Jake’s Take’s New Music Reviews – Week of May 1, 2026

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

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

 

It’s Not That Deep (Unless You Want It to Be) by Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato released the deluxe edition of her 2025 album, It’s Not That Deep (Unless You Want It to Be).  The record contains eight new tunes that the “Confident” singer-songwriter co-wrote with Jason Evigan, Julia Michaels, Justin Tranter, MNEK, Sarah Hudson, and Zhone, who produced a majority of the deluxe version and the 2025 record. Songs include “Low Rise Jeans,” which made its debut on the former X Factor USA judge’s current North American tour, and two new collaborations, “Fantasy” (with Cobrah) and “Joshua Tree” (with Rose Gray). It’s Not That Deep (Unless You Want It to Be) blends EDM and pop music with splendid results and contains some of Demi’s catchiest material of the 2020s so far. B+

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Low Rise Jeans,” “Love Controller,” “Confetti,” & “Joshua Tree”

 

Songs About Us by Jason Aldean

Country music superstar Jason Aldean dropped his twelfth studio album, Songs About Us. Kurt Allison, John Edwards, Tully Kennedy, and Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar friend John Morgan formed the nucleus of the album’s songwriting team, with contributions from Ben Hayslip, Danny Majic, Jimmy Robbins, Lady A’s Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood, and the “Trouble with a Heartbreak” singer himself. David Lee Murphy, Luke Bryan, and his wife, Brittany, are the album’s featured artists. One of the major gripes I have with Songs About Us is that this record has too many filler tracks, which could have been saved for an undiscovered gems album. However, Songs About Us is filled with tunes that would satisfy the country rocker’s fans and might give listeners a case of the goosebumps or two. B-  

Tracks to Download or Stream:  “Drinking About You,” “How Far Does a Goodbye Go,” “Dust on the Bottle,” & “Help You Remember.”

 

Toy with Me by Meghan Trainor

It has been 12 years since Meghan Trainor entered the pop music scene with “All About That Bass.” Now, the former Australian Idol, The Four: Battle for Stardom,  and The Voice UK judge has released her seventh studio album, Toy with Me. Grant Boutin, Ellis, and Mike Sabath collaborated with Meghan Trainor on producing the album, while Caroline Ailin, Caroline Pennell, Justin Trainor, Poo Bear, Sean Douglas, and Scott Harris assisted with the songwriting process. As I listened to Toy with Me, it felt like Meghan was trying to capture the essence of what made us fall in love with her in the first place. While there are some genuine pieces of ear candy on Toy with Me, the album left me with an unsatisfied taste in my mouth. C-

Tracks to Download or Stream: “Still Don’t Care,” “Rich Man,” & “Receipts.”

 

The Great Divide by Noah Kanan

Noah Kanan is turning into Generation Z’s Bob Dylan. Since Busyhead’s release in 2019, Noah Kanan has played a massive role in rekindling music lovers’ passion for Americana and alternative rock music. The “Northern Attitude” singer-songwriter reunited with Stick Season collaborator Gabe Simon, who co-produced Kanan’s fourth studio album. He also welcomed Amy Allen, Carrie K, and superstar songwriter-producer Aaron Dressner to the party.  The Great Divide is filled with tunes that can connect with the drama that Generation Z and their Millennial generation predecessors face today. Noah Kanan transforms allegories into superbly woven songs with spectacular guitar arrangements. I could see The Great Divide play a massive role in the 2026-27 awards season. A

Tracks to Download or Stream: “End of August,” “Downfall,” “The Great Divide,” “Willing & Able,” “Dashboard,” & “Porch Light.”

 

“Hysteria” by Bebe Rexha

Bebe Rexha continues the countdown to her fourth studio album, Dirty Blonde, which is expected to be released on June 12 on her new home of Empire Distribution. The latest single, “Hysteria,” is a fast-tempo EDM pop track with a powerful, hypnotic beat that will demand listeners get up and dance. A-

 

“I Can’t Love You Anymore” by Ella Langley & Morgan Wallen

Ella Langley is one of country music’s hottest artists! The ACM and CMA Award-winning singer-songwriter released her sophomore studio album, Dandelion. Her duet with Morgan Wallen, “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” is set to be one of 2026’s biggest duets. The “Choosing Texas” recording artist collaborated with Alex Maxwell and Austin Goodloe to co-pen the lyrics, while Ben West joined Ella and Austin in the production studio. “I Can’t Love You Anymore” is a stunning collaboration and has the potential to be one of this year’s biggest country music events. A-

 

“Bring Your Love” by Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter

The music world exploded when the Queen of Pop joined Sabrina Carpenter on the Coachella stage a few weeks ago. Now, the “Manchild” performer joined Madonna for a new single off her highly anticipated sequel to her 2005 juggernaut Confessions on a Dance Floor. “Bring Your Love” brings together the pop music icons that will ignite fans’ hearts on dance floors everywhere. B+

 

“With This Tear” by Prince

The dearly missed Prince closes out the first May 2026 edition of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’s New Music Reviews! It is hard to believe that Prince passed away a decade ago. I remember driving to one of my favorite Kansas City coffee shops, The Roasterie, and the news popped up on my phone. I was shocked by the news, as we all thought that the Purple One would live forever. Recently, the Prince Estate dropped a new unreleased song from his vault, “With This Tear.” This tune is beautiful, and it is fantastic to hear his upper vocal register once again. Bravo, Prince! We will forever miss you! A+

 

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