New Albums February 6, 2026

 New Releases 2/6/2026

We took a one week break, because January 31 was a wasteland for new music. And I didn't want to force myself to listen to albums that I really had zero interest in. But it was the first Friday in February a few days ago and we are so back. Let's get to it.

Nick Jonas – Sunday Best

Have I Listened to This Artist Before: Yes

Standout Tracks: “Gut Punch,” “Seeing Ghosts,” “Aphrodite”

First Impressions: I’m not sure what I was expecting from this record, but it wasn’t this. I’ve listened to the Jonas Brothers and a lot of Nick’s solo stuff and it usually is fun. It’s maybe not the best or the most inventive, but it’s a good time. This is not that. It feels

very much same-y same. A lot of the songs feel like they blend right into the next one. The first half of the record is very guilty of this. You really latch on when something interesting happens melodically like the slow down at the end of the chorus in “Handprints.” It’s nothing crazy, but at least it’s something. The second half of the album is a little bit better. It sounds like Nick is having more fun. The lyrics in the first half of the album are so sappy and cliché and cheesy and it’s nice when they shift to sexy and a little suggestive. But not too much. I love that Nick is clearly in a happy marriage and seems like a great dad to his daughter, but it’s not inspiring him to make great music. I’m sure this is for someone. But it’s not for me.

Would I Purchase This Album: Nope

Ella Mai - "Do You Still Love Me?"

Have I Listened to This Artist Before: Yes

Standout Tracks: “Somebody’s Son,” “Little Things,” “Might Just,” “Tell Her”

First Impressions: It might be too early to say definitively but is 2026 going to be the year of female led R&B? A couple of weeks ago, we had Ari Lennox releasing a great R&B album and now we have Ella Mai doing the exact same thing. I was really only

familiar with Ella from “Boo’d Up,” her big single from a few years ago. This album proves that was not a fluke. The production on this album is so good and is a great example of when the right producer finds the right artist. Mustard, who was nominated for Producer of the Year at this year’s Grammy’s and won a Record of the Year Grammy for “Not Like Us,” kills it. Each song is so smooth and showcases Ella’s gorgeous voice. The whole record is super cool and Ella will sing about wanting to draw a bath and dote on her man but also stand up for herself and demand to be claimed a few songs later. The record ends on the Kirk Franklin assisted, “No Angels,” which is hopeful and soaring and just what we need right now.

Joji - "Piss in the Wind"

Have I Listened to This Artist Before: No

Standout Tracks: “LOVE YOU LESS,” “Piece of You,” “Hotel California,” “Past Won’t Leave My Mind,” “Rose Colored”

First Impressions: Since I've started doing this, there is always one album that really surprised me and this time it was this one. I wasn't really familiar with Joji at all. He's Japanese and started his career on YouTube. He shifted to making music full-time and this record is pretty great. If I had to compare it to something, I'd say that it feels like this is for fans of the Weekend with short attention spans. This album is 22 tracks but only one song clears 3 minutes. Despite that, it feels very cohesive. It's dark and romantic and I think it really benefits from repeat listens. I have listened to it three times since Friday and it just keep revealing different layers and while I picked some standout tracks from my first listen, I don't think they are the same now. That's the sign of a great record. 

Would I Purchase This Album: Yes

February is off to a strong start. As always, I'd love to hear what you thought if you listened to any of these records. Did you listen to a new record I missed? Let me know in the comments.