by Alex Porter ’13

Tyler, The Creator, one of rap collective Odd Future’s premier members, released his third album this month. “Wolf” is still distinctively Tyler, but is also a marked transition from his earlier material. While far from being soft, it is a less aggressive project that begins to reveal Tyler’s inner emotions rather than the anger he expresses at those outside.

Before even noticing the lyrics, the change in production style is remarkably sharp. The high-energy, head-thrashing anthems have mostly disappeared with a few exceptions, replaced by relaxed jazz-like instrumentals. Tyler’s vocal performance is also substantially more constrained and slow, helping to emphasize the introspective tone of this album. The content is as emotionally damaged as always, but now has more focus toward Tyler’s discomfort with girls, fans and his missing father that was not as apparent in his earlier projects’ tendency to rely on undirected vulgarity and shock.

Unfortunately, the leisurely pacing makes the album less compelling to return to. The lack of energy translates to a less engaging listening experience; it is by no means bad, but fails at grabbing the listener’s ear like 2009’s “Bastard.”

However, “Wolf” is not completely disjointed from earlier projects. The various characters throughout the album are true to Tyler’s characteristic style, including the returning therapist Dr. TC, although they do not seem entirely necessary for conveying his various feelings. The offensive and immature lines that likely reeled in in many fans are still dispersed throughout the album, even if the songs have more merit as wholes. The ignorant Tyler of other projects also retains a few definite footholds in songs like “Domo23” and “Tamale.”

“Wolf” may not be the most energetic album to listen to, but it still merits attention from rap fans. While it may not have the impact and shock value of his prior albums, it is still a compelling effort. Tyler, The Creator is still not a good choice for the easily offended, but it offers listeners a chance to become attuned to the inner workings of a rapper who is still largely just a boy who has come into fame and fortune. Once compared to many of his less substantial contemporaries, the decision to create a project like “Wolf” becomes all the more commendable.