Tyler, The Creator ‘Chromakopia’: Tracks Ranked

When held up in opposition to the unpredictable genre-mashing of Chromakopia’s different stand-outs, “Like Him” feels barely formulaic. Tyler’s gentle coos and the manufacturing sounds nice, however the steadiness of “Like Him” simply doesn’t captivate as a lot because the album’s extra disorienting entries.

Thematically, “Hey Jane” feels comparatively surface-level in comparison with the complicated themes explored elsewhere on Chromakopia. Whereas the monitor itself relaxes and flows with ease, its four-minute runtime drags a bit and brings the power down simply barely beneath cruising altitude earlier than skyrocketing it again into the stratosphere with “I Killed You.”

One other love story aided by Infantile Gambino, Tyler’s “Decide Judy” seems like a breath of recent air after the pummeling of “I Killed You,” courtesy of his exuberant vocals. Although “Decide Judy” isn’t a vital detour from Chromakopia’s barrage, it’s a welcomed breather.

Chromakopia’s lush and magnetic nearer permits Tyler to rattle off a number of extra stellar bars earlier than wrapping up his newest effort. Although lyrically he doesn’t tread any new territory right here, “I Hope You Make Your Means House” as soon as once more twists and turns alongside the way in which, leaving Tyler, the Creator followers with another batch of colourful soundscapes earlier than calling it a day.

Tyler’s intro steps into his newest period completely with “St. Chroma.” In a hushed tone, Tyler welcomes followers to his new world, spitting surprisingly hopeful bars alongside some soulful vocals courtesy of Daniel Caesar. The tune then flips and disintegrates into bass-thumping insanity, which is extremely on-brand for Tyler, the Creator.

Chromakopia’s tenth monitor ushers within the album’s final act with absolute pandemonium, and in flip, serves as the proper setting for Schoolboy Q’s gruff movement. Whereas Chromakopia is layered with deeper metaphors and meanings all through, “Thought I Was Lifeless” seems like a tune solely made as a “f–ok you” to the haters. “White boys mockin’ this s–t and y’all mad at me?/ Y’all can suck my d–ok,” Tyler calls out.

As Chromakopia’s second monitor grinds alongside, Tyler makes use of the trunk-rattling backdrop to flex on anybody who stands in his manner, (and offers a fast shout-out to Zendaya). The braggadocious nature of “Rah Tah Tah” feels each like an evolution and an homage to Tyler’s day ones, with the suffocating beat harkening again to his Wolf days.

Flower Boy followers will certainly rejoice with the sound of “Take Your Masks Off,” as Tyler’s substitutes the boisterous manufacturing of Chormakopia for a tune full of sunshine. Tyler takes a second to talk to the downtrodden and calls out hopeful reward to anybody who feels the necessity to conceal behind masks and suppress their individuality. This in flip suits snuggly inside Chromakopia’s presumed theme of self-discovery amidst fame. Pushed by piano and ‘80s synths, the tune meanders alongside like a summer season breeze.

Tyler, the Creator’s lead single nonetheless serves as among the finest tracks on Chromakopia, frankly due to how disorienting its rock-rap backdrop is. Because the rapper tussles collectively a distorted sampling of the Ngozi household’s 45,000 Volts album he commentates on the cultish nature of fame, and the next paranoia that threatens to spoil his life. “Triple checking if I locked the door/ I do know each creak that’s within the flooring,” he spits.

On “I Killed You,” Tyler is true in his bag as he geese and weaves alongside the beat’s jerking tug-of-war. The beat flips unexpectedly all through with its barrage of horns and bongo drums threatening to implode, however by no means really detonating. All of the whereas, Tyler retains his cool, rapping breathlessly as his world threatens to cave round him. “Gravity defying, this that component,” Tyler spits, nearly acknowledging how cool he stays below “I Killed You’s” disorienting stress. The tune then opens up in its closing moments, just like the solar after a storm, permitting Infantile Gambino to drift in and do his factor.

Tyler’s “Tomorrow” is among the album’s rawest tracks, and showcases potent lyricism from the California MC. After Chromakopia hurls a ton of brash flexes on the listener, “Tomorrow” appears to gradual issues down and permits Tyler to reckon with the vainness of his way of life. He sees his family and friends beginning to have youngsters and notes that every one of his purchases really feel so insignificant compared.

“Yeah my brodie had one other child, that’s like quantity two/ My homegirl and I attempted, she like thirty-two/ They sharin’ footage of this second, s–t is basically cute/ And all I acquired is photographs of my ‘Rari and a few foolish fits,” he raps. At 33 years previous, “Tomorrow” seems like a really highly effective journal entry within the lifetime of Tyler Okonma.

A short however enchanting tune, “Balloon” pairs some iconic samples (together with Luke’s “I Wanna Rock)” alongside glitchy synths that sound like one thing out of a Mario recreation. Whereas Tyler thrives, particular visitor Doechii stays the tune’s spotlight, as she conquers the bewildering beat. Her verse is so enjoyable and manic that it’ll certainly persuade individuals of her plain expertise.

“Sticky” is chaotic and unpredictable, with Tyler providing a few of Chromakopia’s most rambunctious flexes. “N—a, give a f–ok” ‘bout pronouns, I’m that n—a and that b—h,” he raps.

By the point GloRilla and Sexyy Pink chime in, “Sticky’s” relentless volley of whistles, chants, and bass causes the rappers to almost journey and stumble in one of the simplest ways doable. Sexyy Pink is barely in a position to rattle off various darts earlier than the beat devours her, and even Lil Wayne can’t get a number of phrases in earlier than a blast of horns drowns him out. “Sticky” is a tune that pushes its company far outdoors their consolation zone, and requires everybody to step into Chromakopia’s world — even when it means a sure dying.

As one of many solely moments of optimistic reprieve on the album, “Darling, I” feels delightfully playful amidst a lot of Chromakopia’s looming darkness. As a lot of the album explores the exploitative nature of movie star tradition, Tyler’s ruminating on his sexuality feels meditative and shiny in comparison with the tough glum of the undertaking.