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AYO.
In usual Tyler, The Creator fashion, two years have passed since his last project, and the much anticipated fifth studio album 'IGOR' dropped today, quickly proving itself to be the treat we've been waiting for.
One thing fans can attest to Tyler excelling at is providing a well-curated imagery and style to accompany his albums, making every drop feel like an (dare I say it) experience. This undoubtedly makes his new projects even more exciting and shows his commendable ability to take risks in a cookie-cutter industry.
The album comprises twelve tracks; a 39 minute listen featuring big names in rap such as Playboi Carti, Lil Uzi Vert, Slowthai and Kanye West, even bagging a Santigold, Mild High Club and King Krule feature, with Al Green samples. And let's not forget usual suspects, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell and Kali Uchis. With signature mismatched beats full of pleasant surprises and "ah" moments, this album explores themes of love, heartbreak and healing. And what is Tyler if not an absolute genius at writing a good lovelorn song?
If you've been following the California rapper's music for a while now, you'd know this album is a clear indication of his evolution, not only musically but as an overall artist since his 'Bastard' days. While some fans expected the new album to be somewhat of an accumulation of his discography, Tyler cleared the air in a recent social media post (see below) saying listeners should separate 'IGOR' from past albums.
"This is not Bastard. This is nor Goblin. This is not Wolf. This is not Cherry Bomb. This is not Flower Boy. This is IGOR", he writes, also telling listeners to not expect a "rap album", which, post-listen, would be a fair thing to say.
Tyler, through his honest and unusual lyricism, has a knack of being relatable in the most unexpected ways.
Despite the production of 'IGOR' being so signature Tyler, it still feels refreshing and different every single time, something I personally could never get tired of. It's cohesive without feeling redundant.
The album kicks off with 'IGOR'S THEME', which sets a good general overview of the mood, transitioning into 'EARFQUAKE', an instant ear-catcher, where themes of love and heartache are first explored.
"'Cause when it all comes crashing down, I'll need you"
This continues in "I THINK", where I'm instantly taken aback by how good the beat is (although to be fair I felt this way with every track).
"RUNNING OUT OF TIME" is a more mellow track that reminds me of the Flower Boy song (sorry for the comparison, Ty), 'Boredom.'
"It's a low tide, I'll be fine, I found peace in drowning"
'NEW MAGIC WAND' is an instant hit and standout, try not to bop your head along to this one. I dare you.
"PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ME NOW"
'A BOY IS A GUN' and 'PUPPET' are another two mellow tracks so sonically pleasing, you'll almost forget about all the unrequited love.
"I'ma leave it at that, I'ma leave us as friends
'Cause the irony is I don't wanna see you again*"
*Clever wordplay referencing Tyler's Flower Boy track, 'See you Again.'
'WHAT'S GOOD' is another good song to get hype to (or whatever the kids are saying these days), while still having many layers and minor yet well-executed transition towards the end.
The second and third final tracks of the album, 'GONE, GONE/ THANK YOU' and 'I DON'T LOVE YOU ANYMORE' shows Tyler's healing process and moving on from a lost lover.
"Thank you for the love
Thank you for the joy
But I am never gonna fall in love again"
"Cause I don't love you anymore
But this might just be better for us you know?"
Finally, the album ends with 'ARE WE STILL FRIENDS?', a fitting conclusion that mirrors the aftershocks of a breakup; trying to be on good terms with an ex and getting closure.
"I don't want to end the season on a bad episode"
Overall, I was pretty impressed and hooked from the first listen, something that rarely happens. For listeners who haven't been big Tyler, The Creator fans over the years, this album still proves itself to be a good listen.
I love seeing Tyler come into his own, and this album only reinforces that the thing I love most about him is his absolute inability to be ordinary.
Stream IGOR!
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