Urban contemporary singer Tinashe shines on her short, sweet, and sexy third project and proper sophomore album, ‘Joyride.’

After releasing her debut album Aquarius in 2014, and mixtape Nightride in 2016, R&B singer Tinashe returns with her proper sophomore album, Joyride.  Three projects in, it seems that the stunning urban contemporary singer is still trying to carve her place in R&B.  Regardless whether or not Joyride truly gives her that breakthrough album, all in all, it’s an enjoyable, well-rounded affair.

“Joyride”

“Keep Your Eyes on the Road (Intro),” one of three interludes spread across Joyride, commences the albummysteriously.  Fittingly, it precedes title track, “Joyride.” “Joyride” is more sound and vibe as opposed to substance, let alone transcendence.  Even so, the pummeling drums, gimmicky vocals, and overall sleek backdrop makes it an alluring record. The ubiquitous Offset guests on the slick “No Drama,” which exemplifies the urban contemporary sound of now.  Tinashe spits some explicit trash talk, while Offset raps his typical spill – straight-up flexing (wrist, rides, all things materialistic).  Nothing brand new, but pleasant and respectable.

“He Don’t Want It,” like much of Joyride, lacks depth lyrically.  Even so, Tinashe delivers some of her best vocals, flaunting a beautiful, brilliant upper register.  Her coy, playful approach only amplifies the sickness of this sleek slow jam.  She speeds up the tempo slightly on the swagger-laden, moderate paced “Ooh La La.” The basic premise of the song – he needs to be with her. Simple, but effective.

“Me So Bad”

From the start, “Me So Bad” features a gimmicky, sexy, sunny, pop-oriented R&B sound. The islands are written all over “Me So Bad.” The record fits into the Joyride, chocked-full of sexual innuendo.  Simply put, Tinashe encourages sexon the bright, exuberant, and repetitive chorus. Ty Dolla $ign and French Montana play into her intentions.  Ty sneaks in the sexual cliché, “I want it face down, ass up,” while French Montana makes it clear, “she ain’t want no safe sex,” later adding “she a savage.”  Although “Me So Bad” is superficial, it’s definitely infectious, while Tinashe’s upper register melody on the chorus is lovely.

“Ain’t Good for Ya (Interlude)” precedes “Stuck with Me,”another record thatchecks off all boxes associated with the urban contemporary, urban-pop chanteuse.  Box number one, it’s sexy.  Box number two, the production glitters like gold.  Box number three, it’s a vibe.  Perhaps there  are more boxes, but Tinashe and “Stuck with Me,” assisted by Little Dragon, cover the bases.  Notably, “Stuck with Me” made an appearance in one of our many playlists, 12 Half ‘With’ & Half ‘Without’ Songs.

“Salt” 

“The world is sick.” The effect of interlude “Go Easy on Me” is to ‘sex the pain away’ – “Go easy on me, baby.” A contender for the crowning achievement of Joyride, breakup record “Salt,” follows in all its glory. Here, we hear Tinashe truly show off her full complement of vocal abilities, singing in her lower register and gradually ascending into that awesome, commanding upper register.  Soundz does a masterful job crafting a truly dark, emotional, minor-key backdrop for her to paint over as she urges, “So when you go and break my heart in two / Don’t throw salt on the wound.”

Tinashe kicks off “Faded Love” with that cool, calm, collected, and sexy sound we’ve become accustomed too.  Even at her subtlest, she has a truly beautiful voice. Essentially, “Faded Love” doesn’t sound far-fetched from what she served up on Aquarius.  That’s ultimately a pro, even if it doesn’t represent major evolution.  The theme is love, cliché and common, yet effective.  Featured guest Futureprovides his normal, autotuned, melodic contrast.  He certainly not game changing, but he fits the vibe. *Cues up 2 Chainz.*

“No Contest”

After the one-two punch of “Salt” and “Faded Love,” just two more songs grace Joyride.  The first is “No Contest” where Tinashe intends for this man to be HER MAN and nobody else’s. To some extent, “No Contest” sounds similar to a previous single, “Superlove”.  Fittingly moderately-paced piano ballad “Fires and Flames” concludes Joyride. While “Fires and Flames” isn’t the most exciting songs, it’s another top-rate vocal performance.

Final Thoughts

While Tinashe doesn’t ‘reinvent the wheel’ on Joyride, all in all, it’s an enjoyable, well-rounded, sexy urban contemporary album. Vocally, when not hidden behind various effects, she proves she has some legitimate chops, namely highlight, “Salt.” It’s not deep, but worthwhile.

Gems: “Joyride,” “No Drama,” “He Don’t Want It,” “Me So Bad,” “Salt” & “Faded Love”

Tinashe • Joyride• RCA • Release: 4.13.18

Photo Credits: RCA