"Pretend" is a song by American singer
Tinashe. It was released as her second single from her debut album Aquarius.[3] The song, which was produced by producer
Detail, features a guest verse from Harlem-based rapper
ASAP Rocky.
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."[4] 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."[5]
"Pretend" is a pop song written by Tinashe, Lyrica Anderson and ASAP Rocky and was produced by
Detail.[1][2]
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."[7] 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."[6]
Music video
The song's official music video, directed by
Jodeb, was shot on August 19, 2014[8] and released on September 29, 2014.[9]
^"
ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Change the chart to CZ – SINGLES DIGITAL – TOP 100 and insert 201439 into search. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
^"
ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select SINGLES DIGITAL - TOP 100 and insert 201439 into search. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
^"Rhythmic Songs: Dec 13, 2014". Billboard. December 13, 2014.
Archived from the original on September 8, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2015.(subscription required)