Let's Go On A Little Joyride ★✩✮ The Tinashe Discography Rate - THE WINNER IS...

Today's eliminations are a tie, one of which is the first casualty from a release. What's_It_Gonna_Be.mp3? Black Water or Nightride?














In the meantime, let's show another In Case We Die track the door, shall we?

#56 (tie)
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Avg: 7.382
Highest
: 10x1 (@WarmBlood11)

Lowest: 3x1 (@TRAVVV)

My Vote: 7

Worth It (feat. Iamsu) for: “I'll let you lick me down, down, a-down down”

While there are approximately 625 songs titled “Let Me Love You”, Tinashe stands there, unbothered, letting you know she’s letting YOU love HER. Again, I love her so much (and she lets me!).


I think the flow in the verses is amazing, and I wish she used it in more songs of hers. But I can’t act like the vocals aren't the biggest flaw in here. Her voice just doesn’t sound… pleasant at times. The lows are alright, the highs are way too shrill. Thank all the saints in heaven her tone matured so much in the space of a couple years and now it’s sultry all the way through, so I hope (as with many other songs on this mixtape), she channels something along this vein in the future to really make it justice. Let You Love Me is kind of great, but still too unripe for me to ignore.


One thing I have to appreciate though is how simultaneously fierce and cutesy it all sounds. Only Tinashe could really pull off something like that.


phily911 (5) isn’t impressed: “It lacks character but it carries on the mood of the mixtape.” while nikkysan (6) is here for the instrumental: “I find this one a tad annoying to listen to, that "I JUST BROKE WITH MY MAAAAAAN" can get tired after the first time she says because of how whiney she sounds. Nice beat though.” C’mon backhanded compliments! Maybe this song is just a good example of a grower? It was definitely so for constantino (9):This just clicked with me in a BIG way and I’m kinda taken aback.” Praise also from AshleyKerwin (7.5): “This could fit on Nightride. Queen of artistic vision and sound.” Ok now let’s not get carried away. This could NOT fit on the album that has yet to see a song kicked out in this rate. At least for now.

 
I nearly collapsed onto my PC last night so this is coming this evening instead. I'm starting to feel for delay-friendly popstars I'm not.

So remember yesterday's question? Black Water or Nightride?










My money is on Black Water.

This got to be one of the worst songs I've ever listened to

#56 (tie)
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Avg: 7.382
Highest
: 10x1 (@Serg.)

Lowest: 5x1 (@AshleyKerwin)

My Vote: 6.5

Worth It (feat. Iamsu) for: The outro


Secret Weapon is the first song off (incredible) third mixtape Black Water to leave. I agree with you all, it’s not its most exciting offering, and the fact it’s still solid albeit definitely among Black Water’s worst tracks speaks volumes on the mixtape’s quality.


The song has this meandering quality to it, maybe a bit too much for its own sake. I love the production, but the song underneath is a bit too forgettable to make the track exciting enough, or something I’d seek out outside of the context of the mixtape. It’s quite good, but not enough to hold its ground against a Vulnerable or a Midnight Sun or even a Middle Of Nowhere.


What is her “secret weapon” I’ll leave to your own imagination.


Poor song, it’s the first (and I hope last) one to receive just one piece of commentary. Again, if it wanted to be memorable this definitely doesn’t help its case. Who is it, that never lets me down? constantino (8) of course, who delivered for each and every song in the rate. S-L-A-Y. “WHEW, c’mon ~experimental~ production!” This is definitely me wanting to see shade even in plain light but I call shade.

 
@BML COME ALL THE WAY THROUGH!











A bit sad about this one. A bit of a kii it lasted this long.


















#55
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Avg: 7.412
Highest
: 10x2 (@phily693; @Serg.)

Lowest: 3x1 (@TRAVVV)

My Vote: 6

Worth It (feat. Iamsu) for: the overarching narrative



November 2011. Night. A young girl, named Tinashe Kachingwe, has just left the girl group she was a member of (a group most famous for being Justin Bieber’s opener at some dates of the Never Say Never tour). She releases her first solo song. This song is a ‘remake’ of an album track by one of her ultimate idols. Now, who would have thought, some five years later, that same girl would be pillow fighting and sensually dancing on the floor with that very own idol, in a video which is arguably one of the best pop videos in recent years?



Yes, I love this song for what it represents, rather than what it is. It’s so crazy thinking she’s progressed so much since this. It also marks one of her biggest success stories: it’s always quite a feat being so successful you actually get to the point of working with your idols, but with this song it’s like she planned for it all along, or better, she sang it into existence. I know it’s just a lucky coincidence. I know they’re both signed to the same label. Still, maybe it’s true, maybe dreams do come true sometimes.



On the topic of the “sample”, it’s clear Tinashe took Blur’s instrumental and sang over her lyrics, but I read Britney’s camp let her do that as it was for a free download single. I’m no expert in legal technicalities, but Britney’s generosity is quite commendable here. I don’t know if it’s common practice in cases like this, in that case forgive me, but let me say one thing: even if it didn’t cost her anything, say what you want about Britney the popstar (I myself am not that big of a fan past the obvious undeniable singles), but Britney the human being is a treasure. Not everybody would’ve acted that way in that situation. I have a few names in mind, but I won’t say them. I don’t want to ruin anybody’s reputation.



TRAVVV (3) is definitely not being spotted near a certain Glory thread:You did NOT put this in the rate! I can’t with the video - definition of ballin on a budget. Love that Pomona, CA theatre setting. Was this released pre-mixtapes?” My questionable embedded music choices aren’t the only ones I get shit for. Poor Me! (Another One!). By the way, yes it was. But it was not the greatest way to make an entrance, according to Touchofmyhand (7.5):I enjoy the Britney sample but that's it. In Case We Die did a better job introducing her” Can’t honestly think of Tinashe without her moody alt-R&B sound so I agree wholeheartedly. constantino (9) is on the same page regarding this not showing her full range quite yet: “AWWW, BABYNASHE!! I haven’t seen this before. Her makeup...has come a long way. Still a bop, though. C’mon raw potential!” I remember reading you dragging Jinkx Monsoon for her make-up skills somewhere and now I get the unjustified urge to bring it up.


Let’s head over to the Britkneey Fan Club Weekly Meeting and have a peek at what the gerls are up to there. As I enter, I immediately notice nikkysan (6), sitting on the couch, pensively staring at their half glass of sparkling wine: “Sampling a Britney album track, I love how hard she stans Brit. This is decent I suppose.” On the right, a group of people are chatting loudly, music blowing from the speakers on the ceiling. Right in the middle, ThisIsRogue (9), losing it all, dancing like crazy, hands in the hair like they don’t care: “Anything even remotely linked to Britney is getting a high score from me. Don't @ me.” @ThisIsRogue @ThisIsRogue @ThisIsRogue. As I look left, I notice the music fading, people are gathering near the desk, where phily111 (10) is warming up to deliver his usual welcoming speech for all newcomers: “This is very clever and highlights her talents immensely. She took a pretty good instrumental and made it a great song which doesn't sound like the original either.”


 
Not everybody would’ve acted that way in that situation. I have a few names in mind, but I won’t say them. I don’t want to ruin anybody’s reputation.
Q6uXKm








At first I was just gonna bold random letters to spell out a pop star as a joke (Rihanna fit the bill) but then it finally hit me the 4th time I scanned it.
 
#54
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Avg: 7.544
Highest
: 10x2 (@Andy French; @Posh Spears)

Lowest: 3.5x1 (@TRAVVV)

My Vote: 6

Worth It (feat. Iamsu) for: “Yo-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-ours can’tgetenoughofwhatyouDO”


Seems like all the tracks I consider not that essential are falling one by one. Loves it. Don’t worry: my time will come soon enough. Unfortunately.


The next song to fall from second mixtape Reverie is its second track Yours. I don’t think it’s a bad track. It’s actually quite interesting. But it’s undeniably Reverie fodder, and given I don’t particularly care for that mixtape, I don’t particularly care for this song either. Add to that the ending goes into Sweet Satisfaction, one of her unreleased tracks that’s kind of a rehash of That (but worse) and you really don’t have a highlight before your eyes, have you?


This right there was my opinion, now what about yours? Okay, okay, this wordplay was pretty terrible, even for my standards. Strangely enough, the feedbacks are great for a song charting at #54. Something something silent majority. constantino (7) is all about the little things: “This is sweet. Cute adlibs, adorable adlibs...” You really have to look out for them but when you pay attention they are truly cute. nikkysan (9.5) is all about the vocals as well: “Those vocals. I've always found this to be such a beautiful song. The euphoric production takes me somewhere.” You know who is really euphoric? lemonsqueezyy (8.5), looking at the Genius page for this and giggling: “I perfected all three splits” is a LYRIC!” Who knows, maybe the banana was the fourth?

 
#53
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Avg: 7.559


Highest: 10x3 (@TRAVVV; @WarmBlood11; @Andy French)

Lowest: 4x1 (@phily693)

My Vote: 8

Worth It (feat. Iamsu) for: The contrast low-range/falsetto in the chorus


Not @Andy French's greatest day in the rate, I suppose.


The sparse Middle Of Nowhere leaves us at a measly #53. Ok, it’s not nearly Tinashe at her best but I hoped it would go a bit further, maybe reaching Top 40. Anyway, Black Water is when Tinashe started finding her voice, and what a voice. Her vocals are top-notch, sweet and soft in the verses, alternating between piercing and cavernous on the chorus.


Do we need to discuss production? Not really. It’s exceptional, but we’re dealing with Black Water here. It should surprise no one. Shout out to the intro and outro: they teleport you straight into a hot dry mid-summer evening, somewhere in the desert of Arizona. It also signals this track is definitely not one for the commuting trips (been there done that). It’s one for quiet listens in the calm of your own home, preferably on a late autumn night.


nikkysan (8.5) uses my favorite word ever therefore goes first: “This is kinda lush.” This is VERY lush. What is this tangible hesitation? Oh, looks like you’re not alone in that. Right, constantino (8)? “This is very...um...subtle, but it’s a beauty.” If it’s for fear of a collective dragging, don’t worry. I’m on the same page here. As is TRAVVV (10), who’s been quite the lowest scorer until now and I don’t like this song has to be compensation for that: “Another subtle, understated track that Tinashe just does so well. The lyrics here always make me feel some typa way.” They’re very simple, but something in her delivery elevates them into something exquisite.

 
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#53
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Avg: 7.559


Highest: 10x3 (@TRAVVV; @WarmBlood11; @Andy French)

Lowest: 4x1 (@phily693)

My Vote: 8

Worth It (feat. Iamsu) for: The contrast low-range/falsetto in the chorus


Not @Andy French’s greatest day in the rate, I suppose.


The sparse Middle Of Nowhere leaves us at a measly #53. Ok, it’s not nearly Tinashe at her best but I hoped it would go a bit further, maybe reaching Top 40. Anyway, Black Water is when Tinashe started finding her voice, and what a voice. Her vocals are top-notch, sweet and soft in the verses, alternating between piercing and cavernous on the chorus.


Do we need to discuss production? Not really. It’s exceptional, but we’re dealing with Black Water here. It should surprise no one. Shout out to the intro and outro: they teleport you straight into a hot dry mid-summer evening, somewhere in the desert of Arizona. It also signals this track is definitely not one for the commuting trips (been there done that). It’s one for quiet listens in the calm of your own home, preferably on a late autumn night.


nikkysan (8.5) uses my favorite word ever therefore goes first: “This is kinda lush.” This is VERY lush. What is this tangible hesitation? Oh, looks like you’re not alone in that. Right, constantino (8)? “This is very...um...subtle, but it’s a beauty.” If it’s for fear of a collective dragging, don’t worry. I’m on the same page here. As is TRAVVV (10), who’s been quite the lowest scorer until now and I don’t like this song has to be compensation for that: “Another subtle, understated track that Tinashe just does so well. The lyrics here always make me feel some typa way.” They’re very simple, but something in her delivery elevates them into something exquisite.


I really didn't expect to be the rate villain thus far! I promise I wasn't trolling. And it's probably well-deserved karma to lose one of my faves today.
 
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Read my























Take it down
down

























#52
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Avg: 7.588
Highest
: 10x2 (@Andy French; @constantino)

Lowest: 5x2 (@Touchofmyhand; @TRAVVV)

My Vote: 8

Worth It (feat. Iamsu) for: "Boy what you know isn't what you know
And the pace is quickening and
Still your heart goes slow"


Whaddaya think of that, @Posh Spears?


This is a bit of a travesty, in all honesty. Why? Because this song is like an I Tried done right. The chorus is Tinashe at her most melodramatic, but in this song she tackles it in a way that doesn’t make it too hard on the ears. Her vocals sound much better, it’s much more dynamic, and the production steps in to stop it from being too heavy-handed with that rather chill trap beat. I definitely appreciate its variation more than a song that turns it up to 11 from second one and stays there all the time. That’s so… lazy. And risky, because it’s hard to pull off. And in the case of that particular song, it spectacularly backfired.


Could you tell I’m pressed I Tried outlived this cutie? Yeah? Wait for its single cover then! #TeamItAllComesBackAround


I have to say, I was surprised nobody brought up Barcelona-swimsuitlie in their commentary. But I’m so fucking glad! THANK YOU! I find comparing two completely different songs just because they have the same title so tacky. Tbt to the Pitchfork review for BANKS’ The Altar, when they namedropped Gaga just because of a track called Judas and then proceeded to shade BANKS’ because it wasn’t as memorable. Yeah. I’m not making this stuff up.


nikkysan (9) is at loss of words: “Not too much to say other than this is gorgeous.” I may have messed up Touchofmyhand’s (5) commentary: “the chorus is too shrill for me to enjoy”. Yeah. This is definitely for I Tried. Another one who tried it is AshleyKerwin (8): “I want to drive to this song.” Is this sexual innuendo? I hope for the sake of my cute drama-free PG-13 rate not. Et tu, constantino (10)? “This sultry BOP, though. That’s right, sis, you set the pace, I’ll just be here...hanging onto your every word.” Je telephone à la vice squad. Andy French (10), come here to bring back some virtue to this little angle of hell: “This is so trippy/ethereal/perfect.”



This is going to be today's only elimination. Tomorrow we'll have a 3-way tie at #49! Let's see how's that going to play out...​
 
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