Tyler, the Creator, known for his bold innovation and genre-blending style, continues to push creative boundaries with his new album “Chromakopia.” Released on October 28, “Chromakopia” brings a fresh blend of creativity and storytelling. Inspired by the character Chroma the Great from Norton Juster’s 1961 novel “The Phantom Tollbooth,” Tyler brings colors to life, with each track flowing seamlessly into the next. The album’s 14 tracks also feature an impressive lineup of collaborators, including Daniel Caesar, Childish Gambino and Lil Wayne, creating a diverse musical experience.
“‘Chromakopia’ flowed well,” Lambert senior Jay Hyun said. “Each song was intentional, and the listening experience felt continuous.”
Tyler’s vision for an album does not just deliver catchy singles but rather creates a unified musical journey. Unlike many albums that excel with individual hits but falter in cohesiveness, “Chromakopia” maintains fluidity from start to finish. It’s an album made to be heard in sequence, rewarding listeners who appreciate its full progression.
One track in particular fans praised was “NOID,” which captures listeners with its unexpected contrasts between harmonies and lyrics, making it a memorable highlight in “Chromakopia’s” lineup.
“My favorite song was ‘NOID,’” Lambert junior Joshua Suh said. “It was an interesting song because its nicer melody contrasts with the darker ideas present.”
The song title “NOID” plays on the slang term for paranoia, reflecting Tyler’s desire for privacy amid fame. In the music video, Tyler navigates a hostile crowd and is confronted by an emotional fan holding a gun, symbolizing the intensity of his public life. The visuals capture his need to escape, with scenes of him running alone on empty streets mirroring the song’s contrast between its beautiful harmony and the darker, haunting themes in the lyrics.
While “Chromakopia” has been critically acclaimed so far, some felt that Sexyy Red’s feature was unnecessary.
“I didn’t understand why Sexxy Red was a feature,” Suh said. “Her style of music is very different, and it doesn’t fit with Tyler’s style.”
Sexyy Red’s style leans more towards explicit, sexually charged themes, often emphasizing provocative lyrics and a high-energy vibe. In contrast, Tyler, the Creator is known for his innovative approach, blending genres and experimenting with unconventional sounds and introspective themes. This stylistic contrast may explain why some listeners, such as Suh, felt that Sexyy Red’s feature on “Chromakopia” clashed with Tyler’s artistic direction.
All in all, “Chromakopia” did not disappoint, showcasing Tyler’s talent for storytelling and musical cohesion. Despite a few contrasting elements, the album succeeds as a captivating experience, proving to be one of his best works.
