Catalaya Rates: "Tyla" 9/10
South African musician, Tyla, released her debut studio album on March 22. Completely original with no skips, Tyla’s self-titled album can be described as revolutionary.
Originally confined to South African airwaves, Tyla saw a meteoric rise to global superstardom after releasing her hit single, “Water,” last July. That single has garnered over 520 million streams on Spotify alone. Furthermore, “Water” was certified platinum in six countries, was placed on the year end lists of eight major publications, and even earned Tyla a Grammy for Best African Performance. It is safe to say that song changed the trajectory of her career and took her to new heights.
The self-titled debut album consists of 14 songs with a unique and quintessentially Tyla sound. Her and her team are pioneering a new sub genre: Popiano or AfroPop. The fusion of pop/R&B sounds with genres from Tyla’s home country, like amapiano and afrobeats. The log drum is a very popular instrument heavily used in Amapiano, and is what Tyla considers the ultimate sound or key component in tying the two genres together.
“Tyla” begins with “Safer,” a song that describes the feeling of having to follow your intuition and resisting going all in with a new found love. Tyla’s voice glides on the track with a sense of skepticism and bittersweetness.
The iconic “Water” is next on the album. The song is a pure representation of Popiano. It has an American sound, while maintaining its South African influences. The breakdowns that scatter among the upbeat tempo create an unavoidable anticipation to move and dance to the song. In the bonus track, “Water” featuring Travis Scott adds a whole new vibe. Travis Scott’s verse and adlibs took “Water” to the next level and helped it cater to rap fans.
Following the mega hit, “Truth or Dare” slows us down just a smidge. The lyrics are full of confusion with the ongoings of an intimate relationship. Her voice has a slight quiver to it on parts of this track, contributing to the feeling of despair. In the chorus, “Dare you to forget, that you used to treat me just like anyone,” and “Is it true you care now that you can see the love from everyone” has the ability to take your mind back to an ex-lover you were trying to forget.
Similar to “Truth or Dare,” Tyla discusses feelings of confusion with her lover once again on “Butterflies.” This is the slowest song on the album, creating an automatically romantic vibe. The song feels like finding your first love and experiencing your first heartbreak all in one. The heavy theme is hesitation from previous experiences and a lack of trust.
“No. 1” featuring Tems is a self empowerment anthem. The two artists perfectly tell of the feeling of realizing you have neglected your own needs for far too long. That moment when you know it is time to move on from a situation and put yourself first. Tyla says, “No compromising. OK, I’m leaving tonight. OK, I’m good in my life. I’ve got to put me number one. No compromising, free from your grip in the world.” It is a song everyone can relate to on a beat that forces you to move. Tems’, who Tyla has called “the Queen” on multiple occasions, voice compliments the headlining artist beautifully. Her deep range in between Tyla’s higher melodies is the secret magic to this track.
“Breathe Me” and “A.R.T” are two of the sultrier songs on the album. “Breathe Me” gave Tyla the chance to show off her vocal range, and she did it beautifully. The lyrics are sexual innuendos comparing Tyla’s love and intimacy to something as vital to a person as breathing. Whereas the latter, Tyla describes herself as a work of art that her partner should hang in a museum. Both songs are full of feelings of devotion, fidelity and passion.
Tyla has named Aaliyah as one of her inspirations many times, and seems to have channeled her in “On and On.” The song is reminiscent of the 90’s, and Aaliyah’s self-titled album. The song has a vibe that makes you feel like summer never ended.
“Jump” featuring Gunna and Skillibang is a gem. Chock full of 2000’s club vibes, this track forces you to dance. Produced by Sammy Soso, the beat is extremely addicting. Gunna’s voice meshes with and floats on afrobeat better than anyone could have imagined. Tyla’s lyrics can be described as sly, witty, flirtatious and sultry as she narrates what she is feeling on the dance floor. Hands down, my favorite track on the album.
Much like the previous song, “On My Body” featuring Becky G, has an equally as addicting beat. It is also a song that makes you want to dance, despite it being more chill than “Jump.” Tyla and Becky G have voiced that both have a pop princess-esque sound to it, so they harmonized beautifully. They played on this track and you can hear the fun they had recording it. “On My Body” has the potential to be a summer radio hit.
The final two tracks, “Priorities” and “To Last,” transport you to the healing stage. Both tracks are somber, breakup songs, yet they still have those signature Tyla beats that make you bop a little. She embodied the feeling of regret and sadness that goes hand in hand with separation from a partner.
Tyla is an innovative artist and a force to be reckoned with. She is revolutionizing the sound of pop music by incorporating her own influences.
Tyla’s debut album has assured her a spot in the American music market. People are excited to see what all she has to offer. The introduction of Popiano to American music is being welcomed with open arms, and Tyla is lighting the way for many other African artists.