"Pretend" is a song by American singer Tinashe. It was released as her second single from her debut album Aquarius. 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." 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."
"Pretend" is a pop-r&b song written by Tinashe, Lyrica Anderson and ASAP Rocky and was produced by Detail.
Release and critical reception "Pretend" premiered on August 22, 2014 online.
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." 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."
Music video The song's official music video, directed by Jodeb, was shot on August 19, 2014 and released on September 29, 2014.
Credits and personnel Recording locations Tinashe's vocals mixed at Larrabee Sound Studios, North Hollywood, Los Angeles ASAP Rocky's vocals recorded and mixed at Clockwork Studios, Los Angeles Mastered at The Mastering Palace, New York City
Personnel
Tinashe – songwriter, lead vocals ASAP Rocky – songwriter, guest vocals Detail – songwriter, producer The Order – songwriter, producer Lyrica Anderson – songwriter Héctor el Father – recording, mixing Geebizzy – recording assistant, mixing assistant Jaycen Joshua – mixing Ryan Kaul – mixing assistant Maddox Chimm – mixing assistant Contains a sample from "Action", as performed by Orange Krush Dave Kutch – mastering
Credits adapted from the liner notes of Aquarius.
Track listing Digital download "Pretend" (featuring ASAP Rocky) – 3:52
Digital download "Pretend Remix" (featuring Jeezy) – 4:16
Digital download "Pretend" (Dave Audé Remix) – 3:40
Charts Chart (2014–2015) Peakposition Australian Hitseekers Singles (ARIA)12US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles (Billboard)17US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard) 34US Rhythmic (Billboard)29
Release history DateFormatLabelAugust 22, 2014Digital download RCA
References