Tyler, The Creator – Goblin
The first official album to be released from Odd Future leader Tyler, The Creator hit stores earlier this month. The release caused an exceptional amount of anticipation and excitement from hip-hop blogs, but also seemed to capture the imagination of more rock/pop publications such as NME and Billboard who ran cover stories on the rapper. With the album finally available reviews sprouted up everywhere from social networks to online magazines, most displaying mixed feelings about the album.
If you’re a fan of ‘Bastard’ and the other 200+ free songs Tyler and his gang have released since 2007, then ‘Goblin’ will be music to your deathcore-grunge-punk-rap ears. However, if you were expecting an album with tracks as good as ‘Yonkers’ – the lead single from the album and the track that represents the tipping point for Odd Future – then you could be left disappointed.
The album carries a theme throughout with Tyler pitching his voice down and playing the part of his own conscience. Each track is as crunchy and crisp as the last with heavy use of reverb and strong distorted basslines. Simplistic and effective with course lyricism the album is forceful, robust and, simply, typical Tyler. For new fans ‘Goblin’ might be a bit of a shock. But for die-hards and those that get the attitude and mindset of Odd Future’s music, then it’s an entertaining experience throughout. The jury still remains out on whether Odd Future are overhyped, it seems we may have to wait for the next album for Tyler and his team to really fulfil their much talked about potential.
You can check out ‘Yonkers’ here
