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 first Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s New Music Reviews of Summer 2026! We got a lot of new music to unpack, so let’s start this party!
Live at the Gorge 2023 is full of superb performances that showcase why the Highwomen are not only superb solo artists but, together, remain one of the strongest supergroups of the 21st century. (Album cover property of the Highwomen Records)
Live at the Gorge 2023 by the Highwomen
In 2023, the Highwomen (Amanda Shires, Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris, Natalie Hemby, and honorary member Brittany Spencer) traveled to the Gorge in George, Washington, to perform a concert. The quartet decided to record their concert, which led to the country music supergroup’s first live album, Live at the Gorge 2023. The Highwomen performed songs from their 2019 self-titled debut album, along with classic tunes that ranged from “Always on my Mind” and “Delta Dawn” (with Tanya Tucker herself) to “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters” and their superb rendition of “The Chain.” Live at the Gorge 2023 is full of superb performances that showcase why the Highwomen are not only superb solo artists but, together, remain one of the strongest supergroups of the 21st century. A
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Redesigning Women,” “Highwomen,” “Mona Lisa & Mad Hatters,” “Delta Dawn,” “My Church,” & “The Chain.”
Sir Paul McCartney’s The Boys of Dungeon Lane is a splendid listening experience. (Album cover property of Capitol Records)
The Boys of Dungeon Lane by Paul McCartney
Celebrated music legend Sir Paul McCartney released his twelfth solo record, The Boys of Dungeon Lane, on May 29! This album marks his first album in six years. He teamed up with one of my generation’s top producers, Andrew Watt, to co-produce The Boys of Dungeon Lane. While Watt co-wrote five songs, the “Queenie Eye” singer-songwriter wrote all the album. The Boys of Dungeon Lane features reflective songs such as “Days We Left Behind,” “Down South,” and “Home to Us,” which serve as a mini-Beatles reunion with Sir Ringo Starr. As always, an offering from Sir Paul is a splendid listening experience. B+
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Lost Horizon,” “Days We Left Behind,” “Down South,” “Come Inside,” & “Home to Us.”
As he celebrates his 70th anniversary in the music industry, Dream Chaser continues to expand Willie Nelson’s tapestry and legacy with superb songs. (Album cover property of Sony Music Entertainment)
Dream Chaser by Willie Nelson
Country music giant Willie Nelson dropped his 79th (!) solo studio album, Dream Chaser. The “Always on my Mind” legend’s new record features 10 songs (Willie co-wrote six of them), including “I Can’t Read Your Mind,” which got co-writing assistance from fellow icon Bob Dylan. As he celebrates his 70th anniversary in the music industry, Dream Chaser continues to expand Willie Nelson’s tapestry and legacy with superb songs. B
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Dream Chaser,” “We’d Make a Good Movie,” “I Can’t Read Your Mind,” & “Whiskey Wants Me To.”
“Hate that I made you love me” by Ariana Grande
Arianators rejoice! Ariana Grande is back in the music game! The “Thank U, Next” recording artist is launching a new era with Petal. “Hate that I made you love me” is the first single off the singer-actress’s upcoming eighth studio album. Ariana reunited with longtime collaborators, Max Martin and Ilya, to co-pen and co-produce the track. This song is the successor to “Thank U, Next” and showcases a softer side to the global powerhouse performer. A-
“I Hope I Made You Proud” by Frankie Zulfernino
Frankie Zulferino is one of the hardest-working recording artists that I have seen develop over the past few years. He has released his most personal song in his catalog yet – “I Hope I Made You Proud,” dedicated to his parents. The lyrics gave me goosebumps, and the outstanding instrumental and vocal arrangements were outstanding! “I Hope I Made You Proud” is Frankie’s “Mirrors.” A
Artists to Watch:
Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s Artists to Watch focuses on up-and-coming and established recording artists who might have the opportunity to shake up the music industry!
Is This Heaven? EP by Stella Lefty
Pop country artist Stella Lefty is one of 2026’s most talked-about rising stars, thanks to her debut single, “Boston.” Is This Heaven? EP showcases that Stella Lefty’s star will be shining for years to come, thanks to her superb, catchy lyrics and impeccable production. B+
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Something to Lose,” “Why Wouldn’t We,” “Boston,” & “Thinking ‘bout You.”
“Appalachian Raised” by Cigarettes @ Sunset
Garrett Dellinger (rhythm guitarist and lead vocalist), Sarah Vann (violinist and vocalist), Wells Whitman (bassist and backing vocalist), Ethan Moore (drummer), and Ryland Bagbey (lead guitarist) formed Cigarettes @ Sunset in 2021. The Boone, North Carolina-based quintet released a new song called “Appalachian Raised,” and Garrett’s vocals remind me of a combination of Bob Dylan and Randy Newman. Cigarettes @ Sunset’s splendid “Appalachian possum rock” sound is what the Americana and indie-rock music worlds need right now. I cannot wait to listen to more of them in the future. B+
“Just Like That” by KIMIKO
Singer and actress KIMIKO (Kimiko Green) rounds out this edition of Jake’s Take’s with Jacob Elyachar’s New Music Reviews. She has found success with appearances on Broad City, Orange Is the New Black, and by voicing characters on BoJack Horseman and the DuckTales revival. Now, she is expected to drop her debut EP, Modern Dance. Her latest single, “Just Like That,” could potentially be the child of “Put Your Records On” and “You Oughta Know.” I am looking forward to listening to the rest of the extended play! A-
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