Album Appreciation: ‘IGOR’ By Tyler, The Creator [2019]

Hey there Insighters and Tyler fans alike. Welcome back to another musical start to the weekend! The time has come for yet another installment of ‘Album Appreciation’ here on #FiveOnFridays.

For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the concept, here’s the gist:

‘Album Appreciation’ is where I discuss my thoughts on an entire body of work from a musical act based on recommendations or out of personal curiosity. And to keep in-tune with the Top-5-countdown spirit of things, I rank and comment on my 5 favorite songs from said body of work.

This week I’m tapping into the musical stylings of American Rapper,Singer,Songwriter,Record Producer, etc. Tyler Okonma. Better known as the comical and eccentric Tyler, The Creator.

Now, I’ve been meaning to explore different genres when it comes to these ‘Album Appreciation’ posts. I not only yearn to showcase the diversity of my musical palette, but to give you guys something other than Pop.

And so here we are, in the gallows of Hip-Hop. Although, I wouldn’t consider ‘IGOR’, (Tyler’s 5th studio album) to be your traditionally Hip-Hop, Rap album.

Admittedly, this LP is the first thing I’ve ever heard from Tyler, so I was rather ambivalent heading into it.

However, before I even reached halfway through the tracklist, I knew this was gonna be a contender for my Album Of The Year.

‘IGOR’ finds Tyler brilliantly channeling various genres, from Psychedelic Soul to Alternative to Experimental back to Hip-Hop into a cohesive and decisive record.

All while consistently and passionately conveying skill, wit, and emotion with some of the best production I’ve heard all year.

Honestly, it exceeded my expectations of what his music could sound like judging from his quirky, outlandish persona.

Notwithstanding, I am pleased to present to you Insighters my top 5 tracks from the amalgamated masterpiece ‘IGOR’.

NUMBER-FIVE [5]

‘GONE, GONE / THANK YOU’ ft. CeeLo Green,

Part I of this two part masterpiece opens with peppy drums which then welcome sultry vocals and glistening keys, already transporting you elsewhere.

Nonetheless, it doesn’t take long for the atmospheric conditions of the song to change from sun-kissed to gloomy as more of the lyrical content kicks in.

“Whether it’s rain or shine, I know I’m fine for now/ My love’s gone, my love’s gone/ My love’s gone, oh, gone/ (Two, three, go)/ Or maybe it’s just a dream that I can’t seem to wake up from/ My love’s gone, my love’s gone/ My love’s gone, gone“, CeeLo muses melodiously among swooning backing vocals, really channeling the Neo-Psychedelic vibes of the song.

But right before the transition to Part II ‘THANK YOU’, Tyler dishes out a plethora of clever bars laced with metaphorical sincerities.

“Everybody making a choice according to plan and/ We had two different blueprints, but understood influence/ You opened up early on, I thought I had a permit/ You started buildin’ a bridge and turned it into a fence/ Then my buildin’ got tore down all because of your new tenant”. The whole thing is devastating, waking, and so real-life.

Likewise, the tone of his delivery really exudes the fact that he has finally accepted the departure of his romantic feelings for his now ex-lover.

Switching gears, the glistening production returns on the second half as feelings of gratitude are now being expressed to Tyler’s ex-lover.

Also, the production here is entrancing. The layered, experimental sounds allow you to reflect and marinate your thoughts and stew in your feelings.

NUMBER-FOUR [4]

‘EARFQUAKE’ ft. Playboi Carti

Playboi Carti’s trademark baby voice plays especially well into the soulfully melting ‘EARFQUAKE’.

The lead single from the album finds Tyler desperately looking to reconcile with mistreated lover.

He pairs with Charlie Wilson on the song’s chorus and refrain. Both of which really capture Tyler’s sense of anguish and lament.

Furthermore, it delineates that he’s well-aware of not only his tendency to mistreat, but also his high-level of dependency on said lover.

“Don’t leave, it’s my fault/ Don’t leave, it’s my fault/ Don’t leave, it’s my fault (Girl)/ ’Cause when it all comes crashing down I’ll need you.“

The production here gives sentiments to styles both old and new.

The blissful piano chords and R&B-styled harmonies give me throw-back feels, but the beautiful distortion of the drums mesh well with the modern, rap undertones of the song.

Additionally, it’s just really smooth and flows exceptionally well from start to finish.

Emotional mannerisms alone foreshadow to listeners that this is an album of strong feelings.

And this gem of a tune really set the foundation for that idea to manifest.

Plus, I just love the quirkiness of the song; from Tyler practically wailing at the end to just him naming the song ‘EARFQUAKE’ as opposed to Earthquake.

Which to be honest, doesn’t make a huge difference because this track hits with great magnitude.

NUMBER-THREE [3]

‘NEW MAGIC WAND’ ft. Santigold & Jessy Wilson

Considerably the very first banger off the LP, ‘NMW’ finds Tyler toiling with a cesspool of tempestuous emotions.

The track begins with words from stand-up comedian Jerrod Carmichael, “Sometimes you gotta close a door to open a window”.

It’s an old proverb that essentially means in order to move forward, you’ve got to let go of the past.

And that message couldn’t be more apt for this song as well as the entire record.

Following this proverbial saying, enters a sinister, droning production that insists on having your otherwise impertinent attention.

Dark and looming voices squawking in the background are skillfully paired with soft, sentimental backing vocals from Santigold and Jessy Wilson.

Furthermore, the song’s hard-hitting refrain and pleading chorus not only contrast magically.

They also elevate the intense feelings of jealously, bitterness, and angst brewing in Tyler’s mind.

And as the song progresses, the lyrics become more revealing and menacing, making this one of the most poignant cuts in the tracklist.

In fact, the very first verse gives away the malicious intent of the song. “I saw a photo, you looked joyous/ My eyes are green, I eat my veggies/ I need to get her out the picture/ She’s really f**kin’ up my frame/ She’s not developed like we are”.

This is Tyler green with envy, plotting to destroy the girl his love interest is with in order for them to be together.

Building on this thought, he’s fully prepared to use his “New Magic Wand”, which may be a clever metaphor for a gun.

Although bordering on psychotic, it’s clear Tyler’s still stuck on this lover because in his mind they’re the better fit.

They’re the ones meant to be together. Simply put, they’re magic and so is this track.

NUMBER-TWO [2]

‘A BOY IS A GUN’

Bursting with SOUL and flavor, the song immediately commands the front center of your mind.

Likewise, it skillfully draws comparisons between a weapon of mass destruction and Tyler’s love interest, mostly in regards to the element of danger involved.

Conversely, the vintage production oozes nostalgic, Kanye vibes. It’s powerful, but not overwhelming; it’s imprinting and in no way or form forgettable.

Complementing these lively sonics are Solange’s backing vocals. They add a layer of transcendence, blending harmoniously with the already-compelling compositions.

“(All the time)”, “(Time, time)”, she croons delightfully as you continue you sponge-up the delectability of the track.

On the other end, Tyler is found ambivalent as ever.

He alternates between positively romanticizing his partner in spite of all they’ve been through to practically becoming cold and wanting nothing but indefinite distance.

Check out the drastic contrast from verse 2 to verse 3.

[Verse 2] “Oh, you wanna go home? Cool, you better call you a cab/ I ain’t takin’ you home, yeah, I’m brushin’ you off/ ‘Cause this parka is Comme, you’re my favorite garcon/ Don’t leave, stay right here, yeah, I want you right near”

[Verse 3] “I’ma leave it at that, I’ma leave us as friends/ ‘Cause the irony is I don’t wanna see you again/ Stay the f**k away from me/ Stay the f**k away from me/ Stay the f**k away from me/ I ain’t gon’ repeat myself, but stay the f**k away from me”

See that? He does a complete 180, coming to the bitter realization that his love interest is indeed, “so motherf**kin’ dangerous”.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

• ‘Are We Still Friends’
• ‘Igor’s Theme’
• ‘What’s Good’

*NUMBER-ONE [1]

‘I THINK’ ft. Solange

Instantly one of my favorites from the tracklist, ‘I THINK’ projects an early 2000’s aura.

I couldn’t help yet again sensing old Kanye vibes strongly emanating throughout the song. And needless to say, I devoured every moment of it.

The track finds Tyler contemplating newfound vulnerability and expression of deeply sealed-away emotions to his romantic interest.

He ponders his mental state in the beginning, “I don’t know where I’m going (Skate)/ But I know what I’m showing (Four)/ Feelings, that’s what I’m pouring (Skate)”.

Personally, I found myself resonating with Tyler in this regard.

As someone with a smothering sense of self-awareness, I’d tend to question any new romantic feelings I have and fight tooth and nail to suppress them.

Why? Because I have issues, duh. In any event, Solange’s light and airy vocals add a splash of ethereality to the track.

Her ad-libs coupled with the busy and experimental production make me feel as I’m in entirely different realm, almost like I’m floating.

Honestly, sometimes when I’m listening I feel like I’m actually about take full-flight.

But in reality, my legs are left dragging on the floor because of the contemplative, indecisive nature of the song.

Furthermore, the entire mental tug-of-war on the chorus is so amazing. “I think I’ve fallen in love (Four)/ I think I’m in love now (Skate)/
This time I think it’s for real (Four, four)/ How can I tell you? (Shut the f**k up)/ How can I tell you? (Four)/ How can I tell you? (You f**kin’ bitch)“.

Moreover, the conflicting thoughts and feelings expressed throughout the song reign true to the powers of love. Ugh, a phenomenal track. I think it’s one of the best of 2019.

Did you enjoy today’s Album Appreciation segment? Have you given this album a listen? If so, which songs are your fave? Let me know in the comment section below.

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