Rather than taking love on trust, Tyla’s sophomore project argues that it has to be shown, tested, and lived before it truly matters. Ahead of the album’s release, she revealed that her experiences had made her feel more mature and more in tune with a new version of herself. APOP mirrors that evolution, portraying an artist who values actions over empty promises and approaches relationships with greater confidence and discernment.
Throughout the album, Tyla presents love as something that must be proven through actions rather than words alone. On “Is It Love,” she questions the value of empty compliments, suggesting that genuine effort and emotional honesty matter more than surface-level affection. “Chanel” explores this idea through a material lens, using luxury gifts as symbols of care and investment while reflecting on the disappointment that comes when promises are not backed by action.
That sense of self-worth continues on “That Girl,” where Tyla embraces celebrating herself rather than relying on someone else for validation. From treating herself to luxury pieces to creating moments of escape and independence, the song highlights her confidence and personal growth. Across APOP, Tyla portrays a woman who has moved beyond unrealistic promises, seeking relationships built on intention, consistency, and genuine effort.
Tyla approaches romance from a position of confidence, often setting the terms of her interactions rather than waiting to be chosen. On the dancehall-inspired “She Did It Again,” she delivers playful warnings and sharp observations, presenting herself as someone who understands her own value. Even with Zara Larsson joining the track, Tyla maintains that sense of control, turning the exchange into a celebration of confidence and self-assurance rather than simple flirtation.
That same energy carries into “Mr. Nonchalant,” though with a lighter and more flirtatious edge. Tyla leans into her charm, portraying herself as someone who knows exactly what she wants while balancing witty one-liners with effortless confidence. The track highlights her ability to embrace desire without sacrificing her independence.
On “Fairytale,” featuring Liquideep, Tyla shifts into a brighter, pop-driven sound and reveals a more vulnerable side, openly expressing her willingness to love and commit. That emotional openness continues “Right Now,” where she takes the first step and acknowledges the lingering connection between two people hesitant to admit what they truly want. Rather than dwelling on past disagreements, she focuses on the pull that keeps bringing them back together.
Elsewhere, Tyla balances desire with reflection. “Kiss” captures the excitement of rekindled attraction, while “Crazy of Me,” featuring MaWhoo’s isiZulu vocals, explores regret and self-reflection as she considers moments that could have unfolded differently. It becomes one of the album’s most revealing moments, showing that beneath the confidence is an artist willing to confront vulnerability.
While much of APOP explores the complexities of love, desire, and self-worth, some tracks take a more direct approach. “Double Blind” and “Hot Tubs” lean into simpler emotional ideas, focusing on surrender and accountability rather than the deeper self-examination found elsewhere on the project. Their straightforward nature gives the album moments of ease, allowing the more reflective songs to carry greater emotional weight.
The introspective “Is It” emerges as one of the album’s most compelling moments, with Tyla turning her attention inward and questioning the nature of her own feelings. She wrestles with whether her emotions are rooted in something genuine or simply the excitement of the moment. Instead of forcing clarity, the song embraces uncertainty, capturing the confusion that often comes with navigating desire and attachment.
By contrast, “I Don’t Care” presents a more resolved perspective. Addressing someone from her past, Tyla approaches the situation with emotional distance, making it clear that she has moved forward. Through its restrained confidence, the track reinforces one of the album’s central ideas: knowing when to let go and prioritize herself.
Our Rating (★★★★☆)
Favorite Track(s): “That Girl,” “Double Blind,” “Mr. Nonchalant”
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