Perhaps one of the most anticipated releases of 2011 is Tyler, the Creator's Goblin. Although it is officially released today, I couldn't stop myself from downloading the leaked version a few days ago. Either way, I am impressed enough to buy the album. I'm going to review this album by splitting it up into factors that really make any album special: Sound/Production, Lyrics + Delivery & Concept. I will end on my final thoughts on the album.
Lyrics + Delivery
The lyrics are generally well-done and thought out. Tyler is trying to prove himself to be just as great of a wordsmith as Earl, although that is still a bit of a stretch. Either way he, for the most part, gets the job done effectively. Pieces like 'Nightmare', 'Transylvania', 'Yonkers' and 'She' are among the best the album has to offer lyrically. There is the shock value & there is misogyny but some of the wordplay is crafty so say the least. The whole concept of 'Yonkers' is pure genius, the Dracula theme in 'Transylvania' is hysterical and the dark, menacing tone to 'Tron Cat' gives evidence of Tyler's depth as an artist, showing us that he has much more to offer and much more potential.
Sound / Production
The production in this album is beautiful. Its a mixture of genres that blend well with Tyler's vocal delivery though the peaceful sounds tend to contrasts with the subject matters that Tyler so often discusses. If you were to purchase the instrumentals by itself and just listen, you would hear the entire spectrum of Tyler's creativity divided into 15 pieces. The production for Goblin is just very well done and is something that only Tyler himself could use to its full potential. My favourite track in terms of production is definitely a tie between the peaceful 'Fish' track and 'Yonkers'. Other notables include 'She' and 'Nightmare'.
Concept
Goblin is a concept album. Here, he continues his discussion with his therapist (Dr. T-C), a conversation that started in the similarly aesthetic 'Bastard' album. This time, he rants about his newfound fame and what it means to be expected to be great. He discusses how he has been blamed for badly influencing kids through his art and is, overall, in confusion with what to do with his life. "I ain't kill myself yet and I already want my life back". This album is about the price of fame as an deprived, unloved youth.
Overall Thoughts
When I first heard the album I wasn't very impressed. I skimmed through and found myself enjoying about 50% of what he had to offer. For example, I founds the title track, 'Goblin, to be a stranger sounding 'Bastard'. I didn't enjoy 'She' and 'Fish' the way that I do now. This album is not one for judgement after one listen. During my second time through I found the intricacies that Tyler put in and the listening experience as a whole changed after each run. I'm not saying the album is perfect, but it's a great start. It really does look promising for Tyler, the Creator. I hope he keeps his word on 'progression as an artist'. I'll be looking forward to it.
FREE EARL!
*** . 75 / *****
Support Him! Buy Goblin!
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