Uplifting Tinashe: Popstar Is My AOTY

Tinashe is no stranger to the music industry.

Over the years, she has consistently proven herself to be one of its most versatile artists with her genre-blending discography. While many listeners may recognize her from mainstream hits like “2 On” and “All Hands on Deck,” her creative ability extends far beyond these songs. On September 25, Tinashe released Popstar, which, in my opinion, is the album of the year. What initially drew me to the album was its production, but what kept me coming back was Tinashe’s honesty.

Vulnerability at the forefront

Popstar, of course, explores what it means to be a pop star, but more importantly, what it takes to maintain that identity in a constantly evolving music industry. Throughout the album, she tackles a variety of themes, from the disillusionment of the “American Dream” and the psychological toll of being a public figure to the importance of establishing boundaries in relationships.

Most importantly, I find it incredibly refreshing when an artist creates something for themselves rather than trying to satisfy outside expectations or cater to fan perspectives. With Popstar, that intention feels extremely apparent. And sometimes, the most rewarding thing about being a fan is simply getting to witness an artist fully embrace that creative freedom.

My Favorite tracks

Although all 16 tracks on Popstar are well constructed, a few songs stand out above the rest for me. Tinashe delivers plenty of hits with tracks like “Melatonin,” “Crash Out,” and “Cloud 9,” but if I had to narrow down my favorites, there are three songs I replay over and over.

My standout favorite is “I’d Rather Be Alone.” The song explores the importance of choosing yourself and having the self-respect to walk away from a relationship that no longer fulfills you. I love the way it frames being alone not as something to fear, but as an opportunity to practice self-love and to grow.

My second favorite is “Nobody Wanna Dance Anymore,” which is a playful jab on the nonchalant culture we’ve found ourselves in. It’s directed at the type of people who are constantly glued to their phones and are too concerned with being perceived as “cool.”

My final pick is “Empty Stadium.” Not only are the strings absolutely gorgeous, but Tinashe’s carefully chosen lyrics also make the imagery in the song so vivid in my mind. Beneath the beautiful music, the song continues her recurring theme of vulnerability as she questions whether her identity is enough for the public eye.

Taking The Show On The Road

Tinashe shows no signs of slowing down when it comes to live performances. She’s already performed Popstar during her “A Night with a Popstar” shows in cities like Los Angeles and Chicago, giving fans the chance to experience much of the album alongside some of her past hits. She also made a surprise appearance alongside Charli XCX at Austin City Limits, performing “Melatonin” and “Nobody Wanna Dance Anymore.”

Now, Tinashe is reaching even wider audiences as she prepares to join Harry Styles for the Arizona stops of his Together, Together tour. It’s exciting to see her talent and music being introduced to audiences who may not have previously explored her discography.

However, what I’m most excited about is Tinashe embarking on her own headlining tour, “The Show Must Go On,” in 2027. I can’t wait to see how she brings the world of Popstar to life on stage, from its production and visual direction to the storytelling behind the music. Ultimately, I’m excited to see Tinashe continue to take up space, connect with new audiences, and command the stage on her own terms.

Tinashe is finally receiving the flowers she has worked so hard for, and I couldn’t be happier to witness it. I’m excited for more people to discover Popstar and experience everything she has to offer. Tinashe has continuously demonstrated her ability to evolve, experiment, and challenge herself creatively without losing sight of who she is as an artist.

There’s no telling where she’ll go next, and that’s part of what makes following her career and music so exciting. For now, I’m just happy to be part of this era of celebrating Tinashe.

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