'Igor' - The Greatest Creation Tyler Has Ever Made

Disclaimer; I am not a critic. I am just a guy who loves music and wants to talk about it. My opinions are my own. I don't normally believe in quantifying art, but I want to open a discussion and it makes it easier to do so if I put a couple numbers in this. If you disagree with me, please pull up. I want the smoke.

1) "IGOR'S THEME" (Ft Lil Uzi Vert) 8/10

Okay, first thing's first, this sh*t hurt my ears when I first put it on, but I got used to the drone with more listens. Excluding the drums it's a very Tame Impala-inspired beat at the start and I like that. It definitely serves as a good intro to the type of sounds Tyler wants the listener to hear. Good intro, I like it a lot!

2) "EARFQUAKE" (Ft Charlie Wilson & Playboi Carti) 10/10

Might possibly go down at the best Tyler song of ALL TIME. A sonic masterpiece from top to bottom. The fact that he has Charlie Wilson on another 808's beat with colourful synths makes this an entry into my all time greatest songs list, alongside its predecessor "F*CKING YOUNG" on Cherry Bomb. I cannot stress enough how good this song is. If you've never been in love, this is what love sounds like. Cupid bumps this on a regular.

The 808's on this song are expertly mixed; combined with the synth lead and piano they are the perfect match. The arpeggiated chords in the chorus add a different flavour to the song and make me wanna close my eyes.

I love Charlie Wilson. He is the GOAT. "Don't leave it's my fault"!? I love that shit. I'm going to be shouting those lyrics in many showers to come. Playboi Carti's verse is iconic. That's it. Overall, this is a 10/10 song. Don't argue with me about it.

3) "I THINK" (Ft Solange) 10/10

So this song starts off with a Neptunes beat but within 30 seconds ends up as a Toro Y Moi wet dream. It has that Pharrell-inspired four count at the start so maybe he was involved in some way. People might be a bit put off by this song purely because it comes after a VERY different kind of song, but I think this song is f*cking incredible. The bass-line progression is the standout feature in my opinion. It grounds the main harmonic synth as well as being the perfect contrast to the two different leads used in the verse and chorus.

Solange's vocals are so sexy; sh*t sounds beautiful as f*ck. Her verse when the synths cut out, and the drums get another section to breathe, is jaw droppingly good. She adds a completely different layer to this song. Great feature.

The bridge, to B section, to outro on this song is mesmerising. I cannot gush over this part of the song any more. It puts me in a trance. This song would be everything in a drunken state in a club with a disco ball, dancing with your crush. 10/10 song. You may hold a different opinion. You are allowed.

4) "EXACTLY WHAT YOU RUN FROM YOU END UP CHASING" 8/10

Kinda like the "Light phone 2" background music from YouTube (search it up please). I like it. Jerrod Charmichael is that n*gga so... pay attention and soak in what he says in. It also acts as a great segway to the next track with the theme of "running." Sometimes simplicity is key.

5) "RUNNING OUT OF TIME" (Ft Frank Ocean) 10/10

A testament to how far Tyler has come as a producer and composer; this song is immense. A love ballad that invokes so much emotion within me it hurts. I'm into this song. Like really into it. If you've ever had a crush on someone who doesn't like you back (that unrequited love that Frank was talking about), then you might know how I feel. Tyler perfectly compliments the instrumental with an amazing cadence for the chorus matched with the equally amazing background vocal performance.

The chords are cinematic and beautiful. The refrain used throughout the track is poignant as f*ck and show's off Tyler's songwriting abilities. I don't know what else to say about this song. Pharrell is definitely proud as f*ck of this song. It has everything he'd like. Also, Frank is on there but his vocals are pitched like Tyler's so it's kinda hard to hear.

6) "NEW MAGIC WAND" 7/10

I see this as an alternative punk song with a very nice bridge section. I unfortunately think that the bridge is the saving grace for the song. The B section is good as well. Tyler uses a more typical rap cadence and it instantly turns it into a hype song. The lyrics are crazy good. But yeah, it's not one of my favourites. People will love it, though. I might grow to love it too.

7) "A BOY IS A GUN" 8/10

A really good soul song. Tyler samples "Bound" by Ponderosa Twins Plus One, so a song I love (I've shaken off Kanye's Bound 2 use of it). Tyler selection choice is impressive. I can play this song on loop whilst I clean my room or something. I particularly like Tyler's first verse on this song.

8) "PUPPET" (Ft Kanye West) 7/10

My favourite part of this track is the synths used. Apart from that, it's pretty simple. I like Tyler's verses. The Ye feature takes back seat in this track completely and I am so happy that's the case. It's not a particularly good feature, but it adds colour and personality to the track. Someone out there loves this track but that person is not me.

9) "WHAT'S GOOD" 9/10

I f*ck with this song heavy. The duality of the song is perfect. It's also one of the few tracks Tyler solely raps on. It has the "I ain't got time" feel. The distorted synths and bass are perfect for the rowdiness of this song. It seems like Tyler always slips one or two of these types of songs onto his albums. The mosh pits are going to be crazy for this; I don't mosh anymore, I just watch now, but I'm sure they'll be fun.

10) "GONE, GONE / THANK YOU" (Ft Cee Lo Green) 10/10

Probably the sweetest songs on the album. "GONE, GONE" is almost a Beatles song. The acoustic guitar is refreshing and makes this song stand out as a unique piece in the ensemble. The lyrics are refreshingly good and I am in love with the instrumental. I could easily see this being on Cherry Bomb. I love Tyler's verses. The lyrics are very playful and relatable. Cee Lo Green on the chorus!? F*cking beautiful. The little interlude/beat change is so so good. This song belongs in the happiest parts of my mind.

"THANK YOU" is angelic as f*ck. Starting off with an arpeggiated synth and adding a beautiful electric guitar which is then interrupted by some rhodes and a new synth. I really dig the mixture of instruments, as well as the arrangement of what is effectively a very short song. I wish it was its own joint and it was longer. Speaking of joints, this would sound so good when high.

11) "I DON'T LOVE ANYMORE" 9/10

Nearly gave this song a 10/10 but unfortunately, I don't like the chorus. I can tolerate it, so I won't be too harsh; it just feels kind of off in the grand scheme of the track. But my God the verse sections are so, so good. The background vocals combine to make a very harmonic B section and it melts my mind each and every time. It's why I loved Cherry Bomb so much because Tyler spent so much time on the harmonies. Solange adds some vocals on this so I can't not like it. Shout out this song.

12) "ARE WE STILL FRIENDS?" (Ft King Krule and Pharrell Williams) 8/10

Another soul song on the list. Tyler samples "Dream" by Al Green. Tyler really shows his maturity on this track. I love how confident he is in using his voice now. Shout out King Krule for coming in for that "Know." He's not really credited but I put him in the title cause that one liner is so perfect. Pharrell adds some additional vocals to the second verse (he's gotta be proud of how far his protégé has come). A fitting closure to the album, the electric guitar solo and the almost orchestral build ups make this a very pretty song. Tyler's influences clearly show on this song and it serves as a reminder to wear your influences on your sleeve and never shy away from being influenced by others.

Verdict 9/10

Overall I think this is by far Tyler's best album. It may not have the best songs but as a whole it is a lot more structured and balanced than the previous entries in his discography. It is a strong mix between Cherry Bomb and Flowerboy. I am ridiculously happy with Tyler's progression as an artist. He has definitely evolved into a superior musician and in a couple more years will be recognised as the icon that he is desperately trying to be. I cannot wait to show my future kids this album. Truly an icon in the making and a future great. If you disagree, then you're a lost individual in this world. Get some help.