Album Review: Tyler, the Creator’s Igor
It’s been four weeks to the day since Tyler, the Creator released his fifth studio album, “Igor”. On the same day, Dj Khaled released his highly anticipated album, “Father of Asahd” and up-in-coming raptress Megan thee Stallion dropped her debut mixtape, “Fever.”
Summer’s playlist is definitely hot! No arguments there. But…if I’m being honest, between the three projects; IGOR KILT IT! *Drop one of Dj Clue’s bombs for Tyler, the Creator*
Before I get into it, yes, I know Dj Khaled’s album recently hit No. 1 on Billboard. Of course, it did! Fifteen songs with over 20 of the biggest names in music is a fool-proof plan to top the charts. But that doesn’t make it a great album, or even an incredible body of art. If anything, it’s safe and very cookie-cutter. Some may even call it artistic bankruptcy.
But I digress! This isn’t about Khaled. So let’s get into the actual focus of this article.
IGOR
A whole mood, and an entire vibe in its own right! For me, “Igor” is “Seeing Sounds” 2.0. It is very apparent that Pharrell has had a huge influence on Tyler as a producer and artist. I don’t want to say it was an all-out ode to Skateboard P and N.E.R.D, but the melodic, summery sounds Igor boast are reminiscent.
Tyler has always been known to be quite the provocateur through his music, art work and antics. But Igor just hits different. With little (very little) rapping, the album is a web of hip hop, R&B, and funk that takes listeners through an emotional journey of a man caught in a love triangle. It plays as a stream of consciousness that progressively pushes Tyler to another level of emotions with each track. Which makes it one hell of a break up album!
I applaud Tyler for evolving as an artist without sacrificing his edge. And the critics agree!
Rolling Stone: Igor is a heartfelt album that finds Tyler lowering his guard and revealing himself to be a shape-shifting artist who is still growing, and who has fully shed his skin as a vulgar internet cowboy.
Pitchfork: Tyler, who proudly produced, wrote, and arranged the album, is singing more but he’s not worrying whether his tracks have a traditional pop arc.
Billboard: On IGOR, Tyler lets us in, and turns out most of us have a whole lot in common with him. Depleted and alone, Tyler expands his sonic identity and turns in a rough gem of mourning hymns and self-help anthems.
The environment Tyler presents in this album is immersive to say the least. If you haven’t already checked it out, you should definitely do so…NEOOOW! No skips. Front to back. No distractions.
