by Audrey Peshkam
Tyler, The Creator has blessed us once again with his newest album IGOR. The album features a vast range of artists including Frank Ocean, Kanye West, Playboi Carti, Mild High Club, King Krule, and Devonte Hynes: an awesome and artistically diverse lineup. IGOR definitely exhibits a sound unique from all his previous albums; not confined by any one genre or style, the album is a manifestation of creativity running wild.
Just as Tyler suggested to do so on a Twitter post, “Don’t go into this expecting a rap album. Don’t go into this expecting any album. Just go, jump into it. I believe the first listen works best all the way through, no skips. Front to back.* No distractions either. No checking your phone no watching TV no holding convo, full attention towards the sounds where you can form your own opinions and feelings towards the album. Some go on walks, some drive, some lay in bed and sponge it all up. Whatever you choose, fully indulge. With volume.” Upon the artist’s request, I gave it a whirl (though I have to admit, unknowingly. It wasn’t till later that I saw the tweet. Also I was yelling with my roommates at home, so I kinda ignored the “no distractions” part.)
As we began to listen, on full blast volume with the bass vibrating though the whole room (of course), I genuinely forgot I was listening to an album. I kinda get what he meant by “don’t go into this expecting an album”; it honestly felt like listening to one really long song, as though it was telling a story, almost like (dare I say it) an opera. It was pretty rad.
So I’ll leave it at that. Consider this more of a recommendation, a public service announcement. Listen to IGOR and listen to it start to finish. Go enjoy the subtle transitions between tracks, I guarantee there will be a few times you won’t even realize you’re listening to the next song. Give your “full attn towards the sounds where you can form your own opinions and feelings towards the album”, and most importantly: don’t let me decide what you think of it. Just let yourself fully indulge in some excellent music. With volume.
*author’s note: cute lil vinyl reference is appreciated, nice touch