Pretend (Tinashe song) explained

Pretend
Cover:TinashePretend.jpg
Type:single
Artist:Tinashe featuring ASAP Rocky
Album:Aquarius
Released:August 22, 2014
Recorded:Clockwork Studios (Los Angeles)
Genre:Pop[1] [2]
Label:RCA
Chronology:Tinashe
Prev Title:2 On
Prev Year:2014
Next Title:Body Language
Next Year:2014

"Pretend" is a song by American singer Tinashe. It was released as her second single from her debut album Aquarius.[3] The song, which was produced by producer Detail, features a guest verse from Harlem-based rapper ASAP Rocky.

Composition

In an interview with Rap-Up, Tinashe talked about the concept behind the song. She said "The song with Rocky is definitely kind of a contemporary-sounding song, it doesn’t really sound like a lot of other songs on the radio, but it’s a midtempo feel and it’s kinda minimalistic in the track."[4] And when speaking about the song's meaning, she said, ""Pretend" is basically about when you're in a relationship and instead of dealing with the stuff that you deal with in a relationship, you don't want to do that. You're just going to pretend that everything is fine. I think a lot of people can relate."[5]

"Pretend" is a pop song written by Tinashe, Lyrica Anderson and ASAP Rocky and was produced by Detail.[1] [2]

Release and critical reception

"Pretend" premiered on August 22, 2014 online.[6]

Exclaim! editor Gregory Adams complimented the singers vocals saying "Her voice builds up to an emotional cry in the chorus, which finds her praising the concept of "a love that never ends."[7] Chris DeVille from Stereogum was less vocal about ASAP Rocky's appearance on the song but praised Tinashe by saying "her performance is the showstopper here."[6]

Music video

The song's official music video, directed by Jodeb, was shot on August 19, 2014[8] and released on September 29, 2014.[9]

Credits and personnel

Recording locations
Personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Aquarius.[10]

Track listing

  1. "Pretend" (featuring ASAP Rocky) – 3:52
  1. "Pretend Remix" (featuring Jeezy) – 4:16
  1. "Pretend" (Dave Audé Remix) – 3:40

Charts

Chart (2014–2015)Peak
position
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles (Billboard)[13] 17
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[14] 34
US Rhythmic (Billboard)[15] 29

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Listen: Tinashe – 'Pretend' (feat. A$AP Rocky). August 25, 2014. July 24, 2015. July 24, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150724172033/http://www.acclaimmag.com/music/listen-tinashe-pretend-feat-aap-rocky/. live.
  2. News: Tinashe review – bald and bawdy R&B-infused pop. Betty. Clarke. August 27, 2014. The Guardian. December 5, 2017. December 4, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181204151441/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/aug/27/tinashe-review-xoyo-london. live.
  3. Web site: Tinashe Announces 'Aquarius' Album + Collaborations with Future & A$AP Rocky . Dope Avenue . April 3, 2014 . July 12, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140707073513/http://dopeavenue.com/tinashe-announces-aquarius-album-collaborations-future-aap-rocky/ . July 7, 2014 . dead .
  4. Web site: Rap-Up.com – New Music: Tinashe f/ A$AP Rocky – 'Pretend'. Rap-Up.com. December 7, 2014. January 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150111232910/http://www.rap-up.com/2014/08/22/new-music-tinashe-f-asap-rocky-pretend/. live.
  5. Web site: Tinashe Speaks On Upcoming A$AP Rocky Collaboration 'Pretend'. December 7, 2014. April 2, 2014. November 1, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141101061326/http://www.vibe.com/article/tinashe-speaks-upcoming-asap-rocky-collaboration-pretend. live.
  6. Web site: Tinashe – "Pretend" (Feat. A$AP Rocky) – Stereogum. Stereogum. December 7, 2014. August 22, 2014. December 20, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141220015913/http://www.stereogum.com/1700781/tinashe-pretend-feat-aap-rocky/mp3s/. live.
  7. Web site: Tinashe. December 7, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140825172755/http://exclaim.ca/MusicVideo/ClickHear/tinashe-pretend_ft_ap_rocky. August 25, 2014. dead.
  8. Web site: TinasheNC on Twitter. Twitter. December 7, 2014. September 14, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140914172144/https://twitter.com/TeamTinasheNC/status/502233235431362561/photo/1. live.
  9. Web site: TINASHE – PRETEND (FEAT. ASAP ROCKY) (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO). RapWave. January 5, 2015. September 29, 2014. January 5, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150105131956/http://www.rapwave.net/2014/09/29/tinashe-asap-rocky-pretend-video/. live.
  10. Aquarius. Aquarius (Tinashe album) . Tinashe. 2014 . February 22, 2015--> . Liner notes . RCA Records.
  11. Web site: iTunes – Music – Pretend Remix (feat. Jeezy) – Single by Tinashe . December 3, 2014 . iTunes Store (United Kingdom) . February 24, 2015 . January 4, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240104133428/https://music.apple.com/gb/album/pretend-remix-feat-jeezy-single/947968531 . live .
  12. Web site: iTunes – Music – Pretend – Single by Tinashe . November 11, 2014 . iTunes Store (United Kingdom) . February 24, 2015 . January 4, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240104133320/https://music.apple.com/gb/album/pretend-dave-aud%C3%A9-remix-single/940231195 . live .
  13. Bubbling Under Hot 100: Oct 25, 2014. Billboard. October 25, 2014. February 27, 2015. June 10, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150610164726/http://www.billboard.com/biz/charts/2014-10-25/bubbling-under-hot-100-singles. live.
  14. Top Hip-Hop Songs / R&B Songs Chart. Billboard. October 25, 2014. February 27, 2015.
  15. Rhythmic Songs: Dec 13, 2014. Billboard. December 13, 2014. February 27, 2015. September 8, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150908223613/http://www.billboard.com/biz/charts/2014-12-13/rhythmic-40. live.
  16. Web site: Tinashe – Pretend ft. A$AP ROCKY. TinasheOfficialVEVO. August 25, 2014. YouTube. December 6, 2016. June 27, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160627121957/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFa98Al2Kf4. live.