Tyla 7/24/26

Tyla - A*POP (Album)

Here's the album review with every song title bolded and in quotes:

This is Tyla's second studio album, arriving after her breakout single "Water," which has now racked up over a billion streams on Spotify. The album opens with "Is It Love," a track about wanting a relationship that's genuine and passionate — one where both partners are actually willing to be vulnerable, instead of relying on empty words. Tyla spends the song questioning whether someone's love is even real if they never show deep emotion or back it up with action. The repeated line "Is it love if you don't cry?" uses crying as a metaphor for emotional openness, the idea being that real love should be powerful enough to make you vulnerable. Musically, it's a smooth, danceable blend of Afropop, amapiano, R&B, and pop, with rhythmic percussion, warm guitars, and Tyla's soft, airy vocals — the upbeat production plays nicely against the heavier lyrics, which makes the song both catchy and heartfelt.

"That Girl" is Tyla embracing her success and knowing exactly what she deserves. She celebrates luxury, confidence, and being treated like a priority, while daring a potential partner to match her energy and lifestyle. Rather than being a straightforward love song, it's really about self-worth and enjoying the rewards of success. With its island-inspired Afropop and amapiano rhythms and sleek pop polish, it ends up being one of the most danceable, energetic songs on the record.

"Kiss" is a romantic track about the rush of reconnecting with someone on a deep physical and emotional level. Tyla describes being pulled back into a relationship where every moment feels familiar and special, comparing a simple kiss to a powerful reminder of love and attraction. It's all about intimacy and staying present with someone who understands her without needing words. The production leans into a laid-back groove — smooth percussion, soft bass, atmospheric synths — kept minimal enough that her vocals can carry the track.

"Is It Wrong" is about giving in to attraction and wondering whether those feelings should be acted on. Tyla explores the pull of chemistry and temptation, and the urge to want someone despite trying to hold back. The R&B-inspired beat, with its hypnotic drums and rhythmic percussion, gives the song a late-night, dance-floor feel.

"Fairytale" is a genuinely heartfelt song about wanting to give a relationship another shot and rebuild it into something lasting. Tyla and Ziyon sing about loyalty and forgiveness, and the hope of turning their love story into something magical. It's warmer and more emotional than most of the album, with smooth pop and deep house influences — atmospheric synths, soft percussion, a steady groove.

"Double Blind" takes a darker, more intense turn, exploring what it's like to be pulled into a powerful connection even when it's risky or unpredictable. Tyla digs into trust and desire, and the idea of giving yourself completely to someone despite the chance things could go wrong. The production matches that mood with deep bass, hypnotic percussion, and layered, groove-driven textures.

"Feel Something" is about wanting a connection that actually feels exciting and intense — Tyla craving someone who brings real passion and energy into her life, someone who makes her feel alive. It's smooth and seductive, built on bass, percussion, and an R&B groove that keeps her soft vocals and confident delivery front and center.

"Right Now" is a confident, playful track about reconnecting with someone after time apart and feeling that old chemistry again. Tyla plays with the tension of two people who clearly still miss each other but won't admit it, creating a push-and-pull dynamic. The R&B-inspired groove — rhythmic percussion, a warm bassline, an easy, catchy bounce — matches the flirty energy perfectly.

"Mr. Nonchalant" is about being drawn to someone who plays it cool and emotionally distant but still clearly wants her attention. Tyla stays in control of the situation, turning the tension into something fun and flirtatious. Upbeat percussion, electronic bass, and a catchy groove give the track a liveliness that lets her charisma shine.

"She Did It Again," with Zara Larsson, is a playful song about being unforgettable — about having a real effect on someone. Both artists present themselves as women who know their worth, letting the world know their charm can leave people wanting more, almost like a warning. Rolling log drums, energetic percussion, electronic bass, and glossy pop touches make it one of the most addictive, dance-ready tracks on the album, while still staying true to Tyla's signature sound.

"Chanel," featuring PARTYNEXTDOOR, is the album's biggest hit — a confident anthem about luxury, self-worth, and wanting to be treated the way you know you deserve. Tyla uses being "put in Chanel" as a symbol of real effort and appreciation. Pulsing log drums, crisp percussion, and a minimal but addictive beat give the song its glamorous edge.

"Crazy of Me" is more reflective, a song about regret and looking back on a relationship where things could've gone differently. Tyla admits she wishes she'd recognized someone's value before it was too late, and MaWhoo's vocals add real emotional weight. Gentle percussion, warm melodies, and a laid-back groove — plus a clear nod to Tyla's South African roots — make it one of the album's more intimate moments.

"I Don't Care" is about moving on from someone who's still trying to hold on after the relationship has ended. Tyla sounds confident and distant, making it clear she's made peace with the past and let it go. The laid-back rhythms, gentle percussion, and warm melodies give the track a calm, empowering feel that reflects her growth.

The album closes with "Hot Tubs," a fun, carefree anthem about enjoying life, chasing excitement, and not taking outside opinions too seriously. Tyla leans into confidence, independence, and doing whatever makes her happy, all set to a bass-heavy groove and catchy, dance-focused percussion.

Overall, Tyla stays close to her roots on this album, and her vocals are genuinely impressive throughout. That said, I would've liked to hear more experimental production — a lot of these songs feel pretty similar to what she's already released. I enjoyed the R&B and pop production, along with the Afropop and hip-hop influences. Still, many of the tracks share repetitive rhythms, overlapping subject matter, and production that doesn't always distinguish one song from the next. The album has its standout moments — "Chanel," "She Did It Again," and "Hot Tubs" among them — but given how much potential Tyla has with that dreamy, airy voice of hers, I was hoping for a little more.

Verdict: One and Done

Personal Favorites: "Chanel," "She Did It Again," and  "Hot Tubs."