Tyler, the Creator released the IGOR album on May 17, 2019.
The IGOR album is often argued as Tyler’s best album. There are many features on the album including prominent names like Lil Uzi Vert, Playboi Carti, Solange, Jerrod Carmichael and Kanye West. There are also some crucial background vocals and contributors from artists such as CreeLo Green, Charlie Wilson, Santigold, Jessy Wilson, La Roux and Pharrell Williams. The album has many fan favorites like “Earfquake,” “Are We Still Friends?” and “New Magic Wand.” Tyler, the Creator won a Grammy for “Best Rap Album” in the 2020 Grammys for the “IGOR” album.
“New Magic Wand” is one of the most popular songs that Tyler has ever produced. For this album, including “New Magic Wand,” there was a genre switch. Tyler showed he could do so much more, showing artistic growth and escape pigeonholing. The song itself is about obsessive, possessive love, where the narrator is begging for their love interest not to leave. The “magic wand” symbolizes the desire to magically fix the situation. It continues the theme of a complicated, unrequited, love affair, while exploring the destructive nature of obsession.
“Gone, Gone/Thank You” is a two part song within the “IGOR” album. The first half explores the painful journey of breakup, moving through the initial heartbreak and depression. The second half describes the eventual acceptance and gratitude for the experience, even when he vows to never love again. The song showcases musical shifts reflecting emotional shifts and changes. “Gone, Gone” details his sadness, while “Thank You” expresses his appreciation for the love shared, despite how it ended.
The “IGOR” album deserves a 10/10 rating for its storytelling, expansion of Tyler’s music abilities and innovative production.
