Tyla's 'A*Pop' is a game-changer - 14 tracks of unbridled energy that catapults you back to the heady days of Y2K pop. The South African songstress has done it again, cementing her status as a global superstar in waiting. This 24-year-old phenom first burst onto the scene with 'Water' and hasn't looked back since, drawing comparisons to Rihanna for her genre-bending prowess.
Love is the universal language Tyla speaks on this album - its highs and lows explored through an incredible range of moods and styles. Her voice is the perfect foil, effortlessly gliding between sultry R&B ('Chanel'), Afrobeats ('Kiss'), and dance-pop ('Water' still gets the pulse racing!). On 'Is It Love', she showcases her incredible vocal dexterity; while on 'Mr Nonchalant', she serves up cheeky lyrical banter à la Christina Milian.
Tyla's public persona is an extension of her music - fun, carefree, and unapologetically nostalgic. A recent London listening party saw her arrive in full Y2K cosplay regalia, complete with a temporary 'A*Pop' tattoo on her lower back (talk about making a statement!). It's this attitude that makes her so relatable - embracing the best of the past while forging a path forward.
Of course, no album is perfect, and some critics have suggested that Tyla spreads herself too thin over 14 tracks. Songs like 'Hot Tubs' and 'Fairytale' might not be as compelling as others, but this minor quibble can't detract from the overall impact of 'A*Pop'. It's a bold statement from an artist primed for enduring stardom.
Tyla's rise coincides with Britain's growing appetite for global sounds - particularly those from Africa. Her unique blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and pop, coupled with her magnetic persona, makes her one to watch in the world of music. And that debut single 'Water'? It still packs a punch in these parts!