Tyler Okonma, also known as Tyler, the Creator, recently released his eighth studio album “CHROMAKOPIA” album — and it tells a story. Each song has a different beat and rhythm.
The opening song, “St. Chroma,” featuring Daniel Caesar, is a pop mix that sounds similar to Tyler’s other songs, yet completely different. The harmonization is by far what makes that song so popular on the album. The song’s beat changes from the intro to the chorus and transitions into the next song on the album, “Rah Tah Tah.”
“Rah Tah Tah” is a dark rap song that tells a story of people talking. Tyler’s second song on the album is more of a hype song than the others.
“Noid” is the third song on the album and surrounds the storyline of what it means to be famous. “Noid” is a representation of the paranoia that comes with fame.
“I, Darling,” featuring Teezo Touchdown is the best love song on Tyler’s new album. As usual, Tyler’s love songs take the cake for pop love songs. Without being corny, Tyler put his perception of what love sounds like to him into a song that carries a beat that makes you want to dance.
“Hey Jane” is written about a character named Jane, who seems to be Tyler’s lifeline. We all have a Jane in our lives. You go to Jane when you have doubts and need advice. Jane is the person that is your rock. Jane is the person who you can be yourself around. Tyler’s lyrics make it seem like his listeners hear his inner doubts and thoughts.
“I Killed You” has an unsettling rhythm and even more unsettling lyrics. The beat switches up through all of the chaos in the song and changes to a calm and romantic tune. The lyrics change from ones of anger and death threats to ones of admiration. Tyler loves shocking his fans with the surprising transitions during his songs. This song changes from angry rap to complimenting harmonies and then to a more laid-back and bohemian beat.
“Judge Judy” is a strongly transitioned song from “I Killed You” and another love song. It is somewhat less romantic than “I, Darling.” The song is extremely well done and written overall. The rap lyrics Tyler uses to tell a story make the song so captivating.
“Sticky,” featuring GloRilla, Sexyy Red and Lil Wayne is another hype rap song. The cop sirens and helicopter sound effects emit a chaotic vibe. The song itself combines different instruments and aesthetics, each costumed to every artist of the song.
“Take Your Mask Off” featuring LatoiYa Willams and Daniel Caesar is a song about being true to yourself. The harmonies of the backup vocals and the highlight of specific instruments like the trumpet give a positive message to Tyler’s fans.
“Tomorrow” is more of a melancholy song about the uncertainty of the future, and the loss and gain of time. Tomorrow is about accepting the things you cannot control. Tyler’s songs on “CHROMAKOPIA” reflect his story of growing up and maturity.
“Thought I Was Dead” featuring ScHoolboy Q and Santihold is another hype song, incorporating various band instruments. It starts with a marching chant, similar to Tyler’s song “See You Again,” as well as the album’s opening song “St. Chroma.” Tyler’s use of marching chants gives his songs an edge.
“Like Him” featuring Lola Young starts with a sad beat comparing and listing similarities between Tyler and Him. The beat switches up yet again, becoming more of a fast-paced song, turning the melancholy song into a catchy one.
“Balloon” featuring Doechii is a more playful song on Tyler’s new album. The piece is one of the best songs on the album. It is light yet at the same time it has meaning. The song sounds happy yet still has that famous Tyler edge.
“I Hope You Find Your Way” is the closing song to the album. The song starts with a harmonizing tune followed by Tyler’s trademark sound effects as well as his unique combination of different instruments. A mixture of jazz and pop is the only way to describe this closing song.
“CHROMAKOPIA” by Tyler the Creator is unlike anything he has ever produced, yet it still carries Tyler’s staple characteristics. This album was truly eye-opening with hidden messages in each song if you listen closely. Tyler has done it again, writing and producing another Pop Album of the Year.