IGOR by Tyler, The Creator (2024)

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by Tyler, The Creator

  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date:May 17, 2019
  • Summary
  • Critic Reviews
  • User Reviews

IGOR by Tyler, The Creator (1)

Metascore

81

Universal acclaim - based on 18 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score

8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 1075 Ratings

  • Summary: The fifth full-length studio release for the Los Angeles-based rapper features guest appearances from ASAP Rocky, Dev Hynes, Frank Ocean, Playboi Carti, Santigold, Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, and Charlie Wilson.

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Buy on IGOR by Tyler, The Creator (2)
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Genre(s): Rap
  • More Details and Credits »

Top Track

ARE WE STILL FRIENDS?
DreamJust dreamLong ago, long ago, long agoDreamJust dreamAre we still friends? Can we be friends?Are we still friends? I've got to... See the rest of the song lyrics

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Powered byIGOR by Tyler, The Creator (3)

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:

  1. Positive: 15 out of 18

  2. Mixed: 3 out of 18

  3. Negative: 0 out of 18

  1. 100

    The production here is superb. Tyler has never been one for traditional song structure, but on IGOR he’s like the Minotaur luring you through a maze that twists and turns around seemingly impossible corners, drawing you into the thrilling unknown. ... This is Tyler’s best work to date.

  2. May 23, 2019

    90

    Tyler and a motorcade's worth of supporting vocalists fulfill the promise and threat with what plays out, a creatively vital and emotionally heartsick set with as much pain, vulnerability, and compulsion as a classic soul LP.

  3. May 17, 2019

    80

    The trademark visceral beats, scathing lyrics and the general feeling of anger and aggression that peppered his previous albums have been replaced with slower beats and irresistible soul hooks. At first this change in tone, and pace, is jarring and you are waiting for it to kick off, but as the album progresses you get into it and dig this new Tyler.

  4. 80

    Whether or not you choose to take his advice with either your first or your 51st listen, IGOR is an accomplished and evergreen record that’s well worth putting your phone down, turning the TV off and devoting your full attention span to.

  5. Jun 27, 2019

    80

    For the most part, Tyler has opted out of his rapping heritage, preferring pitch-altered singing vocals which will split some opinion. However, this elevated IGOR beyond the mere confines of genre, to a substantially great work of art, cementing Tyler's case as one of this decade's most essential artists.

  6. May 24, 2019

    74

    IGOR is a commendable, yet flawed album, one that further challenges what we can and should expect from a rap album in 2019.

  7. The Wire

    Jul 11, 2019

    50

    Things improve markedly when he plays to his strengths with the nuanced narrative of “A Boy Is A Gun”, but ultimately such moments [are] hard to hear over the pitiable “Puppet” and “Earfquake”, functional pop wisely rejected by Justin Bieber and Rihanna. When the narrative sags and his mind seems to wander, it just isn’t enough, no matter how stylish the trimmings. [Aug 2019, p.68]

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See all 18 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review

Score distribution:

  1. Positive: 231 out of 248

  2. Mixed: 8 out of 248

  3. Negative: 9 out of 248

  1. bigdawgy

    May 19, 2019

    10

    This is one of the most exciting albums of recent years. Superb production, interesting and different song structures. Gets better after eachThis is one of the most exciting albums of recent years. Superb production, interesting and different song structures. Gets better after each listen and as a full body of work it flows and tells a story. Very refreshing in an era filled with average music and predictability. Expand

    • 13of 14users found this helpful

  2. veljko_

    Jan 9, 2022

    10

    experimental album with a great storyline supported by amazing production and lyrics

    best tracks: NEW MAGIC WAND and GONE, GONE / THANK YOU

    experimental album with a great storyline supported by amazing production and lyrics

    best tracks: NEW MAGIC WAND and GONE, GONE / THANK YOU
    worst track: none

    10/10

    Expand

    • 0of 0users found this helpful

  3. dylanmagno

    May 18, 2019

    10

    Tyler has managed to create a wild and cathartic portrayal of love, forming not only a fresh take on the "breakup album" format, but craftingTyler has managed to create a wild and cathartic portrayal of love, forming not only a fresh take on the "breakup album" format, but crafting a sound which perfectly and creatively captures the essence of infatuation, separation, and desperation. The swirling analog synths and vocal embellishments that envelop the track evoke the sheer complexity and dizzying nature of love. Meanwhile, his jazzy color tones and beautiful chord progressions create a sense of awe at the beautiful and uncompromising force which drives our emotions...

    ...But wait! There's more! Tyler's maximalist style is rich with details and subtleties that come together to express the powerful narrative. The explosive basses throughout the album drive moments of overwhelming emotion, and the analog synths that decorate the album help to express the cuter and quirkier aspects of the game of love. Every quality is essential to the creation of the album's sound, and it is in this thoroughness of design that IGOR manages to create a truly passionate and unique experience.

    Expand

    • 0of 0users found this helpful

  4. Dr_Jay_24

    May 19, 2019

    10

    Definitely one of my favorite albums of his. Tyler just keeps doing him!

    • 1of 1users found this helpful

  5. eatmompoop

    Feb 9, 2020

    9

    I really enjoyed this album. There is a lack of lyrics but when there is lyrics Tyler is absolutely SPITTING, using double ontageras such asI really enjoyed this album. There is a lack of lyrics but when there is lyrics Tyler is absolutely SPITTING, using double ontageras such as “A boy is a gun” meaning a boy can keep Igor safe but it can also seriously hurt him. The production is a really big part in this album. Igor’s Theme is a great example of the great production the synths are beautiful it’s such a great song to just get in a car and drive around with your friends or your special someone in the sunset. The song says it itself “Riding ‘round town we gin’ feel this one”. Anyone that says that this album is a 0-4 then it’s a fact that you’re wrong. Not everything is about the lyrics, I feel that music is about the vi e it gives off Igor is such a sunset type album. Igor has one bad quality is that it feel like it isn’t Tyler’s album there are so many features there are song where Tyler just is a producer but it isn’t that important only -1. Overall amazing album :) Expand

    • 0of 0users found this helpful

  6. HDtheCritic

    May 19, 2019

    9

    Very cohesive production. I would liken it to Neptunes production with a mix of Kanye MBDTF. Very poignant messages as well. If you haven’tVery cohesive production. I would liken it to Neptunes production with a mix of Kanye MBDTF. Very poignant messages as well. If you haven’t given it a listen I would highly recommend you do. I expect a lot of Grammy nods for the project and the song “EARFQUAKE” in particular. Expand

    • 1of 1users found this helpful

  7. dubsv

    Mar 8, 2020

    i listened to the WHOLE album n not ONE song was listenable it was seriously like nails on chalkboard or Styrofoam i can't BELIEVE this guyi listened to the WHOLE album n not ONE song was listenable it was seriously like nails on chalkboard or Styrofoam i can't BELIEVE this guy has a following. Expand

    • 0of 27users found this helpful

See all 248 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

14

#14 Most Discussed Album of 2019

10

#10 Most Shared Album of 2019

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IGOR by Tyler, The Creator (2024)

FAQs

What is the message behind IGOR? ›

The album employs the "Igor" literary archetype to explore themes associated with love, such as heartbreak, loss, and jealousy. To help market the album, Tyler, the Creator released the single "Earfquake", which reached number 13 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming his highest-charting single.

Is IGOR about unrequited love? ›

In his release of his sixth studio album evoking the cycle of unrequited love, titled IGOR, Tyler Gregory Okonma, more commonly known as Tyler, the Creator, offers a response to his listeners: no right or wrong answers exist.

What is the extra song on the IGOR vinyl? ›

About “IGOR (Physical Version)” 1 contributor

The only difference between this release of the record is the inclusion of the track “BOYFRIEND,” which is an extended version of the original fourth track and interlude “EXACTLY WHAT YOU RUN FROM YOU END UP CHASING.”

Why IGOR is a masterpiece? ›

Deceptively Cohesive. The album fosters some fantastic songs, such as “EARFQUAKE” (featuring Playboi Carti), “RUNNING OUT OF TIME”, “ARE WE STILL FRIENDS”, and a handful of others. The album is deceptively cohesive, as it meshes together perfectly and almost makes the listener miss the transition into the next song.

Is Igor about a guy? ›

"IGOR" follows the titular character stuck in a love triangle between his male crush, and his ex-girlfriend. He doesn't love the ex-girlfriend, throughout the album, we can see Igor falling in love, failing to keep a relationship, and then falling out of love.

Why is Igor so popular? ›

IGOR, the 2019 album by Tyler Okonma (Tyler, The Creator), helped change my perspective on the intense emotions of love, anger, loss, and acceptance. Through clever imagery and metaphors, it felt as if Tyler was speaking directly to me on my path to emotional maturity.

What happens at the end of Igor? ›

Igor is named Malaria's new president, transforming the kingdom into a benevolent republic and turning the annual science fair into a musical showcase. Igor and Eva are officially in love, and he shows her his plans to build them a dog, as Malaria celebrates becoming a better and brighter place.

Why is unrequited love so painful? ›

Why Does Unrequited Love Hurt So Much? Unrequited love is a common occurrence, but that doesn't make the pain less real. Studies have shown that your brain reacts to rejection the same way it does to physical pain. If you experience the rejection of unreciprocated love, know you're not alone.

Why is the album called Igor? ›

The name “Igor,” too, has a significant meaning to the album. Briefly speaking with my father—whose name happens to be Igor—he told me it is an “old back country Russian name meaning conqueror, strong, victorious, and things in that vein.” Meaning, we begin IGOR by naming our triumph.

What track is Boyfriend in IGOR? ›

The song originally appeared exclusively on his IGOR physical releases as an extended version of track number four, the interlude titled “EXACTLY WHAT YOU RUN FROM YOU END UP CHASING” featuring a voiceover from comedian and actor Jerrod Carmichael.

What synth does Tyler, the Creator use on IGOR? ›

IGOR's Bass

The sound no doubt came from Tyler's Roland JX-8P; I tried to create the sound on my Juno but without the cross-mod/ring-mod and the 2nd oscillator, I couldn't quite get it to sound right. The patch can easily be created in the free PG-8X software synth, which is a tribute to the JX-8P.

Why should you listen to Igor? ›

On “IGOR,” Tyler branched out from what people thought rap was and introduced a heavy R&B influence to his experimental rapping. Tyler utilized a wide array of sounds from psychedelic synths to distorted bass, providing an experience that fans of many different genres could appreciate.

Who is the designer of the Igor album? ›

Lewis Rossignol discusses his background as an artist, his relationship with Tyler and creating one of the covers for 'Igor. '

What is the central idea of the tale of Igor? ›

The main themes of the story are patriotism, the power and role of nature (at the time of the story, 12th century) and homeland. The main idea is the unity of people. The Tale has been compared to other national epics, including The Song of Roland and The Song of the Nibelungs.

What is the message behind Wall E? ›

By showing the relationship between corporations, consumerism and waste, the film critiques contemporary consumption patterns. The film shows that a society that exalts consumption and produces more waste than it can counter will eventually lead to the destruction of the environment and the earth as a whole.

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