Tyler, The Creator is one of the most influential artists of his generation. While he may not always be in the mainstream spotlight, he has built a loyal fanbase and a unique identity through his music. For me, Tyler stands out among all the artists I listen to. His music has given me confidence, humbled me, and taught me lessons about life and personal growth.
Over the years, Tyler has released several projects, including Bastard (2009), Goblin (2011), Wolf (2013), Cherry Bomb (2015), Flower Boy (2017), IGOR (2019), Call Me If You Get Lost (2021), Chromakopia (2024), and Don’t Tap the Glass.
He is known for his boundary-pushing music, distinctive style, and jazz-influenced production. Tyler is also the co-founder of Odd Future, creator of the clothing brand Golf Wang, and founder of the Camp Flog Gnaw music festival, where he showcases his artistic vision and creativity.
Now, let’s get into my review of IGOR.
1. “IGOR’S THEME”
“IGOR’S THEME” is the opening track of the album, and it immediately sets the tone. The bass is chaotic, the production is intense, and it gives listeners a strong introduction to the story Tyler is about to tell. It is impossible to ignore and does a great job of pulling you into the album.
2. “EARFQUAKE”
“EARFQUAKE” has a higher-pitched sound mixed with a strong bassline that works perfectly. The lyric, “You make my earth quake,” shows Tyler expressing his feelings for someone and explaining how much they affect him. Another lyric, “Don’t leave, it’s my fault,” reveals the heartbreak at the center of the song. The unexpected feature from Playboi Carti, who isn’t listed in the song credits, makes the track even more memorable.
3. “I THINK”
“I THINK” is full of emotion and good vibes. The combination of bass and synths creates a feeling that Tyler is falling in love while also realizing that the person is becoming a distraction. The instrumental outro is one of the highlights of the song.
4. “BOYFRIEND”
“BOYFRIEND” is not included on the standard Apple Music version of the album. It appears on alternate versions and bonus releases, which is unfortunate because it fits well within the story of IGOR.
5. “RUNNING OUT OF TIME”
This is one of my personal favorites. The song is incredibly catchy and focuses on Tyler realizing that he’s running out of time to express his feelings. The production and songwriting are excellent, and I think it deserves far more attention than it receives.
6. “NEW MAGIC WAND”
“NEW MAGIC WAND” is one of the album’s most intense songs. The heavy bass and unusual vocal effects blend together perfectly. The song opens with the now-famous quote, “Sometimes you gotta close a door to open a window,” which has become one of Tyler’s most recognizable lines.
7. “A BOY IS A GUN*”
This is another one of my favorites. Instead of relying on heavy bass, it uses a smoother, more melodic beat. The lyrics are relatable, and the production feels polished and emotional. It deserves all of the popularity it has received.
8. “PUPPET”
“PUPPET” is my favorite song on the album. The opening immediately grabs my attention every time I hear it. The way Tyler delivers his lyrics is incredible, and the entire song is satisfying to listen to. In my opinion, it is the best song on IGOR.
9. “WHAT’S GOOD”
“WHAT’S GOOD” is the type of song you listen to while working out or doing something competitive. It is energetic, aggressive, and perfectly produced. This track easily ranks among my favorites on the album.
10. “GONE, GONE / THANK YOU”
This track is split into two sections.
“GONE, GONE” is uplifting and emotional at the same time. Tyler reflects on lost love while creating one of the catchiest songs on the album.
“THANK YOU” begins with a memorable line:
“I hate wasted potential. That stuff crushes your spirit.”
The quote fits the song perfectly. While there are fewer lyrics in this section, the instrumental is excellent and makes it another personal favorite.
11. “I DON’T LOVE YOU ANYMORE”
This song feels different from the rest of the album, but it still works. Tyler finally admits that he no longer loves the person he has been chasing throughout the story. The instrumental is outstanding and deserves much more recognition.
12. “ARE WE STILL FRIENDS?”
This song is something special. It’s difficult to describe without listening to it yourself. The emotions, tension, and passion throughout the track make it one of the most powerful endings to an album that I have ever heard. The final minute and a half is absolutely worth listening to.
Final Thoughts
Overall, IGOR is an influential and groundbreaking album. It actually won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, proving how impactful it was. If you are looking for something different from traditional rap or R&B, IGOR is absolutely worth a listen.
Tyler, The Creator took risks with this project, and those risks paid off. The album tells a complete story, explores complicated emotions, and delivers some of the most creative production of the last decade. Whether you’re already a Tyler fan or completely new to his music, IGOR is an album that deserves your attention.
