Going through Tyler, the Creator’s discography is like navigating a diverse and ever-evolving landscape of creativity. From his mixtape days to his hyper-diverse 2021 album CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST, Tyler has earned acclaim for his continuous growth and experimentation. Throughout his career, the California artist has used his work to dive into themes of love and mental health while also providing a glimpse into his evolution.
Each album contributes to his multifaceted artistry and has revealing layers of production and lyrical prowess. Highlighting Tyler’s exceptional storytelling process, REVOLT explores how each Tyler album stacks up against one another. Check out our ranking below.
7. Goblin
In 2011, Tyler’s debut album, Goblin, garnered acclaim from both seasoned enthusiasts and newer fans. The positive reviews were attributed to the album’s opulent R&B-infused melodies that showcased the rapper’s unique production style. Critics praised the juxtaposition of his gruff voice with the attractive production and drew parallels to the growing horrorcore-leaning lyrical content that was trending at the time.
Comparisons to Kanye West‘s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy further elevated Tyler’s status, and many hailed him as a rare talent. Goblin was lauded as a dense and provocative work of art and received recognition for its bold and unapologetic approach to Hip Hop. Despite the album’s controversial themes, many people viewed them as integral elements of the larger character-driven narrative woven throughout the album.
6. Wolf
Wolf showcased Tyler’s radical growth as a producer and composer, though some critics noted that Tyler was pulling on similar rap antics from Goblin for the project. While enjoyable alongside any other Tyler album, many fans initially critiqued the 2013 project for comfortably relying on shock value. Despite the criticism, Wolf is proof of Tyler’s evolution into a smart and diverse artist with a strong production style, which is evident on standout tracks including the album’s title track and “Tamale.”
5. Bastard
Even though the 15-track project Bastard is actually a mixtape, it’s considered one of the star’s best projects and was produced predominantly using a basic music composer. Through the tracks, Tyler engages in conversations with his therapist and guidance counselor, Dr. TC. Notably. Dr. TC subtly alludes to Tyler’s forthcoming debut album, Goblin, framing it as an additional therapy session and giving listeners an in-depth look into the artist’s thought process early in his career.
The fictional conversation speaks to the snubs he received from music blogs and the over-analyzation of the level of shock value in his lyrics. The same raunchy lyrics later resulted in the 2009 mixtape getting Tyler banned from the U.K. Though the prohibition was lifted in 2019, it showed that the former Odd Future member could garner attention for his creativity without skimping on the hard work.
4. Cherry Bomb
Tyler’s third studio album is a clear testament to his intricate creative process and ability to keep listeners on their toes. The string section in “2SEATER,” composed by Tyler at Hans Zimmer’s studio, marked his first experience overseeing a live orchestra. The track “RUN,” which was recorded in his living room, features vocals and guitar chords from Chaz Bundick, who also contributed to “F**KING YOUNG / PERFECT.”
Collaborations with Kanye West and Lil Wayne on “SMUCKERS” demonstrated the rapper’s ability to work with greats while still holding his own. Cherry Bomb encapsulates a dynamic blend of recording locations, collaborative efforts and deliberate artistic choices.
3. Flower Boy
Released in 2017, Flower Boy dives into a matured — and less vulgar — lyrical approach for Tyler compared to his earlier works. The opening track, “Foreword” featuring Rex Orange County, is seen as an open letter addressing societal issues including sexuality, friendship and loneliness. “Where This Flower Blooms” featuring Frank Ocean reflects on his pre-fame days — specifically referencing his mixtape, Bastard — which gives listeners a parallel look at his growth as an artist. The album stands out as a kaleidoscopic dedication to love, with tracks like “Garden Shed” that explore the power of sexuality and liberation.
2. IGOR
In the 2019 album IGOR, Tyler intricately weaves a narrative that revolves around a compelling love triangle. The storyline unfolds with the rapper expressing his love for a man entangled with a woman who draws him away. Actor and comedian Jerrod Carmichael takes on the role of the album’s narrator, making his debut in a vocal snippet on “EXACTLY WHAT YOU RUN FROM YOU END UP CHASING.” Carmichael’s narration provides insights into the minds of Tyler and the character Igor, who assumes a significant role in the story. Portrayed as the Gothic archetype of a villain’s assistant, Igor embodies a darker and apathetic facet of Tyler’s persona.
The album unfolds as a complex and emotionally charged narrative with themes of intricate love and heartbreak. Through it makes for a masterfully constructed tale, the project also connects to listeners on intellectual and emotional levels, which lends to Tyler’s depth and ability to maneuver between catering to fans while simultaneously staying true to his ever-growing sound and skill.
1. CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST
Tyler’s most recent album puts self-awareness center stage, guiding listeners through a journey of self-discovery and emotional depth. Much of CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST showcases a more nuanced aspect of his artistic prowess. While romance remains a constant theme throughout his projects, heartbreak emerges as an integral component.
A poignant moment in this exploration is found in “WILSHIRE,” where Tyler, in a departure from his usual confident delivery, stumbles over words and mumbles through a sad story. The track stands out as a rare instance where Tyler holds back, providing a glimpse into the complex interplay between the man, the persona and the alter-ego, adding layers of depth to the album’s emotional landscape.