TRACK BY TRACK: Tyler, The Creator's 'Call Me If You Get Lost: The Estate Sale'
Since the early-2010s, Tyler, The Creator has been paving the way for new musical genres, fashion, and other facets of creativity. His newest release, a deluxe version of his 2021 album Call Me If You Get Lost, furthers his vision of his original project while also adding additional themes that reflect where he is sonically, even just 2 years later. With 7 new tracks to listen to, let’s dive into Call Me If You Get Lost: The Estate Sale!
1. "EVERYTHING MUST GO"
The first track on the Estate Sale begins with a short interlude from Tyler directed at his fans, reflecting on the past 2 years and his successes. Tyler thanks “every ear who listened” to his last album as well as those who attended his globe-trotting tour for Call Me If You Get Lost. After this short interlude, the exciting pair of Tyler and DJ Drama introduce the continuation of The Estate Sale as he refers to the extra tracks, stating: “Everything must go.”
2. "STUNTMAN" (feat. Vince Staples)
The first song off the deluxe album, “STUNTMAN”, picks up exactly where the original album left off. With a chanting chorus and infectious verse from rapper Vince Staples, this track thumps with confidence and soars with urgency. Vince and Tyler exhibit their musical chemistry with an electrifying call-and-response section just before a shrill and urgent siren-esque synth rings in the chorus. Tyler’s skills with music production also shine in this energetic anthem, through the dynamic balance of loud percussion and climactic synths.
Favorite Lyrics: “I’m watchin’ 'Queen’s Gambit' lookin like an extra / Different color chess pieces hangin’ from my necklace…”
3. "WHAT A DAY"
“WHAT A DAY” is the second track on the The Estate Sale and features a more laidback version of Tyler reflecting on fame over a relaxing, sun-soaked beat. The song’s themes revolve around Tyler’s own head space and how his past has affected his long road to success. These deeper themes are juxtaposed by a blissful backbeat that features a sample of a woman singing, “What a day at the park…” The track’s dreamy production also fits in the soundscapes of the original album, as similar songs on Call Me If You Get Lost sound just as enchanted and sunny.
Favorite Lyrics: “After album five, I got syndicated / You want the old T? Sorry G, that picture faded…”
4. "WHARF TALK" (feat. A$AP Rocky)
The indomitable duo of rapper A$AP Rocky and Tyler, The Creator returns on “WHARF TALK”, a track centered around a romantic date that takes place near a tranquil dock. On the track, the iconic pairing of A$AP Rocky’s seamless wordplay and Tyler’s high-pitched harmonies take center stage as the groovy percussion swims in the background. The song’s themes surround young love and how fleeting bliss can feel during the Summer months. As Tyler croons to his date, A$AP Rocky’s verse switches to the more serious themes of marriage with lyrics that outline a failing relationship. The track’s production also features the unique use of an electric guitar, making “WHARF TALK” a sure Summer jam for future house parties and sunny car rides.
Favorite Lyrics: “Where we goin’? We should get lost / No more questions, let the wharf talk…”
5. "DOGTOOTH"
On the track, “DOGTOOTH”, Tyler touches on touring and his wealth and how both have led to increases in his confidence. The song begins with a piano riff that morphs into a synth-driven chorus, filled with Tyler repeating the song’s title. Throughout the song, the piano riff is returned to, building tension before the multi-layered chorus appears. The song’s themes revolve around Tyler’s globe-trotting adventures and how he has found love around the world.
Favorite Lyrics: “The plane fly better when it's just me and the pilot / Tuition for the mileage, it's worth it for the silence…”
6. "HEAVEN TO ME"
“HEAVEN TO ME” follows Tyler outlining his fantasy of a heavenly day filled with romance, pride, and plenty of tranquility. This track is filled with themes of happiness and hope toward the future as Tyler mentions his imaginary son and wife playing in his yard and sailing on his boat. “HEAVEN TO ME” puts the listener in a state of bliss with its melodic sample and easy-going percussion. Tyler’s lyrics throughout the track also allude to closure and possible retirement, themes that also appear towards the end of The Estate Sale.
Favorite Lyrics: “My boat dock got a yacht with a slide on the side / My son and I got some bikes we could ride / I’ll show him how to wheelie…”
7. "BOYFRIEND, GIRLFRIEND" (feat. YG)
Possibly the catchiest song on the album can be found in “BOYFRIEND, GIRLFRIEND”. The bouncy track follows Tyler asking out his crush and focusing on themes of intense infatuation and traditions that follow and escalating relationship. The song begins with rapper YG’s verse, whose lyrics effortlessly slide across the rhythmic synth and acoustic percussion. However, the real earworm of “BOYFRIEND, GIRLFRIEND” lies in Tyler’s high-pitched, catchy chorus, stating, “You could be my boyfriend, girlfriend, (yeah)” Throughout the song, different voices can be heard in the background, shouting and laughing. This effect makes the listener feel as if they are actually falling in love at a party, with the song serving as the soundtrack in the background.
Favorite Lyrics: “I just want someone to talk to whenever I start feeling alone / Sometimes it gets hard to watch you…”
8. "SORRY NOT SORRY"
Tyler ends The Estate Sale with a wave goodbye to all of his previous eras in the form of the final track, “SORRY NOT SORRY”. This track features a more laidback yet melancholy beat which serves as a perfect groundwork for the deeper subject matter and reflective wordplay. As the track continues, Tyler begins to apologize to his family and his fans for his actions in the past on the rocky road to fame. Tyler’s lyrics express regret but also flip back to confidence as the song continues, stressing that the new “era” Tyler is embarking upon will be a large change for his career. With such a contemplative final track, listeners are left reflecting on The Estate Sale as a whole and wondering what musical avenue Tyler could travel down next.
Favorite Lyrics: “Sorry to the fans who say I changed, 'cause I did / Sorry you don’t know me on a personal level to pinpoint what it is…”
What’s your favorite song from Call Me If You Get Lost: The Estate Sale?