Tinashe's 'Popstar' Math Doesn't Show Its Work
Exclaim! • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Tinashe's album *Popstar* presents a polished blend of R&B and experimental sounds, balancing retro and futuristic elements with a restrained yet rebellious energy.
- Singles like "Too Easy" and "Melatonin" exemplify the album's slick, retro-futurist vibe, with "Melatonin" exploring noisier, experimental territory that resists conventional pacing.
- The album's hyperpop influences feel authentic, reflecting Tinashe's long-standing presence in shaping modern pop, contrasting with similar works like Camila Cabello's *C,XOXO*.
- Standout tracks "Cloud 9" and "Heavy Weight" showcase the album's range, from energetic and risk-taking to intimate and stripped-back moments, though lyrical depth is sometimes lacking.
- While Tinashe's effortless style is a strength, parts of the album feel overly comfortable and automatic, highlighting her complex position as an influential yet underappreciated figure on the cusp of pop superstardom.
