Alice Dehghanzadeh
Contributing Writer
Tyler, The Creator (“Tyler”) recently released his album titled “Chromakopia,” (stylized “CHROMAKOPIA”) and boy, does it deliver. Featuring artists like GloRilla, Sexyy Red, Lil Wayne, and more, Tyler has expertly crafted a phenomenal and emotional story through music. By blending different genres like hip-hop, jazz, and soul together, CHROMAKOPIA acts as an eclectic tapestry that highlights Tyler’s growth both as an artist and an individual in society.
The album opens with the vibrant-sounding “St. Chroma (feat. Daniel Caesar),” inviting listeners to Tyler’s world. With military-esque backing and visuals in the accompanying music video, the rap lyrics punch as Daniel Caesar’s choral climax surrounds. He sets the precedent immediately by discussing themes of self-identity and development, particularly when he chants “I’m gon’ make it out,” suggesting that he is destined for more — for greatness.
Greatness has its downsides, however. “Noid” encapsulates Tyler’s feelings about his societal role as a well-respected artist constantly being sought out after. He uses this track to express his insecurities in being watched by the public, something that has only exponentially increased with his fame. A line as simple as “triple checkin’ the door” hints at his discomfort with his notability. This raw perspective gives fans insight into Tyler’s most exposed worldview of society, specifically the music industry within Los Angeles (when talking about his paranoia, he says “LA’ll do that to you”). His personal anxieties stand out when he claims that “some pray for [his] fall,” and that “they wanna know where [he] close[s] his eyes at” (he “keeps his eyes wide”). His intense introspection in “Noid” serves as a critique of the public eye, highlighting how fame has caused him to bring a sense of surveillance to his private life.
Looking more internally, in the song “Hey Jane,” Tyler investigates themes of love and yearning. He shows his vulnerable side not only through the lyrics, but also through the simplicity of the track. In comparison to the other songs on the album, “Hey Jane” is pretty light. The beat is simple, the chords repeat without any adjustment, and the instruments chosen suggest a warm atmosphere, bringing the listener into his unshielded thoughts. Tyler successfully combines storytelling with an enriched soundscape.
Stick-ing to the topic of sound, “Sticky” is a well-liked song on the album, perhaps partially thanks to its features that include GloRilla, Sexyy Red and Lil Wayne. A surprising collaboration, the track is an energetic change of pace that captures Tyler’s ability to create infectious and catchy tunes. Its sound simply shines through, permitting users to dance and celebrate self-expression.
Another particular success from the album comes from the song “Like Him (feat. Lola Young).” Exploring self-reflection and his relationship with his father, Tyler contemplates his identity compared to his father, and the dissociation that occurs with this. Vocal interruptions featuring his mother’s voice reveals that, unlike what his mother previously told him, his father did in fact wish to be in his life. It’s an incredibly raw, outspoken song that seems to have struck a chord with listeners. On TikTok, the sound is trending, and users are posting their own photos with their dads, questioning their complicated relationships by relating to the song. The hauntingly beautiful vocals by Lola Young coupled with these troubled lyrics create an emotional experience, regardless if you’re familiar with Tyler’s familial situation or not.
In terms of UC Santa Barbara’s reaction to the album, there seems to be an overwhelmingly positive reaction from those The Bottom Line spoke with. Student Dinora Abarca shared that she had been “anticipating ‘CHROMAKOPIA’ since its announcement, and Tyler didn’t disappoint.” She noted that “the blend of catchy instrumentation with deep lyrical storytelling makes for a vivid listening experience.” Similarly, Lizbeth Mendieta saw its potential from the get-go, saying, “each song has a purpose in the album, which is difficult to find today since many artists create music that will be catchy and appeal to radios or department stores.” Clearly, Tyler remains true to his craft, continuing to experiment and engage his storytelling skills playfully, which proves to be effective in regards to his popularity.
To fans and new listeners alike, “CHROMAKOPIA” represents a compelling chapter in Tyler’s life, and leaves listeners with compassion and satisfaction. From energetic bops to more touching tunes, Tyler has an incredible skill of moving fans while maintaining his title as a creative visionary in the music industry.