As the anticipation for “Call Me If You Get Lost” rises, we look back at Tyler, the Creator’s top five albums.

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  5. GOBLIN

Tyler, the Creator’s second album is one of his most reckless in terms of lyrics, but the album still goes hard. 

It’s no secret that Tyler, the Creator’s earlier music is a raging mess of angry lyrics that forgo anything near political correctness… and Goblin is prime evidence of that. But Goblin is also evidence of Tyler’s creative genius. Though many people expected Goblin to break free of the rough shock rap that his debut Bastard held, the album holds no pop elements and instead relies entirely on Tyler’s production, flows, and meter.

 

 

4. BASTARD

Yes, it’s technically a mixtape. It’s still one of his best creations. 

This self-produced debut was many people’s introduction to Tyler, the Creator. Much like Goblin, the horrorcore rap mix is not for the casual listener. But with gruesome lyrics and dope-ass tracks, 18-year-old Tyler tells a story with every song. And every track hits harder than the last. Some people may argue that Goblin is better than Bastard, but the story element of this album keeps it on just a different level.

 

 

3. WOLF

This is where we start to see just what Tyler, the Creator can do.

Wolf is the first album Tyler starts to play with genres. We still get his typical punk attitude in songs like “Pig” (a song about exacting revenge on a bully), but the album also reveals more of Tyler’s raw talent and introspection in songs like “Answer.” Even songs like “Domo23” are set against boisterous horn sections or powerful organs. Wolf is a great introduction album to Tyler, the Creator.

 

 

2. IGOR

Tyler, the Creator goes pop, but don’t dare think that means he’s predictable.

Igor is Tyler, the Creator’s first album with absolutely zero featured artists; it’s all Tyler. In this album, Tyler sings more than on any other album, but none of the tracks follow the typical formula of a pop song. Rather than build-up to their crescendos, the songs more often start with a crescendo. Staying with tradition, Igor tells a story and delves into Tyler’s personal struggles. He strays from talking about what is absent from his life and expressing it with anger, and instead debates on his failing relationship. The album ends with a lingering lack of resolve on that final synth, much like a relationship. 

 

 

1. FLOWER BOY

Tyler, the Creator can do anything, and this album proves it. 

The songs are much more subdued than his previous works but still, every single song on this album slaps. The album is a highlight of Tyler, the Creator’s skills. The contrast of songs like ‘Boredom” to “I Ain’t Got Time” display not just Tyler’s musical talent, but his producing talent as different parts of the album fasten together to create a beautifully aesthetic piece of art. He works with an array of artists from rapper A$AP Rocky to Norwegian Indie singer, Anne of the North, to show his ability to create in any genre. Truly Flower Boy is Tyler, the Creator’s best work not just because of how good the music is, but because it displays the range of Tyler’s skill.