Playlist weekly: Tinashe’s latest album release–POPSTAR
Written by: Malena Coleman
Published on September 30, 2026, 10:30pm EST
Tinashe’s latest album release–POPSTAR, is more than another release in her decade-long music career, it’s a testament.
It represents a moment for an artist who says she spent years feeling misunderstood and overlooked.
She shared a message on her Instagram page about her journey being a music artist. She said, “For years I felt misunderstood, overlooked… I inevitably reached a place where I no longer craved the validation of accolades, awards.”
“That’s why this means so much to me–because
after all of these years, seeing the praise for this project and finally feeling seen.”
Her message reflects her gratitude for the success POPSTAR has been within the first week of its release.
Her eighth studio album–POPSTAR, was released on September 25, 2026, through Atlantic Records and Nice Life.
The 16-track project achieved a new record opening week for Tinashe, hence her testimony.
The album peaked at #1 on the US and European iTunes Pop Albums chart.
What makes this even better is, Tinashe is accomplishing new records in a music genre that overlooks Black female pop stars.
The debate about who can claim the title “pop star” andachieve success in it has been raging for decades.
Tinashe is redefining what pop can look and sound like with her pop, EDM, R&B, jazz, and dance-infused sounds along with thenot-so-typical de-glammed POPSTAR album cover.
The success surrounding POPSTAR is well deserved and earned. She has been consistently pouring her heart and soul into her passion since her debut album “Aquarius” in 2014.
Over 10years later, she has finally seen recognition and mainstream acknowledgment.
The promotion of POPSTAR played a big role in the album reaching new heights for her music career.
Prior to the release of the album, she teased singles, music videos, visuals, publicity stuntsand live performances.
The “Crash Out” stunt was the first publicity stunt that generated a high buzz on social media.
She smashed a car's windows with a sledgehammer, treating it like areal-life crash-out moment.
Viewers on social media were shocked and confused before realizing it was a playful setup for her single “Crash Out.”
To continue the excitement and buzz of POPSTAR— after the single “Crash Out” was released, she continued the rollout with “Too Easy”, “Melatonin”, and “Pillow Fight.”
There is an official music video for all four of the singles to add to the visual theme.
The momentum surrounding POPSTAR is also carrying into Tinashe’s next chapter.
She is set to join Harry Styles on his upcoming tour—Together, Together in 2027, giving her the opportunity to bring her music to an even larger audience while continuing to expand her presence within pop.
The tour adds another major milestone to a year that has already marked a significant moment in Tinashe’s career.
Comments