I have trouble with vulnerability.
Not in person but, on stage. In person I’ll tell you about my deepest secrets super casually, I won’t think twice about that. When I’m performing though, things can be different. I won’t tell you too too much about myself, I won’t let you all the way in; I’m guarded. I think telling someone about yourself is easier in conversation because it goes two ways. If I tell you about me, you’ll tell me about you, then we can grow. When I’m performing, this becomes a one way conversation. Now I’m telling audiences about me, and all I can see is their judgment. Sometimes it’s easier to say something generic than it is to talk about something close to your heart. With this in mind, I try to be less critical of artists who haven’t found their sound yet.
Tinashe is one of those artists to me. I have like 6 cousins named Tinashe (all dudes) so I had a personal connection. I really wanted to see what my potential co-patriot had to say. I relate to her, I can already tell she’s had at least 8 uber drivers try to talk to her about the “significance” of her name.After a few years and underwhelming albums, I decided to give her one more chance. So with that said, lets get into her new album “Songs For You”
It’s aight, but Tinashe’s moving in the right direction.
Being a light skinned female r&b singer with a decent voice is like being a white comedian w/ “interesting takes”; there’s too many for one to REALLY stand out. Why listen to one whisper sing about a failed situationship when you could listen to another do the exact same thing, but with a British accent? It’s a really tough spot. Tinashe however, is starting to figure out how to stand out. I think she’s building up strength in making “I’m over you/no I’m not/why do you keep watching my IG story” music. This is good music to listen to when you’re cleaning to distract yourself from the fact you’ve been waiting on a text for 3 hours. This is “I just joined an Equinox and bought some new mid top Jordan 1s” music.
While the song quality isn’t always the most unique, the energy behind the music is definitely there. Tinashe albums used to suffer from the fact that she didn’t sound like she was enjoying herself. Songs felt like work and as a result they lacked authenticity. However on this album, Tinashe got the energy of a black girl who just started hanging out with other black girls. This is some shit Jordyn Woods listens to when she’s texting Normani. Tinashe’s so happy that she can fully figure out what HER sound is, every song is an experiment and the results are always positive. This album has the same feeling I had when I got my first pair of Air Force 1s. Were they super unique? No. But did it open my eyes to all the fashion/sneaker possibilities? You bet you’re ass it did.
Overall I enjoyed this album but, I really wanted to enjoy it. There’s no way in hell that I would ever pass up the chance to support another Zimbabwean trying to figure themselves out. Tinashe still has a ways to go before she hits her peak, but she’s got me invested in her journey. I want her to win.
I give “Songs For You” 7 “do you know what your name means” texts from old Africans out of 10.