Album Review: Tinashe- Quantum Baby
2 min read
In 2024, we have seen a reward for artists who have taken an experimental approach, and Tinashe exemplifies this with her latest album, Quantum Baby. The second instalment in a trilogy, following 2023’s BB/ANG3L, it explores the Quantum Paradox within the individual, highlighted by oxymoronic themes and an exploration of new sonic territories that build on her previous work.
Earlier in the year, Tinashe’s single Nasty, from the album, randomly surged to the forefront of TikTok culture, and with the help of a nerdy white guy, it went on to earn TikTok’s Song of the Summer. It is undeniably catchy; she blends suggestiveness and confidence in a whimsical manner. It’s explicit yet empowering, and it deserves to be etched into our skulls along with the colour green and espressos.
No Simulation opens the album and provides a scintillating start with harmonies reminiscent of the vocal intro to Kanye’s Dark Fantasy while bouncing off a deeply funky bass riff. This is contrasted with existential lyricism, creating a perfect alchemy of unpredictable playfulness replicated throughout the album.
Getting No Sleep captures Tinashe at her most addictive. The infectious two-step garage beat combined with trap drums and ambient synths creates a hypnotic element that adds to the complexity and emotion of the thoughts and desires that keep someone up at night. Tinashe continues to push the boundaries of her genre; her combination of lo-fi and electronic elements gives the album a unique feel. However, this doesn’t detract from her versatility as a vocalist highlighted in When I Get You Alone where she conveys a classic R&B style vulnerability. —It’s Chaka Khan with a futuristic twist.
Tinashe concludes the album perfectly. She stays true to her key aim of juxtaposing the feelings and emotions that make us human, with a strong and confident finish. No Broke Boys is an anthem for the girls, with empowering lyrics that highlight ‘standards’ and the elation of single life, combined with a raucous bassline that defines the album.
This album is an evolving story, blending genres and emotions; in just twenty minutes, it teaches us how to navigate humanity in a content-obsessed era. 2024 has highlighted individualism within popular music and the ability to embrace that DIY approach, giving albums like this a raw and exciting energy. There is an obvious comparison with Charli XCX. Both have been working in production for a little over a decade, establishing a respectable body of work that has given them a huge platform. However, this year they have captured the zeitgeist of 2024, as both their albums embrace experimental boundary-pushing and an inner personal journey with depth and character.
With the announcement of the Match My Freak World Tour, the hype surrounding Tinashe is unlikely to fade. She hit the lottery with the viral success of Nasty but can back it up with a body of work that moves her musical journey to a new high.
