If Orange Was a Place

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If Orange Was a Place
EP by
Released15 September 2021 (2021-09-15)
Genre
Length18:13
Label
Producer
  • GuiltyBeatz
  • Jonah Christian
Tems chronology
For Broken Ears
(2020)
If Orange Was a Place
(2021)
Born in the Wild
(2024)
Singles from If Orange Was a Place
  1. "Crazy Tings"
    Released: 15 September 2021

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]

Background and release[edit]

On 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]

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Pitchfork7.0/10[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]

Awards and nominations for If Orange Was a Place
Year Organization Award Result
2022 The Headies Best R&B Album[9] Won
2022 South African Music Awards Rest of Africa Won

Track listing[edit]

All tracks are written by Temilade Openiyi, except where noted

If Orange Was a Place track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Crazy Tings" GuiltyBeatz3:02
2."Found" (featuring Brent Faiyaz)
GuiltyBeatz3:29
3."Replay" Jonah Christian3:00
4."Avoid Things" GuiltyBeatz3:44
5."Vibe Out" GuiltyBeatz4:57
Total length:18:13

Charts[edit]

Chart performance for If Orange Was a Place
Chart (2021) Peak
position
US World Albums (Billboard)[10] 7
US Heatseekers Albums (Billboard)[11] 9

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d "Tems: If Orange Was a Place EP". Pitchfork. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  2. ^ "Tems shares new EP If Orange Was A Place". The Fader. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  3. ^ a b "Tems release new Ep titled - If Orange Was A Place". Pulse Nigeria. 15 September 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  4. ^ "Listen to Tems' New EP 'If Orange Was A Place'". OkayAfrica. 15 September 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  5. ^ a b "Tems releases tracklist for 'If Orange Was A Place'". Pulse Nigeria. 13 September 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  6. ^ "Tems grabs RCA Records deal - P.M. News". Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  7. ^ a b "Tems Sings Circles Around Her Struggles on 'If Orange Was a Place'". Rolling Stone. 20 September 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  8. ^ "REVIEW: Tems - If Orange Was A Place EP". Pulse Nigeria. 15 September 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  9. ^ "2022 Headies Full List Nominees". Vanguard News. 24 May 2022. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  10. ^ "BillboardWorld Albums chart". Retrieved 2 October 2021.
  11. ^ "Billboard Heatseekers Albums". Retrieved 2 October 2021.