The Rundown: Tinashe, Aquarius
A track-by-track look at the "2 On" singer's debut album.
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The Rundown: Tinashe, Aquarius - Very few new artists have the buzz that Tinashe has with a fanbase of eager listeners ready for something new. With sounds that are directly influenced from the smooth R&B of the late 90s and today's "alternative R&B" sounds, Tinashe's debut will be one to remember. (Photo: RCA)
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"Aquarius" - The album's title track "Aquarius" starts the album out with a mysterious, bass-heavy beat with Tinashe's airy vocals cooing throughout, setting the mood of her debut. She finishes the song by whispering, "welcome to my world" letting us know that this is a true introduction to the woman behind the sound. (Photo: C Brandon/Redferns via Getty Images)
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"Bet" feat. Dev Hynes - "Bet" puts her into the alternative R&B category fusing elements of R&B, electronic and hip hop into one song. A lot of her vocals are amplified and digitally manipulated to create a hypnotizing sound that's becoming more and more unique to her. This is the first collaboration on the album and features songwriter, producer and Blood Orange frontman, Dev Hynes. She also drops a smooth couple of bars on the bridge giving fans a little something different. (Photo: Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images for BET)
Photo By Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images for BET
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"Cold Sweat" - Continuing to show off her versatile flows on this track, Tinashe steps into a different space with the uber sexy, "Cold Sweat." Although upon first hearing the song you get a loving type of vibe, by the end you realize that she's breaking free and keeping it buck with an ex-lover who made himself a priority while keeping her an option. Her rap-like flow coupled with her runs up and down the scale throughout the song prove her musical abilities on this sophisticated, layered and honest song. (Photo: Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)
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"Nightfall" (Interlude) - With the quick "clink-clink" sound of bottles in the background of this short interlude, you already know that "2 On" is on the way.(Photo: Mark Davis/BET/Getty Images for BET)
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"2 On" feat. ScHoolboy Q - The unexpected song of summer 2014 was Tinashe's "2 On" featuring ScHoolboy Q. The DJ Mustard track made it an instant club banger that had women everywhere mimicking the choreography that Tinashe tore up in the music video. This is the song that made her a star to watch and the single that without a doubt put her on the music world's radar. (Photo: RCA)
Photo By Photo: RCA
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"How Many Times" feat. Future - One of the most sensual songs on Aquarius is "How Many Times" featuring hitmaker Future. A clear throw to the late '80s and early '90s style of R&B, Tinashe solidifies herself as a versatile songstress that can tackle any type of song. If you're a fan of Al B Sure's "Night and Day" then you will most definitely love "How Many Times." (Photo: Michael Schwartz/RCA)
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"What Is There To Lose" (Interlude) - After asking us what reality is and what truth really is, if it's subjective, Tinashe ended this interlude by asking us what really can be lost when love is involved. And yes, she really will have you evaluate life for just a second. (Photo: Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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"Pretend" feat. A$AP Rocky - "Pretend" is for the lovers that wish that their boo wasn't really their boo and that they could have a moment to be with who they really want to be in a relationship with. The A$AP Rocky-assisted track is Tinashe's second official single and making waves just like "2 On" did months ago, this time putting her in the pop music realm. (Photo: RCA)
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"All Hands On Deck" - They say that there's beauty in the breakdown and that is what Tinashe is revealing in "All Hands On Deck." After a bad break-up, once a lady gets her swagger back and gets back into the game there's no stopping her. If you need more convincing, listen when she sings, "All hands on deck/ I'ma blow your mind, take it out on the floor like that, like that/ All in the front all in the back just like that, like that/ I'ma blow your mind like that." (Photo: Michael Schwartz/RCA)
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"Indigo Child" (Interlude) - This particular interlude starts out sounding very Yeezus-like and with an eerie build-up and Tinashe's vocals echoing and slightly distorted. The tempo and styling change transitions seamlessly into "Far Side of The Moon." (Photo: Jerod Harris/Getty Images for BET)
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"Far Side Of the Moon" - Although Tinashe occupies a very particular lane in the R&B landscape, the cadence, tempo and overall sound of "Far Side Of the Moon" will put you in mind of Brandy's Full Moon record crossed with Jhené Aiko's laid back, airy sound. (Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for BET)
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"The Calm" (Interlude) - The sound of water flowing and waves washing ashore would feel relaxing, but with a garbled male voice and eerie horror flick effect laced throughout the 30-second interlude, even the bravest listener would be scared to hear what's coming next. (Photo: Mireya Acierto/BET/Getty Images for BET)
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"Feels Like Vegas" - "Feels Like Vegas" is another song for the lovers and will surely be an anthem throughout this cuffing season. Between the references to flashing lights and live shows, Tinashe is sure to get her point across when it comes to what happens when the lights dim just a little. (Photo: WENN)
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"Thug Cry" - The Mike WiLL Made-It-produced track is extremely dominant and competes with Tinashe's vocals a few times throughout the song, but the point of "Thug Cry" is never lost. When love is so strong that a thug cries, you know it's for real. (Photo: Angela Weiss/Getty Images for FRIENDS 'N' FAMILY)
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