Album Review: Tyla – TYLA +

Genre: Amapiano/Pop

Label: FAX Records, Epic 

Released: October 11, 2024

Format: LP

"Following the success of her debut self-titled album, TYLA, released in March, she has reissued it with bonus tracks, adding a layer of fulfillment and depth."

Deluxe Edition Unveiled

Tyla has undoubtedly had a remarkable year, marked by numerous nominations and accolades across the globe. She has been making waves at every event she attends, sparking both controversy and consensus. Following the success of her debut self-titled album, TYLA, released in March, she has reissued it with bonus tracks, adding a layer of fulfillment and depth. The deluxe edition arrives at an opportune moment, showcasing her undeniable artistic prowess and versatility.

The three bonus tracks kick off with "SHAKE AH," featuring Tony Duardo, optimist, and Maestro Fresh-Wes. This energetic opener immerses us in a bass-heavy Amapiano instrumental that artfully combines infectious melodies with Tyla's soothing vocals. The collaboration showcases a dynamic interplay among these artists, radiating a carefree and rebellious vibe, making it both a club anthem and a radio hit. Next, we encounter Tyla at her most vulnerable yet exhilarated in "PUSH 2 START." This track is expertly crafted, centered around a resonant theme that captures the essence of feel-good music, showcasing Tyla's charm and her vibrant party persona. Finally, "BACK to YOU" sees Tyla delving into her emotions as she grapples with the desire to hold onto a lover. This introspective piece is sure to resonate with her dedicated fanbase, offering a heartfelt glimpse into her experiences.

Although the deluxe tracks captivate with their instant charm and replayability, the album still lacks a cohesive creative direction, particularly in its tracklisting. Placing the three new songs at the forefront was a smart decision, yet including the "Intro" featuring Kelvin Momo would have provided a more complete experience, as the standard version hinted at a promising but unfinished concept. This omission left some fans longing for its full release. Nevertheless, the album offers a refreshing listening experience.

Outstanding Track: "SHAKE AH"

Standard Version Review

Tyla's ascent to stardom is remarkable, characterized by the cohesiveness and consistency of her debut studio album. The seamless integration of music and album art, particularly the cover, perfectly captures her aura and rebellious spirit. The album opens with “Intro” featuring Kelvin Momo, creating an engaging studio session vibe that sets the tone for an exceptional listening experience. Tyla embodies the essence of party anthems, solidifying her status as a hitmaker with songs that resonate widely. Tracks like “Safer” and “Truth Or Dare” promise to deliver an unforgettable experience in a live setting. Overall, her impressive talent for crafting catchy hooks and memorable songs ensures they linger in the listener's mind long after the music stops.

The album showcases Tyla's exceptional versatility across various genres, including Amapiano, Afrobeats, R&B, and Pop. In under 38 minutes, she establishes herself as more than just a one-hit wonder, affirming her status as a lasting presence in the music industry. In “Butterflies,” her exquisite vocals align perfectly with the song’s themes of past relationships, love struggles, and personal triumphs. The poignant lyrics, “All it took was dedication to make me fly / Not a minute could be wasted, we're on God's time,” resonate powerfully. The album explores themes of intimacy, euphoria, and the vibrant Gen-Z lifestyle, delivering quality over quantity. Its concise runtime encourages repeated listening, ensuring that every moment is impactful.

Following the massive success of her hit single “Water,” which even featured a remix with Travis Scott, Tyla faced the challenge of proving she was more than a one-hit wonder. She not only embraced this challenge but also exceeded expectations with an album filled with tracks that surpass the acclaim of “Water.” Her growth as an artist is evident, cementing her status as a formidable presence in the music industry. On “No. 1,” a collaboration with renowned Nigerian singer-songwriter and producer Tems, Tyla delivers a powerful duet that highlights the exceptional talent of these R&B divas. The infectious hook, “Feel like a million girl / I gotta put me number one,” serves as an empowering anthem for women. Tems' vocals beautifully complement the simple instrumentation, resulting in a perfect blend. If this track doesn't hit the airwaves, it would be a missed opportunity.

The standout track of the album is undoubtedly “ART,” which captivated listeners from the moment Tyla teased it during the album promotion. Her down-to-earth voice draws the audience in as she explores themes of love and vulnerability, expressing herself with lines like, “Draw me in, look at what you started / Good with your hands, can you paint my body?” This soul-stirring song is sure to resonate with many. The featured artists making a significant impact, such as Gunna on “Jump” alongside Skillibeng and Becky G on “On My Body.” These tracks are undeniably groovy and perfect for the club scene, effortlessly blending Amapiano, Afro house, and Afrobeat elements, reminiscent of the vibrant South African Amapiano culture. This is the kind of music that would undoubtedly excite Black Coffee during his DJ sets.

The album aims for boundless energy and enjoyment, but it also features poignant quieter moments that stand out, despite the absence of interludes. Tracks like “Butterflies,” “Priorities,” and “To Last” showcase Tyla's vulnerability and introspection through heartfelt ballads. This debut album reflects Tyla's expected style while indicating her potential for growth. It sets her on a promising path toward becoming the next African Sasha Fierce. Although her peers may closely monitor her progress, Tyla appears unstoppable with this release. Exciting times lie ahead as we await her ability to maintain this momentum.

While Tyla strives to replicate the success of “Water” in tracks like “Breathe Me,” she successfully balances progress with a sense of timelessness. Although some moments may feel familiar, with certain songs sounding somewhat average and repetitive in instrumentation, she navigates these challenges with her charming personality and and ability as a vocalist.

Outstanding Tracks: "ART," "Truth or Dare," "Safer," "Butterflies"

Album Score: 8/10