Cherry Bomb cover

Cherry Bomb

Tyler, the Creator · 2015

55 min · 14 tracks · contemporary R&B

A chaotic blend of punk-infused hip-hop and lush, experimental production that defies conventional genre boundaries.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Deathcamp — Opening with frenetic energy and distorted vocals, this track sets a tone for the album’s chaotic spirit and thematic exploration of identity.
  • →
    Fucking Young / Perfect — This track showcases Tyler's introspective lyricism paired with an unexpected shift in tone, blending vulnerability and bravado as he navigates complex relationships.
  • →
    Smuckers — Featuring both Kanye West and Lil Wayne, this collaboration highlights Tyler's ability to merge his unique style with mainstream icons while maintaining a distinct edge.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100
Treeline
Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album's chaotic blend of styles and experimental production makes it a distinct entry in contemporary R&B.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that features distorted vocals and aggressive beats, setting a chaotic tone.
  • Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes and genre shifts, such as moving from punk-infused hip-hop to lush R&B elements.
  • The production includes unconventional soundscapes, with layered instrumentation and samples that create a dense auditory experience.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • wave-like pacing explorations
  • brief, impactful listening sessions
  • introspective moments of reflection

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2015, Cherry Bomb is Tyler, the Creator's fourth studio album, following his critically acclaimed Wolf. At this point in his career, Tyler was establishing himself as a distinct voice in hip-hop while also embracing a more avant-garde approach to production and songwriting.
Stylistic neighbors
Earl Sweatshirt· Frank Ocean· Syd

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Fucking Young / Perfect

    The second half shifts from a narrative of youthful infatuation to a stark realization of personal flaws and accountability.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Deathcamp 3:12
  • 2 Buffalo 2:40
  • 3 Pilot 3:29
  • 4 Run 1:10
  • 5 Find Your Wings 3:00
  • 6 Cherry Bomb 4:29
  • 7 Blow My Load 2:56
  • 8 2Seater 6:50

Disc 2

  • 1 The Brown Stains of Darkeese Latifah Part 6-12 (remix) / Special 4:38
  • 2 Fucking Young / Perfect 6:41
  • 3 Smuckers 5:38
  • 4 Keep da O’s 4:10
  • 5 Okaga, CA 6:36
  • 6 Yellow

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata