Tyla turns up the heat in “A*POP.”
STREAM
TOP 5 SONGS
5. KISS
“KISS” is impossible to sit still through.
The second the beat drops, you already know what kind of time it’s on. The production blends Afrobeats, pop, and R&B into something smooth, bouncy, and made for late nights, crowded clubs, and good vibes.
Tyla keeps things flirty from start to finish, delivering lyrics full of chemistry while gliding over the beat with effortless confidence. Her vocals are soft but commanding, giving the track just the right amount of sensuality. This feels like one of those songs that’ll have people dancing first and asking questions later.
4. FEEL SOMETHING
This track slows the pace while turning up the emotion.
“FEEL SOMETHING” leans more heavily into contemporary R&B, showcasing one of Tyla’s most vulnerable performances on the album. She’s longing to experience something genuine, asking for a connection that goes deeper than physical attraction.
There’s a quiet tension running throughout the song that makes it feel incredibly intimate. It never gets too dramatic, and that’s what I like about it. Tyla lets the emotion speak for itself while showing she can make a great slow jam just as easily as a dance hit.
3. RIGHT NOW
“RIGHT NOW” feels like one of those songs that would’ve been all over the radio in the early 2000s.
The production blends nostalgic R&B with hip-hop influences, creating a smooth, late-night vibe that never gets old. It’s the kind of beat that carries the whole record.
Tyla leans into a familiar situation, reaching out to someone she already has chemistry with and making it clear she’s not interested in talking about the past. She just wants to enjoy the night.
The concept is simple, but the execution is really strong.
2. IS IT LOVE
Tyla kicks off the album by asking a simple but meaningful question: Is it really love if you’ve never felt emotional because of it? Whether it’s joy, heartbreak, or anything in between, she’s searching for a love that actually makes you feel something.
What I like most is how she pairs that message with a smooth, infectious Afropop beat. It’s upbeat, catchy, and easy to dance to, but there’s still some substance underneath it all. As an intro, it does exactly what it needs to do by pulling you in and making you excited for what’s next.
1. SHE DID IT AGAIN
This song has only gotten better with time.
Tyla taps into a relationship that’s exciting but messy, fully aware that getting involved with her probably isn’t the healthiest decision. Instead of pretending she’s innocent, she owns it, admitting she can make things even more complicated.
I like that she embraces the chaos instead of running from it. Pair that honesty with another ridiculously catchy hook, and you’ve got one of those songs that gets stuck in your head after just one listen.
SONG BY SONG RATING
1. IS IT LOVE (4/5)
2. THAT GIRL (4/5)
3. KISS (4/5)
4. IS IT (3.5/5)
5. FAIRYTALE (4/5)
6. DOUBLE BLIND (3.5/5)
7. FEEL SOMETHING (4/5)
8. RIGHT NOW (4/5)
9. MR. NONCHALANT (3.5/5)
10. SHE DID IT AGAIN (4/5)
11. CHANEL (4/5)
12. CRAZY OF ME (3.5/5)
13. I DON’T CARE (4/5)
14. HOT TUBS (3.5/5)
RGM RATING
(C)
Tyla’s A*POP is a “meet me in the club” album from beginning to end.
The production is a huge reason this project works. Tyla blends Afrobeats, pop, and R&B influences into a sound that feels fresh but still familiar. Almost every song feels like it was made to get you moving, whether you’re vibing alone, driving around, or hearing it shake through a club. The beats are colorful and energetic, but they always leave enough room for Tyla’s personality and vocals to shine.
Lyrically, the album explores modern romance from several different angles. There are songs about undeniable chemistry, complicated relationships, vulnerability, confidence, and living completely in the moment. Tyla balances emotional honesty with playful flirtation, making the album feel both fun and surprisingly relatable.
One of the things I appreciate most is how naturally she blends genres. Afrobeats remains the foundation, but touches of pop, contemporary R&B, amapiano, and even early-2000s hip-hop influences keep the project feeling fresh from start to finish. Nothing feels forced, and every stylistic choice fits her effortlessly.
While there are a few slower moments that let listeners catch their breath, A*POP thrives on its energy. It’s confident, infectious, and full of songs that practically beg to be played at maximum volume.
Overall, Tyla continues to prove why she’s become one of the most exciting young artists in pop and Afrobeats today. A*POP is packed with catchy hooks, polished production, and enough replay value to keep some of these songs in rotation long after the first listen.
Ileyah is a mom, a writer and a musician. She loves late nights and gluten free snacks.
Discover more from RGM
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
