Read this if you get lost

“I am not hip-hop. I am Tyler,” musical sensation Tyler, the Creator said in 2016 as a response to only being nominated in the rap category for the MTV Music Awards. His new album “CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST” was released on June 25, and proves his musical versatility.

Throughout the metaphorical masterpiece, Tyler embraced his alter ego of “Tyler Baudelaire” as an homage to Charles Baudelaire, a famous romantic French poet in the 19th century. Both Baudelaire and Tyler are known for their explicit works of art and have a shared tendency to compare contrasting ideologies like romance and realism, love and hate, as well as beauty and death.

Unlike other albums, “CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST” doesn’t follow one particular theme; it tells a visceral story of chaotic events in his life while embracing multiple themes: loss, romantic yearning, Tyler’s world-wide success and gratitude.

Tyler attracts fans with his unique style of authenticity and hilarity, exemplified in this album through the comedic interludes and unique musical styles with elements of hip-hop, R&B, pop, jazz, soul and reggae.

The song “LUMBERJACK,” in a euphemistic sense, describes his gratitude for being born, which is emphasized by the song’s lyrical imagery; “BLESSED” is a comical interlude that demonstrates Tyler’s appreciation for his good fortune.  

My favorite song from the album, “SWEET / I THOUGHT YOU WANTED TO DANCE,” is a musical flex of Tyler’s melodic range, ability to create captivating lyrics and reggae rhythms. This 10-minute song captures the theme of romantic yearning and reflects the genres of hip-hop, R&B and reggae, blending authenticity and musical capability.

This album is also melodically fascinating because of the range of styles and feature artists Tyler meshes together. He works with artists like Lil Wayne, Lil Uzi Vert, Ty Dolla Sign and Pharrell Williams, who each have a distinct musical style. Lil Wayne’s instrumental development in hip-hop sections, Lil Uzi Vert’s hype, Ty Dolla Sign’s savvy songwriting and Pharrell Williams’s musical diversity blend together in a fascinating and unconventional way.

The album is meant to portray a multi-dimensional story that is up to listeners’ interpretation. Whether you’re in the mood for complex lyrics or simply a catchy beat, “CALL ME WHEN YOU GET LOST” is definitely an album worth listening to.