By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

America’s Got Talent (AGT): Season 21 is nearing the homestretch!

After four weeks of quarterfinals, America has voted through 12 distinct acts into the Semifinals! Which acts rose to the occasion and delivered a performance worthy of America’s votes, and will join all four Live Golden Buzzer acts (Hundred Fingers, Nene Royal, Lai Neolle, and Unitree) in next week’s live finale?

Listen on to find out!

Next week, the AGT: Season 21 finalists battle it out to inherit Jessica Sanchez’s crown and sash!

The post Jake’s AGT Take – The Season 21 Semifinals appeared first on Jake's Take.

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

I am delighted to welcome back my friend, GOHT Media founder and Zach Nichols Podcast co-host Pierre Bacall, to the Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

Pierre is the Chief Executive Officer of GOHT Media, a Detroit, Michigan-based media company.  He is also the co-host of The Zach Nichols Podcast, where he discusses the latest news in the Challenge universe with his longtime friend and show champion, Zach Nichols.  The duo has also welcomed numerous cast members for in-depth conversations about the show. Challenge icons Brad Fiorenza, Cara Maria Sorbello, Frank Sweeney Fox, Jordan Wiseley, Laurel Stucky, and Shane Landrum, along with fan favorites including Amber Borzotra, Jonna Mannion, Kyle Christie, Marie Roda, Paulie Calafiore, and Tony Raines, are amongst the cast members who dropped by to chat. They also hosted several live shows, where fans could interact with their favorites.

On September 23, 2026, Pierre will make his Reality TV debut on FOX’s sophomore season of 99 To Beat. Pierre is expected to compete against former Power Rangers actress Karan Ashley and Reality TV veterans Brandon Baxter (The Circle), Jordan Heller (The Golden Bachelorette), Kellie Nalbandian (Survivor), Quinn Martin (Big Brother), and Susan Noles (The Golden Bachelor). The Masked Singer panelist Ken Jeong and FOX Sports veteran Erin Andrews will return to host.

On this edition of the Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Pierre Bacall spoke about several significant episodes of The Zach Nichols Podcast, including Paulie Calafiore’s 2026 return, Davis Mallory’s episode, which led to reconciling with Chris “CT” Tamburello, and filming at TJ Lavin’s house. Plus, Pierre also gave us a sneak preview of his Reality TV debut!

You can connect with Pierre Bacall on Instagram & Threads.

You can connect with The Zach Nichols Podcast on Instagram & TikTok!

The post Jake’s Take’s Podcast – Pierre Bacall Returns appeared first on Jake's Take.

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

It is a privilege to welcome back one of my all-time favorite guests, Emmy-winning actor, director, filmmaker, and host Yuval David, to Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

Yuval has won over 100 international film festival awards. His creative mantra “to entertain, uplift and inspire” shapes his approach to “storytelling with boldness, vulnerability, and authenticity in representing characters and narratives.” Yuval uses his creative approach to communication within his work as a docu-journalist, news commentator, and socio-political activist.

As a filmmaker, Yuval directs, writes, and produces feature-length and short films, documentaries, web series, and digital and episodic TV content. His most recent feature length documentary is getting industry and media buzz, and is currently in the film festival circuit, titled Wonderfully Made – LGBTQ+R(eligion), and is screening at international festivals and community impact screenings, having won Best Picture at Toronto LGBTQ Film Festival, Best Documentary at Phoenixville Film Festival, and was the featured highlight film at Woodstock Film Festival, Out On Film, and other international film festivals. Yuval’s series, One Actor Short have become an award winner and festival favorite, earning more than 75 awards from national and international festivals, including American Picture, Atlanta Film Festival, The Big Apple Film Festival, Global Webisode Festival, NYC Independent Film Festival, New Filmmakers Film Festival, Hollywood Just4Shorts Film Competition, IndieFest, Prague International Film Festival, Top Shorts Film Festival, and Vegas CineFest International Film Festival.

Yuval David’s other narrative and documentary films and episodic series, including web series, have also won numerous awards, including Best Film, Best Short, Best Series, and, for Yuval specifically, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Producer, and Best Writer at national and international film festivals.

As an actor, Yuval plays leading roles in film, television, theatre, web and digital media, and voice-overs. His acting roles include leading and guest-star roles on FX, NBC, ABC, CBS, Showtime, Disney, DreamWorks, Comedy Central, countless independent films, and on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and in theatres across the US and abroad, including film and theatre festivals.   He is currently acting in a new television show in production.

Yuval creatively explores humanity with his roles on hit television shows, including Feud (FX/Hulu), Madam Secretary (CBS), The Michael J. Fox Show (NBC), Days of Our Lives (NBC), What Would You Do? (ABC), Unforgettable (CBS), and The Plot Against America (HBO). Yuval’s leading and supporting roles in films include “Beauty and the Beast,” “Nephilim,” “Incipient,” Awakening of Spring, You, and The Fifth Estate.  His acting roles in theatre range from contemporary to classic theatrical works, including: Broadway in The Game, Off-Broadway in Romeo and Juliet, Leaving an Impression, Daddy Issues, Bunburry, and In The Swing. As much as possible, Yuval enjoys performing in regional theatres across the United States and abroad, as well as at international theatre festivals.  Yuval regularly does voice-overs for animation, commercials, narration, documentaries, and industrials.

As a TV host and presenter, Yuval focuses on societal, humanitarian, food, travel, cultural, and entertainment programming. His work is seen on network television, documentary films, web series, and regularly at live events.  He is also regularly a host and MC for special events, galas, and advocacy events for social and political initiatives, institutions, and organizations, especially those focusing on US, Israel, LGBTQ, Arts, Humanitarian, and Cultural causes.

Yuval is a news commentator on broadcast news programs speaking about social and political issues and causes, often speaking about civil rights, social justice, and representation in politics, social movements, entertainment and media, Jewish, Israeli, and LGBTQ topics.  These have been on major news networks and programs, including Fox, NewsNation, NBC, CBS, ABC, CNN, Reuters, Sky, i24, Kan, Keshet, Reshet, and Achshav.

His writings have appeared in publications including The Hill, The Jerusalem Post, The Times of Israel, Out Magazine, AM New York, Yahoo News, Washington Blade, Queerty, Instinct Magazine, The Jewish Week, Yediot, and other international publications.

In addition to his work in entertainment and media, Yuval is a passionate advocate and activist. Advocacy for the marginalized and underrepresented is a driving force, along with his focus on Jewish, LGBTQ, humanitarian, arts, and creative initiatives. He uses his creative work as a vehicle for the greater good on behalf of highly respected American, Israeli, and international organizations.

On this edition of the Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Yuval David spoke about the ongoing saga of Mark Ruffalo versus Paramount, Neo-Nazis hacking Dolly Parton’s Wikipedia Page, launching the Jewish Indian Alliance, and his newest project, Common Ground with Yuval David.

For more information about Yuval David, visit his website!

You can connect with Yuval David on social media! Visit his Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter (X), & YouTube channels.

The post Jake’s Take Podcast – Yuval David Returns! appeared first on Jake's Take.

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

She’s back! Longtime AGT judge Heidi Klum rejoined the show and filled in for series creator Simon Cowell, as he is recovering from back surgery.  She reunited with fellow show veterans Howie Mandel, Mel B, and Sofia Vergara at the Judges’ Desk!  For many longtime fans of the NBC talent competition, tonight felt like the finale as America’s Got Talent pulled a Britain’s Got Talent (BGT).  

Across the pond, BGT conducts its live shows with a two-hour performance block. During the show, fans vote for their favorite acts, and then, in a separate show, longtime hosts Ant & Dec reveal which acts make it to the Series Finale.

Tonight, the final set of Quarterfinalists performed for America’s votes. Did Heidi Klum or any of her fellow judges buzz anyone? Who received the final Live Golden Buzzer and joined Hundred Fingers, Nene Royal, and Lai Noelle in the Season 21 final? Listen on to find out!

Next week is the AGT: Season 21 Semifinals!

The post Jake’s AGT Take – Heidi Klum RETURNS to Guest Judge appeared first on Jake's Take.

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

It is a thrill to welcome actor, activist, author, content creator, and singer Michael Valdes to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

Michael Valdes is a New York–based actor–singer, writer, theatre-maker, and multidisciplinary storyteller creating original work across stage, screen, and digital media centered on the Jewish lived experience. A Cuban-Iranian Jewish American, he holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from AMDA and an MFA in Contemporary Theatre & Performance from The New School. He also trained in Method Acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute.

Originally from Long Island, Michael’s theatre credits include the world premiere stage reading of Deep Cutting Henry VI at Arnhold Hall, the world premiere of Subterranean Memories at Westbeth, and EastLine Theatre’s world premieres of This Play Was Never About Noses (A New Cyrano) and An Oresteia, or What We Have Seen. His concert and cabaret work includes Jewish Artists Gathering’s Shana Tova: Stories & Songs of Hope & Renewal at Symphony Space, Seth’s Talent Showcase and The Comeback Cabaret at Don’t Tell Mama, and Bound for Broadway at the Triad Theatre.

Beyond the stage, Michael is the founder of Hot Jewish Media and creator of @hotjewishenergy, a digital platform exploring pop culture, entertainment, and contemporary issues through a Jewish lens for a community of more than 30,000 followers. He hosts Hot Jewish Energy: The Podcast, co-authored Hot Jewish Hanukkah, and has contributed cultural commentary to Unpacked. His work across performance and media brings humor, cultural criticism, and personal storytelling into conversations surrounding Jewish identity and representation.

Michael’s leadership and advocacy work includes serving as a Birthright Israel Foundation co-chair, StandWithUs Emerson Fellow, and ISRAEL21c Digital Ambassador. He joined TikTok’s Delegation to March of the Living in Hungary and Poland and was selected for the inaugural cohort of Voice of the People, President Isaac Herzog’s initiative for a shared Jewish future. He has also been recognized by the Anti-Defamation League as a Heroes Against Hate honoree.

Michael is the writer of Anemone, a contemporary dramatic play that premiered in New York City in March 2026. The intimate, bilingual, actor-driven work follows an Israeli woman stranded in New York in the immediate aftermath of October 7. Developed through workshops and a staged reading, Anemone explores identity, grief, distance, and belonging while interrogating what it means to bear witness to crisis from afar. Refusing easy binaries, the play centers human connection and asks audiences to sit inside contradiction, uncertainty, and discomfort.

On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Michael Valdes spoke about his latest theatrical production, Anemone, and previewed his upcoming 54Below debut with a Jewish Pride cabaret show that he is collaborating on with Ari Axelrod and Eliana Nunley.

You can connect with Michael Valdes on his website!

You can connect with Michael Valdes on social media! Visit his Instagram, TikTok & Twitter (X) channels.

The post Jake’s Take Podcast – Michael Valdes appeared first on Jake's Take.

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

Alabama Shakes’ I Must Be Dreaming will leave listeners in a satisfying trance. This is the perfect comeback record! (Album cover property of Limestone Listening Club & Island Records)

I Must Be Dreaming by Alabama Shakes

Alabama Shakes are back! Lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Brittany Howard, bassist Zac Cockrell, and lead guitarist Heath Fogg have released their first studio album in 11 years! I Must Be Dreaming features all-new tracks co-written by the band. Throughout the album, Brittany Howard showcases her dominant powerhouse vocals, while both Zac and Heath’s guitar arrangements continue to impress listeners. I Must Be Dreaming will leave listeners in a satisfying trance. This is the perfect comeback record! B+

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Another Life,” “Easy,” “I Feel Hope Coming,” “Friends,” & “American Dream.”

WILDCHILD is a spectacular album from start to finish, and Alex Warren is truly showcasing why he is his generation’s top music makers. (Album cover property of Atlantic Recording Corporation)

WILDCHILD by Alex Warren

Alex Warren continues to rise in the pop music world! Recently, he dropped his sophomore album, WILDCHILD! Alex brought back his core co-writing team of Adam Yaron, Mags Duval, and Cal Shapiro) and welcomed both John Mayer and Nile Rodgers as session musicians for the title track and “Emerald Eyes,” respectively.  WILDCHILD is a spectacular album from start to finish, and Alex Warren is truly showcasing why he is his generation’s top music maker. A-

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Emerald Eyes,” “Passenger,” “Cry Wolf,” “Fine Place to Die,” “I Miss You More,” & “Fever Dream.”

Happy Tenth Anniversary, August 26! (Album cover property of Mercury Records & Republic Records)

August 26 by Post Malone

Post Malone decided to re-release his August 26 mixtape to commemorate its tenth anniversary. As I listened to this mixtape, I was in awe of the superstar potential showcased by the future “Sunflower” and “Standing in the Sun” recording artist. 2 Chainz, FKi 1^st, Jaden Smith, Larry Jane, and Teo did a superb job working with Post and this mixtape showcases the beginning of Post’s collaborative relationships with longtime creative partners Charlie Handsome and Louis Bell. Happy Tenth Anniversary, August 26!  B

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Money Made Me Do It,” “F**k,” “40 Funk,” & “Hollywood Dreams”/ “Come Down.”

Timeless is an impeccable collection that features Prince at his absolute best! We miss you, Purple One! (Album cover property of NPG Records)

Timeless by Prince

It is hard to believe that it has been a decade since the world lost Prince. Over the years, fans learned that the “Purple Rain” and “Raspberry Beret” entertainer had a vault full of hundreds of hours of unreleased music. Timeless is the fourth posthumous album that Prince’s estate released. Billboard reported that this collection of music ranges from 1977 to 2016. The tracks include “With This Tear,” a song that he gave to Celine Dion; “Heaven,” a Prince + the Revolution track featuring vocals from Prince’s former Revolution bandmate and girlfriend Susannah Melvoin; and a live version of “How Come U Don’t Call Me Anymore.” Timeless is an impeccable collection that features Prince at his absolute best! We miss you, Purple One! A

Tracks to Download or Stream: “I Am You,” “Tick Tick Bang,” “I Wonder,” “With This Tear,”  “Stone,” & “The Guilty Ones.”

Everything’s Falling continues to showcase The Warning’s superb vocals, outstanding production, and splendid instrumental arrangements. (Album cover property of Lava Records & Universal Music Group)

Everything’s Falling by The Warning

The Warning is one of the best rock bands to come out of the 2020s so far. Sisters Daniela “Dany” Villarreal Velez, Paulina “Pau” Villarreal Vélez, and Alejandra “Ale” Villarreal Vélez make up this heavy metal trio. The ladies dropped Everything’s Falling, their third offering from Lava Records and Republic Records. The Villarreal Velez sisters reunited with Keep Me Fed producer and collaborator Anton DeLost, who assisted The Warning with production and songwriting. The quartet also welcomed Ali Tamposi, Andy Seltzer, Danielle Rubio, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Kat Leon, and Nicolas Perez into their camp to help shape the record. Everything’s Falling continues to showcase The Warning’s superb vocals, outstanding production, and splendid instrumental arrangements. A+  

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Ritual,” “Perfect Daughter,” “Everything’s Falling,” “Bite My Tongue,” “Break,” & “Kerosene.”

Artists to Watch:

Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s Artists to Watch is back! Here are the bands and recording artists looking to shake up the music world!

“Careless Whisper” by Ella Boh

Los Angeles dark pop music recording artist Ella Boh released a cover of the late and greatly missed George Michael’s “Careless Whisper.” As I listened to this track, Ella’s vocals reminded me of Lana Del Rey’s vocal performances on “Summertime Sadness” and “Did you know there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd?” with a touch of Izzy Hale. I believe that fans will be caught in a mesmerizing spell as they listen to this perfect cover, and George would have been proud. A

“The Illusion of Love” by Laci Kaye Booth & Lukas Nelson

Laci Kaye Booth has come a long way since she performed for America’s votes during American Idol: Season 17. In addition to supporting both Brad Paisley and Ella Langley, Laci dropped her latest collaboration, “The Illusion of Love,” featuring Lukas Nelson. The hypnotic tune features superb vocals from both recording artists and transports listeners to a Tex-Mex nightclub for a chance at forbidden romance. B+

“Holy Smokes!” by SHOOP

Los Angeles-based alt-pop SHOOP is ending summer with a bang! He teamed up with co-writers Jonah Shy and Paul Dally and co-producer Suzy Shinn and released “Holy Smokes.” “Holy Smokes!” is a superb end-of-summer jam. A-

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The post Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of September 4, 2026 appeared first on Jake's Take.

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

UPI reported that Saturday Night Live icon Kenan Thompson is filling in for Simon Cowell, while the Got Talent creator is recovering from back surgery.

This is not the first time Kenan has filled in for Simon; longtime AGT fans know that the All That alum was a guest judge in 2020.  Now, Kenan joined Howie Mandel, Mel B, and Sofia Vergara at the Judges’ Desk.  Tonight, a third set of acts (including three Golden Buzzer recipients) performed for America’s votes.  Which acts stepped up to the plate? Did Kenan Thompson or the other judges buzz an act?  Which performer received the third Live Golden Buzzer and will join both Hundred Fingers and Nene Royal in the Season 21 finale?

Listen on to find out!

The post Jake’s AGT Take – Kenan Thompson Guest Judges appeared first on Jake's Take.

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

It is a thrill to welcome back one of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s original guests, the impeccable James Sismanes, to the podcast!

James Sismanes is an award-winning audio and visual storyteller from Melbourne, Australia. A small business owner by day (ImagiWorks Agency, Vision One Technologies) and a full-time creative by night, James is a multi-dimensional make-believer and dreamer of the (almost!) impossible. With over 500+ sales on the acclaimed AudioJungle marketplace, a debut children’s book (The Marvellous Mullabaloos Only Wear Blue) and a diverse and unique business/branding portfolio, James is always on the hunt for the next “big idea.”

James’ screenplays (“Dr. Claus,” “The Ballad of Bam Barlow,” “Bliss Inc.,” and “Tilt”) have consistently ranked on Coverfly‘s “The Red List,” and he has placed as a finalist or semi-finalist in various screenwriting competitions (including the Emerging Screenwriters, Screencraft, So Cal Screenplay, and New York International Screenplay Awards).

Behind a MIDI controller, James has collaborated on records with award-winning and globally-recognised artists like Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Josh Levi, B2K, Pretty Ricky (Emanuel Deanda), Gabe Lustman, Minus Gravity, K Major and Giulietta.

When he’s not writing, producing, designing, sales-pitching, and daydreaming like a world-saving superhero, James enjoys eating cheeseburgers and chicken parmigianas, conquering Xbox tournaments, watching Friends reruns, catching Pokémon, and dealing with the heartache of being a Barça and Cleveland sports fan.

On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, James Sismanes spoke about embracing AI in his creative process, previewed Code Name: G.E.L.A.T.O., his latest work-in-progress animated feature, and shared his thoughts on Michael and the second chapter of the Michael Jackson biopic.

For more about James Sismanes, visit his website!

You can connect with James Sismanes on social media. Visit his Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X) & YouTube channels.

The post Jake’s Take Podcast – James Sismanes Returns (2026) appeared first on Jake's Take.

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

Happy New Music Friday, everyone! We got a lot of new music to unpack, so let’s start this party!

Benny Blanco’s Hermoso features fantastic collaborations & introduces listeners to artists to watch. (Album cover property of Friends Keep Secrets & Interscope Records)

Hermoso by Benny Blanco

Producer and songwriter Benny Blanco has found success crafting blockbuster smashes for Britney Spears, Justin Bieber, Maroon 5, and Rihanna. Now, the “Call Me When You Break Up” performer has released his third studio album, Hermoso. The record focuses on one of today’s rising music genres, Latin Pop. I always admire recording artists who spread their wings and tackle something challenging.  Hermoso features fantastic collaborations such as “Te Olvidio (La La)” [featuring Becky G and his wife Selena Gomez] and “DEGENERE” (with Myke Towers). He also introduces listeners to artists to watch such as Bb Trickz, Neton Vegas, and the Marias. Bravo, Benny! B

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Te Olvidio (La La),” “Memoria De Paz,” “Ay Bendito,” & “DEGENERE.”

Carly Simon’s Comes in Waves is a true masterclass! (Album cover property of Carly Simon)

Comes in Waves by Carly Simon

Pop music legend Carly Simon released her 24^th full-length studio album, Comes in Waves. This marks the first time she has released new material since 2009! The record comes as USA Today revealed that the famously private performer is living with Parkinson’s disease and underwent surgery for basal cell carcinoma.  For Comes in Waves, Ms. Simon co-wrote all the tracks and had songwriting assistance from her son Ben Taylor, Jacob Brackman, Natasha Bedingfield, David Spencer, and Andreas Vollenweider (who is also featured on “Slowly”). While the “You Belong to Me” singer-songwriter has been out of the limelight for years, her iconic voice still gives listeners the same set of chills when they hear “Mockingbird” or “You Belong to Me.”  Comes in Waves is a true masterclass! A+

 Tracks to Download or Stream: “Howl,” “Peaches,” “Love Has No Ending,” “Slowly,” “Love The Way I Do,” & “Do It Anyway.”

Young is another grand slam for Dan + Shay. (Album cover property of Warner Bros Nashville)

Young by Dan + Shay

Country music duo Dan + Shay are celebrating their 13^th anniversary as a duo this year! To commemorate this milestone, the “Save Me the Trouble” duo dropped their seventh studio album, Young.  The duo collaborated with industry heavyweights such as David Hodges, Hillary Lindsey, Jimmy Robbins, Liz Rose, and Lori McKenna in crafting the tunes, while Dan teamed up with Scott Hendricks to co-produce the album. Young tackles more mature topics such as the loss of loved ones (“Say So” pays tribute to the duo’s mentor, and the duo’s collaboration with Cody Johnson, “The Old Guys”), family, and faith (“Her, the Kids & Jesus”). Young is another grand slam for Dan + Shay.  A-

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Young,” “Say So,” “Marry You Again,”  “Her, The Kids & Jesus,” & “The Old Guys.”

Hazel Eyes is a sturdy album and a solid showing from the “Too Good at Goodbyes” performer. (Album cover property of Capitol Records UK & Polydor Label Group)

Hazel Eyes by Sam Smith

Grammy- and Oscar-winning singer-songwriter Sam Smith dropped their fifth studio album, Hazel Eyes. For the first time since their 2014 debut album, In the Lonely Hour, they reunited with Simon Aldred, who co-wrote and co-produced a majority of the album. They also recruited Leslie Feist (who appears on “Moondance”), David Odlum, Tommy Danvers, and Ruth O’Mahony Brady to pen and produce these 12 songs. Hazel Eyes marks a shift in Sam Smith’s musical style, as the album focuses less on EDM and blue-eyed soul and more on orchestral pop. While Sam Smith still has their spectacular vocals, I wish tracks six through eight (“Thief,” “Love is a Stillness,” & “Sugar Rush”) had been left on the cutting room floor. Overall, Hazel Eyes is a sturdy album and a solid showing from the “Too Good at Goodbyes” performer.  B-

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Hazel Eyes,” “My Guy,” “When He’s Gone,” & “Oh Mother.”

Weezer (Gold Album) is one of 2026’s best rock albums thanks to superb lyrics, spectacular guitar arrangements, and fantastic production. (Album cover property of Warner Records)

Weezer (Gold Album) by Weezer

Alternative rock band Weezer dropped their 20^th(!) studio album, Weezer (Gold Album). The album features the return of the classic line-up – vocalist and guitarist Rivers Cuomo, guitarist and backing vocalist Brian Bell, drummer Patrick Wilson, and bassist Scott Shriner. Gold Album features offerings from Cuomo, Bell, and Wilson, along with tunes that the band co-wrote with Wednesday’s Karly Hartzman (who appears on “We Might as Well Be Strangers”), Luther Russell, Karl Kloch, and Klas Åhlund. Weezer (Gold Album) is one of 2026’s best rock albums thanks to superb lyrics, spectacular guitar arrangements, and fantastic production. A

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Say Yes,” “Shine Again,” “We Might as Well Be Strangers,” “C.E.O.” &  “The Show Must Go On.”

Artists to Watch:

Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s Artist to Watch is back! Here are the recording artists and bands that are shaking up the music industry!

Long Way Home is one of the freshest country-pop albums that I’ve heard so far this year. (Album cover property of Stella Lefty & Atlantic Outpost Release)

Long Way Home by Stella Lefty

Stella Lefty is one of 2026’s breakout stars! When I first heard Bobby Bones speak about her song “Boston” and eventually had her on his Bobbycast, I needed to check out her music. Turns out, he’s right.  Stella is having a moment comparable to what Taylor Swift experienced when she dropped her self-titled album 20 years ago. Long Way Home is one of the freshest country-pop albums that I’ve heard so far this year. I predict Stella will have a lengthy career like Mrs. Swift Kelce.  Congratulations, Stella! A+

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Lean in, Kiss Me,” “Whiskey,” “Thinking ‘bout You,” “Boston,” “I Know, I Know,” & “Slow Dancin’.”

“I Wanna Be Your Girl” by Haiden Henderson

Singer-songwriter Haiden Henderson is one of 2026’s most talked-about recording artists. The Los Angeles-based performer has opened for 5 Seconds of Summer, and his music has been praised by PAPER, Rolling Stone, and Vogue. His latest single, “I Wanna Be Your Girl,” showcases his electrifying swagger and bouncy guitar licks. He has the potential to be a major player as this decade winds down.  B+

“There’s Your Trouble” by Son of James

Son of James rounds out this edition of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s New Music Reviews. Frontman Shon Wong, guitarists and vocalists Adam Richards and Richard Pinto, stand-up bassist Johnny Walsh, cajonist Ed Whelan, Michelle Kwan on guzheng, Anna Fang on erhu, and vocalists Tannie Lam and Yung Coffey make up this Vancouver Chinatown-based band.  The band tackled the Chicks’ “There’s Your Trouble,” and the way they arranged it is splendid and would make the trio proud! B+

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The post Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of August 28, 2026 appeared first on Jake's Take.

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

 Last week, America’s Got Talent (AGT) started its live portion of Season 21! Fan favorites such as Luke Taleno and Royal Lasers rose to the occasion and were sent through to the Season 21 semifinals.  Former standouts such as Ashford Sanders, Cris Sosa, James & Marina, and the Jesse White Tumbling Team fell to the pressure.

Recently, multiple media outlets, including Parade & TMZ, reported that Simon Cowell has stepped away from the NBC talent competition due to routine back surgery linked to his 2020 bike accident. Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar sends our best wishes to the Got Talent creator and hopes for a successful surgery and a safe recovery.

Tonight, 11 more acts took the Pasadena Civic Auditorium stage to perform for America’s votes.  Which performers stood out? Who received the second Live Golden Buzzer of the Season and will join two-time Golden Buzzer recipient Hundred Fingers in the Season 21 Live Finale?  Listen on to find out!

Tomorrow night, Season 20 alum Steve Ray Ladson would join the War & Treaty to provide the entertainment + three more acts advance!

The post Jake’s AGT Take – The Second Season 21 Live Performances appeared first on Jake's Take.