Is If Orange Was a Place a good place to start with Tems?

Yes, If Orange Was a Place is recommended as a starting point for new Tems listeners. Ethereal melodies and lush instrumentation intertwine, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that captures the essence of modern Afrobeats. If Orange Was a Place marks Tems' first EP following her breakthrough single 'Try Me' in 2020, which established her as a rising star in the alternative R&B and Afrobeat scenes. This release showcases her artistic evolution and solidifies her unique sound, positioning her as a key player in contemporary music.

Who is If Orange Was a Place for?

If Orange Was a Place works well if you're into introspective celebration of emotions, front-loaded energy for engagement and gradual build towards resolution.

How many songs are on If Orange Was a Place?

If Orange Was a Place has 5 tracks, running approximately 18 minutes.

If Orange Was a Place

Tems · 2021

18 min · 5 tracks · Afrobeat

Ethereal melodies and lush instrumentation intertwine, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that captures the essence of modern Afrobeats.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Crazy Tings Start here — As the lead single, this track perfectly encapsulates Tems' signature style, blending Afrobeat rhythms with introspective lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners.
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Found — This song features a captivating vocal delivery that showcases Tems' emotional range, coupled with rich production that creates a lush listening experience.
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Vibe Out — With its extended runtime, this track allows Tems to explore themes of relaxation and connection, making it a standout moment on the EP.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

Tems' EP blends ethereal melodies with rich instrumentation, creating a cohesive and distinctive sound within modern Afrobeats.

What we noticed

The first track opens with layered vocal harmonies that create a lush soundscape, setting a dreamlike tone for the EP.
Each song features a consistent use of syncopated rhythms and melodic hooks that intertwine with atmospheric production elements.
The final track gradually fades out, leaving an echoing effect that enhances the ethereal quality established throughout the EP.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

introspective celebration of emotions
front-loaded energy for engagement
gradual build towards resolution
vibrant rhythms for uplifting moments

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek longer, sprawling compositions

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This EP follows her breakthrough single, solidifying her rising star status.
Themes: dreamlike intimacy· Afrobeat rhythms
Career context: If Orange Was a Place marks Tems' first EP following her breakthrough single 'Try Me' in 2020, which established her as a rising star in the alternative R&B and Afrobeat scenes. This release showcases her artistic evolution and solidifies her unique sound, positioning her as a key player in contemporary music.
Stylistic neighbors: Sampa the Great· H.E.R.· Jorja Smith