If you want some of Tyler the Creator’s best, most emotionally compelling work, it is not here — but that’s not the point. Don’t Tap the Glass is about Tyler, but not in the same way as his other albums, which communicate his fears, hopes, and inner thoughts. This album is about Tyler the Creator, as a creator. It was made for the sake of making an album.
While some may be disappointed to not get a traditional release, this 28-minute album could be seen as a break from Tyler’s last three concept-heavy projects — a chance to breathe and let his creative juices flow without a strict purpose.
Adding to the unconventional approach, the unannounced album was given a surprise release on July 21. This release coincides with Tyler’s ongoing world tour surrounding his previous album, Chromakopia.
Musically, Don’t Tap the Glass sets a different tone. Lyrically light and groove-heavy, the album has been described by Tyler as his “vibes album”. Danceability is a top priority — and so is production, with tracks like “Sucka Free” combining complex rhythms and multilayered beats with infectiously danceable grooves.
From a production standpoint, one standout is “Ring Ring Ring,” which features meticulously layered drums and melodic synths. Many artists struggle to keep a track catchy once too many moving parts are involved, but Tyler shows his ability to orchestrate complexity without sacrificing approachability.
Stylistically, the album leans into retro influences. In the track list, we listen to Tyler toy around with retro sounds like disco and ’80s electronic music, while also incorporating moments reminiscent of an underground rave, giving the album the feel of a funky time machine that can go forward and backward at the same time.
The album cover is goofy and cryptic in an on-brand way. It features Tyler wearing thick glasses, staring blankly into the camera with comically oversized hands.
However, the tone shifts dramatically in the final track, “Tell Me What It Is,” where the rest of the album’s funky energy is stripped away and replaced with ambient textures. The lyrics become reflective, touching on Tyler’s feelings of self-doubt despite his success, as well as his difficulty recovering from a breakup.
While it may end up being the most skipped at parties, the album’s final track delivers the emotional punch many hardcore fans admire about Tyler’s work in this otherwise carefree release.
Still, the album’s commitment to just having a good time — most of the time — is what makes it stand out the most from Tyler’s other work. In the end, Don’t Tap the Glass isn’t Tyler’s deepest album — but it might be his freest, offering a vibrant reminder that sometimes, pure creative joy is reason enough to make something great.
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