Tyler, The Creator’s recent release, DON’T TAP THE GLASS, made the number one spot on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums at its debut. The album was announced on July 18, 2025, and was released only three days later, coming as a surprise to many fans.
First Impressions
It’s not much like his other albums– think of Wolf, IGOR, or CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST– all of which follow a story that connects each of their songs with a coherent meaning. It especially contrasts CHROMAKOPIA, an album that was deeply emotional and vulnerable, going into his issues with his father, paparazzi, relationships, and other serious topics. Unlike these albums, DON’T TAP THE GLASS feels more fun and experimental rather than focusing on a clear concept to direct its production.
The songs themselves are energetic and catchy, having a lively vibe– perfect for when it was released, during the summer. It draws some influences from his older tracks with a similar captivating flow that you can’t help but nod along to. Our favorite tracks that came from this project are Stop Playing With Me, Sucka Free, and I’ll Take Care of You.
Motive Behind Its Creation
“Body movement. No sitting still”, “Only speak in glory, Leave your baggage at home”, and “Don’t tap the glass”, are the three phrases most closely associated with DON’T TAP THE GLASS– from the album’s short-lived advertisement to the lyrics contained in the music itself, these statements serve as a prevalent message from Tyler. In a post on X, Tyler addresses his motivations behind the project and what he wants to bring to his fans with it.
Body Movement. No Sitting Still.
One of the more obvious statements; this album was made for dance. Tyler states in his post, “I just got back from a ‘listening party’ for this album and man was it one of the greatest nights of my life. … Everyone was dancing, moving, expressing, sweating. It was truly beautiful.” He refers to a short-notice listening party held a day before the album’s release. He also says, “This album was not made for sitting still. Dancing, driving, running; any type of movement is recommended to maybe understand the spirit of it.”
Only Speak In Glory. Leave Your Baggage At Home.
Tyler emphasizes the importance of letting go of your burdens and allowing yourself to live in the moment. Referring to the listening party, he states, “It felt like that pent up energy finally got released and we craved the idea of letting more of it out. There was a freedom that filled the room. A ball of energy that might not translate to every speaker that plays this album but man did that room nail it.”
Don’t Tap The Glass
This relates to the constant media broadcasting of self-expression and the stigma around it. In an age of a toxic social media environment, many are reluctant to express themselves freely for fear of being recorded and judged. Tyler speaks about this on his post when he broaches, “I asked some friends why they don’t dance in public and some said because of the fear of being filmed. I thought damn, a natural form of expression and a certain connection they have with music is now a ghost. It made me wonder how much of our human spirit got killed because of the fear of being a meme, all for having a good time.”
Final Thoughts
While the album itself has no inherent meaning, the intention behind the album’s production is a valuable message about self-expression that resonates with us closely. The album provides a new perspective on Tyler’s music, and brings people together by encouraging them to enjoy themselves and live in the moment.
