Nights are getting shorter, and the days are getting brighter, a reminder that we are veering into the bliss and bloom of spring. Tyler, the Creator’s Flower Boy captures this transition to an absolute T. While I personally don’t think it is his most complete work, its vibe is certainly one to accompany you for these longer days ahead.
Tyler has mentioned that he began with the emotions and questions, rather than beats or concepts. This shift in his creative process is evident, with the record feeling more sensitive and flowery and full of wistful and dreamy production. There are still some harsher tracks, Who Dat Boy and I Ain’t Got Time!, but these translate astoundingly well with the flow of the album.
The album is full of sunny melodies and undeniable warmness that mirror those first days of spring. See You Again is full of honeyed instrumentals, completed by Kali Uchis’ unique breathy and mellow vocals. November carries an atmospheric nostalgia, with Glitter shimmering with passion and warmth. 911/ Mr. Lonely mixes an upbeat production with more melancholic lyrics, highlighting the emotional contrast that defines Flower Boy. By far the most underrated track in my opinion is Garden Shed, which blooms full of introspection. It offers a beautiful yet evocative verse from Estelle, being wrapped in lush instrumentalisation.
This album was Tyler the Creator’s first real deviation in style and era. It marked a turning point, a new start and spring cleaning of sorts, embracing a vulnerability within. Much like the season itself, Flower Boy is a record of transition – moving forward while occasionally glancing back. It seizes that bittersweet beauty of changing all while capturing that sunny warmth. So, what better moment than spring to revisit this album?
