Album Review: Bryson Tiller – Bryson Tiller

Rating: 8.0

To say that Bryson Tiller hasn't evolved as an artist would be a gross understatement. There's something about this album that evokes a strong sense of nostalgia and stirs up memories from the past. It showcases Bryson Tiller at the pinnacle of his talent, both as a singer and rapper. He masterfully blends his artistic styles and incorporates various elements from his previous works to construct an entirely new sonic universe for his dedicated fanbase. It's like an open invitation for everyone to immerse themselves in his innovative artistic style, which fuses R&B with elements of trap, EDM, and pop. It provides a sublime listening experience that leaves you with a lasting impression. On (“Peace Interlude”), a slow trap ballad, Bryson Tiller reflects on his life and expresses a longing for tranquillity. This song perfectly captures Bryson Tiller's heart and soul, with its production, instrumentation, and lyricism. The lyrics, “I can't figure out if you're even still here with me/ Love me by your wrong discretion/ There's no such thing as perfection” showcase his introspection. This album feels like a victory lap, reminding new listeners of his flair while delighting his loyal fans. The cohesiveness, seamless transitions, and impressive production throughout the album are evident.

Bryson Tiller's fourth self-titled album starts off with (“http://”), a smooth instrumental that leads you into a whole new world. It's worth noting that Bryson Tiller has been promoting this album on his Instagram, using Sci-Fi references to show off his new vibe and as symbols for his new era. There's a lot to appreciate here, especially the creative direction that went into crafting such an exceptional body of work – encompassing a myriad of diverse music elements. On the next track (“Attention”), showcases Bryson Tiller's vocal prowess at its finest. The instrumental flawlessly harmonizes with his voice as he effortlessly glides over the beat with his mesmerizing vocals and infectious lyrics, “The way you light it up in here/ Dress shimmer like the chandelier/ Diamonds in your ear/ You're makin' one thing very clear”. Without a doubt, this song has all the makings of an R&B classic, with its soothing tempo and Bryson Tiller's falsetto adding that extra touch of replay value and radio-friendly appeal.

When Bryson Tiller dropped True to Self in 2017, it received a lot of negative feedback and was considered his weakest effort. Bryson Tiller himself opened up about it, mentioning that he was going through a tough time and feeling down. As years went by, we saw him trying to find his way back to creating music. In 2020, he made an attempt to reignite his passion for music, but it seemed like he was facing some challenges in making a comeback. Bryson Tiller has been vocal about his struggles with mental health. That's why this self-titled album holds a special place as we witness his success and growth. It's an album that speaks volumes with its understated approach, keeping things intriguing – it represents Bryson Tiller fully embracing his authentic self and navigating the challenges of personal growth. It's a journey that may come with some painful but necessary growing pains. Certain moments on the album evoke strong emotions and bring back memories of fan-favorite, T R A P S O U L. It's like a time machine, transporting you back to the old Bryson Tiller while keeping you fully present in the current era.

While the album strives to provide a distinctive and unparalleled listening experience, it also manages to create lasting moments throughout its 48-minute duration. Some of the notable highlights include the smashing R&B pop track (“Persuasion”) featuring Victoria Monét, the mesmerizing collaboration (“Random Access Memory [RAM]”) with Clara La San, and the superb tune (“Undertow”). The latter one truly evokes the essence of Chris Brown, with Bryson Tiller's vocals seamlessly blending with Chris Brown's singing standards. It's truly a remarkable display of Tiller's talent. The album explores themes of self-discovery, embracing change, and personal transformation. It's an artfully crafted record that seeks to redefine Bryson Tiller's position within R&B and Hip-hop genre.

After all these years, Bryson Tiller has finally achieved a remarkable milestone worth celebrating. This is a testament to true dedication and unwavering patience. This album elevates Bryson Tiller to a league of his own as a versatile rapper and singer. The ability for an artist to seamlessly transition between different personas is truly exceptional. On (“Prize”), Tiller pours his heart out about a woman he deeply admires, effortlessly switching between soulful singing and striking rap verses. At this point, the R&B star is simply reveling in the joy of creating music. The production on this track is at its finest, with a flawlessly blended trap beat that hits all the right notes. 

Bryson Tiller self-titled album is a nostalgic work of art, encapsulating the essence of the past while embracing a contemporary and futuristic approach, reimagined to its fullest extent. Undoubtedly, it stands as his magnum opus. This sonic odyssey takes listeners on a gratification musical voyage, a true coming-of-age record that avoids repetition and instead provokes thought and pushes boundaries.

Favourite Tracks: “Attention”, “Peace Interlude”, “Find My Way”, “Random Access Memory [RAM]”, ”Persuasion” & “Whatever She Wants”