The Melody Mention: Tinashe Debuts Aquarius

For the past few years, hip-hop and pop music have dominated the music industry while elevating the culture. However, R&B music has made a vast comeback with artists such as Miguel, The Weeknd, Elle Varner, and Jhene Aiko heating up the airwaves. Not to mention the hits from more veteran artists such as Usher, Trey Songs, Justin Timberlake, and Beyoncé. However, there is always room for a new kid on the block, and this time it’s 21-year-old Los Angeles native Tinashe. Her debut album Aquarius will be released this Tuesday and has been available to stream during this past week. The singer serves as an executive producer on the 18-track debut that stirs a sweet pot of pop, R&B, and hip-hop tastes. Working with mastermind producers such as Mike WiLL Made It and DJ Mustard, Aquarius is sure to make a statement for the R&B lovers.

Tinashe is no stranger to the entertainment world as an actress, dancer, and previously releasing three mixtapes, but her most notable success derives from her smash 2014 hit “2 On.” The DJ Mustard-penned track which features rapper Schoolboy Q, quickly climbed the charts as a summer favorite. The single gained further success when Drake dropped his own remix to it and later invited Tinashe to perform at his annual OVO Fest.

I first saw Tinashe perform at 106 KMEL’s Summer Jam back in June; an annual concert typically catered more towards a hip-hop crowd. Although she was the only female slated in the show’s lineup, the young singer proved just how much she could hang with the boys as she and her dancers moved the crowd. As her single “2 On” was a popular radio hit, some of my peers questioned if she would be another one-hit wonder artist. However, the Aquarius album is a solid accomplishment showing how Tinashe is in it for the long haul and distinguishing which singers have inspired her musical style.

The album’s title track named perfectly after the singer’s zodiac sign, gives listeners an introduction to her smooth, airy and falsetto sound. The song concludes with the singer whispering, “welcome to my world,” a firm premise to the album’s foundation.

She then transitions into a more vintage Janet Jackson style on “Bet On It.” The infectious production leads the singer to spit a brief rap verse towards the end, a similar method Ms. Jackson executed on her song, “You” on The Velvet Rope album. Tinashe’s “How Many Times” track also samples Ms. Jackson’s hit, “Funny How Time Flies” for a sexy, lovemaking tune that is sure to get listeners in the mood.

Tinashe’s second single, “Pretend” features A$AP Rocky that takes a different route from her first single. Instead of a “turn up” vibe, this track strikes a more mid-tempo melody that narrates a love story gone awry due to infidelity.

However, if you’re one those people who is still blasting her “2 On” anthem, then “All Hands On Deck” is another favorite for a partygoer. This is the type of track every DJ will spin in the club to get everyone jumping on the dance floor.

“Far Side of the Moon,” is a personal favorite of mine depicting a broken love story and how one must decide when to move on in a relationship. Once she drops the chorus, “Running from my heart/hate to go so soon/this has to be the end/you won’t see me again…” will definitely have all the independent women singing this one.

As “Bated Breath” concludes the album before the outro, it’s a ballad that sets a more sweet and melancholic tone that differs from the upbeat and sultry vibe heard throughout the rest of the album.

Although Tinashe is new to the game and still learning to brand her unique style, Aquarius is a solid album that introduces the Cali singer to the world. If you are looking for some new R&B music, I recommend adding this one to your collection.

– Melody