Tyler, The Creator has killed it with the release of CHROMAKOPIA. There are no words I can give to describe just how GOOD this album is. It has all the different feels and flavors of each album that he has ever released, but, of course, brings its own unique sound. It still holds onto elements from Igor and Call Me If You Get Lost, especially with the background vocals.
The album’s release has been highly anticipated and it definitely delivered. After the single “NOID” dropped, every Tyler fan knew that this album was going to be great.
“NOID” is a great pick for the lead single. It captivates the journey of struggling with paranoia. It has a unique sound, hitting you with an electrifying guitar riff, and is followed with a simple, but absolutely necessary, drum pattern. The way the lyrics skip around, sending in new and different elements, helps the listener come into the protagonists’ state of mind.
The meaning behind “NOID” is an exploration of Tyler’s personal feelings about being famous and the isolation fame can bring. He further expresses his anxieties about being watched; having something happen within his home and the distrust of the people he keeps around him. He has a heavy desire for privacy, but being a celebrity makes this almost impossible. This is a huge topic with all singers and celebrities in general, and it paints a good light on how celebrities really feel about their fame and their obsessive fans.
CHROMAKOPIA has all the songs laid out beautifully. Each song flows into the other effortlessly. There is not a single gap between the music stopping and starting. It is honestly so nice, as it completely unifies the album in all its glory.
Personally, my favorite song from the album is “Sticky.” All of the featured artists are just pure gold. I definitely did not expect to hear GloRilla and Sexy Red. They bring an aggressive aspect to hyping up the song. The background beats and the repeated “sticky” are just so good. I liked how it drowned them out when passing through verses. It is so catchy and will have me humming it. I feel like this specific song helps the new alter ego Tyler has brought to the album.
I believe that every track is great, but another notable one is “Like Him.” I did not like the beginning of this one just because it plays directly after a super upbeat and chaotic sound, but when Tyler brought in that solo piano clip, it was HEAVENLY. Goosebumps. Even the 80s synth, too, carries this track.
Another thing I have enjoyed about this album is the reuse of most background elements. And when I say background elements, it is the layered aspects of the song. Super experimental; the trumpets behind the verses and sound clips of someone speaking over top. I love that. It makes you pay more attention to the lyrics. They are crafted so well that I am almost like, “Oh yeah this is classic Tyler,” but it is still new and original.
Overall, this is an insane album. It was everything I expected and more. Tyler, The Creator is and has been one of my favorite rappers of all time and I can definitely see him dropping more albums just like CHROMAKOPIA in the future. The only disappointment was that Frank Ocean did not make an appearance. Five stars.
