Tyla proves she’s a superstar in the making with her debut self-titled album.
STREAM
TOP 5
Honorable Mention. Safer
Out of all the songs on this album, I can see “Safer” growing on people the most.
Opening up this album with “Safer” was such a good idea. It sets the tone for it with this Safari-like vibe that I love. Additionally, it establishes early on that Tyla is a good girl who’s slowly but surely falling prey to the world’s temptations. “Safer” didn’t make my top 5 list, but it’s just as good as the other songs.
5. Jump (Ft. Gunna & Skillibeng)
Put this song in my veins.
“Jump” is one of those songs that will make you want to dirty dance in a dark corner of a club with a girl you’re feeling hard. Not only does it boast jungle-like production that will provoke your naughty side, but you also get a smooth back-and-forth between Tyla and Gunna. Specifically, Tyla stresses how much of a catch she is, while Gunna proves that if you throw it at him, he’ll catch it like Stefon Diggs. This track is sneakily good (Like, I am purposely using the word “sneaky”).
What do you mean by “you can make it jump,” Tyla?
4. On My Body (Ft. Becky G)
This album has many great features, but no one made Tyla bring her A-game like Becky G.
“On My Body” is the kind of song you’ll hear everywhere: in elevators, pool parties, clubs—you name it. It’s powered by a punchy beat, assertive vocal performances, and confident lyrics. In a nutshell, Tyla and Becky G sound completely liberated in the track. Beyond the vibe, the song boasts great melodies and a hook that feels tailor-made for a lively party at a club with an international flair.
3. On and On
F**k that, I’m taking my ass home once they start playing “Swag Surfin.”
One of Tyla’s biggest strengths is her ability to seduce listeners with her voice. Though I think she finds pockets to do this in a good chunk of the tracks on this album, in “On and On,” she empties the clip. Backed by ultra-smooth production that gives me both old-school R&B and present-day Ampiano vibes, Tyla brings out these high-pitched vocals to let this guy she’s with know that she isn’t trying to leave the club until her ankle starts to swell up. Using her seductive voice, she knows it would be impossible to say no to her. I think the song’s chorus is absolutely outstanding (A+). The verses drag on a little, but that s**t happens when you’re lost in someone’s eyes.
2. Truth or Dare
I think Tyla reaches her peak as a singer in parts of “Truth or Dare.”
For the first fifty seconds, I found myself saying “Truth or Dare” sounds like a less dynamic version of “Water.” But once that one-minute mark hits, the song’s true magic shows its face. You get this chorus that is absolutely beautiful and a post-chorus that is catchy as f**k. S**t, after you hear that chorus and post-chorus, Tyla’s spiciness starts to have an impact, and you finally take the time to understand what the f**k the song is about.
1. Water
Do I really have to explain why this is the best track on this album?
OK, for s**ts and giggles, I’ll explain why “Water” is such a great track. For starters, it boasts an organic amapiano sound that instantly resonates with listeners, showcasing why the genre can be enjoyed worldwide. Additionally, the song’s lyrical content, which revolves around perspiration, can be interpreted in various ways—listeners appreciate songs with multiple layers of meaning. A charming vocal performance and a unique, invigorating chorus structure complement this. Kudos to all involved in creating this gem.
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
1. Intro (N/A)
2. Safer (4/5)
3. Water (5/5)
4. Truth or Dare (4.5/5)
5. No.1 (Ft. Tems) (3.5/5)
6. Breathe Me (3.5/5)
7. Butterflies (4/5)
8. On and On (4/5)
9. Jump (Ft. Gunna & Skillibeng) (4/5)
10. ART (3.5/5)
11. On My Body (Ft. Becky G) (4/5)
12. Priorities (3.5/5)
13. To Last (4/5)
14. Water – Remix (Ft. Travis Scott) (4/5)
RGM RATING
(C) (74%)
Tyla is undeniably on the path to superstardom. With her captivating presence and alignment with a genre known for creating stars, she has all the makings of a future icon. However, she still has room to grow before reaching full-blown superstar status. In this album, Tyla showcases glimpses of her potential, delivering stunning choruses, high-quality vocals, infectious melodies, and PG-13 suggestive lyrics—a formula perfect for aspiring superstars. Yet, there are moments where she seems to coast through songs, placing more emphasis on her choruses than her verses (I feel like too many times I had to wait a few minutes to understand what made a song so great). Nonetheless, this debut album lays a solid foundation for her artistic growth and evolution.
Tyla’s ceiling is Rihanna, and her floor is Chloë Bailey. Let’s make sure she reaches Rihanna’s status.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
