Tinashe

Joyride

Nothing here is bound to pass "2 On" in terms of popularity, but the highlights are filled with rich details and seductive hooks.

Joyride is finally here and it highlights the artist's promise and potential, while, at the same time, leaving us wondering what the wait was about.

Thankfully, Tinashe’s flame hasn’t burnt out yet, and Joyride is an enjoyable full-length, one where she doesn’t succumb to the dreaded sophomore slump.

The album feels flattened in a way that does Tinashe a disservice; her usual free-flowing variety of styles and textures feels oddly at a distance among Joyride’s grab bag.

Joyride is a definite departure from Aquarius and even Nightride – Tinashe opts for moodier songs, less pop hooks and more experimentation.

Tinashe’s long-gestated second album is a mixed bag, best when her coolly focused sexuality is put to the fore.

Fortunately, Joyride doesn’t sound too much like trench warfare between star and industry.

Tinashe is confident and proud here, but at the end of thirty-six minutes there doesn’t seem to be a clear understanding of who she is; she’s not undefinable in a liberating sense, but rather in one that feels unoriented.

Overall Joyride does not deliver on its potential.

Joyride feels like an album that has had anything adventurous about it focussed-grouped away and its hints at conceptual ambition are quickly abandoned after the opening two tracks for run-of-the-mill R&B.