After “Bastard,” “Goblin,” “Wolf,” and “Cherry Bomb,” Tyler the Creator’s “Flower Boy” appeals to both old fans and new listeners. The album is a breath of fresh air and can even be considered a sister album to “Cherry Bomb,” as they are not associated with the fictional storyline in the trilogy of previous albums.

After a two year hiatus, Tyler the Creator got his creative juices flowing and decided it was time to make an album on his own. In the past, Pharrell Williams has helped Tyler produce his albums and has even made appearances in several songs. While the album is missing Pharrell’s voice and overall presence, Jaden Smith’s smooth cameo in “Pothole” is a dream.   

There is no clear underlying plot to “Flower Boy,” but its tracks express pent up emotions Tyler wants to share with his followers. In “Boredom”, the lyrics discuss being lonely in the midst of success and materialism. He also admits to the feeling of nostalgia and the non-stop reminiscing of sweet memories that have happened over the course of his and his friend’s lives in “November.”

The unique samples and set of instruments used for “Flower Boy” are so perfectly placed and overlapped that the listener gets a different sound with every repeat spin. While the album’s universal genre is alternative hip hop, it definitely packs a punch of soul and R&B. Many of the sounds are similar to those of Stevie Wonder, Roy Ayers, and Slick Rick. In this album specifically, Tyler is a man of few words, and focuses more on the musical composition than the lyrics. However, it’s clear that his words have significance. 

If you’re looking for a serious rap album, “Flower Boy” probably isn’t for you. But if you like staring off into the distance thinking about life and enjoying a nonchalant summer night, this is the one.