By Orion Baker/Multimedia Editor Assistant
Duke Reviews: “DON’T TAP THE GLASS” by Tyler, The Creator
Tyler, the Creator has been on a roll following the success of “CHROMAKOPIA”,
While still being on his world tour, he teased something on his social media accounts on July 16, for July 21. Many thought it would be his music video for “Sticky” off his last album, which many were expecting. Only to be completely caught off guard with the rollout and announcement of “DON’T TAP THE GLASS,” his ninth studio album out of nowhere. Tyler also says a day before the album that “Y’all better get them expectations and hopes down, this aint no concept nothing.”
Tyler also says in a statement on his accounts that this album is a pure ball of energy, He talks of the fear of dancing because of being turned into the next meme, and how the listening party for this album showcased the freedom to dance, with no societal pressure.
TAPING THE GLASS
For me, this album is Tyler’s biggest flex yet—in the best way possible. Many fans consider “Call Me If You Get Lost” a brag-heavy and victory lap of an album, but this album is a true testament to that idea. To be honest with you, calling this an “album” doesn’t feel right. This is more-so a classic 80s rap and dance mixtape. Once you view it that way—instead as an album—it comes together a lot cleaner.
This short and sweet “album” comes out to less than 30 minutes, making it very digestible. Each of the ten tracks are generally less than three and a half minutes with a clear two halves of the album. Some fans believe one half is better than the other, but for me, both are perfectly solid.
This album does feel like a love letter to dance, electro, synth-funk, disco and Miami bass. Its influences are all throughout this album. Tracks like “Sucka Free” with the bouncy hit-hats and very heavy synth/autotone backing vocals or “Ring Ring Ring” with the catchy drums and fun phone rings in the background.
Splitting The Glass
The splitting point of this album can be seen, especially with the second half having more sentimental and slower songs like “Don’t You Worry Baby (feat Madison McFerrin)”, “I’ll Take Care of You (feat. Yebba)” and “Tell Me What It Is.”
These songs, while not as fast paced or energetic as the first half, still have the same fun beats and creative production that can be seen on all of this album and—in general—all of Tyler’s work.
The album is solid, but some songs don’t work for me. Like “Tell Me What It Is” which is talking about Tyler’s success and his unsuccessful search for love, which thematically clashes with this album.
I had a lot of fun with this album. With the upbeat feels and fun grooves, it really is just fun flat out. It doesn’t have super deep themes or moral messaging; instead, it is simple fun and it brags for the sake of bragging. It makes you want to dance, and that is beautiful.
Scoring & Conclusion
Score: 8/10
Favorite Tracks: Sucka Free, Ring Ring Ring, Don’t You Worry Baby (feat. Madison McFerrin)
Least Favorite Tracks: Stop Playing With Me, Tell Me What It Is
This album was a really fun listen. It isn’t as deep or conceptual as his other work, and that’s why it exceeds in my opinion. “Don’t Tap the Glass” is both a dance-worthy and groovy album that shows Tyler really has found his footing.
The link to recommend me stuff is here. I encourage it, as I’ll be taking a small break from reviews. Thank you!
