Normani has plenty of highs in “Dopamine.”
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TOP 5
5. STILL
Imagine telling Mike Jones in 2005 that his “Still Tippin” track would be sampled in 2024 by a pop star.
I’ll be real with you — “Still Tippin” by Mike Jones is one of my all-time favorite hip-hop records, which is probably why I couldn’t resist sneaking “STILL” onto this list. That said, the track also highlights Normani’s ability to channel some of that Beyoncé-level energy while still crafting something that feels authentic and culturally relevant.
Listening closely, I could swear I hear Travis Scott’s fingerprints all over this track — especially in the ad-libs layered in the background. If he didn’t actually contribute, then Normani might want to lawyer up.
4. Candy Paint
Normani sounds badder than the Washington Wizards in this track.
In “Candy Paint,” Normani doesn’t just flirt with danger — she owns it. She makes it clear she’s more than willing to steal your man, unapologetically, only to hand him back when she’s done, like a Blockbuster rental you forgot to rewind.
Her bold, mischievous lyrics are wrapped in sly vocals, flirtatious instrumentation, and melodies that stick to you like sugar. The result? A track that’s as intoxicating as it is audacious. If you’re in a relationship, you might want to keep a close eye out — Normani’s not playing fair.
3. 1:59 (Ft. Gunna)
Normani definitely sounds like the type of woman who gets hella impatient watching you unzip your pants.
In “1:59,” Normani and Gunna lock into a sultry back-and-forth, trading innuendos and fantasies that feel tailor-made for late-night moments. The slow jam leans into Normani’s silky, hypnotic vocals, while Gunna slides in with his signature laid-back delivery, balancing her intensity with a cool ease. The push-and-pull of their energies creates a magnetic tension, making the track as intoxicating as it is intimate. At its core, “1:59” is a slow-burn collaboration that lingers long after it ends.
2. Tantrums (Ft. James Blake)
Sidenote: What the f**k does James Blake look like? He just seems like this random muthaf**ka that is a masterful musician.
“Tantrums” stands out on the album, immediately grabbing attention with its hypnotic, slow-burning production. Normani’s mesmerizing melodies intertwine seamlessly with James Blake’s haunting vocals, creating a sonic atmosphere that lingers long after the song ends. Lyrically, she delivers a blunt dismissal of a romantic interest, challenging listeners to reconsider the worth of their own relationships. The result is a track that’s as intoxicating as it is introspective.
1. Wild Side (Ft. Cardi B)
If you are currently single as hell, you may want to make sure that you have enough lotion at the crib before you press play on this song (What? Women don’t like ashy men).
If you’re familiar with Aaliyah’s music, “Wild Side” will definitely strike a chord. The beat seems clearly inspired by the legendary singer’s “One In A Million.” Normani and Cardi B bring 2021 energy to the track—sexiness, modern melodies, explicit raps, and a level of inappropriateness that matches today’s next-level horny culture. While the song is a lot of fun, I do feel it could have used some Timbaland-style beatbox elements to really complete the vibe.
SONG-BY-SONG RATING
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Check out the individual track ratings we gave—these are what we used to calculate the overall score!
RGM RATING
(C+)
Normani has superstar potential written all over her. On Dopamine, she demonstrates a solid voice, sex appeal, and the ability to experiment across R&B styles. The highs of this project slightly outweigh the lows, with the production emphasizing slower, sensual instrumentals that showcase her true R&B capabilities.
The album strikes a balance between romance and desire, reflecting a world where hookups are common yet yearning for connection remains. While Normani’s lyrics are compelling, a broader public persona would amplify the resonance of her words even further.
One critique is her frequent use of whispering throughout the album, which sometimes feels restrained. Despite this, her creative melodies and moments of vocal clarity leave a lasting impression, highlighting her artistic growth.
While Dopamine may not completely redefine the genre, it delivers the authentic R&B vibes fans have been craving and solidifies Normani as an artist with real potential in a crowded female R&B scene.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
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