If Orange Was a Place is the second (and first major label) extended play by Nigerian singer, songwriter and producer Tems.[2][1] It was produced primarily by GuiltyBeatz, along with production from Jonah Christian, and was released on 15 September 2021 by Since '93 and RCA.[3] It features a single guest appearance from American singer Brent Faiyaz.[4]
| If Orange Was a Place | ||||
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| Released | 15 September 2021 | |||
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| Length | 18:13 | |||
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| Producer |
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| Tems chronology | ||||
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| Singles from If Orange Was a Place | ||||
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Background and release
editOn 6 September 2021, Tems announced via her Twitter handle that her second EP was set to be released the next week.[5] A week later Tems released the track listing, accompanied by a trailer for the EP revealing Brent Faiyaz as the only guest artist and Ghanaian producer GuiltyBeatz as the EP's primary producer, with additional production from Jonah Christian.[5]
If Orange Was a Place was released on 15 September 2021 by RCA/Since '93, revealing that Tems had signed a recording deal with the label.[6][3]
Critical reception
edit| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Pitchfork | 7.0/10[1] |
| Rolling Stone |   [7] |
The EP reviewed positive reviews from critics. A review from Pitchfork stated that "If Orange Was a Place takes on a different texture and mood. If there's any element still resonant, it's Tems' unrestricted expression."[1] Rolling Stone praised the EP while also stating that it "broadens Tems' budding discography across moods and tempos, uniting all her strengths in a multi-faceted display of self-actualization".[7] A mixed review from Pulse Nigeria wrote that "this isn't music to be judged harshly - if it can be judged at all. It's just music to be enjoyed and understood."[8]
Accolades
edit| Year | Organization | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | The Headies | Best R&B Album[9] | Won |
| 2022 | South African Music Awards | Rest of Africa | Won |
Track listing
editAll tracks are written by Temilade Openiyi, except where noted
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Crazy Tings" | GuiltyBeatz | 3:02 | |
| 2. | "Found" (featuring Brent Faiyaz) |
| GuiltyBeatz | 3:29 |
| 3. | "Replay" | Jonah Christian | 3:00 | |
| 4. | "Avoid Things" | GuiltyBeatz | 3:44 | |
| 5. | "Vibe Out" | GuiltyBeatz | 4:57 | |
| Total length: | 18:13 | |||
Charts
edit| Chart (2021) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Heatseekers Albums (Billboard)[10] | 9 |
| US World Albums (Billboard)[11] | 7 |
References
edit- ^ a b c d "Tems: If Orange Was a Place EP". Pitchfork. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
- ^ "Tems shares new EP If Orange Was A Place". The Fader. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
- ^ a b "Tems release new Ep titled - If Orange Was A Place". Pulse Nigeria. 15 September 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
- ^ "Listen to Tems' New EP 'If Orange Was A Place'". OkayAfrica. 15 September 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
- ^ a b "Tems releases tracklist for 'If Orange Was A Place'". Pulse Nigeria. 13 September 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
- ^ "Tems grabs RCA Records deal - P.M. News". Retrieved 26 September 2021.
- ^ a b "Tems Sings Circles Around Her Struggles on 'If Orange Was a Place'". Rolling Stone. 20 September 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
- ^ "REVIEW: Tems - If Orange Was A Place EP". Pulse Nigeria. 15 September 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
- ^ "2022 Headies Full List Nominees". Vanguard News. 24 May 2022. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
- ^ "Tems Chart History (Heatseekers Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
- ^ "Tems Chart History (World Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 4 November 2024.