Don’t Tap the Glass Reclaims Movement in the Age of Digital Eyes
Tyler first teased his surprise album Don't Tap The Glass 5 days ago with a cryptic Instagram post showing only its release date, leaving fans restless in anticipation. In the days that followed, he unveiled a transparent vinyl edition, put up posters across Los Angeles, and installed a glass-encased statue of his latest persona at the World Trade Center. He also announced a $5 release party at a Los Angeles venue just one day before the drop. The entire rollout was a masterclass in hype-building, perfectly mirroring the themes of the album itself.
Photo Via Instagram
What is this message you ask? A return to raw, unfiltered joy in music and movement – something that has been lost since the rise of social media due to the fear of embarrassment. In a statement shared on Instagram, he called the release party one of the greatest “nites” of his life. No phones. No cameras. Raw expression, zero judgement; freedom to dance in the purest form. Despite the event selling out in seconds, I admire Tyler’s effort to keep it financially accessible for fans.
Photo Via Instagram
Released just nine months after Chromakopia, Don’t Tap the Glass takes a sharp turn in both sound and aesthetic. The opening track, “Big Poe,” lays down the rules for listening, the most important being “body movement—no sitting still.” The 10 track album sits at a mere 28.5 minutes. These 28 minutes transport you back into the 90s club scene: sweaty, loud, and alive.
This album isn’t a casual listen. In all honesty, unless it really grows on me, this album won’t even be on my regular playlists. But that’s kind of the point. It’s not meant to be background noise, it’s meant to be felt. I still thoroughly enjoyed the experience of listening to it in full, and I know I’d love it even more in a packed venue with a crowd that came to move.
Standout tracks for me include “Mommanem”, “Don’t You Worry Baby”, and "I'll Take Care of You”. “Mommanem” is a certified party anthem. Bass that shakes the crowd to its core, playful chants, clapping that is guaranteed to hype up any crowd. The only thing I’m missing is a dark concert venue filled with sweaty bodies and hypnotic lights. Ethereal vocals from Madison McFerrin on “Don't You Worry Baby” paired with the song’s funky beat are reminiscent of ‘90s hip-hop classics like Ghost Town DJ’s “My Boo.” And if you haven’t had the honor of attending a basement rave yet, “I’ll Take Care of You” will give you a taste.
Don’t Tap The Glass is a refreshing step away from the heavy retrospection of Chromakopia. Each level of Tyler's evolution reveals just how multifaceted he is and adds something unexpected to his growing discography.
