IGOR – Tyler, The Creator

Harry

Previously with Tyler I have had an inner conflict about wether or not to listen to his music. This was fairy inconsequential given I never really liked it anyway. Impressed for sure, certainly with Flower Boy, but not enough to go back regularly. This changed (or had the potential to) with the first single of the album. Only today did I decide to put the controversies to one side. From the get go, Tyler looks like he’s flexing his producer muscles and barely seeming to be at the forefront of the songs (perhaps a position he prefers/ or has at least mastered whilst ______ OFWGKTA). The production builds upon some of the styles from Flower Boy: they create the illusion of under-produced songs, exceptionally whilst maintaining both clarity and depth, whether it be the raw vocals, the underlying crackling of the retro synths (which feel incredibly dense and rich. Unfortunately it falls short in content for me. It feels unambitious compared to Flower Boy, which touched on some serious issues like sexuality/materialism etc. 

87/100

Zach

Tyler The Creator is without doubt one of the artists I’ve slept on the most over the past couple of years, as I literally don’t know anything about him. After some unexpected hype, I was very excited to listen to IGOR. I think this is an excellently structured album that combines amazing production with an interesting, dynamic theme that I look forward to gaining a full appreciation for on subsequent listens. To its benefit, this album hits the nail on the head of a very important criteria for me: being varied while still maintaining a coherent sound. Other than its highlight, Earfquake, this album gets quite alternative at times, to the extent that it affects the listening experience quite drastically. I think the second half of the album could use something a bit more commercial and accessible. However, this is not an album that can be appreciated fully of first listen and I look forward to exploring more, as I did quite enjoy it on first listen. 

Fave Tracks: EARFQUAKE

79/100