Music Media Review

Happy 4th of July 250 ! Celebrating this milestone Independence Day weekend, let's flashback the last time U.S. did from bicentennial 's weekend: July 4, 1976 . I picked 10 songs from that weekend's top 40 of the Hot 100, curating a perfect party playlist for you to enjoy. Bicentennial Playlist: “A Fifth of Beethoven” - Walter Murphy & The Big Apple Band “Give Up The Funk (Tear...

What will be 2026's Song of the Summer ? My theory is Justin Bieber 's "Speed Demon" . This song has come out of nowhere, and isn't from 2026! Find out what led this tune zooming through radio charts , and how its origin is defying odds the music industry didn't see coming. Justin Bieber's YouTube Channel SWAG , SWAG II , (2025) "Yukon" at 2026 Grammys...

Kicking off Summer 2026 and Fathers Day weekend, Keith Urban recorded yacht rock cover album flow state . Rock journalist, podcast host, and a great friend from my radio days Eric Senich, co-hosts this track-by-track review. Yacht Rock links: Yacht or Nacht , Masterclass' Yacht Rock article , Wikipedia, Sirius/XM's Yacht Rock channels , Amazon Music , Pandora, Yacht Rock Revue , Yacht Ro...

Disney/Pixar   are making movie and music history. Spanning over 30 years, Toy Story 5 will be released in theaters June 19th, and Taylor Swift composed the new movie theme ! Reliving this childhood franchise, recap the movies and themes songs in this episode. Films: Toy Story (1995) , Toy Story 2 (1999) , Toy Story 3 (2010) , Toy Story 4 (2019) Toy Story 30 Years & Beyond - 20/20 Special Toy...

Rock is having big viral moments , including a father and daughter releasing albums spring 2026. Foo Fighters put out their 12th album Your Favorite Toy , and Violet Grohl (eldest daughter of frontman Dave Grohl) reawakens '90s punk/grunge in Be Sweet to Me . I review both albums, tying personal effects curating the new songs.  Your Favorite Toy 's YouTube playlist The Hannukah Sessions...

Younger country singer/songwriter Kacey Musgraves is back with a new album guiding herself through life. Her 7th album Middle of Nowhere came out May 1st, combining songwriters she's worked on her past albums playing country, folk, and alternative. Collectively, the record fits in her discography with guest vocalists and Tejano instrumentation. I give my track-by-track review as a dedicated f...

My favorite singer Janet Jackson turned 60 on May 16th ! Fans are admiring the private stance she opted out of her late brother's Michael Jackson 's current biopic Michael , re-discovering her terrific music! The Jacksons threw Janet a big party to celebrate, and The Grammys inducted one of her songs in their Hall of Fame. As a fan, I'll share my wide admiration of her and content t...

The 61st ACM Awards return May 17th 8pm/e on Amazon Prime Video , Twitch , and national country radio simulcasts . Despite the 60th ceremony taking place last year, celebs and fans weren't pleased with the turnout. This caused ACM to make internal changes, and diversify 2026's ballot . Before its televised broadcast, I predict how 9 of the awards will result: Music Event of the Year, Son...

The Devil Wears Prada 's based on author Lauren Weisberger's working at Vogue. 20th Century Fox adapted her 2003 book in 2006's film . Covering fashion, business, relationships, and social life, the movie changed pop culture and now the sequel is 20 years later. Female driven musically and societal, The Devil Wears Prada 2 's hitting nerves in fashion, magazine, and print media...

Noah Kahan 's an authentic modern folk singer, reawakened over the response fans feel through his music. Emotionally overcoming mental health struggles, he's ready to move on positively with his Vermont family backing him up. Two new projects presenting his stories are Netflix documentary Noah Kahan: Out of Body , and deluxe album The Great Divide: The Last Of The Bugs . Following up fro...

Two postponements and 3 years later, later Michael Jackson has a new biopic . Released after his 2009 death, Universal Pictures / Liongate took a unique direction constructing its script and casting . Michael's nephew Jaafar Jackson stars and resembles his late uncle! I input my review how the movie timelines and compare it to other existing media sharing similar qualities. Michael Jackson&ap...

ARTEMIS II was NASA 's latest moon voyage. I made this themed playlist for its astronauts. Wake Up Playlist Episode Playlist: “Space Oddity” - David Bowie (1969), “Fly Me to the Moon” - Frank Sinatra (1967), “Man on the Moon” - R.E.M. (1992), “Rocket Man” - Elton John (1972), “Moonlight Sonata” - Beethoven (1803, 1830 ), “Walking On the Moon” - The Police (1979), “Don’t Stop Me Now” - Queen (...

Four promo singles later, Ella Langley 's Dandelion album is out! Her humble growth inspired its conception, especially with current country/pop #1 "Choosin' Texas ". Will the record withstand same longevity like the top hit? I overview the singles' beforehand success, then summarize rest of the tracks' themes. I recommend hearing Episode 4 and Episode 6 to preview th...

Red Hot Chili Peppers are one on my favorite and greatest rock bands of all time! Their zany music has lasted 4 decades, now the lineup is ready to share stories in 2 new projects. The Rise of The Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother Hileel , and Flea's first album Honora . As a dedicated fan, I give my review of both works in this episode. Interviews: Zane Lowe Show, Tonight Show , Finding You...

20 years since Disney Channel aired Hannah Montana , Disney+ filmed a reunion , and iHeartRadio gave Miley Cyrus an Innovator award . Looking back, I countdown 10 solo hits I recommend. Top 10: 10. “II Most Wanted” - Beyoncé ; live ; 9. “Can’t Be Tamed” ; 8. “Slide Away” ; 7. “Used to Be Young” ; 6. “We Can’t Stop” ; 5. “Midnight Sky” ; 4. “Party in the USA” ; 3. “Wrecking Ball” ; 2. “Flowers” ; 1...

Noah Kahan is a contemporary folk singer , sharing mental health issues through his music. He aims it'll help others like him, and established a non-profit to help others like him. With his upcoming album The Great Divide , the title track voices his growth, and so will a Netflix documentary looking into his private life. Inspiring resilience just in time for spring's beginnings, I give...

We've watched HarryStyles grow up publicly and musically for 15 years. From UK's The X Factor , One Direction , and a solo global pop artist! To review his 4th album Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally , I interviewed Seeing Them Live 's podcast host Charles Zona, and his teenage daughter. They share great stories as Harry's biggest fans, and seeing his concerts! Harry'...

Megan Moroney 's  'Cloud 9' debuted #1 Billboard 200, and Ella Langley's "Choosin' Texas" back atop Hot 100 ! What made ' Cloud 9 ' "3rd time the charm"? "Tennesee Orange" , "Can't Break Up Now" - Old Dominion , "I'm Not Pretty" , " Am I Okay? ", "No Caller ID" , " You Had to Be...

Breaking a 10-year solo hiatus, Bruno Mars just released new album The Romantic ! Recapping his 15+ years music career, we explore the different styles he's done. Hear my critique comparing Bruno's discography , and 2026 plans. Romantic Radio - synopsis and rerun schedule iHeartRadio's Love Songs Promo / livestream clip Mentioned Media: R&B groups: The Main Ingredient , The O&ap...

Billboard history has been made so soon on 2026's charts. An astonishing one is by modern country singer, Ella Langley . Her song "Choosin' Texas" spanned over late 2025, recently hit #1 on the Hot 100 ! Aside from this crossover success, this track has set records for recent country songs, and broke a milestone streak since a famous female earned her #1 topping the Hot 100 and...

Happy Valentine's Day! A popular theme has trended since New Years', the year 2016!  Let's replay our favorite love songs! Playlist : “Make Me Like You” - Gwen Stefani; “Cake By The Ocean” - DNCE “PILLOWTALK” - Zayn; “Company” - Justin Bieber; “Love On The Brain” - Rihanna “Into You” - Ariana Grande; “Don’t Let Me Down” - The Chainsmokers ft. Daya “Lush Life” - Zara Larsson ; “This...

Super Bowl LX (60) is upon us! There's divide Bad Bunny doing the Halftime Show, but he's not the first Latin artist to do so and was invited back a second time. I recap prior broadcasts when Latin singers performed Super Bowl Halftime Shows, and other programming NFL's partnering with celebrities. Super Bowl Latin Halftime Show Performers: XXVI:  ( 1992) - Gloria Estefan XXXIII: (1...

The 68th ceremony is airing 2/1 on CBS and Paramount+ . ABC acquired the rights starting 2027-2037.   Will pop culture influence winning results? I analyze 6 categories trending 2025's music scene. Hear my virtual ballot, then view before and after the show on our social media pages. Grammys pre-show: 3:30pm/e on YouTube . Grammys full ballot Predicted categories: Best Contemporary Country Al...

Welcome, I'm Jess. After hosting Music Notes with Jess for 6 years, I'm restarting a second podcasting chapter. Keeping up with modern music's rapid industry, I'll share my weekly opinions about all kinds of media: songs, TV, movies, holidays, make playlists, tributes, and celebrations.  Follow our social media pages on Facebook , X , Instagram , TikTok , YouTube ! Email: music...