Amethyst (mixtape)

Amethyst
Mixtape by Tinashe
Released	March 16, 2015
Recorded	December 2014
Length	27:15
Label	Self-released
Producer	Ritz Reynolds Mae N. Maejor Smash David Nez & Rio DJ Dahi Iamsu! Ryan Hemsworth
Tinashe chronology
Aquarius (2014) Amethyst (2015) Nightride (2016)

Amethyst is the fourth mixtape by American singer Tinashe. It was released on March 16, 2015, as an independent artist. The mixtape, named for her birthstone, follows the release of her debut album Aquarius (2014). Tinashe wrote and recorded the mixtape in her bedroom over the 2014 Christmas vacation and released it as a gift to her fans.

Background

Half a year after releasing her debut album Aquarius (2014), Tinashe released a seven-track mixtape titled Amethyst as a gift to her fans. It includes contributions from Ryan Hemsworth, Iamsu, DJ Dahi and among others. ^{[1] [2]} According to Tinashe, the tracks were recorded in her bedroom over her Christmas vacation. ^{[3] [4]}

Composition

Music and lyrics

In its review of the mixtape, Billboard described "Dreams Are Real" as the lead track which incorporates many of the core elements of contemporary R&B production. It noted that the song is built around a sparse piano motif and a heavy bass line contrasted with lighter percussive snaps and airy drums. The publication also highlighted Tinashe's shifting, layered vocal delivery, commenting that she evokes post-disco R&B while also adopting a cadence reminiscent of Drake's "Company". According to the review, the track concludes with a repeated exclamation—"the future is mine"—which contributes to its triumphant tone. ^[5]

Critical reception

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Pitchfork	7.1/10 [6]
PopMatters	7/10 [7]

Amethyst received generally positive reviews, with Pitchfork saying that "it reminds us that Tinashe has come to seem like a uniquely genuine presence in R&B". ^[6] Jezebel also wrote a very positive review on the mixtape, describing the mixtape as "there's an ease and intellect, a fortitude and freedom". ^[8] Stereogum noted that Amethyst continues the lush, moody atmosphere of Aquarius , highlighting Tinashe's blend of airy vocals and sing-talk delivery. The review described the mixtape as a solid follow-up that reinforces her status as a promising new R&B artist. ^[9]

The mixtape was later named "15 Mixtapes That Should Have Won Grammys" by Complex , stating that "Amethyst was one of 2015's strongest coming-of-age R&B projects, second only to Bieber if we expand that distinction to include pop". ^[10] They also listed the mixtape at number 24 of the best albums of 2015. ^[11]

Track listing

Credits were adapted from BMI. ^{[12] [13]}

Amethyst track listing

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Producer(s)	Length
1.	"Dreams Are Real"	Tinashe Kachingwe David Jimenez	Mae N. Maejor Smash David	3:43
2.	"Wrong"	Kachingwe Ryan Hemsworth	Hemsworth	4:20
3.	"Something to Feel"	Kachingwe Nesbitt Wesonga Jr. Mario Loving	Nez & Rio	2:26
4.	"Looking 4 It"	Kachingwe Anthony "Legacy" Thomas	Legacy	4:05
5.	"Wanderer"	Kachingwe Brent Reynolds Dacoury Natche	Ritz Reynolds DJ Dahi	3:19
6.	"Worth It" (featuring Iamsu!)	Kachingwe Sudan Williams	Iamsu!	4:51
7.	"Just the Way I Like You"	Kachingwe Reynolds	Ritz Reynolds	4:31

References

1. Minsker, Evan (March 16, 2015). "Tinashe Drops Amethyst Mixtape". Pitchfork . Retrieved November 21, 2025.
2. Baines, Huw (March 16, 2015). "Tinashe Releases Amethyst Mixtape". Stereoboard. Retrieved November 21, 2025.
3. Carley, Brennan (March 16, 2015). "Download Tinashe's Sparkling New 'Amethyst' Mixtape". Spin Media . Retrieved March 20, 2015.
4. Samuels, Keithan (March 16, 2015). "Mixtape: Tinashe – Amethyst". Rated R&B . Retrieved November 21, 2025.
5. Leight, Elias (March 16, 2015). "Take a Break From Kendrick Lamar's Album: Listen to Tinashe's Amethyst Mixtape". Billboard . Retrieved August 5, 2016.
6. Garvey, Meaghan (March 20, 2015). "Tinashe: Amethyst Album Review". Pitchfork . Retrieved April 7, 2018.
7. Stevens, Nathan (May 4, 2015). "Tinashe: Amethyst". PopMatters . Retrieved April 8, 2018.
8. Shepherd, Julianne (March 18, 2015). "Tinashe's Amethyst Mixtape Is G-Funk for a New, Womanist Los Angeles". Jezebel . Retrieved March 13, 2018.
9. White, Caitlin (March 16, 2015). "Download Tinashe Amethyst". Stereogum . Retrieved November 21, 2025.
10. Maicki, Sal (May 10, 2016). "15 Mixtapes That Should Have Won Grammys". Complex . Retrieved March 13, 2018.
11. "Best Albums of 2015". Complex . December 15, 2014. Retrieved December 1, 2015.
12. "BMI | Repertoire Search". repertoire.bmi.com. Retrieved January 15, 2019.
13. Lilah, Rose (March 16, 2015). "Amethyst". HotNewHipHop . Archived from the original on March 16, 2015. Retrieved January 15, 2019.