Tyler, the Creator’s latest album, “Chromakopia” was released Oct. 28 at 6 a.m.— a bold departure from the industry standard of Friday releases. This unique timing was a deliberate choice by Tyler, aimed at allowing listeners to experience the album during their commute or morning routines.
Despite missing three crucial days on the charts, “Chromakopia” is already projected to occupy the No. 1 spot on the billboard 200 according to HITS Daily Double.
“Chromakopia” with its avant-garde style and vivid storytelling has pushed the boundaries of modern music. The album weaves autobiographical elements into its narrative, with tracks like “Darling I,” “Hey Jane” and “Take Your Mask Off” exploring deeply personal themes.
The album’s 15 tracks take listeners on a journey through Tyler’s life — from his upbringing in Inglewood, California, to his struggles with self-identity and societal expectations. “Chromakopia” gives fans a raw glimpse into his psyche, addressing his feelings of inadequacy and the pressures he faces both from within and society.
This is shown through his top hit songs “Darling I,” “Hey Jane” and “Take your Mask Off,” the three most popular hits from his new album.
The most genre-blending production on the album, “Darling I” takes on an emotionally charged experience with Tyler’s twisted love life and his inner battle between love and self-freedom. The song explores the complexities of romantic entanglement, capturing the vulnerability of falling in love. It’s a love letter wrapped in layers of intricate production, making it an auditory journey that resonates deeply personally.
Tyler’s next song, “Hey Jane,” another big hit of the album, is arguably Tyler’s biggest exposé of himself, where he is open about a pregnancy scare he had with one of his lovers, leading to a deep moral question of whether to keep the child or not.
In the song, Tyler raps as himself and also through the lover’s perspective, considering she was an older woman in her 30s who was unsure of whether she could have healthy kids after this if she didn’t follow through with the pregnancy.
A true and frightening journey, it shifts focus from the political question of abortion to the “in the moment” realization of the responsibility a choice inserts on the person and the emotional consequences of its undertaking.
Other big hits include “Take Your Mask Off,” “Noid” and “Sticky” showing the best of Tyler.
Tyler has not disappointed his fans after raising expectations with his previous hits “Igor” and “Call Me If You Get Lost,” both critically acclaimed and award-winning albums.
