I recently updated High Tide, the unofficial TIDAL client for Linux, and noticed a number of valuable improvements since my last review. As a reminder, High Tide is still in development, meaning it lacks a stable release, is reliant on TIDAL’s API, and requires a paid subscription to TIDAL for use.
Despite its current status, High Tide serves as a solid alternative to the official TIDAL web app, though it’s not available on Flathub yet. Installation is straightforward; users can download a Flatpak snapshot from its GitHub repository and follow the setup instructions.
Upon updating, I discovered several enhancements:
Background Playback: High Tide can now run in the background, allowing users to close the main window while music continues to play. This feature, while basic, requires users to enable it in the Preferences menu.
Audio Normalisation: A new normalisation option lets users toggle this feature for all tracks played, enhancing the listening experience as TIDAL tracks support ReplayGain.
Auto-Scrolling Lyrics: The app now supports auto-scrolling lyrics, enabling users to sing along more easily. If lyrics aren’t available, a message will notify users.
Playlist Management: Adding tracks to playlists has become simpler with the addition of an "Add to a Playlist" option in the track menu.
User Interface Improvements: The sidebar layout has been refined, including a new icon for creating custom "track radio" stations and better placement of track timing tickers for a cleaner look. Additionally, the queue design and visibility of album art have improved.
Reliable Content Population: The Home and Collection sections now display more reliably, showcasing content based on the official TIDAL APIs.
Despite these upgrades, some features are missing or less effective; for instance, the Home tab no longer shows personalized playlists or artist suggestions, which is a disappointment.
To try High Tide, download the latest Flatpak build from the project GitHub. Users can install it using command line or via a GUI for Flatpaks.
In conclusion, while TIDAL may not be the most popular music service, it represents a crucial choice for many users, including myself. Thus, my insights into High Tide are based on personal use rather than an intention to promote one music service over others.
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