On Monday, October 28th, 2024, Tyler the Creator released his album Chromakopia, the first released since 2021. This is his seventh album with a distinct sound from his last. As an artist, he is known not just for creating albums but for creating eras, each marked by his style in music and fashion. 

     In his latest album, Tyler explores story-telling through multiple perspectives in the same storyline. He explores introspection by using different sounds, such as higher-pitched vocals on “Take Your Mask Off,” smooth R&B on “Hey Jane,”  samples of chanting on “Thought I Was Dead,” or gentle guitar like on “Judge Judy.” The album also features artists such as Daniel Caeser, Teezo Touchdown, Glorilla, Lil Wayne, and more, which exemplifies the variety of sounds included on his album.

     A distinct aspect of Tyler’s music is his storytelling, specifically relating to his family and his mother. On this album, he uses his mother’s words. The ideas of maternity, paranoia, middle-class behavior, and family burnout are all conveyed in this album. Tyler takes these ideas a step further by expressing feelings about his absent father.  His mother often told him that he looked like his father during his childhood, leaving him with the desire to find and feel loved by his father. In the same song, “Like Him,” Tyler’s mom admits she had a part in his father’s exit hoping he won’t resent her for the role she had in the largest struggle Tyler faced. 

     Tyler’s feelings are complex throughout the album, and the album has a unique variety of sounds and sampling. Some songs utilize aggressive language and soft instrumentals, showing the struggle of emotions within The Creator. Tyler contradicts his thoughts in his musical production, creating a beauty of chaos. 

     Students at MK had many positive experiences listening to the album, viewing it as an emotional release after a long wait for Tyler’s music. The internal conflict via dialogue and various sounds exemplifies the inner struggles that resonate with many high school students.

     Although musical interpretations are entirely subjective, Tyler the Creator’s album and its various sounds take listeners on an emotional roller coaster.  The album leaves many listeners wondering what this new era will be marked by and what the next turn in The Creator’s career will be in developing music.