When Tyler, The Creator begins the rollout for an upcoming album, he introduces a new world. In 2021, he displayed the serene, mixtape-inspired “CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST.” Two years prior we got the pink, synth-driven world of “IGOR.” In 2017, he gifted us with the blissful, introspective universe of “Flower Boy.” This creative rollout strategy has become a staple of his music and an aspect of his craftsmanship that sets him apart.
On Oct. 16, fans got the first taste of the California native’s new world with a snippet to the track “St. Chroma.” The hard drums and stellar Daniel Caesar appearance, featuring harmonic, overlapping vocals, gave listeners the first peak into Tyler’s new era. Through two more snippets and other social media promotions, we were introduced to the noir, lime green, mask-wearing, cargo-truck-driving world of “CHROMAKOPIA,” his seventh studio album.
“CHROMAKOPIA,” like much of Tyler’s previous work, follows two narratives throughout the record. The first of the two is Tyler’s struggles with authenticity, maturity and the “light” within him. This concept begins on the album’s first song “St. Chroma (feat. Daniel Caesar).” Tyler’s mother, Bonita Smith, begins the track with a piece of insight for Tyler. Smith says, “You are the light / It’s not on you, it’s in you.” Smith remains present throughout the album, delivering messages to her son and driving the album’s narrative forward. On “St. Chroma,” Tyler ponders if his music still impacts others, and if they can still “feel the light.” Furthermore, he questions if remaining in the light is what's best for him and asks, “Do I keep the light on or do I gracefully bow out?”
The struggles with fame continue on the third track, “Noid.” It begins with blaring synths, guitar riffs and background vocals chanting, “paranoid.” Tyler delves into the paranoia that comes with fame through a choppy delivery and more lessons from Smith. “Don’t trust these people out here, please, whatever you do /Keep to yourself, keep your business to yourself,” Smith says.
The second narrative of the album begins on the next two tracks, “Darling, I (feat. Teezo Touchdown)” and “Hey Jane,” which introduces the audience to the love interest of the album, Jane. The former of the two songs is a sweet, delicately produced song about Tyler’s tendency to succumb to romantic endeavors. The track begins timidly, but bursts into a layered, euphoric love song. With that being said, “Hey Jane” is the standout moment from this section of “CHROMAKOPIA.” Over a mellow instrumental, Tyler tells a story from the perspective of Jane and Tyler, split into two verses. He sings in the view of an unexpected pregnancy and their nuanced feelings toward the situation. It’s one of his most daring and unique storytelling songs, tackling a taboo subject while looking at both perspectives of a complicated discussion.
The tracklist takes a turn with “Sticky (feat. GloRilla, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne),” an out-of-left-field banger. The song provides a necessary jolt to the project, building up horns, drums and a marching-band-esque atmosphere.
The “light” narrative returns on the following track, “Take Your Mask Off (feat. Daniel Caesar & LaToiya Williams),” which finds Tyler challenging others’ authenticity. The chorus, “I hope you find yourself / And I hope you take your mask off,” demonstrates that central idea. In the final verse, Tyler turns to a reflective dialogue, explaining that he lacks authenticity. The track is gentle, insightful and one of Tyler’s best songs.
As the record nears its end, the track “Like Him (feat. Lola Young)” presents a conversation between Tyler and his mother. Smith claims that Tyler looks just like his father, who abandoned him at a young age. Over this piano ballad turned melodic anthem, Tyler melancholically responds by saying, “Mama, I’m chasin’ a ghost.” “Like Him” adds another chapter to Tyler’s complicated relationship with his father, documented through his discography.
“I Hope You Find Your Way Home,” the album’s outro, serves as a culmination of the album’s two narratives, tying them together smoothly. The lyrically driven track, accompanied by soothing vocals, shows Tyler wondering if he feels ready to raise a child, calling back to the story of “Hey Jane.” He also questions his maturity and authenticity, admitting to losing himself through the trials and tribulations presented on “CHROMAKOPIA.” The track’s title describes Tyler’s desire to leave the mask behind and find his true self again.
Tyler builds upon his commitment to world-building, story creating and introducing new sounds on this project. The narration from his mother throughout the album provides a wholesome feeling to the project as well, guiding Tyler’s journey throughout the record and providing valuable life lessons.
Tyler, The Creator has gifted fans with another complete and cohesive project. With over a decade of releases, Tyler reaches a new level of vulnerability, wisdom and musical creativity with this new album. Based on all of these factors, I give “CHROMAKOPIA” by Tyler, The Creator album a rating of 9/10.
