On October 28, 2024, Tyler the Creator dropped his newest album, CHROMAKOPIA. Fans flocked to listen to the newest album after more than three years without new music; however, it was met with mixed reviews. SHA-ADD FM is here to break down our thoughts and opinions, from St.Chroma all the way to I Hope You Find Your Way Home.
The song transitions are smooth, one song playing into the next in a musically appealing way; however, the placements of the songs on the album make for some abrupt changes in mood. One example being the transition from Like Him to Balloon. Like Him, a heartbreaking story about not having a father figure throughout his childhood, but finding out as an adult that his father wanted to be a part of his life and how he had to grapple with that realization. “She said that I make expressions like him. My legs to my shoulders and my chin like him. My waist and my posture like him.” After Like Him, the song transitions directly into Balloon, which speaks on self-identity and personal relationships in a up-beat and provocative way with a feature by Doechii. “Like bells during December, I sleigh.” The tempo, lyrics, and message of the song gives the listener some whiplash, which might have been what he was going for? We’ll leave that interpretation up to you.
A large aspect of the album is Tyler’s inclusion of voicemails/audio recording from his mom. It impacts the story by demonstrating an aspect of how Tyler was raised. The way his mom’s voice rings through the listener’s ears creates a deeper connection between the artist and fan. Tyler proves time and time again to not be afraid of speaking his own personal truth and being vulnerable.
Fan culture has become overwhelming in many ways. We idolize and see artists as not humans, but objects made for our entertainment. CHROMAKOPIA is an album where the artist opened up and shared the aspects of his life that make him human. Artists tend to paint themselves the opposite way, seeming perfect, put together, and untouchable. As fans, we should embrace and support the raw, unedited versions of our favorite celebrities and artists. In the song, Noid, Tyler speaks on being afraid that everyone is out to get him because of his fame. “Living between cameras and recorders. I want peace but can’t afford ya, no.” Tyler’s hope is that opening up through CHROMAKOPIA may open the eyes of fans to see the real him, Tyler Gregory Okonoma, instead of just, Tyler, the Creator.
Overall, SHA-ADD FM rates CHROMAKOPIA by Tyler, the Creator a 9.5/10. The diversity of the songs go from ballads that bring awareness to societal norms and issues, songs to dance and scream to, and even one that marching bands might add into their set lists. How do you feel about Tyler, the Creator’s eighth album?
