Tinashe Concert Review: Good Things Come in Threes, ‘BB’

Tinashe is an alternative pop and R&B legend. The “2 On” singer has been in the music industry for over 15 years, and she has been a performer for far longer. More than just the girl from “The Polar Express”, Tinashe embodies the essence of the R&B “it girl,” consistently showcasing remarkable vocal prowess, impressive dance skills, and bewitching songwriting on every project she releases. With several mixtapes and half a dozen albums under her belt, Tinashe’s natural abilities are matched only by her dedication to establishing herself in the industry.

With its first part released in 2023 and a second part projected for 2024, Tinashe’s “BB/ANG3L” album is another standout addition to her discography. The production and lyrical content are lush, personal, and seductive. Standouts like “Talk to Me Nice” and “Needs” are impeccably constructed and a wonderful step forward for Tinashe’s sound. It was this artistry that drew an enthusiastic crowd to her third Boston headlining show at the Royale on Feb. 12.

From the initial pre-show blackout came a powerful musical prelude, Tinashe’s captivating vocal runs falling over stormy projections from the back of the stage. Appearing on a dark stage, which was bare save for the tall black box she stood on, Tinashe kicked the show off with a haunting rendition of “Treason,” the lead track from “BB/ANG3L.” Her voice floated seductively over the shimmering chimes of the song’s production, punctuated with flashes of light from around the stage.

“I don’t need a reason, I just wanna be with you tonight,” she crooned, an earnest plea to her enraptured listeners.

A dauntingly long, 26-song setlist stood ahead of her, which she navigated with ease. While she tended to stay contemporary, Tinashe was not afraid to venture into older and deeper cuts from her discography. She took her audience on a spectacular musical journey, moving effortlessly from her early classics to more recent favorites.

“Man, I love to get on,” she sang during a particularly lively performance of “2 On,” stretching out her microphone to solicit an “I love to get 2 on” from the crowd.

Tinashe’s skill as a dancer cannot be overstated. Her seamless synchronization with her dancers, all while maintaining her vocal composure, is a testament to her extensive training and effort. Her performance goes beyond entertainment — it's a display of sheer athleticism. Her ability to command the stage and connect with her audience created a palpable vitality that reverberated throughout the venue. It was clear that Tinashe and her team put a lot of thought and effort into every aspect of the show, from the setlist to the choreography to the overall production value.

While Tinashe certainly holds her own as a performer, her accompanying dancers are nothing less than stellar. A four-piece unit, Tinashe’s dancers are more than just background performers, They were a mesmerizing act in their own right, perfectly synchronized with the music and each other. If she’s a pebble, her dancers are water, rippling and rebounding from her moves to create a symphony of movement. Whether body-rolling, twirling, or bounding through the setlist, her dancers’ performances are instrumental to the show’s appeal.

With unending effervescence and signature flair, Tinashe breathes new life into her recorded discography with her live performance. By the end of the night, Tinashe had unquestionably exhibited why she continues to be a mainstay in the world of alternative R&B and pop. With her velvety vocal delivery and seemingly unending fountain of energy, Tinashe is undoubtedly a star.

— Staff writer Abigail A. Golden can be reached at abigail.golden@thecrimson.com.