Album Review: Tinashe - "Aquarius" (Track By Track)

Tinashe. Hmmm. I'm still trying to figure out if I like her. She's for sure giving me "Jhene Aiko but with talent" tease. She lowkey reminds me of Aaliyah as well, and since she is cited as one of her inspirations that makes sense. I just need for her not to become an Aaliyah clone. We don't need or want any of that ever. We already endure enough with Zendaya. Thankfully, I didn't let this deter me. I actually listened to the album the whole way through. As far as eclectic musicians go there is only room for one and at this point in time I have to say she's leading the pack. Not to say that thats saying much given the mediocre ccompetition. But I do need the KING BEY comparisons to cease and desist. It's insulting and I'm not even a stan.

Check out this track-by-track review of "Aquarius":

1. "Aquarius"

Title track. A cute little introduction with Tinashe ending the track with a sultry whisper "Welcome to my world." This track definitely sets the tone for the album. It's more of the soft, sultry, breathy, and I believe she was going for soulful...maybe.

2. "Bet" (Feat. Dev Hynes)

To speak to the point I didn't even notice that the track had changed. They sound so much alike.

3. "Cold Sweat"

The expected "loyalty" track. Yes. Know who your friends are. Recognize who was always here for you. Blah blah blah. No new friends.

4. "Nightfall (Interlude)" / "2 On" (Feat. ScHoolBoy Q)

This track is old. It's been on rotation at radio stations for a minute. TBQH I didn't know who she was. Well I still don't know but I didn't know this was her song. It's cool.

5. "How Many Times" (Feat. Future)

Why is Future still here? Why is she allowed to make music? The song is actually tolerable until this crying banshee completely obliterated the track. Now I'm upset.

6. What Is There To Lose (Interlude) / "Pretend" (Feat. A$AP Rocky)

This is the second single from this album. Never heard it. First off, she could've kept the pointless interlude. Second, whereTF have I been that I dont hear her music? At any rate, this track is a breeding ground for dummies. "Let's pretend you never lied/So I can give it up all night/Swallow my pride, and learn to forgive/When I'm looking for love I pretend."

Whilst she's "pretending" these chickens out here real life hurt and dumb AF. Tragic.

7. "All Hands On Deck"

In this track, Tinashe tries to push her vocals a little more but I'm distracted by the fact that this reminds me of "Whistle While You Work" and I'm not sure how that makes me feel. I can see that she was going for a bootleg DJ Mustard feel but it went left. Fast.

8. "Indigo Child (Interlude)"

Unnecessary.

9. "Far Side Of The Moon"

Brandy could've killed this track. This could've been pulled from the unused tracks of "Full Moon" archive. Just listening to it I'm like 

10. "The Calm (Interlude)" / "Feels Like Vegas"

What is this? Her 15th interlude? Why are we padding this album? I would have gladly accepted 12 full tracks but whatever helps you sleep at night. And this track doesn't feel like Vegas to me. Nowhere I've been anyways. A brothel, maybe. I hope sex really sells because she likes to talk about it and I bet her album sales won't reflect it. The autotune is trying to my spirit but I can tolerate this track. The ad libs slay.

11. "Thug Cry"

If Tinashe isn't channeling Ashanti circa 2004?!? The only thing missing from this track is the unintelligible growls of Ja Rule. You gotta admit it. Back in her relevant days, Ashanti used to slay dragons, vocally deprived as she may be. We were satisfied with every mediocre track she provided us with. So I accept this offering Tinashe. Flourish.

12. "Deep In The Night (Interlude)"

I guess Tinashe took a feather out of Bey's Cap and included a home video for our listening pleasure. Cool.

13. "Bated Breath"

YAAASSSSSSSSSSS FINALLY!!! Vocals!!! Like bitch I knew you could sing. I was waiting with bated breath while you busy frauding on all these tracks. I was about to curse your ass out because I've been more than patient and MLK did not die for you to be wasting precious studio time doing this vocal 2 step. This is track dammit 13 not to mention your infinite interludes. Bitch you owe me a twitter performance or sunthin. On 3. Let's go.

14. "Wildfire"

"You're poison running through my veins/End it with a spark in a pool of gasoline." Perfect ending. She gave me range, variety, and Rihanna vibes. Short, sweet, and probably the only track with crossover appeal. So kudos.

15. "The Storm (Outro)"

17 interludes and an outro? This album has more padding than a self conscious 12 year old girl. There weren't even any lyrics.

All these tracks basically sound the same to me. She's not giving me enough in the vocal department at all. Relying on your looks will only get you but so far. It's not enough. She needs to push her vocals to the limit. I mean, Tinashe won't put you to sleep like Jhene but the tease she gives me is far too painful for me to listen to this album again. But hey, don't take my word for it.

"Aquarius" is online and in stores now...buy it if you wish.

Natasha Marie

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