Album Review: Tyler, the Creator – CHROMAKOPIA
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Label: Columbia
Released: October 28, 2024
Format: LP
"Tyler, the Creator is burning bridges and releasing the pain he’s carried for so long. CHROMAKOPIA becomes his mask and armor, giving him just enough protection to experiment freely."
I've been working on ideas for my review of CHROMAKOPIA, and there’s a lot to delve into—so much to discover, learn, and process. As a fan of Tyler, the Creator for nearly nine years, his eighth studio album is a testament to his consistency and lasting influence. I first came across Tyler in 2016 through his feature on A$AP Mob’s Cozy Tapes Vol. 1: Friends with the track “Telephone Calls.” My interest grew even more with the release of Flower Boy in 2017, one of his most celebrated albums to date. Flower Boy marked a clear evolution in Tyler's production and songwriting, revealing a more introspective and mature side of him through some of the most personal tracks in his discography. Since then, Tyler’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. His originality and craftsmanship are among his greatest strengths, often showcased through the distinct personas he brings to each album. These alter egos create unforgettable moments that elevate his music and continue to cement his legacy.
Tyler, the Creator is at the height of his career, and with his level of fame, it’s clear he faces intense pressure to outdo his previous successes. Every move he makes appears carefully thought out. CHROMAKOPIA stands as a colossal project, especially in its rollout and artistic vision, showcasing the immense thought and time invested in its creation. I have to applaud Tyler’s innovative spirit and dedication to making authentic music. He’s intentional in selecting which ideas to develop and which to set aside, crafting his best work by staying true to himself—a strategy that resonates deeply with listeners who connect with the honesty of his music. Some songs on CHROMAKOPIA are his most personal to date, offering insights into his current outlook on life, while others are undeniably designed to be crowd-pleasers, destined for clubs and radio play. "Sticky," featuring GloRilla, Sexyy Red, and Lil Wayne, may not be the album’s deepest track, but it’s bound to stick around due to its infectious energy, catchy hook by GloRilla and Sexyy, and the strong verses from Lil Wayne and Tyler, who impress as always.
In CHROMAKOPIA, Tyler, the Creator delves into past traumas, old relationships, and the complexities of his current mindset, including the price of fame. The listening experience feels like a real-time glimpse into his life, with production and sequencing so immersive they transport the listener into his world. ScHoolboy Q makes a surprise appearance on "Thought I Was Dead," one of the album's most intense and powerful tracks. It captivates immediately, with the beat drop at the 0:44 mark creating a standout moment—a reawakening after the album's quieter middle sections.
I’m losing myself in CHROMAKOPIA—I find myself replaying some tracks three times over, trying to fully grasp what Tyler is attempting to convey. It’s easy to get lost between songs; this might be Tyler, the Creator's most anticipated album yet, especially following the success of 2021's CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST and its deluxe edition, The Estate Sale. Tyler seems to be wrestling with his past personas, striving to recreate the rawness of his earlier music, almost as if his current self can’t quite reach the creative energy of his former self. It’s a psychological conflict he tries to break free from, something he addresses directly in “Take Your Mask Off” when he raps, “Sick of all the shame, sick of all the pain that’s within/ Scared of bein’ seen, tired of rebukin’ in sin/ Trade it all to be free and shine bright like the Sun.” Tyler, the Creator is burning bridges and releasing the pain he’s carried for so long. CHROMAKOPIA becomes his mask and armor, giving him just enough protection to experiment freely.
While Tyler strives to make his mark, CHROMAKOPIA occasionally falls short in terms of impact. It’s introspective, cohesive, and intuitively crafted, but it lacks the depth and emotional resonance needed for true memorability. The tracks are among his most polished in terms of production and curation, yet they miss certain elements that make music linger with listeners. Songs like “Darling, I” and “Rah Tah Tah” showcase Tyler’s unfiltered, rebellious side, while “Hey Jane” and “Judge Judy” reflect a more introspective and reflective angle. He attempts to balance these contrasting facets, crafting a complex persona that’s difficult to fully embody given his lifestyle and status. CHROMAKOPIA may be remembered as one of the standout albums of the 2020s for its ambitious rollout and streaming success, but it doesn’t quite achieve the timelessness I’d hoped for. Despite its innovation and commitment to quality over quantity, it ultimately falls short of my expectations.
The multifaceted singer-songwriter makes an iconic return with an album that feels like an echo of IGOR, only this time introducing a masked alter ego. While Tyler, the Creator effectively captures attention, he ultimately struggles to maintain that momentum. CHROMAKOPIA is an emotional rollercoaster that navigates a range of feelings but wrestles with consistency and coherence in its overall message.
Favourite Tracks: "Like Him," "Hey Jane," "Judge Judy," & "St. Chroma"
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