‘Flower Boy,’ a garden of emotions

Lina Duchene, Co-editor

If one could describe the simple softness and purity of walking through a field of sunflowers, they simply would not express the feelings as accurately as Tyler, The Creator’s album Flower Boy. Flower Boy takes every listener deep into the mind and soul of a boy on his journey in search of himself.

This concept album shows a softer side to Tyler, The Creator as a simple guy who “was never into the beaches and all the sands,” but who was more into “the woods with flowers, rainbows and posies,” as he said in the album opener “Foreword.”

In songs like “See You Again,” the more romantic side of Tyler also comes to light as a melodic piano intro sets the perfect mood for the iconic and equally poetic line, “I wonder if you look both ways when you cross my mind.”

Floral themes can be seen throughout the album with song titles such as “Where This Flower Blooms,” “Garden Shed,” and “Dropping Seeds,” making the album that more metaphorical and symbolic.

As a rap artist, including those catchy and fist bumping hip hop beats is essential but what sets Flower Boy apart from every other album is the jazz and classical infusion that perfectly balances the poetic nature of Tyler the Creator’s lyrics. The smooth and rich sound of brass accompanied by the accent of violins and electric guitar create an ambience founded on maturity and relaxation.

On the other hand, Flower Boy also includes the upbeat rap vibes Tyler is known for putting out, especially in the hit “Who Dat Boy” featuring A$AP Rocky.

With Flower Boy, the listener is given not only a rap album released by a modern rapper, but a piece of art that displays pure musicianship and encompasses variety, making each track a new experience each and every time it is listened to.