Aquarius
by Tinashe
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Oct 7, 2014
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Los Angeles Times
    Oct 7, 2014
    88
    Aquarius heralds an essential new voice, one that coheres 100 current ideas about women, sex, sadness and musical restlessness in one excellent album.
  2. RapReviews.com
    Feb 12, 2015
    80
    The production throughout Aquarius is on point, whether it's the infectious, yet odd sound of "Wildfire", or the crashing bongos backing a pseudo-rap switch in to some long notes on "Far Side of the Moon."
  3. Q Magazine
    Nov 13, 2014
    80
    Tinashe's voice is pure and malleable, her lyrics suggestive and assertive. [Dec 2014, p.116]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Fact Magazine (UK)
    Oct 16, 2014
    80
    Aquarius is quite a complicated and accomplished album in that it’s amplified the potential of the mixtapes, making Tinashe into an unquestionable contender for real popstar status, without sacrificing the weirdo introspective soul that made them so special.
  6. Billboard.com
    Oct 8, 2014
    80
    The result is a lustful listen that often centers on either coming together or breaking apart.
  7. New Musical Express (NME)
    Oct 8, 2014
    80
    At 18 tracks, Aquarius may be overstuffed (the ambient interludes offer little) but it’s an impressive statement that should elevate Tinashe far beyond the hype that has surrounded her mixtape releases so far.
  8. HipHopDX
    Oct 7, 2014
    80
    Tinashe allows her project to rise above the strain of heartbreak to create a simultaneously empowered and cohesive debut.
  9. AllMusic
    Oct 6, 2014
    80
    They're all laced with small details, subtle twists, and gradual intensification.
  10. Pitchfork
    Oct 9, 2014
    75
    As she’s shed the trappings of distinctly 2010s R&B for something less easily time-stamped, she’s revealed a new and very telling set of inspirations.
  11. The 405
    Oct 6, 2014
    75
    Although she has not perfected her sound, and her vision maybe a bit more blurred than she believes it to be, there is no denying that Tinashe has the factor and appeal to go extremely far and Aquarius is an exciting first glimpse of this journey.
  12. Rolling Stone
    Oct 21, 2014
    70
    Throughout, Tinashe's sweet soprano sets up a hazy mood that's easy to get lost in.
  13. Exclaim
    Oct 6, 2014
    70
    Although Aquarius may not rock the boat with innovation, its more than confident in its stride, delivering an entertaining effort from the sultry singer.
  14. XXL
    Oct 8, 2014
    60
    The times when it succeeds are when Tinashe doesn’t overdo things.
  15. Slant Magazine
    Oct 6, 2014
    60
    Interludes were employed on Janet's best albums to segue between an array of themes, genres, and tempos; here they're just used as atmosphere, to create the illusion of an album that's larger than the sum of its parts.

Awards & Rankings

45
#45 Most Discussed Album of 2014
27
#27 Most Shared Album of 2014

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 272 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 243 out of 272
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 272
  3. Negative: 21 out of 272
  1. thedopeavenue
    Oct 8, 2014
    10
    From top to bottom, this is an amazing album. Not only is it amazing, but it brings together every essence of what made R&B such a dominantFrom top to bottom, this is an amazing album. Not only is it amazing, but it brings together every essence of what made R&B such a dominant genre in the early 2000s. Not only that, but it’s a modern blueprint for what an album should sound like in 2014, because most people are not releasing albums. They’re releasing 10 songs and a bonus track. This body of work is cohesive from the opening song “Aquarius,” to the “The Storm” outro. And that’s another thing Tinashe learned from the greats like Janet Jackson, who’s albums always transitioned perfectly between songs. Aquarius is smart, it’s dark, it’s deep, it’s club-friendly, it’s guy-friendly, it’s radio-friendly, it has lyrical depth, it blends genres, it’s cohesive yet diverse.… Full Review »
  2. Cvargas1016
    Oct 7, 2014
    8
    Tinashe's debut album Aquarius is clearly just a glimpse of what the singer/songwriter is capable of. Many people compliment her breathy,Tinashe's debut album Aquarius is clearly just a glimpse of what the singer/songwriter is capable of. Many people compliment her breathy, whispery vocals however she is capable of more as she proved while singing the National Anthem for the Dodgers. This album is just an introduction and a good one at that. She doesn't let any of the song's beat or bass line take her over and glides rightfully so over it, never taking a backseat to any of the songs. The interlude's on the album definitely take you from song to song and makes the transitions much easier than most albums where songs just seem randomly placed. She sounds comfortable with her sound and you can tell a lot of effort went into making the album.… Full Review »
  3. therealxoxo
    Oct 13, 2014
    10
    Surprisingly good. Don't be fooled by '2 On', which originally lead me to believe she was a one hit wonder. This album is a solid, cohesiveSurprisingly good. Don't be fooled by '2 On', which originally lead me to believe she was a one hit wonder. This album is a solid, cohesive body of work and probably the best urban debut from a female we've seen in years. My favourites include 'Bet', 'Aquarius', 'Cold Sweat' and 'Thug Cry'.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »