Tyla's highly-anticipated second album, 'A*Pop', drops tomorrow (26 July 2026), and while fans were hoping for a repeat performance of her smash-hit debut, early whispers suggest this one might be more of a slow burn. Following the euphoric highs of her breakout single 'Water' in 2023, expectations were sky-high for Tyla to pull off another show-stopping masterpiece. But as it stands, 'A*Pop' appears to play it safe, delivering polished pop rather than pushing the boundaries.
The hype surrounding this album hinted at a vibrant, technicolour pop spectacle, with all the bells and whistles of a stadium-sized production. But when it comes down to brass tacks, 'A*Pop' is more of a mood-driven love song fest, relying on Tyla's undeniable charisma to carry the emotional weight rather than letting her songs do the heavy lifting. Even tracks like 'Feel Something', which promise simmering sensuality, often fall short of reaching that elusive climax.
Despite this perceived caution, there are still moments where 'A*Pop' truly shines. When Tyla lets loose and combines amapiano, R&B, and glossy pop to devastating effect, we get tracks like 'Is It', 'Chanel', and the Zara Larsson collaboration 'She Did It Again'. These songs have all the makings of a classic – hypnotic log drums, sleek hooks, and production that's simply top-notch.
Other standouts include 'Kiss', an effortlessly cool piece of 'ama-pop' for when you need to unwind, and 'Crazy Of Me', where Tyla's voice blends seamlessly with MaWhoo's over warm, inviting production. Even the album closer, 'Hot Tubs', brings a welcome burst of personality – its playful synths and Tyla's carefree delivery are like a breath of fresh air.
So while 'A*Pop' has its moments, it's fair to say that it's not quite living up to its promise. With such immense potential at her fingertips, one can't help but feel that this album plays it too safe, sticking to what worked rather than pushing the boat out and exploring new waters. Will Tyla fans be disappointed? Only time will tell – but for now, 'A*Pop' feels like a solid 7 out of 10, a good but not great follow-up from an artist with so much more to give.