Tyla’s sophomore album A*POP arrives carrying enormous expectations after the global success of her self-titled debut. Across 14 tracks, the South African star expands her signature fusion of Amapiano, R&B and pop, delivering some of the strongest performances of her career while also revealing a few moments where the momentum fades.
Months of anticipation surrounded the project following the success of singles “Chanel,” “She Did It Again” featuring Zara Larsson and “Is It Love,” as well as exclusive YouTube listening sessions held in London, Atlanta and New York. Describing the album before its release, Tyla said A*POP reflects a more mature version of herself, explaining that she was finally “living what I’m singing” after recording throughout 2025 in Los Angeles and Barcelona.
The opening stretch immediately justifies the excitement. “Is It Love” stands as one of the album’s undeniable highlights, pairing warm Amapiano log drums with expressive guitar melodies while showcasing one of Tyla’s most accomplished vocal performances to date. Her delivery feels effortless yet emotionally rich, allowing the song’s sensual lyrics to breathe naturally over the sleek production.
Another standout arrives with “Is It,” a fan favorite originally released on the We Wanna Party EP. Long considered one of Tyla’s most underrated songs, its inclusion on a full-length album finally gives it the wider spotlight it deserves. The hypnotic groove, infectious chorus and understated confidence remain just as compelling, fitting seamlessly within the project’s overall aesthetic.
The first four tracks establish exactly what listeners have come to expect from Tyla: polished pop songwriting built around irresistible Amapiano rhythms. Then comes one of the record’s most surprising turns. “Fairytales,” featuring Liquideep, slows everything down and strips away much of the dancefloor energy in favor of vulnerability. Rather than chasing another anthem, Tyla leans into introspection, delivering some of the most personal lyrics of her career with striking restraint.
Unfortunately, that consistency doesn’t extend across the entire record. The middle section loses much of the urgency established early on. “Double Blind,” “Feel Something,” and “Right Now” struggle to distinguish themselves, lacking the memorable hooks or emotional impact found elsewhere. None are poorly produced, but they feel more like transitional moments than essential additions to the album.
Momentum returns during the final stretch. “Mr. Nonchalant” brings back Tyla’s effortless charisma through playful lyricism and confident vocal delivery, while previously released singles “Chanel” and “She Did It Again” remind listeners why they became standout moments of the campaign. Additional collaborations with MaWhoo and Babalwa M introduce welcome variety, even if neither leaves a lasting impression compared with the album’s strongest material.
Ultimately, A*POP feels like two different records. Its highs rank among the finest work Tyla has released, balancing refined production, memorable songwriting and increasingly assured vocals. The weaker moments, however, prevent the project from maintaining that same standard across all 14 tracks.
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