Tyler's New Album Underwhelms, but Still Manages to OVER Perform

Alright. It's July 28th. Tyler, the Creator's new album is officially a week old and after listening to it 3 times now, I think I'm ready to share my opinion and take whatever backlash comes with it. But again, reread that last sentence: this is MY opinion. Even though I've made sure to emphasize this, I know there's gonna be at least one person who opts not to use their reading comprehension skills, so before proceeding past this point, this is your final warning. If you're still here, get comfortable. This is a long read.

I'll start by saying that the roll out for this album was SICK. Everything both before the release and after has been flawless. The videos, little skits to accompany the songs, the broken glass effect when you double tap a photo on Instagram, it's all been amazing. Being an art enthusiast and photography and film geek, I've loved the presentation of this album, but honestly, I'd expect nothing less from him. In addition to that, to drop on a Monday with no prior promo or hype aside from the previous album is a bold move, one ironically reminiscent of his Chromakopia release.

Ever the evolving artist, this album is unlike anything else he's released. Though there are callbacks to his previous albums like the never-ending internal conflict with himself and his sexuality (Tyler just can't seem to leave them men alone, but don't get it twisted, he'll still take your b****) or the drums and sounds riddled throughout Cherry Bomb, this album offers both a nostalgic callback to old southern hip hop and dancehall with something new and fresh from Tyler altogether. Another detail I liked, this album almost plays like a movie, each track weaved into the next seamlessly. The transitions on this album are done sequentially, meaning "don't hit shuffle, don't hit skip, DON'T TOUCH THE GLASS", the metaphorical glass being your phone in this case. Just hit play and enjoy, but don't just HEAR the music. LISTEN. FEEL IT.

Tyler does nothing without intention and just like Chromakopia, the ending isn't the end at all. It's just the beginning. I said I listened to the album 3 times, but the second was not intentional because I had NO idea the album even ended and had started again. I couldn't help but laugh and restart the song from the beginning. Regardless of anything I say past this point, please know that these things are things I took note of and found the most interesting about this project. Now, those are the PROS. Let's get into the CONS.

This album did not move me lyrically. GRANTED, and I REALLY need y'all to hear me, this was NOT a RAP ALBUM. It's being hailed as a "dance" album. Now, once I heard this, I immediately changed my whole stance and enjoyed it for what it was which was something for the girlies to pop ass to and the guys to step. It hits all the marks: upbeat, whimsical, and electric. The tone and wordplay aren't "Call Me If You Get Lost" or even "IGOR" but it shows flashes here and there, so much so that my initial thought was, "these sound like a bunch of IGOR throwaways", but the synths and sounds almost remind me of Patrice Rushen and as a huge fan of hers, that definitely gave me a slight tingle.

"Don't You Worry Baby", "Sucka Free" and "Ring Ring Ring" were immediate favorites, but "I'll Take Care of You" has grown on me the more I hear it. It's like if Project Pat and Memphis Horror Core had a baby with Kerri Chandler or Lone and it came out confused looking like both parents. It's both in the midst of an identity crisis and knows exactly what it is. It's the perfect mix of both and I'm here for it. With that being said, the songs I like, I can vibe with, and the replay value is there, but the songs I didn't mention, just didn't hit that spot for me (pause for pause moment) hence they get no mention here. Doesn't make them bad, doesn't mean I hate them, it's just not particularly MY cup of tea. If I need my daily dose of dance mix, Geode and Kaytranada are my go-tos, but Tyler, definitely made a splash with this project even if not nearly as big of one as his previous works, though, the charts will say otherwise.

This album did what every Tyler album does and that's excel and crush every metric you did or didn't believe it should've and his fans, even myself as I'm typing this, will make sure you don't forget that. All in all, it was a fun project. It was entertaining, it was visual, and it's the perfect listen for any summer kickback or function. But that's just MY opinion. Give it a listen and form your own. Final Verdict: Had you asked me last week, 6 flat. But now? 6.5. Not bad, but not my favorite. Still, I digress: its good shit.