUPER EIGHT. Now, with the backing of his bandmates and fans, You has released his solo project, Rock for You. The album focuses on You’s journey of self-discovery and training. Rock for You showcases impeccable storytelling and feels like listeners are dropped into either an anime series or a soap opera. Rock for You is one of the strongest J-pop records I have heard so far this year, and I hope You can bring some of his magic to the US. A- 

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Shield,” “Full Moon,” “Emotionally Lost,” “Pistol,” & “Promise.”

 

“Gasoline” by Cigarettes @ Sunset

Appalachian rock band Cigarettes @ Sunset released a new single, “Gasoline.” The single is a follow-up to their acclaimed “Appalachian Raised.” Between the fiddle and the driving strumming from the guitar and pounding drums, “Gasoline” is an intense listen that will make listeners rock out! B+

 

“Silver Threads & Golden Needles” by Lee Newton, Heidi Parton & Georgette Jones

Rising country music singer Lee Newton rounds out this edition of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s New Music Reviews. She teamed up with pals Heidi Parton and Georgette Jones for a cover of Wanda Jackson’s “Silver Threads & Golden Needles,” which Heidi and Georgette’s famous relatives – (Aunt) Dolly Parton and (Mother) the late Tammy Wynette – covered throughout the years. I love their vocal harmonies, and all of them shined throughout the single. Hopefully, they will be able to be this generation’s Trio. A-

 

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