Tyler, the Creator’s latest release, CHROMAKOPIA, blends deep reflection with energetic hype tracks and beautifully layered arrangements. This album is no ordinary release; even its unconventional Monday drop diverges from the industry-standard Friday release, signalling Tyler’s intent to shake things up. CHROMAKOPIA feels like an evolution, merging the tones, atmosphere, and energy of previous works like IGOR and Flower Boy, while introducing a new, mature edge. Following his last album, CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST, the anticipation for CHROMAKOPIA has been intense, and it certainly lives up to the hype.
From the first track, ‘St. Chroma,’ listeners are plunged into a song rich in character. Tyler’s mother narrates the opening, leading into a chant of “Chroma, chroma, chroma,” with the steady march of soldiers as a backdrop, building an upbeat, intense energy that threads through the album. High-pitched backing vocals transition into a booming, hype-driven second half, immediately energising listeners for what’s to come.
CHROMAKOPIA is characterised by a juxtaposition of high-energy tracks and the classic Tyler style, with piano and synth samples layered over old-school beats. Tyler pushes himself artistically with “performance tracks” – abstract, expressive pieces that promise an electrifying live show. Tracks like ‘Thought I Was Dead’ and ‘Rah Tah Tah’ feature dark, powerful beats which add essential texture, allowing Tyler to explore themes of paranoia, fame, and existential contemplation.
In ‘Noid,’ for instance, Tyler addresses his complicated relationship with fame: “Living between cameras and recorders / I want peace but can’t afford ya.” These revealing lyrics highlight a new maturity in Tyler’s songwriting. He’s opening up to his listeners, explaining his desire for peace in a world where fame and constant attention make it nearly impossible. This brings a refreshing depth to Tyler’s work, as his raw, expressive tracks reveal him grappling with the complexities of fame, family, and even fatherhood, offering us a glimpse into Tylers psyche outside of being an artist.
Yet Tyler doesn’t reveal all; in tracks like ‘Take Your Mask Off,’ he reflects on the masks he wears as a public figure. The refrain, “I hope you find yourself / I hope you take your mask off,” feels like a mantra, echoing Tyler’s struggle to be authentic amidst fame. The album cover, featuring Tyler wearing a mask, underscores this theme, suggesting that the persona fans see may not reflect his true self. CHROMAKOPIA doesn’t mark a radical shift in his style; instead, it refines the familiar. His chill, sampled beats and jarring, intense rhythms have evolved, allowing him to tackle profound themes, elevating good tracks to greatness.
With CHROMAKOPIA, Tyler has crafted a work that is as much an artistic statement as a musical one. This album doesn’t just deliver well-produced tracks; it’s an exploration of his journey with fame, identity, and personal growth. This is Tyler’s maturation, capturing his life experience in a powerful, cohesive piece that may well be his finest work to date.
Words By Jack Dennison-Thompson
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