REVIEW: TINASHE'S 'COMPANY'

Zimbabwean-American singer Tinashe released ‘Company’ as lead single off her ‘Nightride’ album on September 16, 2016.

Channeling 90’s RnB, the track launches on flirtatious rhythmic beats weaved with synthesizers. Vocalizing on breathy tones, Tinashe turns ‘Company’ into a one-night stand conversation in the fashion of Tina turner’s ‘Private Dancer;’only this time, for actual sex rather than the latter’s emphasis for cash. Through her monologue, Tinashe channels a dominatrix persona, dictating the pace of movement. 

Sonically, 'Company' shows a slight advancement in sound composition and an overall confidence. Also, the use of a more mature theme cannot be overlooked. With this track, Tinashe tries very hard to remind us of what Aaliyah might have sounded like if she were to be in the present. Juxtaposing, this effort could be liken to Aaliyah’s ‘Rock The Boat’ where she expressed themes with unapologetic manner. 

‘Company’ is no ‘Pretend,’ ‘2 On’ or the hip hop influenced ‘Player', and this is a good thing, proving she has adopted an entirely different formula for her sophomore effort. On the downside, ‘Company’ on first listen sounds ‘strange,’ perhaps out of the fact it doesn’t match the profile of her other slow tempo or fast paced  singles, and as a result, might have altered her fan base number, who already are accustomed to her sound. On the bright side, it is a welcome note to new fans in search of fresh out of the box sound.

The track winds down into an altered fade-out reminiscent of Beyonce’s 'I Been On'.

Rating 3.0/5

Ikenna Bede