Cherry Bomb
by Tyler, The Creator
User Score
6.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 352 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 208 out of 352
  2. Mixed: 80 out of 352
  3. Negative: 64 out of 352
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  1. ihavevocaloid
    May 27, 2015
    6
    Cherry Bomb is a weird album. Tyler has always been a weird musician (and person) but this album is Tyler's weirdness at its peak. What's not weird about this album? Tyler's singing (something he's always wanted to do but never attempted it much before on his previous albums) to his high-pitched vocals (again, something that he's never really done on his previous albums, or on ANY album,Cherry Bomb is a weird album. Tyler has always been a weird musician (and person) but this album is Tyler's weirdness at its peak. What's not weird about this album? Tyler's singing (something he's always wanted to do but never attempted it much before on his previous albums) to his high-pitched vocals (again, something that he's never really done on his previous albums, or on ANY album, this commonly) to the excessive mixing are all some of the weirdest things I've ever experienced in musical history. And this weirdness of his is original and good (except for the excessive mixing). The main problem with Cherry Bomb, however, is how well this album could be divided into four separate EPs. There have been many albums that contain a diverse musical style (MBDTF comes to mind) but most of them have been able to tie the songs together well. This album, however, does the opposite of that. How is it possible to believe that "Deathcamp", "Find Your Wings" and "Cherry Bomb" are on the same album? Tyler is trying to be creative with his neo-soul/N.E.R.D./high vocals/distorted songs, which he is, but it's ultimately ruined by how the songs don't flow together. There are a few skits but they are just random. His production has been great on his previous albums, and Tyler, the Creator has never been very lyrical, but songs like "Find Your Wings" simply have a lack of lyrics and songs like "Cherry Bomb" leave listeners skeptical about what the beat is actually supposed to sound like, and most importantly what Tyler is saying. Overall, if you can accept the fact that Tyler is weird, you won't hate this album but if you limit your listening to a few artists, you will hate this album. Grade: B-. Highlights: "Deathcamp", "Run" (I actually like this one, believe it or not), "The Brown Stains of Darkeese Latifah Part 6-12 (Remix)", "Smuckers". Worst songs: "Cherry Bomb", "Find Your Wings"… Expand
  2. Samper
    Dec 10, 2015
    6
    Certainly some interesting stuff in this album. There were a few tracks that I liked a lot, like Find Your Wings, 2Seater, Smuckers and Buffalo (My favorite). I guess my biggest issue with it is the bad production in some songs (on purpose or not, doesn't matter), the title song, Cherry Bomb, isn't so bad in its essence, but its noisy production ruined what could have been a good song.Certainly some interesting stuff in this album. There were a few tracks that I liked a lot, like Find Your Wings, 2Seater, Smuckers and Buffalo (My favorite). I guess my biggest issue with it is the bad production in some songs (on purpose or not, doesn't matter), the title song, Cherry Bomb, isn't so bad in its essence, but its noisy production ruined what could have been a good song.

    Nonetheless, the album as a whole can be pretty enjoyable. (Especially if you don't mind some noise and distortion)    … Expand
  3. IronGaming_
    Dec 22, 2015
    9
    I absolutely love this album, Tyler steps away from his dark themed lyrics and turns to something more joyful. And surprisingly... does it VERY well. It took me a couple listens to get used to the bad mixing the distortion, and overall inconsistency of this record, but after that. I love every song on this thing. The production is also a plus for this record, songs like SMUCKERS andI absolutely love this album, Tyler steps away from his dark themed lyrics and turns to something more joyful. And surprisingly... does it VERY well. It took me a couple listens to get used to the bad mixing the distortion, and overall inconsistency of this record, but after that. I love every song on this thing. The production is also a plus for this record, songs like SMUCKERS and OKAGA, CA show a more type of light hearted type of production for Tyler, and it fits well.… Expand
  4. ToiletBoy
    Dec 25, 2017
    8
    From beautiful to distorted, and back again. Cherry Bomb may be Tyler's most hated album. That is totally understandable. When I listen to the beautiful chords and xylophone provided by Roy Ayers on FIND YOUR WINGS, or the epic string bridge in the middle of 2SEATER, or the sexy and funky BLOW MY LOAD, all the way to the long and kaleidoscopic love-ballad that is OKAGA, CA. I can't sayFrom beautiful to distorted, and back again. Cherry Bomb may be Tyler's most hated album. That is totally understandable. When I listen to the beautiful chords and xylophone provided by Roy Ayers on FIND YOUR WINGS, or the epic string bridge in the middle of 2SEATER, or the sexy and funky BLOW MY LOAD, all the way to the long and kaleidoscopic love-ballad that is OKAGA, CA. I can't say anything except that I love this album. Colorful, Pharrell-influenced tracks are what make Cherry Bomb great, and really show Tyler is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to interesting production. It's fire, basically.… Expand
  5. thaleslucas
    Apr 15, 2015
    8
    As I listened to this album I thought, "Tyler changed his style again!". This is something very interesting, to see an artist walk among several vertex of Hip-Hop. It can be a very complex and noisy album, but it is still very well done and by far contemporary. Tyler, The Creator: a real rapper that doesn't never fail.
  6. BENNEB
    Apr 18, 2015
    5
    The thing about me not really liking this album is the production. Tyler's voice is mixed so badly, you could barely make out what he's saying. Another thing that turned me away is the sounds in the album. Tyler seems to be throwing random collages of soundscapes and genres from heavy metal to r&b throughout the whole. Apart from the lyrics, this album is messy, hectic and all over theThe thing about me not really liking this album is the production. Tyler's voice is mixed so badly, you could barely make out what he's saying. Another thing that turned me away is the sounds in the album. Tyler seems to be throwing random collages of soundscapes and genres from heavy metal to r&b throughout the whole. Apart from the lyrics, this album is messy, hectic and all over the place. I would however, give him credit to the fact that he's trying something new like he always does but Tyler could just work out better with another Wolf or something. Just saying...… Expand
  7. villus10
    Apr 23, 2015
    4
    1st reaction was "Jesus Christ my ears are bleeding Tyler why would you do this", but the more that I listen to it the more that it is growing on me. It is still absolute **** compared to Wolf and Goblin, but the few tracks that shine on this album do shine very brightly.
  8. vidyut
    Apr 19, 2015
    6
    Don't get me wrong, there are some really great tracks on Cherry Bomb; in my personal opinion the best parts of the album are when Tyler's production gets a key role (2seater, perfect have a lovely jazz influenced sound), but i think his lyrics really lack any substance. At first listen I really thought that it was a stellar effort but the depth isn't there, the lyrics tend not to inspireDon't get me wrong, there are some really great tracks on Cherry Bomb; in my personal opinion the best parts of the album are when Tyler's production gets a key role (2seater, perfect have a lovely jazz influenced sound), but i think his lyrics really lack any substance. At first listen I really thought that it was a stellar effort but the depth isn't there, the lyrics tend not to inspire - comparing it to some other rap artists' albums which have came out recently it's a bit timid. Fair play to him because he is so original and his production is so unique. It's not a bad album but hardly groundbreaking.
    (also thank you tyler for sparing your album this time of your friends jasper + taco)    … Expand
  9. ughnicewatch
    Apr 15, 2015
    5
    Cherry Bomb was precisely what I feared it would be, a cluster of great tracks which illustrate Tyler's musical talent, and duds which present themselves as contrived rebellion against the industry... or something.

    The album opens with the intense, guitar-heavy and brilliant "Deathcamp" where Tyler's N.E.R.D. worship is unsubtle indeed, followed by the equally creative and enjoyable    Cherry Bomb was precisely what I feared it would be, a cluster of great tracks which illustrate Tyler's musical talent, and duds which present themselves as contrived rebellion against the industry... or something.

    The album opens with the intense, guitar-heavy and brilliant "Deathcamp" where Tyler's N.E.R.D. worship is unsubtle indeed, followed by the equally creative and enjoyable "Buffalo", where Tyler's personality and abilities as a producer shine through. "Find Your Wings" conveys a rather unfamiliar side of Tyler as a song-maker, its smooth, relaxed nature being totally contrasted by the following cut, the dire title track. The second half of the LP features standouts in the beautifully arranged "2Seater", as well as "Smuckers" where he collaborates with heavyweights Kanye West and Lil Wayne to great effect. Also appearing is the statutory rape paranoia anecdote "F-ing Young/Perfect", in which a great hook and excellent production is slightly let down by some rather lazy lyricism (awkward genital related bars etc.). Overall I cannot see this being seen in retrospect as Tyler's strongest effort by any means.    … Expand
  10. adeworldpeace
    Apr 15, 2015
    8
    Cherry Bomb showed Tyler's progression and maturity rising musically wise. The final product turned out to be a poor man's N.E.R.D 2.0 but it was still a nice album
  11. KidNamedChance
    Apr 21, 2015
    4
    Tyler, The Creator may have matured, but he brash hardcore in your face styling of his music hasn't. Building on thoughtful and provoking large ideas, Tyler fails to see most of them through and in the end Cherry Bomb is an ultimate flop that feels like a derivative of anyone of Tyler's idols.
  12. RonTron
    Apr 15, 2015
    10
    To no surprise, Tyler changes his style again. However, this album seems to be his largest progression. It is as if he fuses together themes and his musical production from his previous albums. The synth and emotional singing from Wolf, the flow and deep-cutting 808's from Goblin, and the raw and unadulterated flow from Bastard. This album isn't as concise as say Wolf. Wolf, in my eyes, isTo no surprise, Tyler changes his style again. However, this album seems to be his largest progression. It is as if he fuses together themes and his musical production from his previous albums. The synth and emotional singing from Wolf, the flow and deep-cutting 808's from Goblin, and the raw and unadulterated flow from Bastard. This album isn't as concise as say Wolf. Wolf, in my eyes, is a masterpiece because of his old style to new beats. Cherry Bomb sounds to me as Tyler states, "Named the album Cherry Bomb because greatest hits sounded boring". It literally has everything any OF fan could want for any album of his. Do you like Wolf? Here's "Find Your Wings", "Blow My Load", "2 Seater", and **** Perfect". Like Goblin? Here's "Buffalo", "Run", "The Brown Stains", and "Smuckers". Like Bastard? Here's "Deathcamp", "Keep Da O's", and "Pilot". There is something for every fan on this record, and it's god level if you loved all three of his previous albums like I did.… Expand
  13. nirvanafreak
    Apr 15, 2015
    5
    I appreciate Tyler trying some new things on this but in my opinion it just isn't a solid project throughout with songs like Run and keep da o's weighing the album down however I do like some of the production on this (Deathcamp, the brown stains, smuckers). In my opinion he should have focused more on his rapping instead of the beats
  14. klasti
    Apr 16, 2015
    0
    hurt my head, my ears felt like bleeding. Probably one of the worse listening experiences i have ever experience din my life. Also shoutout "Say Wallahi" on ktt that **** is the man. **** wit me
  15. Renaldo_Berkley
    Apr 15, 2015
    4
    There are moments on this album that stand far above anything Tyler has previously done. Tracks like Death Camp, Pilot, Find Your Wings, and 2Seater show Tyler's true prowess as a producer. However the album is marred with tracks that show the opposite as well. Songs such as Run, Cherry Bomb, and Keep da O's all exhibit either horribly boring production or absolutely awful mixing. At timesThere are moments on this album that stand far above anything Tyler has previously done. Tracks like Death Camp, Pilot, Find Your Wings, and 2Seater show Tyler's true prowess as a producer. However the album is marred with tracks that show the opposite as well. Songs such as Run, Cherry Bomb, and Keep da O's all exhibit either horribly boring production or absolutely awful mixing. At times really do love this album, but it was ultimately brought down by lackluster tracks and bad mixing.… Expand
  16. beflygelt
    Apr 18, 2015
    10
    One of the most multifaceted hip-hop records this year. In both meanings of the word it is really inspired. Tyler, The Creator presents his most beautiful production skills ever on the table, one time he brings in a beautful soul song, the next track is a heavy Death Grips-esque banger. Great record, together with To Pimp A Butterfly one of my favorite hip-hop records this year! :)
  17. ImaginaryCritic
    Apr 16, 2015
    3
    Another bummer for me. Hate me or not but Tyler is just so boring to hear. His lyrics and his beats aren't great. To be honest I think Goblin was the best album for me. Cherry Bomb is just a piece of **** Horrible for the ears.
  18. yrcrazy
    Apr 17, 2015
    1
    Respect for attempting something new and experimenting in terms of instrumentals as it is important all artists do that, but I just dont think this particular one came out sounding good. You can really see his production limitations showing on parts this album and the lyrical content is largely boring and starts to sound like a cliche of himself.
    Another note, the best verse on the album    Respect for attempting something new and experimenting in terms of instrumentals as it is important all artists do that, but I just dont think this particular one came out sounding good. You can really see his production limitations showing on parts this album and the lyrical content is largely boring and starts to sound like a cliche of himself.
    Another note, the best verse on the album is Kanyes.    … Expand
  19. Spangle
    Apr 30, 2015
    3
    Oh boy am I ever excited to hear Tyler stans overanalyze the hell out of this and gush over how edgy and how purposeful he is. This is grade-A certified trash for the most part, aside from some great highs such as “Find Your Wings” and “Smuckers”, but those ones barely fit on the album. For the most part, Cherry Bomb is cluttered, hectic, and annoying. On top of that, it is greatlyOh boy am I ever excited to hear Tyler stans overanalyze the hell out of this and gush over how edgy and how purposeful he is. This is grade-A certified trash for the most part, aside from some great highs such as “Find Your Wings” and “Smuckers”, but those ones barely fit on the album. For the most part, Cherry Bomb is cluttered, hectic, and annoying. On top of that, it is greatly offensive to listeners of music because Tyler thinks we want to hear this crap. Man oh man does he ever need to head back to the drawing board. I never loved his stuff, but this was extra bad.… Expand
  20. Shady313
    May 2, 2015
    8
    8/10 .................................................................................................................................................
  21. bruhfromthela
    Sep 12, 2015
    1
    This is trash. Honestly this piece of work is a disrespect with the fans and hip hop community. This is trash. Honestly this piece of work is a disrespect with the fans and hip hop community. This is trash. Honestly this piece of work is a disrespect with the fans and hip hop community. 2/10
  22. laurent1683
    Feb 26, 2016
    9
    Even if Tyler changed style. It isn't for bad. This album is a true masterpiece that is gonna make you have dreams with its sudden beat changes and chill parts sometimes and raw parts other times.
    This is definetly in my 2015 top 10 best albums list. I liked his raps but sometimes the music were too loud and Tyler's voice too low. only bad point. I absolutely love this. Tyler better stay    Even if Tyler changed style. It isn't for bad. This album is a true masterpiece that is gonna make you have dreams with its sudden beat changes and chill parts sometimes and raw parts other times.
    This is definetly in my 2015 top 10 best albums list. I liked his raps but sometimes the music were too loud and Tyler's voice too low. only bad point. I absolutely love this. Tyler better stay like this instead of some Goblin **** Cherry Bomb> Wolf> Bastard> Goblin
    Favourite tracks: **** young, smuckers, 2seater, deathcamp, buffalo
    Worst track: Keep da o's

    And cherry bomb isn't that bad. It's a great song to rage too.    … Expand
  23. MattTheG
    Mar 21, 2016
    10
    This album is Tylers best work, whilst at first confusing many listeners with songs like Cherry Bomb and Keep Da O's I feel that this album and particularly these songs need several listens before you start to truly get a feel for it. Songs like Find Your Wings and 2Seater are beautifully composed whilst deterring from what we are used to with Tyler in Bastard and Goblin. His change inThis album is Tylers best work, whilst at first confusing many listeners with songs like Cherry Bomb and Keep Da O's I feel that this album and particularly these songs need several listens before you start to truly get a feel for it. Songs like Find Your Wings and 2Seater are beautifully composed whilst deterring from what we are used to with Tyler in Bastard and Goblin. His change in style with the increasing use of muted jazz instruments in songs like Smuckers, 2Seater and Find Your Wings are perhaps what many people do not enjoy about this album as it isn't as hard hitting as some of his older works. I think Tyler can truly can master most genres and shows that in this album. Whilst I do find it lacks a common sound that most albums may cover I think that certainly doesn't deter it from being an amazing piece of work… Expand
  24. Hugh_Jarse
    Mar 6, 2017
    1
    This album was horrible. If you enjoy having your ears bleed profusely, then go ahead and download this album. Just the song "Cherry Bomb" is the worst song you will ever listen to in your entire life. Do not download this album. You will regret it.
  25. Hendo250
    Mar 29, 2021
    7
    this album is a 7 this album is a 7 this album is a 7 this album is a 7 this album is a 7
  26. Courtland
    Apr 19, 2015
    10
    This album utilizes all of the best aspects of Tyler's music. The chord changes are beautiful, the synths sounds just as mesmerizing as ever, it has the best features out of any Tyler album with Kanye, Wayne, and Keli Ulchis all here. Overall just a beautiful project.
  27. RATCHETSLYJAK
    Apr 17, 2015
    7
    Cherry Bomb has an entirely different sound and subject matter as his 3 previous albums. This is great as it feels fresh and new rather than continuing where Wolf left off. The whole message behind the album is positivity and finding your purpose/what makes you happy in life which Tyler refers to as "Finding your wings". The first 3 tracks of this alum are fantastic with unique beats andCherry Bomb has an entirely different sound and subject matter as his 3 previous albums. This is great as it feels fresh and new rather than continuing where Wolf left off. The whole message behind the album is positivity and finding your purpose/what makes you happy in life which Tyler refers to as "Finding your wings". The first 3 tracks of this alum are fantastic with unique beats and an angry/hungry flow from Tyler. Deathcamp and Smuckers are definitely the stand out tracks of this album with great production, lyrics and two amazing features from Kanye and Lil Wanye. The lows of the album are the over-distortion on some tracks making it hard to understand Tyler even while reading lyrics, especially on the track Run even though I enjoy the overall message of the song. Another low are the songs **** Young/Perfect and Blow My Load which were underwhelming compared to the rest of the tracks. Overall I enjoy this album and is a solid release from Tyler. I would recommended any fan of Tyler, the Creator or new school hip-hop/alternative fan to give it a listen.… Expand
  28. thepresticle
    Apr 18, 2015
    8
    Cherry Bomb marks Tyler's total departure from his original music, which I enjoy as well. Tyler is able to keep his aggressive and in your face vibe, while tackling more advanced issues and improved lyrical reliability. He has improved his production with more jazz inspired songs, and is not afraid to take leaps of faith throughout the LP.
  29. mpalmer
    May 4, 2015
    3
    Tyler is an artist which excites, he does nothing without a large amount of hype surrounding it. The sudden announcement of Cherry Bomb coinciding with a new track **** Young' surprised most, what is more surprising though is the direction Tyler takes here.

    In the very first track Tyler explodes onto the scene with a huge riff straight out of an N.E.R.D release, he even states the    Tyler is an artist which excites, he does nothing without a large amount of hype surrounding it. The sudden announcement of Cherry Bomb coinciding with a new track **** Young' surprised most, what is more surprising though is the direction Tyler takes here.

    In the very first track Tyler explodes onto the scene with a huge riff straight out of an N.E.R.D release, he even states the impact N.E.R.D had on him in the song. This punchy opener is about as good as it gets, Tyler lacks direction on this record and although production levels have vastly increased since Goblin in 2011, Tyler's ideas are all over the place.

    Tyler squanders potential which he once had again in this record by being far too experimental for his own good. Do yourself a favour and go listen to Bastard and Wolf which will show you the true quality and talent that Tyler possess'.

    Highlights: DEATHCAMP, **** YOUNG    … Expand
  30. mc_ryn
    Sep 22, 2015
    7
    The Boy T, open your eyes about this guy, he's a creative musical genius, but to an extent where his experimental lyrics, production and themes go over the top and make listeners confused by why he presents these. Tyler's goal of using excessive and over the top lyrics is to desensitise certain words. If you look into the lyrics he paints a pretty important message about lifestyle themes.The Boy T, open your eyes about this guy, he's a creative musical genius, but to an extent where his experimental lyrics, production and themes go over the top and make listeners confused by why he presents these. Tyler's goal of using excessive and over the top lyrics is to desensitise certain words. If you look into the lyrics he paints a pretty important message about lifestyle themes. The reason for a 7 not higher or lower is that there are songs where I just cannot play without getting a headache or skipping. The reason for not lowering is because Tyler is doing what he does, his art and he's doing well, his fans are happy and he frankly doesn't give a 'f**k' about critics (doesn't really care too much about being banned from countries). I am excited for Tyler to continue as an artist and keen for his new work as much as I enjoyed Cherry Bomb. ODD FUTURE for life.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

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#29 Most Discussed Album of 2015
61
#61 Most Shared Album of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. RapReviews.com
    Oct 7, 2015
    70
    At the end of the day, I enjoy Cherry Bomb, both for it's misanthropic noise and for its funkier and jazzier sides.
    Read full review
  2. Mojo
    Jun 10, 2015
    60
    Listen too close to the lyrics and you'll often detect a dispiritingly autopilot misanthropy.... Lose yourself in the music, though, and Cherry Bomb reveals a fevered charm. [Jul 2015, p.89]
  3. The Wire
    Jun 5, 2015
    80
    An album whose sustained brilliance reveals both an artist liberated from the need to try too hard, and finally armed with more to express than sarcastic teenage angst. [Jun 2015, p.55]
See all critic reviews »