Ghanaian Afrobeats star Olivetheboy returns with his new single, “Lonely World,” bringing a fresh sonic direction by pairing energetic pop-rock elements with classic Highlife fusion. Partnering with Ghanaian-US based music tastemaker DJ Boat, the track moves past conventional Ghanaian genres, blending driving guitar lines and native West African bounce with Olivetheboy’s soulful delivery. The collaboration showcases the versatile eye of DJ Boat, whose trajectory has...

There is a specific kind of melodic stride in Lana Crow’s new release, “Orwellian Times,” that reminds me, quite vividly, of the way people walk when they’re late for a meeting they know is going to be an absolute disaster. It is brisk, purposeful, and rhythmically catchy, yet underpinned by a distinct, vibrating anxiety. This British singer-songwriter has crafted a track that feels less...