“You gave me love and affection / Attention, protection / How could I ever miss somethin’ / That I’d never had?” sings Tyler, the Creator in his new song “Like Him,” featuring Lola Young.
From emotional, heart-touching melodies to energetic cries through the mic, Tyler, the Creator takes listeners on an unpredictable journey that is as chaotic as it is captivating in his new album “Chromakopia,” which was released Oct. 28. With features such as Daniel Caesar, Childish Gambino, Lil Wayne, ScHoolboy Q and Glorilla, Tyler’s seventh studio album showcases his bold vision — but some listeners may be left scratching their heads.
The album’s high points are almost undeniable. With tracks such as “Like Him” and “Darling, I” Tyler shows off his ability to resonate with listeners in ways that few artists can achieve. Layering his voice with soft instrumentals, Tyler strikes a perfect balance between melody and personal storytelling. This aspect of his music is clear in songs like “Hey Jane,” where Tyler expresses a sense of deep vulnerability in the form of a letter. These songs reveal a side of Tyler that’s introspective and heartfelt — something that many fans have come to expect considering his previous albums.
Beyond the album’s ability to convey raw vulnerability to listeners, “Chromakopia” spreads across multiple genres, containing several songs that burst with electrifying energy. Tracks such as “Sticky” and “Rah Tah Tah” give listeners a more intense, upbeat experience. With loud vocals and bold instrumentals, listeners are able to experience another side of Tyler’s musical range — one that is unapologetically chaotic, with hard hitting beats and vocals that practically leap out of the speakers. It’s safe to say that these songs are another high point of the album, pushing boundaries with frantic sounds that demand attention.
With such a wide range of songs, it is clear “Chromakopia” captures Tyler’s fearless creativity. This album highlights his ability to produce songs across different genres, where listeners are able to see his talent for layering sounds. Somehow, Tyler seems to tie together elements that on paper shouldn’t work together as well as they do. Combining samples, intense instrumentals and electric vocals, each song seems to evoke a truly distinct emotion. As a listener, you can’t help but think the album is simultaneously recounting a story, while showcasing Tyler’s ability to take risks as an artist and producer.
But at times, these risks take away from the album itself. With such intense high points, it feels like the album’s momentum is interrupted by seemingly random interludes. These segments appear at the beginning, middle, or end of almost every song. Despite showcasing an aspect of creativity, they make it difficult to truly engage with the album, as they often disrupt the flow of the catchy lyrics and instrumentals. For the average listener, these sections feel like an unnecessary detour, and many songs on the album are difficult to sit through.
With such a wide range of songs, “Chromakopia” speaks immensely to Tyler’s creativity as a producer who is willing to take risks and showcase his artistic vision. So when you decide to sit down and give the album a chance, brace yourself: It’s a wild ride that may leave you feeling just as lost as you are inspired.
