Released: 2023
In the sultry pop track “Uh Huh” by Tinashe, she explores themes of desire, commitment, and emotional transparency. It’ll get your heart pumping faster than a Kanye West Twitter rant.
First, let’s dive into the hook: “Are you up? Are you down?” Here, Tinashe is not just checking your music preference. She’s probing the emotional readiness of her lover, making sure they’re on the same page. “Do you want me right now?” further emphasizes her bold and raw attraction in true pop diva style, not too dissimilar to the undisguised cravings articulated by Madonna in her prime.
In the first verse, Tinashe sings, “When you’re lookin’ at me, somehow I feel exposed.” This is someone who is used to the limelight, but being under the scrutinizing gaze of her lover feels different, more intimate. The lines “It was just for the plot, but baby, I’m back for more” beautifully meld pop sensibilities with a narrative arc, akin to Britney’s confessionals — it was meant to be casual, but she’s caught feelings.
When she pronounces, “And when my ex nigga try callin’ me back, it’s over,” Tinashe draws a line in the sand. She’s moved on, declaring her new relationship the real deal, reminding me of Billie Eilish breaking away from past relationships in her debut album.
The second verse gets heavier with the emotional ammo. “Don’t you second-guess it / I won’t play with your mind” — Tinashe is setting the record straight, stating her intentions are as clear as a Max Martin production. When she croons “Baby, let me slide,” she’s asking her lover to lower their guard, allowing her to slide into their heart, a sentiment that Beyonce has often echoed.
In summary, “Uh Huh” encapsulates Tinashe’s all-or-nothing approach to love. It’s a tantalizing track that fuses a catchy beat with thoughtful lyrics, tracing a narrative progression of emotional revelation and insistence on reciprocation. Tinashe’s lyrical explorations resonate with the emotional rollercoasters many pop icons like Dua Lipa and Halsey have often chronicled. Now go put this track on repeat, and let Tinashe’s confessions wash over you.
