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TYLA+ by Tyla (Album Review) by Enyjé Sandoz

 


From Getting Late to Been Thinking to Girl Next Door to the global smash hit record Water, and now debut album, TYLA, Tyla has illustrated consistency with her mission of taking Amapiano music globally with the deluxe version of her album: TYLA+.


TYLA+ kicks off with this banger. The title, SHAKE AH, is not only the chorus but merely an instruction, as when you listen to this song, you are going to want to shake some ass! It’s energetic, sexy, and gets you moving. It’s the perfect party song, or if you are like me — the perfect song for the club called ‘La Chambre’, also known as the room… as in my bedroom. I also listen to it in the bathroom — or anywhere with a mirror. 

SHAKE AH sets the tone for the album; its rhythmic beat differs (far more provocative) from other songs on the album but evokes the same feeling of uncontrollable dancing. As with the remaining features on the album, the featured artists on this song complement Tyla, making a well-rounded track. 

Based on a recent Instagram post, I believe a music video was shot for this song, which is exciting, as I can only imagine the energy in the room while recording. 

SHAKE AH has cemented itself as one of my favorites on the album.

TRACK 2 - PUSH 2 START

PUSH 2 START is a vacation wrapped into a song. The island-ly, calypso-like beat transports you to a tropical beach. As you sit basking in the sun, watching the waves gently roll onto shore, sipping your Bahama Mama (virgin or alcoholic — purely your preference), this song is your backtrack. You are centered in that moment, and nothing tops that. Life feels great. 

That’s what PUSH 2 START sounds like — tropical vacation sold separately, though. 

Act like you heard me 
Only serve it up if you deserve me, yeah 
Pull up and earn me (Pusha, pusha) 
Push to start (Pusha, pusha) 
Act like you heard me 
Only serve it up if you deserve me, yeah 
Pull up and earn me (Pusha, pusha) 
Push to start (Pusha, pusha) 

The lyrics are bold and assertive. She leaves no room for misinterpretation when speaking to her desired receiver. It maintains a level of authenticity to age-appropriate experiences someone in their 20s could experience while being able to be enjoyed by all ages due to its suggestiveness and lack of explicity.

TRACK 3 - BACK to YOU

Through various tracks, Tyla has blended genres, creating hybrids — highlighting her South African culture, Amapiano, and other musical influences such as pop and R&B. 

BACK to YOU gives listeners a first-time glimpse into Tyla’s R&B side. Compared to Tyla’s other vulnerable records, this song is laid back with a contemporary flair. As Tyla recalls relational trials and tribulations, it invites listeners to sit back and reflect. It induces a meditative-like state: during one listen, you may sit in silence with your thoughts; during another listen, you are singing along. 



Though not an actual song, it is more like a snippet of another song compiled with audio of a conversation; it reminds me of the intro to an early 2000’s album. As implied by its title, it’s the intro to the album. It is a teaser of what’s to come in the next 16 songs. 


TRACK 5 - Safer

The following may be biased, but then again, the proof is in the pudding: 
Safer is Tyla’s best song thus far and the best song on the album. 

The beat alone is the most distinctive and complements the lyrics exceptionally well. With each word, Tyla tells a story that awakens a sense of danger. Each expression unravels the tantalizing desire of the song's subject, but clarity strikes before it goes too deep. 

Vocally, this is Tyla's strongest song. After the bridge, Tyla hits a high note, exemplifying her range. 

I love this song! It is my absolute favorite on the album!

TRACK 6 - Water

The massive, global hit Water is a vibe by its lonely but a mere scratch on the surface of Tyla’s artistry. It is no shocker that this upbeat, euphemistic, catchy song, coupled with the TikTok challenge, took the world by storm. Its release on July 28, 2023, made it the perfect Summertime track. 

It was the second song (Girl Next Door featuring Ayra Starr was released May 2023) Tyla released post her first tour as an opening act of the Under the Influence Tour (Europe), which is when I first learned about Tyla — not as an attendee of the tour, but as an online spectator. 

Water’s larger-than-life qualities further expanded as it landed Tyla her first Grammy in the inaugural category of Best African Music Performance. 

Water is an undeniable hit and meshes perfectly with the overall body of work. If Water was people’s anticipation of the album, they left with far more than expected, as Tyla proved that it was just the beginning of her journey.

TRACK 7 - Truth or Dare

Truth or Dare is a track that applies to every relationship (romantic, friendship, etc.), where you evolved and had people crawling back. It is confident and empowering and serves as a reminder to listeners and the intended messengers that if someone didn’t deserve you back then, they for damn sure do not deserve you now. 

Can't handle what I am now 
You're a fan now, and I'm not what I was 
(Ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh) 
So tell me, are you down now? 'Cause I'm up now 

Signed, sealed, and delivered — the number of people I could package and send this song to… they are not worth a postage stamp, so setting this as my profile song on Instagram will have to do. 

This song envelopes the absurdity of people who will discard you or treat you as an option but will desire access to you when it is beneficial to them. The audacity of these people (I have other names I’d like to call them) to mistreat and not appreciate you and expect to experience the better version of you. 

Would you still want me if I didn't have it all? (All) 
You could've had it with me, but instead,
You gave it up (gave it, gave it up) 
Tell me, when is it gonna get through to you? (Ooh) 
Everybody needs somebody, but I can't be a fool (fool) 
When they ask you questions 'bout me, tell 'em how you 
How we could've gone places, but you were too impatient 

In other words, it's their loss, your gain.


Tyla continues by empowering listeners alongside Tems. If you have had enough of people’s shit and you want to re-center your life around yourself, listen to this song a few times. 

Okay, I'm leavin' tonight 
Okay, I'm good in my life 
I gotta put me number one 
No compromisin' 
Free from your grip in the world 
Feel like the million girl 
I gotta put me number one 

A few weeks ago, I was going through the motions, and I pressed shuffle on this album, and this song was the first to play. As I tweeted, my chest nearly caved in. The song perfectly summarized the emotions I was experiencing at that moment. 

I won't do it, time is up for you 
I gotta prioritize 
No more compromisin' me 

As Tyla and Tems affirmed, no more compromisin’ me. This makes me think of the famous clip of Eartha Kitt during an interview where she was asked about compromise in relationships. She busts out laughing, then turns very serious — for what?! 

No.1 highlights the frustration and resentment that can fester when one compromises and sacrifices oneself for the sake of a relationship, which is not exclusive to romantic relationships. 

This is a song that you play (or, in my case, plays for you) when you are ready to get your life back on track.

TRACK 9 - Breathe Me

While Safer is (biasedly) the best song on the album, Breathe Me is next and the most ethereal. Once again, we are immersed in Tyla’s sensuality, and it is felt with the breathy, watery (no pun intended) qualities of this sultry track. During my first run-throughs of the album, Breathe Me was my go-to track. Its addictive quality makes you want to keep it on repeat. It is an eye-closed, hips-swaying type of song. 

I loved how the music video was simplistic. It honed in on the intimacy conveyed in the song lyrics while showcasing how passion can be equally intoxicating as carefree, which complements the beat of the song. 

It’s R&B with a rhythmic beat — the perfect combination. 

Breathe Me is another one of my favorites!

TRACK 10 - Butterflies

‘Butterflies’ acknowledges shortcomings and vulnerability but does not fail to remind people of one’s power and recognition of that power! 

I don't need reparations boy, bye (yeah, yeah) 
Countin' blessings by the dozen, ooh, I'm God's child (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah) 
All it took was dedication to make me fly (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah) 
Not a minute could be wasted, we on God's time 

I quote these lyrics (whether on my Instastory, Twitter, or Threads) every time I listen to this song. It’s a “Don’t perceive my vulnerability as a weakness” and a “While I am grappling with confusion and uncertainty regarding you, one thing I am sure about is who I am and what I am here to do.” 

Plus you the type to leave me confused 
In a maze trappеd in your rule 
Many tried to cleansе me of you 
But my heart wants more 
You give me butterflies 
Got me falling in the deep end of your disguise (disguise) 
Sparred with a hundred lies 
So I fear this might be my goodbye, ah 

Much like No.1 and Priorities (which we have yet to arrive at), Butterflies recognizes the attachment and pull of the situation at hand, but the loyalty to and respect of oneself being greater, and knowing when to walk away from something that is no longer serving you. 

You drive too fast (you drive too fast) 
Might burn and crash (might burn and crash) 
Takin' the backseat (takin' the back) 
I'm done with that (I'm done with that)

The dualistic nature of this song spotlights remnants of old patterns and the awareness and clarity that is granted once assuming the position of an outsider looking in.

TRACK 11 - On and On

Let me preface by saying that this was my top song on my February 2024 Apple Music Replay. 

If I was born pre-1995 and partied so I could party like it’s ’95, I’d want to do so after listening to On and On. 

Sometimes, you just want to dance and reminisce about a time when you did not even exist. For Tyla, it’s 1995; for me, it’s the 1980s. Nonetheless, On and On is an opportunity to be present in the moment and do just that: dance. 

I adore this song. It’s fun-loving; it gets you moving and stimulates feelings of a good time. It is a serotonin boost with a melodic beat and very early 2000s vibes.

They never had a pretty girl from Jo'burg 
See me now and that's what they prefer 

As if I was not already reeling from the previous track, this line made me sit up in my imaginary seat. This lyric is the perfect setup for people to insert and rep where they are from. I, myself, even tweeted: 

They never had a pretty girl from JERSEY 
See me now and that’s what they prefur

This is such a nuanced quality that makes a bomb record even more dope because it leaves room for personalization. This, yet again, reminds me of an early 2000s vibe of unapologetically hyping oneself up. It’s refreshing to hear someone speak highly of themselves and not be in deference to another individual, or undermining someone else. 

Original gyal, you are no replica (No) 
Smooth, dean, no regular degular (No) 
Pretty for real, and pretty pon my cellular (Know) 
Mi know say ya hot (Know) 

Not only does she stay true to her culture (the style of music and shooting this video back in her country), but Tyla also conveys a message of being one of a kind. 

Tyla’s lyrics are often suggestive. On the surface, her album is clean, but it’s one of those moments where you have to sit and listen beyond the beat to decipher the lyrics. It is commendable that featured artists on her tracks abide by that same standard, such as Gunna, and maintain the air of her suggestiveness.

TRACK 13 - ART

ART is an uptempo record; Tyla describes herself as a literal work of art. The Venusian notes of the lyrics are depicted in the music video with Tyla as the painter. 

Study my face (face), frame (frame) 
Put me on the wall 
Above the stair (stair), case (case) 
If you show me off 
I'll be your piece 
Your A-R-T 

Tyla further exercises her lyrical creativity with a double entendre of the word: piece. In addition to being a piece, like a dime piece, the lyric points to the homophone: peace. Essentially, she’s saying that she is something to show off while also being someone’s peace. 

ART is another track on my favorite list!


On My Body is a cultural fusion. It marries Tyla’s roots with Becky G’s Latino culture as the beat is true to Tyla’s background and Becky G’s lyrics oscillate between English and Spanish. 

This track is spicy in every sense.

TRACK 15 - Priorities

Priorities offers a reflective insight into the conundrum of unknowingly overextending oneself for another person. It circles back to themes of compromising and self-sacrifice, as pointed out in ‘No.1’. 

It is relatable, self-aware, and a reclaiming of one’s power. 

I was in the wrong place with the right energy 
High off serotonin and callin' it chemistry 
So no more takin' one for the team 
These hands don't wanna hold onto things 
Holdin' me back from noticin’ 

There wasn't a line I wouldn't cross 
Was always down to get you what you want 
Sayin' it out loud makes no sense but at the time it did 
Good intent, but I admit 

My first mistake 
Thinkin' that I could be everythin' 
Look how spreadin' myself thin became 
My priority again


TRACK 16 - To Last

I cannot remember if To Last was my first Tyla song or On and On, but I know that I was hooked after a few listens. Though the song is about heartbreak, its beat, Tyla’s cadence, and tone balance out the lyrics by providing a soothing effect. Its medicinal-like quality is the remedy for an aching heart coping with acceptance and realizations.


Upon hearing that Travis Scott was the featured mystery artist on Water (Remix), I was unsure how the record would sound, but I was pleasantly surprised. Though this is not a track I frequently listen to, I mainly listen to the original as it is earlier in the album, I somehow know the lyrics to Travis’ verse. The inclusion of Travis Scott accentuates yet another moment of Tyla bridging the gap between genres. 

As I was preparing to write this review, I had consecutively listened to the album quite a few times to get me in the zone. It was then I realized that Travis’s lyric: You know I'm comin' from the H, But it's plus two-seven when I dial in, is a nod to both of their home bases. I knew Travis was from Houston, Texas (commonly referred to as the ‘H’ or H-Town), but I initially did not make the connection of +27 being the country code of South Africa. That was clever!




Overall, TYLA+ by Tyla is a solid album and a heck of a debut!


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