Answer (Tyler, the Creator song)
| "Answer" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Tyler, the Creator | |
| from the album Wolf | |
| Released | 2013[1] |
| Genre | Alternative hip hop |
| Length | 3:50 |
| Label | Odd Future |
| Songwriter(s) | Tyler Okonma |
| Producer(s) | Tyler, The Creator |
| Music video | |
| Music video on YouTube | |
"Answer" is the 6th track from Tyler, the Creator's 3rd studio album Wolf. It was written and produced by Tyler, the Creator.[1]
Beat and lyrical content
[edit]The beat of the song can be described as an "eerie, gospel organ" beat with "simple electric guitar scales and comforting, moody bass" by Rolling Stone writer Billy Johnson Jr.[2] Tom Breihan of Stereogum describes the song as Tyler offering some real talk to his dad.[3] Craig Jenkins from Pitchfork comments on the background, with him saying "Answer" sets Tyler's longing for his late grandmother and absentee father to a bright guitar figure and shimmering organs."[4]
Music video
[edit]The music video for Answer was released on October 8, 2013 and starts around 2 minutes and 30 seconds into the music video for Tamale, another song on Wolf. The song starts after it abruptly cuts from Tyler masturbating.[3]
Critical reception
[edit]Answer received critical reception from multiple sources, with Tom Breihan of Stereogum talking about the background of the song, stating that "Answer is a song about hating his father but wanting to hear his voice anyway," referencing the beginning chorus which depicts Tyler wanting his father to pick up the phone and to talk to him. Breihan would then follow up with him saying "it’s easily the most affecting song on the album.," a more positive note.[5]
Gary Suarez of The Quietus states that "Answer takes aim at the absentee father with both awkwardness and venom." referencing the insults Tyler hurls at his absentee father. with him calling it a continuation of the "lopsided grudge-match" against his father, referencing the other negative remarks Tyler says to his father in his previous works.[6]
Kathy Iandoli of Billboard would describe the song as Tyler "adressing his father to the tune of simple guitars and percussion," with her also saying it's "bipolar and angry, yet proves he has some real feelings to work out."[7]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Renshaw, David (27 March 2013). "Tyler, The Creator's 'Wolf' album tracklist confirmed". nme.com. NME. Retrieved 4 December 2024.
- ^ Johnson, Billy (5 April 2013). "Tyler, The Creator Imagines Phone Call With Deadbeat Dad On 'Answer'". rollingstone.com. Rolling Stone. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
- ^ a b Breihan, Tom (8 October 2013). "Tyler, The Creator - "Tamale" Video". stereogum.com. Stereogum. Retrieved 4 December 2024.
- ^ Jenkins, Craig (1 April 2013). "Tyler, the Creator: Wolf Album Review". pitchfork.com. Pitchfork. Retrieved 13 January 2025.
- ^ Breihan, Tom (28 March 2013). "Premature Evaluation: Tyler, the Creator Wolf". stereogum.com. Stereogum. Retrieved 4 December 2024.
- ^ Suarez, Gary (8 April 2013). "Tyler The Creator -- Wolf". thequietus.com. The Quietus. Retrieved 10 December 2024.
- ^ Iandoli, Kathy (29 March 2013). "Tyler, the Creator, 'Wolf': Track-By-Track Review". billboard.com. Billboard. Retrieved 10 December 2024.