Quantum Baby Review – Playful, Lighthearted 90s-Trap Fusion

TikTok remains a highly unpredictable cultural force. The latest benefactor of its viral magic is US R&B singer Tinashe, who has been in the industry for more than a decade. Her recent track, “Nasty,” went viral thanks to a fan who paired it with a video of a bespectacled British man dancing to soca.

This success carries a sense of vindication for Tinashe. In 2019, after an extended struggle to release her 2018 album “Joyride,” she parted ways with her major label. Since then, her albums have been either independently or self-released.

In “Quantum Baby,” the title captures the unpredictable nature of both subatomic particles and the whims of social media success. However, the album’s content is quite reliable, though perhaps a bit more subdued than the standout track, “Nasty,” suggests. Like its predecessor, “BB/Ang3l” (2023, seven tracks), “Quantum Baby” is short with only eight tracks, offering a playful yet subtly persistent mix of 90s influences, modern trap beats, and silvery production choices.

“No Broke Boys” stands out as the most obvious bedfellow to “Nasty,” featuring a tough-girl, sing-song chorus. Most tracks, however, lean towards a more intimate ambiance, like “When I Get You Alone.” “Getting No Sleep” is a restless track that best represents Tinashe’s unique style. It’s electronic pop infused with R&B attitude and a touch of drum’n’bass. The accompanying video emphasizes Tinashe’s journey of self-love.