Tyler, the Creator, has recently announced the drop of his new album CHROMAKOPIA on Oct. 28 and I think we’re all in for a treat. Regardless of if you’ve listened to Tyler’s music before, this album is guaranteed to be an exciting development on the music scene.

Now, I haven’t listened to all of his music, but the two albums I’ve explored (“Igor” and “Flower Boy”), I’ve really enjoyed. And it’s not just me that’s enjoying his music – Tyler’s award-winning music has garnered millions of listeners on Spotify, 33.9 to be exact. In addition, he has also won two Grammys, a Brit Award, and an MTV Video Music Award. Across his career, Tyler has collaborated with Rex Orange County, Frank Ocean, Steve Lacy, Kali Uchis, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and many other household names.

Tyler, the Creator’s music style is very distinctive and I think that’s what makes him so popular. Each song is so unique and overloaded with various audio clips, bridges, modified vocals, and background noises – making an audible collage of sorts. The vibe will change multiple times in one song, which works to create some of the most audible intrigue that I’ve ever heard.

“Igor” (and I know this sounds weird) reminds me of radio static. Lots of the vocals are kind of crackly and have that “retro” feel to them,and the bass is amplified, which really compliments some of the gentler vocals. A majority of the album also features piano, and R&B style guitar. In addition to singing vocals, there also are samples of Tyler just speaking which is what creates that distinctly “Tyler, the Creator feel”. By overlaying multiple audios and modifying some of his clips, he makes it seem as if there are multiple different artists one one track when in reality, it’s just him.

Unlike “Igor”, which focused mainly on Tyler’s voice, “Flower Boy” was centered entirely around collaborations with other artists. Each song style was tailored to who Tyler was collaborating with to really highlight their vocals and distinctive genre. “Flower Boy” has a more laid back feel than “Igor”, with a less heavy bass and incorporation of more instruments. Just as he highlights various artists, Tyler also highlights a wide range of instruments in this album, including violin, drums, acoustic and electric guitar, and piano. 

As always, here’s my favorite Tyler songs. For those of you who haven’t ever listened to him, I highly recommend and here are some to get you ready for CHROMAKOPIA on October 28th!

My Top Ten:

1. NEW MAGIC WAND (Igor)
2. 911/ Mr. Lonely feat. Frank Ocean & Steve Lacy (Flower Boy)
3. BEST INTEREST
4. IGOR’S THEME (Igor)
5. See You Again feat. Kali Uchis (Flower Boy)
6. ARE WE STILL FRIENDS? (Igor)
7. I Ain’t Got Time! (Flower Boy)
8. EARFQUAKE (Igor)
9. I THINK (Igor)
10. Enjoy Right Now, Today (Flower Boy)

For fans of Thundercat, Frank Ocean, Rex Orange County, and Childish Gambino.