By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

 America’s Got Talent (AGT) brought an element fans have been missing for ages – the Middle Round.

The middle round not only introduced acts who would be competing for America’s votes, but also gave multiple acts the chance to present themselves in front of the judges (and their guests) one final time if they are undecided. From the Vegas Rounds to the Judge Cuts,  AGT’s Middle Round created unforgettable moments.  For Season 21, judges Simon Cowell, Mel B, Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara each selected six acts to see one more time to determine if they were going to the live shows.

This week, Simon Cowell and Mel B invited their six acts to their houses, and they brought with them – three iconic mentors, former X Factor USA alum Normani and producer Poo Bear (Simon), and Baby Spice herself – Emma Bunton (Mel B)!  Which acts rose to the occasion and were awarded a spot in the Season 21 Live Shows? Listen on to find out!

Next week, Howie & Sofia invite their six acts for the second round of Judge Callbacks!

The post Simon & Mel B KICK START ‘AGT’ Judge Callbacks with Reunions appeared first on Jake's Take.

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

It is a privilege to welcome Hilary Roberts to the Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

Hilary is a singer-songwriter who is a phoenix rising from the ashes. After suffering many years of trauma and abuse, Hilary made the decision that she could no longer deal with those demons alone. On May 9, 1997, she reached out to a mentor who offered her solutions and a way of life to help her recover one day at a time. She has been sober ever since.

Hilary is not only a trauma survivor but also survived open-heart surgery after being diagnosed with a very rare congenital heart defect, to which she was only given a 50% chance of success. After the surgery, she lost her voice but eventually got it back after a year and a half. All these situations launched her into focusing on a life of giving back and spreading the message of hope wherever she goes.

She now dedicates her life and talents to making a positive impact on society through her music. Her goal with her music is to be a beacon of hope and empowerment to all. In 2018, she released her debut single “There For You” under her self-owned label, Red Songbird, which charted No.10 on the Billboard Dance-Club Chart. She followed up that chart-topping single with a second one, an upbeat rendition of Soul II Soul’s “Back to Life,” which spent 13 weeks on the Top 50 chart before claiming No.1 in 2019. She also released “Fight to the Other Side,” which was dedicated to her beautiful friend who was there for her during the depths of her deepest pain. Following her chart-topping success, she released her single, “Good Man,” which is all about celebrating men who make a positive difference in our lives.

On this edition of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Hilary Roberts spoke about starting the Red Songbird Foundation and her latest single, “Never Too Late,” which she co-wrote with the iconic Justin Tranter.

For more information about Hilary Roberts, visit their website!

You can connect with Hilary Roberts on social media! Visit her Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X) & YouTube channels.

The post Jake’s Take Podcast – Hilary Roberts 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! 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!

I was bored by the listening experience and nearly fell asleep. Try better, Charli XCX! (Album property of Atlantic Records)

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 is a superb record that takes life anecdotes and makes them splendid bops. (Album property of Republic Records)

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 is a spectacular album and is one of WILLOW’s best pieces of work yet. (Album cover property of WILLOW)

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-

Want to support me? Subscribe to my podcast & follow my YouTube channel!

The post Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of July 31, 2026 appeared first on Jake's Take.

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

Angelcake Entertainment’s Drew Angelman returned to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast!

Drew is the creator of ‪Angelcake Entertainment! He has covered the popular MTV reality competition series, ‪The Challenge since Final Reckoning and many of its spin-offs, including The Challenge: All Stars, The Challenge: USA, and The Challenge: World Championship. Drew also gave fans crash courses on some of the show’s top icons, including Derrick Kosinski, Jenna Compono, Johnny Bananas, Leroy Garrett, Tori Deal, Zach Nichols, and the late Diem Brown.

He also delivered a three-part documentary on two-time champion Cara Maria Sorbello and a five-part documentary on five-time champion Chris “CT” Tamburello. He also addressed some of the franchise’s biggest rumors, ranked the show’s seasons, and dissected how Wes Bergmann and Kenny Santucci’s legendary rivalry continues to impact the franchise.

Drew also conducted interviews with cast members. Adam Larson, Alyssa Lopez, Brandon Nelson, Jonna Mannion, Josh Martinez, Dr. Kefla Hare, Kyland Young, Michele Fitzgerald, Nelson Thomas, Paulie Calafiore, Steve Meinke, and Troy Cullen are among the individuals who have visited his platform. Fans can watch and listen to their whole conversations on Drew’s Patreon.

On our LIVE episode, Drew spoke about his coverage of Survivor 50 & The Traitors and previewed The Challenge: Cutthroat.

You can connect with Drew Angelman on Instagram & YouTube!

The post Drew Angelman PREVIEWS The Challenge: Cutthroat | LIVE appeared first on Jake's Take.

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

The America’s Got Talent (AGT): Season 21 Judges Auditions are over!

Throughout the past seven weeks, hundreds of acts auditioned in front of the show’s on-air team (judges Howie Mandel, Mel B, Sofia Vergara, and series creator Simon Cowell).  Only 10 lucky individuals received the automatic ticket to the Season 21 live shows, courtesy of the Golden Buzzers from the judges and host Terry Crews.

Once the auditions were over, the judges entered the Gallery of Talent to determine which of the over 100 acts would join their Golden Buzzers in the live shows.  For several acts, the judges wanted to see them once again for the first-ever Judge Callbacks (think of it as a combination of AGT’s Judge Cuts and X Factor UK/X Factor USA Judges’ Houses).  These acts will have the chance to prove themselves over the next two weeks.

However, tonight, it was all about the Live Acts! Which audition favorites received the green light to advance to the AGT: Season 21 live shows and continue their journey to win the show’s signature $1 million prize? Listen on to find out!

Next week, the AGT: Season 21 Judges Callbacks begin!

The post Jake’s AGT Take – Meet Your Season 21 Live Acts appeared first on Jake's Take.

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

 It is a privilege to welcome singer-songwriter and transgender Belgian/American artist Sam Bettens to Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

 Sam began his career as the frontman for the Belgian rock band K’s Choice with his brother Gert. The band grew in popularity in Belgium, the Netherlands, and across Europe and toured across the United States with Alanis Morissette, the Indigo Girls, Tonic, and the Verve Pipe.

Recently, Sam released his first album in 17 years, Coming Home. The album was shaped by 15 years living in East Tennessee, including his full-time firefighter work and his transition. It also marks a new chapter in his recording artist career, as this is his first record in the Country-Americana genre. Recorded in Nashville with producer Tom Bukovac, Coming Home blends classic country and Americana singer-songwriter craft. It’s a record meant to be lived with, vinyl on the turntable, stories unfolding slowly, and a voice that carries the weight of experience.

On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Sam Bettens shared K’s Choice’s origin story, shifting into Americana and country music, and reimagining K’s Choice hit single, “Not An Addict,” 30 years later. 

For more information about Sam Bettens, visit his website.

You can connect with Sam Bettens on social media. Visit his Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, & YouTube channels.

The post Jake’s Take Podcast – Sam Bettens appeared first on Jake's Take.

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

It is a privilege to welcome paleontologist, science communicator, and Kansas City native Kallie Moore to The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

Kallie has loved paleontology before she could even spell it. Growing up in Kansas City, she was surrounded by fossiliferous limestones and spent hours searching for marine invertebrate fossils. Her excitement about being the first human to see a fossil in millions of years established a deep interest in ancient life. Kallie announced her future career in paleontology as a third grader and even spent her recesses searching for fossils in the playground gravel.

She completed her undergraduate education at Emporia State University (ESU) with a Bachelor of Science in Earth Science and a Minor in Paleontology. In January 2008, Kallie Moore started her position as the Collections Manager of the University of Montana Paleontology Collection (UMPC). Throughout her more than 18 years of employment, Kallie supervised a major renovation of the collection facility, led hundreds of tours for school and community groups, organized public outreach events, facilitated paleontological research, and even consulted for Disney.  She also earned the nickname “Fossil Librarian.”

In 2017, Kallie Moore became a co-host and content consultant on PBS Eons. Kallie, along with her colleagues and paleontology experts Michelle Barboza-Ramirez, Blake de Pastino, and Gabriel-Philip Santos, has built a global audience of deep-time fans, amassing more than 757 million video views across YouTube and the PBS app, with 3.17 million YouTube subscribers and more than 1.1 million podcast downloads.

On Wednesday, July 29, PBS Eons will release its latest six-episode series, EONS: Life and Death on Pangea, on the PBS App and PBS.org, the EONS YouTube channel, and the PBS Television Stations. EONS: Life and Death on Pangea is set during the Permian Period hundreds of millions of years ago, and transports viewers to a world shaped by the supercontinent Pangea, extreme climate shifts, and ecosystems unlike anything seen today. From mega-monsoons and vast deserts to giant terrestrial animals, bizarre marine life, and massive volcanic eruptions, the series traces how Earth reached the brink of ecological collapse and how life ultimately recovered. The “Great Dying” remains one of the most dramatic examples of how environmental change can reshape life on Earth.

On this episode of The Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Kallie Moore shared the EONS origin story, previewed EONS: Life and Death on Pangea, and talked about her children’s book, Tales of Prehistoric Earth.

You can connect with Kallie Moore on social media! Visit her Instagram & TikTok channels!

The post Jake’s Take Podcast – Kallie Moore appeared first on Jake's Take.

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

America’s Got Talent (AGT) entered its final round of the Season 21 Judges Auditions! Tonight, the last set of hopefuls entered the Pasadena Civic Auditorium for one final chance to impress the judges (series creator Simon Cowell, Mel B, Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara).

However, the judges and host Terry Crews used up all their Golden Buzzers! But did an act receive one final Golden Buzzer?  Listen on to find out!

Next week, the ‘AGT: Season 21’ Live Acts will be revealed!

The post Jake’s AGT Take: The Final Round of Season 21 Auditions appeared first on Jake's Take.

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

It is a privilege to welcome actor, stand-up comic, and LGBTQ+ activist Jason Stuart to the Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.

Born in the Bronx and raised in Los Angeles, Jason has built a reputation for bold, unexpected performances that blend humor, humanity, and fearless authenticity.

A self-described insecure Jewish kid who found refuge in performance, he credits Barbra Streisand in Funny Girl with “saving his life”—a revelation that launched a lifelong pursuit of storytelling that challenges stereotypes and flips expectations. That instinct led to one of his most striking turns as a heterosexual Christian plantation owner in Nate Parker’s The Birth of a Nation, a role that mirrored and reframed the prejudice he’s fought his entire life.

Most recently, he serves as actor, director, producer, and co-writer of the indie film REDLINING, a timely and provocative film examining systemic inequality and the personal cost of generational injustice. Anchored by a deeply human performance from Jason Stuart, the film also features Alexandra Paul in a striking turn that powerfully showcases her dramatic depth. Stuart brings nuance, empathy, and quiet power to a story that confronts America’s unfinished business head-on. The film continues his commitment to socially conscious storytelling and adds another bold chapter to a career defined by fearless choices and cultural relevance.

Jason Stuart has appeared in studio favorites including Kindergarten Cop and Vegas Vacation, and on hit series such as The Closer, My Wife & Kids, Goliath (opposite J.K. Simmons), and Judd Apatow’s Love. Indie audiences know him from Oscar winner Sean Baker’s Tangerine, Ira Sachs’ Love Is Strange (with John Lithgow and Alfred Molina), and the Amazon comedy series Smothered, which he co-created and starred in alongside Mitch Hara. The series earned Jason Stuart the Indie Series Award for Best Actor in a Comedy and sparked a new wave of acclaim as a content creator with the motto: “We don’t wait for permission to create.”

A highly sought-after stand-up comedian, Jason Stuart tours nationally and released the comedy album I’m the Daddy and I Have Candy. He is also an in-demand speaker on diversity and inclusion and the author of the memoir Shut Up, I’m Talking! Offscreen, he serves as National Co-Chair of the SAG-AFTRA LGBTQ Committee, which he cofounded in 2004.

Stuart has also recently completed the horror film Blackwood, the drama I Got Next, in which he plays a basketball coach mentoring a special-needs child, and the acclaimed indie drama Hank, which won Best LGBTQ Short at the Los Angeles International Film Festival and earned him a Best Actor nomination at the Glendale International Film Festival.

On this episode of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Jason Stuart spoke about the lessons that he learned from being on the sets of The Drew Carey Show, Everybody Hates Chris, Murder She Wrote, and My Wife & Kids; launching the SAG-AGTRA LGBTQ Committee in 2004; and previewed Redlining.

For more information about Jason Stuart, visit his website!

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

The post Jake’s Take Podcast: Jason Stuart 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 music to unpack, so let’s start this party!

ADAM reflects many transitions in the singer’s life, but it also has shades of previous records such as Velvet and The Original High. (Album cover property of More is More LLC)

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 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. (Album cover property of Parkwood Entertainment LLC & Columbia Records)

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 is Madonna’s best album IN YEARS, and it is fantastic to hear from the Queen of Pop! (Album cover property of Boy Toy Records & Warner Records)

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 is a superb offering from Ne-Yo, as I loved seeing him expand the boundaries of his artistry. (Album cover property of HSG Ventures & 10K Projects)

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.”

The Rolling Stones’ Foreign Tongues serves as a roadmap for veteran musicians not only as they hit their twilight but also as a showcase that they still have it. (Album cover property of Polydor Records)

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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The post Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews: Week of July 17, 2026 appeared first on Jake's Take.