After leaving fans waiting for about three years for a brand new album, Tyler, The Creator returned to the spotlight with a new album to feed fans. Tyler, The Creator released ‘CHROMAKOPIA’ on Oct. 28 for millions of eager fans around the world.
His previous album, ‘CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST’ received great reviews among critics and fans when it was released in 2021. He would later release a deluxe version of said album in 2023, merely two years after its initial release. Even though ‘CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST: The Estate Sale’ left fans feeling satisfied, the people still wanted a fresh release from Tyler. Furthermore, Tyler would continue to tease and lead fans to believe he didn’t have any music to release any time soon.
However, Tyler announced a teaser for his brand new album, ‘CHROMAKOPIA’, last week before he announced the lineup for his Camp Flog Gnaw festival, which is held at the legendary Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. He used a semi-truck to haul a giant green container with the album’s name written on it, marketing his album throughout the country. Nevertheless, ‘CHROMAKOPIA’ was released on all streaming platforms Oct. 28.
‘CHROMAKOPIA’ is produced, arranged, and written by Tyler Okonma – Tyler The Creator’s real name.
‘CHROMAKOPIA’ is narrated by Tyler’s mother, Bonita Smith. Smith gives her son advice that he would use to direct the album. When discussing what inspired his album at a listening party at the Intuit Dome, Tyler said, “But the album just kind of turned into me taking a bunch of [stuff] my mom told me when I was a kid. Now that I’m 33, all of that stuff is like, ‘Oh, that’s what she was talking about.'”
Tyler faces the great challenges that come with adulthood, having to let go of his childhood and deal with real-life situations his mother once told him all about. He made a journey of self-discovery, taking a new direction with the music’s sound, which also reflects his mind at the moment. ‘CHROMAKOPIA’ features vocals from artists such as Childish Gambino, Daniel Caesar, Lil’ Wayne, ScHoolboy Q, and more.
The record starts strong with a great three-track run. ‘St. Chroma’ acts as an introduction to the album with a choir behind Tyler’s voice, which Tyler also uses as a new character in his discography. St. Chroma wears a mask as shown in the album cover. The outstanding lead single, ‘Noid’, tells the listener how Tyler is consistently paranoid about the public and what lingers on the back of his mind. Tyler uses more industrial and rock-inspired instruments and sounds throughout the album. The most introspective track off the album is ‘Hey Jane.’ This fictional song tells the story of Tyler and a girl named Jane, where they battle the troubles and fears of unexpected pregnancy. This idea is introduced by Bonita Smith’s spoken word interlude at the beginning of the song.
Although I do appreciate the new approach, ‘CHROMAKOPIA’, at times feels boring and soulless. Towards the middle of the album, it slows down and begins to feel pointless. This happens for around five tracks where the album loses its replay value. A track where this is most prevalent is ‘Sticky’ featuring Lil’ Wayne, Sexyy Red, and GloRilla. This song is an obvious track with the intention of being a top-charting hit on the internet. ‘Sticky’ is a track that was completely pointless and has no flavor at all. It reminds me of another quick cash-grab song by Drake that the internet will eat up.
However, ‘CHROMAKOPIA’ finally picks up on the track ‘Thought I Was Dead’. It’s a grand, braggadocious rap song filled with horns that Tyler flows on with an amazing ScHoolboy Q verse. If you were to buy a physical copy of this album, you would also get a bonus feature on this track by rapper Playboi Carti. Tyler ends the album with an emotional run, even featuring a voicemail from his mother while she is crying, proud of his work. ‘I Hope You Find Your Way Home’ is the last track and certainly a beautiful one.
It is no secret that Tyler, The Creator does not have the greatest voice for singing. However, he uses his raspy, deep voice, like always, to create vocals that work just fine. Tyler once again does not miss with his flows and lyrics in his raps. The outstanding usage of samples and orchestra throughout the album complements his voice well. Noting that Tyler produces all of his work makes me appreciate this album much more.
The overall mood this album sets is a cold and, at times, chaotic vibe. There is a bigger contrast with this album compared to Tyler’s previous works that give off summer vibes in sunny Los Angeles. Tyler breaks all traditions with this album, most notably how there is no two-part song on this album, which was something most fans couldn’t wait to hear before coming into this album upon the first listen. Tyler also did not wait the usual two years he always does to release this album. Instead of releasing it around summertime, he decided to release this one during the fall, which I believe helps the reception of this album way more.
‘CHROMAKOPIA’s biggest strengths overall are its production, lyrics, storytelling, and interesting ideas arranged together by Tyler.
‘CHROMAKOPIA’ is one of Tyler, The Creator’s weakest forms of art in recent years. Ever since he changed directions with his music in 2017 with ‘Flower Boy’ fans have received amazing bodies of work. While ‘CHROMAKOPIA’ is more lackluster and underwhelming compared to his last few albums. ‘CHROMAKOPIA’ is not a bad album; Tyler just could not top his own albums like ‘IGOR’ or ‘CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST.’ My personal favorite tracks would have to be ‘Rah Tah Tah,’ ‘Hey Jane,’ and ‘Thought I Was Dead.’ Eventually, St. Chroma finally takes off his mask and gets personal and emotional. This album does not have much replay value to it. All through his discography Tyler has a truckload and more of songs that you can constantly play anytime, while ‘CHROMAKOPIA’ feels only seasonal.
You can stream and listen to ‘CHROMAKOPIA’ below. Please feel free to express your opinion in the comments as well, and remember this is just one person’s opinion.
