I am a newer listener of Tyler, The Creator. I didn’t know too many songs before until 2021’s album ‘CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST’ and Tiny Desk. I then started to see the artistry that I was missing out on. So today I am here to see the album!

Disclaimer: Now with that being said, I am only focusing on the artistry section of this album. Not on Tyler, The Creator’s character or choices, just what CHROMAKOPIA’s story was telling. I will not comment on some things. I also want to say that I am only writing this as a music enthusiast and A fan of Tyler, The Creator’s sound (and creative process).

My style of writing is more conversational as well. So, if that’s not your style, I suggest some of our other content, it’s really cool. We will also next month introduce some songs in the conventional song review way, so stay tuned for that! I will also edit some of this as I go, and I add a lot later.

I did have a sense that these might have been real life events, but I wasn’t for sure. But during the CHROMAKOPIA tour, he did mention it was real and that wearing the mask was an aid to tell the story. I think music is also a mask for words as well sometimes, so it was like a double mask.

St. Chroma

The talk was interesting for the start of an album (spoiler, it’s not just the front). There’s some stomps, some barks, and whispering. It puts you on edge for sure. He takes advantage of the space 

When the chords start coming in it really put the color into the song. And harmonies started adding the brightness with the fire. The talking really did tie into the verse. Then we get a sound change. The “Chromakopia” was interesting. Then we get back into fusing both isolated sounds. It’s nice hearing the question of “do I keep the light on our gratefully bow”. while taking time to think on your own. I love it. The talking came back and the chorus (nice!). Then we get an acapella.

Rah Tah Tah

It got cut off and dropped straight into this song…I was confused. Expected though. This beat is aggressive. The sound is good again, the use of the surroundings in the earphones is really good. It’s really hype, and Tyler the Creator uses a lot of emotion in his music. I love the chorus, it feels 

It brought up paranoia (“paranoid”) and repeated it. I love how it brings in the vibe and life of the song. He did the cut off again

NOID

And answered what I’m- Paranoid! I love him finishing the verse. It feels like it’s really tying in and telling the story

To be honest, I really enjoyed the song. 

On the lyric analysis, I feel bad. Especially by the second verse. Like no one should have to feel paranoid, especially about their own privacy. Like the window and home invasions and fake people. The examples of screenshots, NDA, gangs, voice recordings, and people. And it really shows how your head can feel. The amount of info that people want,on personal lives. The repetitive “left shoulder, right shoulder” and “look” and “I’m paranoid” and “leave me alone”. It’s sad. The fact people will sacrifice you for fame, success, or monetary gain is showcasing the ugly side of society. And also the fact that this says so much about respect or rather the lack of.

The song again sounds great. I love how it’s all added together. However, I must say that because of so much color and dynamic in the song, it’s hard to focus on the message. For example, with most songs I have reviewed, the lyrics are more weighter and the music lacks in dynamics. This is the opposite. They aren’t competing for the spotlight either. They both simultaneously shine. The beat changes a lot throughout the song. I am wondering if the length has significance as well as it is 444…but I’m not sure. With artists like this that pays attention to detail, it’s interesting. 

I saw a video about the samples used. That was cool how he crafted it into this. It was interesting of how you crafted it to be this into what it was. It felt fresh and not like gluing samples.

One issue I have is how the volume changes. In earphones it hurts so much. First it’s okay, then it gets loud, and then quiet again. Is that the representation of being paranoid on a scaled back level? Maybe I’m overthinking. But the song is addicting so you have to have it up. And to be honest I wonder if that is on purpose. 

This song has a lot in it in terms of message. , styles of music being added together. The amount of voices in your ears. 

Darling, I

These are lessons I’m assuming throughout a discussion with someone. 

I’m wondering if you are actually in love with them? Or love them? Being the start of the song is saying don’t say it. I didn’t like the singing much, but also I did…it’s interesting. It felt nostalgic. Lyrics are feeling…difficult. Let’s be honest…

First you say that you aren’t the type for monogamy 

Then you say when you look at her you want to settle down…

Until you find someone else

So that’s interesting. It feels like it’s just commitment issues and wondering about 

I think I solved it. You keep falling in love with many people. Since “forever is too long”. That’s a lot. You’re not perfect, but dang that’s messed off.

So I guess music is your love. And hey…I don’t know. I guess that answers the question of the first song on the album. You’ll keep going. Just like relationships, it’s hard, but doing the things you love gives you energy.

The beat is great. And I think it really makes you feel in love. It conveys the love song part well. The lyrics though are different. And his voice is perfect to narrate in songs. The breathing was interesting. The singing toward the end was so beautiful and the chord progressions. “Transparency is key, Be honest”. I wonder if this will be the takeaway for this. He was transparent, but will there be more in the next track? We’ll see!

Hey Jane

The beat jumps in fast. I love the connections getting added in…and now…alright. One thing about Tyler The Creator…Tyler’s gonna create what Tyler wants lol! I’m honestly lost for words. 

I know that this isn’t about pulling out. Umm…I am impressed. To make a storyline and also have a great song out of it is quite rare.

Then he goes into the anxiety of it all. Like him worrying about his life right now, freedom, and how irresponsible it was. But also thinking about the changes Jane could have. That’s not something people think about much. Thinking of others is quite rare these days. And thinking right away is even more admirable.

It’s interesting to see him say we didn’t reach “love”, we reached “forever”. That’s heavy. I love the way Tyler goes through enunciating his words on specific lines. And the amount of time he uses for the lines depends on the emotion. This is a lot of heavy thoughts and worries.

Then there was some instrumental and breathing to change to the other side.

Now T is worrying about them. It’s interesting to see the perspective shift. I think this is Jane’s perspective. I love the thoughts of regret, relating to each other, and the future. The answering the thoughts about “feeling you can never understand” was cool. Especially the distance of the voice. I like the lack of some conversation so it’s not as clear. She’s hesitant to say certain stuff. I also love how he doesn’t pry. Her mind says keep it, and other times she doesn’t. THough she leans towards scared, but wanting the experience.. It’s one of those things. This is not my commentary outside of the song to make it clear.

The T talking is interesting and Jane talking and being stand offish was a nice change as well. She was weighing out her options and like the lyrics was mentioning “pushing people out her life” and it being her “habit” her flaw. I didn’t see that coming. Then she gets back to the “here and now” leveling herself with T. Making it so he knows she is scared. I like the elements he adds like “can you crack a window” and the breathing to show the moment. It paints this vivid picture.

They both get to sit in this atmosphere of uncertainty and worries.I think they both have their fears that are added into this story. I think the narration might have changed a bit here. I love the friendship, and wondering if you lose them. I also love the call back to “no pressure”. Now that the song is over…I do still wonder about the narration to be honest. What was going on at the end?

I Killed You

The beat changed immediately. I was like a country sound and then it changed to a different sound. I get why now and I’ll explain later. I love  percussion, wind, and maybe keys? It’s a lot. The flow is addicting as it lures you into his song. I love how it keeps repeating the title. It felt like a chant or a spoken word. 

Listening into the lyrics now I get it. “We don’t match their images” so I’m guessing they try to erase it. Killing you physically (your being), Killing you with words, and killing your freedom (placing you in an order/categorizing)

There’s a question of heritage, identity, and humanity. It feels really woke. I got chills. And to connect I feel like many of us have heard some of that stuff said.

By around 1:30, it goes into a different sound. More calm, but the words pierce you.

The sound change takes you back to the “roots” if you will. And that can be a play with the hair references in the song. How we manipulate it to appease others. Even when we say it’s for us, the part of the mind thinks about what it sees and replicates. Think of all the times you heard something about your appearance and the parts of you that don’t match with the beauty standards of your country. Take that and just reflect on how you perceive yourself. I think everyone should be able to love who they are, but you can’t help but think of the ideas that have been drawn in our brains.

I think maybe that’s why the album cover looks the way it does too. I don’t usually plug other pieces or references. But take this piece called “We wear the Mask”. Just think of that for a second and then come back to the album cover. I think the mask covers a lot (emotions and other things). Also look up how Tyler looks to be in a character. It’s interesting and well thought out. The hair is definitely a part of this message.

It’s bringing up all of these things that “kills” a person. The tactics society uses to “kill” a person. And it’s heartbreaking. Not only what “they” do, but what “we” do as well to keep that up.

I didn’t think I would go deep in one of these posts, but this song made you really think. I won’t do “too much” as this isn’t an Uncomfy Cushion. However this song made me really think. The things society might make you think is normal is really killing you slowly. In a way still keeping you enslaved. Whether it be by the way you look/hold yourself, the way you speak, or the way you identify. It’s all being controlled. Killing you. And well…do what you will with that. I think this song sheds light on it. 

My simple advice is to be yourself. Be proud of you and like the songs prior: Don’t dim your light. Be you and don’t put others down for being them. Categories are only to suppress people sometimes. Just spread love and appreciation. 

The music is very good as well, I think the message is more weighter here though. Especially for those who relate. But like it says “just stay beautiful”. Do you. Whatever that is for you.

Judge Judy

I was intrigued by the title.

The figurative language to describe physicality was very interesting from the start.

It’s interesting to see it wasn’t about Judge Judy lmao. The lyrics are a lot lol. But it’s just stating the facts without judging lol. The beat is chill. A lot of sounds and voices. I’m guessing everything Judy is into…you are? She won’t judge Tyler either. That was cool. They were just there for a good time and good vibes. I guess he ghosted her? The moans are a bit much haha! I shouldn’t judge Judy though…sorry.

Sticky

The delay between the heys and the whistles then the lyrics eventually filling it in felt like putting together a burger if that makes any sense. I was waiting for the beat right away.

The “sticky” was so addicting after a while. I want to see it live. It feels like I’m back in school. Specifically middle school when these chant song games were so popular. And rap battles. Everyone has their own interpretation of “sticky” which was cool. It’s cool and pretty nostalgic. There’s a lot of artists on this song. “Fight for…”okay…anyways. I think some of the features threw it off a bit.

I like the dark turn in the sound at 3:15. 

Take Your Mask Off

The beat is so good. I feel happy. The message was what I expected from ‘I Killed You’. It’s exposing others’ masks as well. 

For each person whether it’s a mother, lost soul, or Pastor. They all had their dreams outside of that mask they wear. He still hopes for the best for them. 

We get the talking again with advice with telling the truth. I love the aggressive rap at the end because it felt like tough love.

Tomorrow

This one felt sad. I love the guitar. The question of tomorrow is one that is scary. I think a lot of us have that thought. I sure do. Just know you are doing find.And the age question as well. Those are worries that are natural. Personally, I have these anxieties and it’s nice to see this in question in a song. 

My advice is to never compare yourself though. It really felt shorter than it was. Maybe because I was lost in thought.

Thought I Was Dead

I saw the visual for this as well on drop day. That’s what I thought of during ‘I Killed You’ . I think this was work songs mixed with hiphop.

It feels like a creepy game over song for the chorus until the rap comes back in. 

There’s a lot of repetitive stuff in this song. It really puts you in the mood to dance. I like the confidence in these lyrics. There’s a lot of hype in it.

Like Him

More comparisons are in this song and in the speech. The saying being said of “Chasing a ghost” is sad. And it feels like it because you can’t put a face to the comparison, nor a voice. Nothing pretty much. I can’t relate to this song, but this is more thoughts from a well-known phrase. “You look like your Daddy” or “You sound like your daddy”. And well if you can’t see the comparison it feels like a myth. It’s sad. 

Stylistically, the singing sounds like he’s tapping into his younger voice. The music is really good. And as it gets closer to the ending there’s more instruments and voices that sound more mature. You can hear the pain in some of the song.

There’s the regret of the mother. I don’t know the story honestly, but it reminds me of the ‘Hey Jane’ song if she decides to do the other route where she wanted to take care of the baby herself. And the cycle would continue possibly. And the regret at the end and him wanting to be there, it still makes the kid wonder. However, it is interesting to see the mother be a bigger person and say “I messed up”. And that’s how the song ends.

Balloon

This feels like a childhood game. He kept leading you into different things. It’s interesting to see where he’s trying to go with each thing. I don’t know how to feel completely. This was another collaboration. It ends at “Don’t stop”

I Hope You Find Your Way Home

It felt like a choir first. Then we get some barks…I feel like this is like if someone gives you some words and you try to harmonize. The layering getting added was so good. The beat, then the rap. I love this. The emotions in the sounds. I’m wondering if all of it was true. A lot of thoughts, regrets, accomplishments, all in one thing. “I’m proud of you” makes you feel happy. “Keep shining as well”. I love that the song was the last one on the album. It was very strong. And I think it ended the album well.

RATINGS: 

This time I will do my favorite picks in replacement for the “rankings” I usually do. I think my opinions will change too much. it. And I think the content is hard to rate.

To be honest, I think it’s fair to recommend the ones I listen to the most and that is ‘Hey Jane’ and ‘Noid’.  I also really enjoy ‘Darling, I’ sound wise. Not only is the colors of the songs so vivid, there’s so many perspectives we go into. I think as a music enthusiast this is some of my favorites. Although I enjoyed listening to every track, I think those are just the easiest for me to listen to. 

Closing Thoughts:

Overall, I think this album has some heavy thoughts Tyler, The Creator implemented. I think these things were easier to put into music making it the mask. Speaking of which, seeing the behind the scenes unboxing the mask for the first time was so heartwarming. His smile was really showing how passionate he was about the project. The whole behind the scenes was so nice to watch. As many know, Tyler, The Creator takes his profession seriously. And I think over the years he has expressed how he would wish people would stay out of his business in countless interviews. 

So instead of typing up a report through an interview, he decided to share some stuff through music. Like many musicians, this is a hard thing to do and it’s a way to let out your thoughts. I always think art is the best outlet. It allows you to express yourself and maybe help others. 

My advice for listeners is to just respect your artist space. Listen to the amazing music and leave it at that. Send them some support and encouraging comments but let them have their off switch (upcoming Uncomfy Cushion).

Music wise, these are a good listen. I do think there will be some (like any album) I will listen to more than others. I think some can be played with anyone, but others I think are better to listen to on your own and with people close to you. I think they will open up conversation and some conversations are meant for specific people. I think these songs will make you think a lot. And personally, it’s a good thing. I do appreciate how everything went into thought like release dates, how to listen to it, and even the layering of the tracks. Everything went into account. And as another artist it inspired me a lot.

The samples were used well in my opinion. The talks and experience being the framing of the album, and the elements of each song, all of this was strong points. I do think some of the features weren’t necessary and were a bit tasteless. I think it didn’t bring anything to the track. I was more surprised it was there. 

I think the album needs to be listened to more than once. Just listen once for the vibe, then lyrics, and then all together. Like tasting something or smelling fragrances, it needs time and attention. That’s how I feel about music. So yeah! I mean, these thoughts are from a few listens of the full album.

So what was your favorite song on the album? What are your overall thoughts? We want to hear it all. Remember to stream, share, and support! Supporting comes in many forms, so do what you see fit! 

Alright finally getting out of your hair! Have a great day and enjoy some music.

Written by: A.P.