Listening to Arnold J.’s new single, "Muddy Waters," isn't quite like anything else swirling around right now. It arrives with the gentle insistence of incoming tide, pulling you into its specific gravity. Arnold J., Ghanaian-born and now Canada-based, weaves a sound tagged as alt-country and folk, but those labels feel thin, like trying to contain smoke. There’s earthiness, sure, but his soulful vocal lines...

The new single "Nous Deux" by Tendo is a mesmerizing example of how a variety of sounds, coupled with a beautiful and commanding voice, provide an enthralling effect. With its closeness and comfort, this song is perfect for the days leading up to summer and will make listeners think of loved ones. As a sonic excursion that engulfs you in a rich, personal realm, its comprehensive...