Review Summary: The experimental vibes of Tyler, the Creator
Look at Tyler, the Creator’s relatively short career so far. He released probably one of the most defining mixtapes of the last decade, dropped two solid albums, holds an annual carnival in L.A., started a successful clothing brand and has directed a variety of creative music videos. Yet with all his success, he still remains a polarizing figure in the mainstream. Many call him perverted, immature, annoying. These people seem to miss the point though, especially those who have not bothered to notice Tyler’s newfound maturity.
As of now you can call him a near genius. Or label him a genuinely creative force in a growing artificial music scene. Good or bad however, it doesn’t really matter what labels are used to categorize Tyler, the Creator because no matter what, he seems determined and destined to make the music he wants. Good music as it turns out.
Now look at
Cherry Bomb, his third album. Right from the start this album is a fun album, not only in the listening experience but also in the way it makes you feel. As of late, to the dismay to some fans, Tyler has been vocal about his desire to start making music that exudes positivity. Where his previous albums were malice drenched character studies,
Cherry Bomb doesn’t use those tactics to connect with listeners and in a lot ways Tyler shows he doesn’t need to make dark, insular music to reach gut level emotionality.
“DEATHCAMP” is the epitome of rambunctiousness over guitar-riffs and Tyler’s hard-hitting vocals. “CHERRY BOMB” is a punk fused track that translates the thrill and excitement of moshpit intensity. Listening to it is a deifying experience. “2SEATER” is the calm of driving, windows down, watching the sky wash orange at the edge of a fiery horizon. Even Tyler’s lyrics have grown far way from the tales about rape and murder that first gained him notoriety, instead focusing on a more clear appreciation of where he is in life. This change does Tyler well. The music on this album does a good job in showing Tyler on a more personal level. Instead of relying on shock value he shows he can make entertaining songs that comment on drug use (“THE BROWN STAINS OF DARKEESE LATIFAH PART 6-12 (REMIX) and materialism (“KEEP DA O’s) in the rap industry.
It would be no surprise that this album would be a hit with those down with Odd Future. Because contrary to the mainstream success of “Yonkers,” Tyler and crew were always meant for cult status. It has all his aggressiveness, his taste for indie rock and Pharrell inspired vibes with a fulfillment of Tyler’s potential to make a fun piece of music. Except what separates this album so much from the rest of Tyler's work is the amount of experimentation on this record, from the heavy levels of distortion and song structures that may alienate a few listeners. On a personal level though, it was an exciting album to hear, even if it did take a few listens to fully unpack the layers of certain songs. Those repeated listenings are well worth it though because it really opens how much and well Tyler, the Creator has matured as a musician. Not to mention this album possesses some of the rapper’s best songs like “SMUCKERS” and the beautiful calm of “OKAGA, CA.”
But what holds
Cherry Bomb down from being an exceptional album is Tyler’s own unwillingness to reel in his ambition. While featuring some lush and intricate production by the rapper himself, there are times when the interludes within tracks could have been shorter, making the songs themselves present a tighter construction. The voice altering effects lose their value at certain moments on the album, especially on the third verse of “***ING YOUNG/PERFECT.” If that verse had been rapped at a normal pitch, the pop-orientation of the song would have resonated deeper. The experimentalism occasionally threatens to tear down the whole edifice but Tyler is one of the most talented artists around right now. Even amidst chaos there is always a moment when he almost saves the production by creating moments of pure beauty that almost make up for any inconsistencies.
Maybe the main problem is that at times
Cherry Bomb tries to accomplish too much without a clear focus of what lies straight ahead. Or maybe that it appears to force its vision on you. Although these things may be true, props should be given to Tyler for at least not making an uninteresting album, whether you like it or not.
Although not perfect,
Cherry Bomb is a good album that presents an enjoyable listen. Looking at this album, it is a definitive transition, marking a new phase in the rapper's career. With its distinct production and vast soundscape (Roy Ayers appears on the album) ensures one thing. Listening to Tyler, the Creator is still an exciting exploration into a niche of youth culture.
