Lánre takes a fun approach to the complicated feeling of wanting someone who may not feel the same way on “Long Game”. The new single turns unrequited love into something upbeat, playful, and surprisingly hopeful. At just 2 minutes and 40 seconds, it gets to the point quickly while giving the song enough room to show off its personality. The idea behind the track is simple. Sometimes you have to be patient and trust that things will work out when the time is right. Lánre brings that feeling to life through baseball references, using the language of the game to talk about romance. The connection to “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” adds another playful touch and gives the song a character of its own.
I particularly enjoyed how relaxed the song feels. There is no sense of desperation in Lánre’s approach. Even when he is singing about wanting someone who has not returned those feelings, he sounds confident about waiting things out. That gives “Long Game” an easygoing charm that suits the subject perfectly. His vocal delivery also works well with the arrangement. It has an airy, crisp quality that keeps the song feeling light, while the electronic touches add a little movement around the pop foundation. There is a slightly theatrical side to the track too, which makes the baseball imagery feel natural rather than forced.
For me, the best part of “Long Game” is its attitude. I like that Lánre does not turn unrequited love into a heavy story. He gives it humor, optimism, and confidence instead. The baseball concept also makes the song more memorable and gives listeners something to enjoy. The single also offers a look at what Lánre has been working toward with his upcoming EP, “POP STAR”, which is set to explore pop, R&B, and electronic influences. “Long Game” feels like a good introduction to that direction, especially for listeners who enjoy pop songs with a personal story and a playful edge.
If you have not heard Lánre before, give “Long Game” a listen and see where it takes you. Follow Lánre so you do not miss his upcoming releases, and add the track to your playlist if you are looking for something upbeat, catchy, and easy to come back to. “Long Game” has a relaxed energy that fits well in a daytime playlist, on a drive with the windows down, or in those moments when you want something positive playing in the background. With “POP STAR” coming up, now is a good time to get familiar with Lánre and follow along with what he does next.
