Please note, I am doing this “review” solely based on my listening experience with IGOR and IGOR alone. I did not go through IGOR with the constant want to compare it to Tyler’s other projects. To go into an album that we all waited two years for, it makes no sense at all to immediately want it to sound like a past work. Please continue with an open mind. IGOR is an entirely different animal as far as the subject matter we expect from Tyler goes, but the way this project sounds sonically, is something of a blend of what we’ve been hearing from him over the years. Here, I’m only going to focus on my thoughts on each track without comparing it to others in the Tyler discography.
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get into the music. IGOR opens with “IGOR’S THEME”, a track I can imagine Tyler opening up with on tour. It’s melodic as hell, and a really nice way to introduce you to the type of sound you can expect on the album, as well the current headspace that Tyler is in. The follow-up track is “EARFQUAKE”*, one that seems like an instant fan favorite. Charlie Wilson added such a nice touch, and of course, I loved the verse from Playboi Carti*. The pitch and vocal style used on this track is very reminiscent of past experimental singing that Tyler has done. In this track, Tyler is begging for his unknown lover not to leave, as whatever it is that’s going on between them is his fault. This song being mushed between the two tracks that it is, sort of confuses me, but I’ll touch on that later. Tyler then abruptly transitions, and brings the heat with “I THINK”. This track, along with “NEW MAGIC WAND” and “WHAT’S GOOD” are definitely some of my favorite songs on the album; they’re so crazy and beautifully made, and I particularly cannot wait to hear these bad boys live. I love the synths, the overbearing/distorted bass, and the sometimes staticky vocals. Tyler’s energy is exemplified with these bangers. You truly see him at his best when he performs these kind of songs at shows. (On the same token, the way some of these tracks sound are slight issues for me, as well. I’ll get into that later.)
Next, is “RUNNING OUT OF TIME”. This track took some replays for me to finally love it; perhaps because I wasn’t paying much attention to the meaning the first few tries. The beat is just so crazy, and it was distracting me. This song seems to be about being honest with one another when going about love, so this one really hit home for me. I think we’ve all been at a point where we really wanted something with someone, but getting their love and attention just can’t or won’t ever happen-and we eventually come to a point where we know it’s time to move forward, even though it pains us to do so. I really appreciate we’re not hearing so much a rap verse, but more just a blatant message addressing this unarmed lover we hear being talked about throughout this album. The impact a lot of these lines have on me-even the short skits you hear from Jerrod, really have such a higher shock value than they let on.
Moving on, I loved that Tyler used a lot of older sounds he’s influenced by throughout this project, like what you hear in “A BOY IS A GUN*”. I think of all the tracks, this one has the most tendency to get stuck in my head. The repetition of “Don’t, don’t shoot me down” throughout is such a perfect precursor for dating expectations these days. We all want to go into a relationship protecting our heart and hoping we won’t be hurt. It’s easy to fall head over heels with someone and have to constantly remind ourselves of the risks that come with giving your heart to someone. “My spidey senses got me on the fences” is that inner dialogue that’s very necessary when dealing with a questionable direction with relationships. With how this track sounds, I almost thought that for sure this would be the track Kanye would’ve be on, but it was still very fitting to have Ye doing the background vocals on “PUPPET”. “PUPPET” is SO relatable, because it’s very real to fall into losing sight of who you are and what you want for yourself while deep in a relationship that may ultimately not be good for you. The moment you realize you’re lost, is the moment it might be too late to leave. Decisions have to be made. My favorite line from this: “Is this my free will, or yours?”. Pay close attention to the repetitive line “I see the light” in the follow-up track, “WHAT’S GOOD?”.
At this point it’s pretty obvious that Tyler is acknowledging the issues he’s having with this unnamed lover, and is choosing to remove himself from dealing with what seems like a very dangerous kind of relationship. I think these realizations are a big part of what IGOR is about; the result of how all this hurting and confusion makes him feel. However, ultimately, the attitude in the last leg of this project is something like: “I can’t have you, and it’s dangerous for me to keep trying, so it’s peace out”. “GONE, GONE/ THANK YOU” and “I DON’T LOVE YOU ANYMORE” really tied together that theme for me. Tyler had to come to his senses and boss up to be able to move on to his final conclusion.
In finishing of this tale about love, the inability to win over the unnamed lover, and coming to terms with what’s ultimately best, Tyler closes out IGOR with the very jazzy “ARE WE STILL FRIENDS?”. One of the lines that hit me the most from this track, is “I can’t stop you”. This is the very real fact that when it comes to wanting to be with someone you love, they can still decide for themselves that you’re not within their best interest, and ultimately, you can’t do anything about it. What a way to end a another chapter of his discography.
Over all, even with the helping hands of Solange, Pharrell, and Santigold, to name a few, Tyler did good by carrying most the weight of this album himself. He told a very personal story about experiences with love, fallouts, and doing what’s best for him despite his frustrations. Another thing to add, is the production on this album. As a whole, IGOR is a wonderful blend of the passed few works we’ve heard, along with obvious influences, but still very new and experimental sound that’s pleasing to experience sonically. Tyler’s growth as a musical composer definitely shines so bright throughout this album.
So, what didn’t I like? I was definitely being reminded of Cherry Bomb, at certain points, where trying to understand the lyrics was way too difficult. The songs with heavier, distorted bass are definitely sure to be fun to dance to for the eventual tour, but I don’t like having to playback a song over and over to try and understand the words. However, I think that distortion is probably crucial for the theme throughout this album, and adds to the chaos that Tyler seems to be going through with this love affair, and how he’s processing it all. Another thing I wasn’t a super fan of, was maybe the ordering of the songs* ; it seemed sort of sporadic as far as this timeline that the track list seems to be following, if you’ were to be reading the track names as if they were a storyline…but, I’m sure the songs are ordered exactly how they should be, so I have no real complaints on that.
After multiple listens, (which, I suggest everyone takes the time to do) …I give IGOR a 4.5/5. This is probably one of my more favorite Tyler albums, and I’m glad I gave it the the time it needed to sink in and process in my thoughts. I love a good heartbreak album, so this is definitely one I will keep on rotation for quite some time.
*The Playboi Carti feature is dope, because Tyler tried getting Carti on Flower Boy in the past, but didn’t get a hit back from the rapper for the feature (this is via the Tyler/Jerrod interview for Flower Boy)
*10th listen UPDATE, the track list order actually makes perfect sense.
FNGR FOOD 