Ty Listens to "IGOR"
In anticipation of seeing him live in a few months, I have been devouring Tyler the Creator's most recent album "IGOR", and I have to say, I really, really like it.
I was a bit on the fence at first because it is such a departure from what I am used to from him. On his other records he has some, how do I say this, nasty or, at times, scary things he talks about. Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of all his stuff, but when he was with Odd Future, and when he first went off on his own, he had some shocking lyrics. That was how he made his name as a solo artist. Then, a few years ago, he released “Boy Fuck Girl", which I like, but it showed a little growth from him. It was still akin to his older style, but he did have a few songs that kind of ventured out of his norm. On "IGOR", it is all different, and I love it.
When I first heard the album, I was stunned. I didn't expect it. In fact, my first thought was, why? But, as I listened to it more and more, I started to like it more and more. Now, I feel like I listen to it front to back once a day. I listen to it in the car, on runs, while mowing my grass, pretty much anytime I am driving, or exercising, I find myself picking "IGOR" as my choice.
First of all, I love the opener, which is pretty much all instrumental. There are a few lyrics here and there, but for the most part, it is like a pump up song. It gets you ready for what you will be listening to from there on out. The very next song, "EARFQUAKE" shows how much of a difference Tyler the Creator is making on this album. This song is, by far, his most accessible. It has a great hook, a nice beat and there is a few verses from Tyler himself that are excellent. The video for the song is awesome too. Check it out. But in "EARFQUAKE" Tyler even sings, and I have to say, he pulls it off.
From there on out, the record shows a total and tonal change from him. The album is, in essence, a love record. It seems like he has someone, or had someone, in his life that gave him the influence to put this type of record out. The music is softer and nicer and different in a very good way. And don't get me wrong, this is still a rap record, it is just different from what Tyler the Creator has done before. For example, "NEW MAGIC WAND" is a straight up rap song, but it doesn't have any shock lyrics, or stuff that makes me take a step back. He crushes the song, but it is just different. I also appreciate that he recorded himself saying some pretty deep stuff in between songs. I like that he kept it on the record too. It's great.
So while it took me a few listens to get into it, I now have a newfound love for this album. I have stated many times that I like when artists take chances, and Tyler the Creator is taking a big chance, and nailing it, on "IGOR". The newfound love also has me very hype to see him do this record live. I cannot wait to see what the show is like, and to hear these songs live. I have never seen him live either, and I feel like this is a great entrance into a live Tyler the Creator show. If you are a fan, you will love this record because Tyler the Creator is awesome. But I feel like people that may not listen to him would enjoy this record too. It really is for music fans of all kinds. There is still cursing on it, so maybe don't listen to it with the kids, although I still do listen with my kids. But, other than that, "IGOR" rules.
Ty
Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He is glad to find some new exciting music. All the Weird Al has not been getting Ty pumped to mow the grass.
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