Tyler, the Creator's Album "IGOR" Reviewed

Author: Sean Sickler

Source of Photo: Pitchfork

This past Friday, Tyler, The Creator released his latest album "IGOR" and it is definitely a new chapter to add to his career.

A few hours Tyler posted on Twitter this photo below. This photo was to prep his fans and the listeners of the album for what was to come. Starting it off by saying that this is not like any of his other albums, and it is completely and sonically different than all the others. Giving instructions on how to listen to the album and where to listen to it for the first listen built up the hype even more for die hard Tyler fans and even new coming fans. 

Source of Photo: The Vinyl Factory

Starting off this album with the track, "IGOR'S THEME", it was definitely a wow factor for the album. With one of the co-writers and vocalists on the track being Lil Uzi Vert, I was definitely stunned. My first listen of this track I did not know how to feel, but after a few more listens I realized this track would be one I could see myself bumping on a late night car ride because of the eerie yet open vibe to it.

The next track "EARFQUAKE" has the help of Playboi Carti and a heavenly beat, this track all around is what I was expecting and wanted from the album.

The next track "I THINK" is a nod to falling in love and hit home for me. This track has a dancey beat to it, an insane sample, and beat switch up towards the end. Definitely my favorite one off of the whole album, the meaning behind it and the vibe to it as a whole.

The following track "EXACTLY WHAT YOU RUN FROM YOU END UP CHASING" is a short interlude which runs into "RUNNING OUT OF TIME" which features vocals from Frank Ocean is another love track, but with a negative feel. This track, from my listening, is Frank and Tyler speaking to a lover of theirs that there is an upcoming split to the relationship and they do not know how to feel or make the decision.

Following this love track is "NEW MAGIC WAND" which I honestly do not know how to feel about. This seems to be one of those tracks that is going to grow over time on me; the grimy beat with the dark lyrics is definitely unique to Tyler and reminiscent of his older music.

My second favorite track of the album follows, which is named "A BOY IS A GUN". Definitely one of the softer tracks off the album which is based around comparing his love and personality to that of a gun. Tyler goes thoroughly in depth to his love in this track and makes me feel as though I am in his shoes, a beautiful track overall.

"PUPPET" is another track that begins off with a grimy beat that transitions into a smooth and soft love track based around being a puppet of love, and being controlled by their lover. This track features vocals from Kanye West and is another one of the standout tracks on the album, with a short verse from Kanye towards the end with the unexpected beat switch up makes this track a classic. 

"WHAT'S GOOD" follows that of "NEW MAGIC WAND" with the dark beat and harsh delivery of the lyrics. Tyler goes into why he is "IGOR" and how he is dangerous at times but when the electric piano comes in, it shines the light onto his softer side.

The following track, "GONE,GONE/THANK YOU" is one of the best tracks of the album as well. The whole spacey vibe, catchy vocals, and wavy beat makes this track a sonically beautiful track to listen to solely for the beat. Definitely another track that I can picture myself driving late at night with some friends, just vibing to.

​The last two tracks of the album, in my mind, work hand in hand together and should be listened to one after the other. "I DON'T LOVE YOU ANYMORE" and "ARE WE STILL FRIENDS?" are the two songs where Tyler has finally broken it off with his lover and is able to admit to himself that he does not feel how he used to towards them. "ARE WE STILL FRIENDS" is Tyler confessing that although he doesn't love this person anymore, he still wants to remain friends to keep their memories alive.

Overall, this album is a huge switch up to Tyler, The Creator as an artist and I am totally down for it. Feeling deeply for each track, after the first listen, I was able to gauge that this album is one of my favorite releases of 2019 so far. This album is one that I can see myself playing in the background of almost any situation because it has those beats that put you into your happy place and help you understand the deeper meanings to love.

​Thank you Tyler for making yet another classic album.