Whether you’ve been a fan of Tyler the Creator since his debut or just started listening to him, you’ll quickly realize there’s a version of Tyler for every mood. From the bratty and chaotic teenager who recorded B*stard or the grammy winning musician behind igor, flowerboy, and chromakopia just to name a few. But where do all his albums stack up against each other? This is my ranking of Tyler, the Creator albums from worst to best.
9. Goblin (2011)
Goblin has its moments and the therapy-session concept was pretty creative. But the uneven pacing and the overall content that felt like it prioritized shock over substance gave me the feeling that this album hasn’t aged as great as Tyler’s other albums.
8. B*stard (2009)
The mixtape that started everything. A self produced album made by a confident teenager. Although it has the same problems as goblin, it’s not as overboard and is essential in understanding Tyler’s journey as a musician. However, his other albums are a lot better and to me seems like the album you would listen to out of curiosity more than anything else.
7. Cherry Bomb (2015)
Cherry bomb was a mess. However, it was also Tyler’s turning point, although probably seen as experimental and one of his biggest failures, it helped him come to the realization that he needed some new direction. Although a few good tracks, his later albums are way superior.
6. Don’t tap the glass (2025)
DTTG is Tyler, the Creator’s shortest album, only running for about 29 minutes. Don’t tap the glass is a lot less serious than his other albums as he leans more into the fun here with his house, funk, and techno styled beats and some of the most ludicrous lyrics he’s had in years. I think this album is middle of the road, not bad, but doesn’t compare to the top five. Still a very enjoyable listen.
5. Wolf (2013)
I love the production and themes of wolf. A lot of these tracks— “Answer”, “IFHY”, and “Jamba” — just to name a few are some of his most emotionally honest songs. The storytelling is great and it’s very fun to listen to. It’s ranked at five not because it’s bad but because the other four are just that good.
4. Call me if You Get Lost (+The Estate Sale) (2021/2023)
CMIYGL is great because it takes the hip-hop energy from some of Tyler’s most popular work and fuses it with a sort of soulful, jazzy, and nostalgic elements. The deluxe edition: CMIYGL: The Estate Sale, added huge additions. The tracks “Sorry Not Sorry” and “DOGTOOTH” don’t feel like bonus songs; they make the album feel complete.
3. IGOR (2019)
IGOR is nothing less than a masterpiece. Probably one of his most artistic and emotionally driven albums he has ever created. The themes, aesthetic, story, and lyrics makes it not only one of my favorite Tyler, the Creator albums— but one of my favorite albums of all time.
2. Flower Boy (2017)
Flower boy was a key moment in Tyler’s career. It helped transcend him from the title of just another “edgy rapper.” The production is incredible and features from artists like Frank Ocean, ASAP Rocky, and Kali Uchis make this album just immaculate. Songs like “See You Again” carry such an incredible emotional weight and I constantly find myself listening to this album on repeat. It also holds the title of my favorite album cover of all time.
1. CHROMAKOPIA (2024)
Chromakopia is one of the greatest albums to ever exist. Each song to me is a 10/10. Narrated by his mom, chromakopia is a project focused on growth, aging, family, and paranoia regarding his fame. The album combines aspects of hip-hop, jazz, and even R&B. The transition between the tracks “Rah Tah Tah” and “Noid” was pure perfection. This album reflects on Tyler’s past with a new sense of clarity and vulnerability we have not quite seen before for him. Tracks like “Like Him” really tie this entire album together.