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 second April 2026 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!
While I was disappointed in Maddie & Tae’s sleepy and unenthusiastic take on “You’ll Be in My Heart,” I hope that Disney considers releasing more volumes of Main Street Country. (Album cover property of Walt Disney Records)
Main Street Country by Disney & Various Artists
Disney went country! The Mouse House released a new extended play that took some of their modern-day classics and handed them to some of country music’s top talents. Kane Brown and Katelyn Brown superbly tackled “Beauty & The Beast,” while Dasha and Restless Road surprisingly elevated Disney Channel songs, “The Climb” and “She’s So Gone,” to new levels of excellence. Breland also transformed “Go the Distance” into a beautiful R&B and country ballad. While I was disappointed in Maddie & Tae’s sleepy and unenthusiastic take on “You’ll Be in My Heart,” I hope that Disney considers releasing more volumes of Main Street Country, as it will be intriguing to see which of the genre’s top recording artists give their twist on the iconic songbook. B-
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Beauty & The Beast,” “The Climb,” “She’s So Gone,” & “Go the Distance.”
With slick collaborations and snarky commentary, 10 Til’ Midnight showcases why Snoop Dogg is considered one of rap’s GOATS. (Album cover property of Death Row Records & Gamma)
10 Til’ Midnight by Snoop Dogg
Rap icon Snoop Dogg recently dropped his twenty-second(!) studio album, 10 Til’ Midnight. Revolt reported that the “Gin and Juice” rapper recruited a plethora of collaborators, such as October London, Pharrell Williams, Swizz Beatz (the standout track “Steps”), and Trinidad James (“Pop My S**t”) to assist with recording and production. 10 Til’ Midnight showcases the former Voice coach confronting his critics in tracks such as the catchy “Lied 2 U” and the percussion-heavy “Slid Off,” while advising jealous rivals to stand down in the intriguing “Stop Counting My Poccets.” With slick collaborations and snarky commentary, 10 Til’ Midnight showcases why Snoop is considered one of rap’s GOATS. B
Tracks to Download or Stream: “Step,” “Lied 2 U,” “Stop Counting My Poccets,” & “OG to BG.”
In Another Life – EP by Tristan
Singer, songwriter, and Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar friend Tristan released his latest EP, In Another Life. Throughout the EP, the “Some Kind of Way” recording artist takes listeners on a journey that features hypnotic vocals and splendid instrumental arrangements. I am so proud of Tristan’s growth as a songwriter and vocalist. In Another Life – EP is a promising continuation of Tristan’s bright future. A
Tracks to Download & Stream: “Strawberry Wine,” “Deer in the Headlights,” “Whiskey,” “In Another Life,” & “Do You Sleep Good at Night?”
“One Night in Bangkok” by Aaron Tveit & the Cast of CHESS
Tony Award winner Aaron Tveit is taking the Great White Way by storm with the 2025 revival of CHESS! During the early months leading up to the show, the show producers released a preview of the show’s iconic song, “One Night in Bangkok,” and it was fire! On April 10, CHESS released the full track, and it did not disappoint. The Sweeney Todd and Wicked alum showcased his sassy side that would make Tim Rice, Benny Andersson, and Bjorn Ulvaeus proud. This cover of “One Night in Bangkok” will make audiences head to New York City’s Imperial Theatre to catch the full show! B+
“Obvious” by Chris Brown
Chris Brown surprised fans with two big announcements – a joint tour with fellow R&B superstar Usher – and a new single, “Obvious,” which is a single off his upcoming album, BROWN. Produced by RoccStar, “Obvious” showcases some of Chris’s best vocals so far this decade, along with why the “Forever” performer is celebrating 21 years of releasing music. B+
“RUNWAY” by Lady Gaga featuring Doechii
The Devil Wears Prada 2 is one of 2026’s most anticipated films! Interscope Records released the first single off the Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway-starring sequel, “RUNWAY.” The song features a collaboration with Grammy and Oscar-winning Lady Gaga and rising star Doechii. The ladies crafted the house-meets-Hip-Hop track with Andrew Watt, Bruno Mars, Cirkut, and D’Mile, who all co-produced the song. Both artists shone on this slickly produced track and will make listeners transform their walkway into a runway. A
“Kaleidoscope” by Michael Lazar
Recording artist and Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar friend Michael Lazar dropped a new single, “Kaleidoscope.” The song is the first preview of his latest project, the EP Kaleidoscope. Michael transported listeners to outer space, and this song could serve as the soundtrack for an epic anime opening or the closing credits of a Prime Video or Netflix space drama. B+
“Mr. Know It All” by Teddy Swims
Teddy Swims wraps this edition of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s New Music Reviews! Before he took the 2026 Coachella stage, he released a new single, “Mr. Know It All.” This song is pure fire! The song’s production reminds me so much of Phil Collins’ classic 80s pop anthems, and Teddy’s vocals gave me goosebumps! “Mr. Know It All” is a definite contender for 2026 Song of the Year. A+
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