Score: 5/5
The first impression of Tyler, The Creator’s “Cherry Bomb” is bars on bars on bars.
The second is, “Wow, this is great.” Tyler has created an album that combines rap with rock, R&B and other layered elements for a listening experience like none other.
A prime example is the title track, “CHERRY BOMB.” The track opens with a child’s voice and heavy guitar riffs. It morphs into Tyler rapping over loud guitars and drums. Later in the track, the song adds female back-up vocals. The song is the epitome of what this albums does — it combines what shouldn’t work well together and makes it sound better than you’d think.
“DEATHCAMP” is the opening song to the record and another example of combining different elements. Tyler includes background vocals, screams, bells, clapping and guitars all in a three-minute song.
“DEATHCAMP” is also an example of Tyler’s clever verses where the rapper actually creates lyrics with thought instead of just
focusing on money, women and drugs. It’s also a nod to retro Pharrell Williams, one of Tyler’s inspirations.
Many of the tracks on “Cherry Bomb” feed into one another, making it feel less like an album of 13 songs and more like one continuous, complex number.
“PILOT” and “RUN” are two tracks that mesh so seamlessly, you have to check which one is actually playing.
“PILOT” starts off very upbeat and aggressive and ends a bit slower with female backup vocals and a softer beat. Then the music stops, and the song just plays seven repetitive beats. “RUN” begins with those beats with music overlay and then Tyler’s vocals.
“SMUCKERS” features Kanye West and Lil Wayne. It’s an impressive song that makes the three rappers cohesive instead of fighting for the best verses and quickest rhymes.
However, not all songs are as aggressive as the majority of the album. “Cherry Bomb” includes softer, more R&B songs into the latter end of the album.
“2SEATER” is seven minutes long and veers more toward the R&B side with a slower tempo and dramatic female vocals. Because the song is rather long, Tyler makes the song transition from slower to faster to keep it from getting boring, but the overall song gives a relaxed vibe.
“F—— YOUNG / PERFECT” is another slow track where Tyler sings more than raps to a softer instrumental. The lyrics are also a bit controversial with Tyler leaning towards a desired relationship with an underage girl.
“Cherry Bomb” is an album that makes you think more while you listen to it since a lot of it is very different from what is currently out in rap. It’s also impressive Tyler produced the album himself and got to stick to his own creative vision. It’s complex and full of effort, which is something not seen everyday anymore.
You can reach Meg Ryan on Twitter @The_MegRyan.