Tyla A*Pop Review: Old-School Pop Superstar Shines Bright 2026

Tyla A*Pop review: The 24-year-old South African singer proves she is a pop force to be reckoned with on her sophomore album, blending sun-drenched sensuality and genre-defying beats. From her Y2K-inspired stunts to her characterful voice, Tyla channels old-school superstar energy that transports us back to more carefree times.

Album Overview: A Bold Statement of Intent

The 14-track A*Pop is a confident follow-up to her breakout single Water. Tyla navigates R&B, amapiano, Afrobeats, and dance-pop with ease, much like her constant point of comparison, Rihanna. The album opens with frustrated ballad Is It Love, showing off her full-belt vocals, before shifting into the intoxicating Chanel, a fusion of R&B and amapiano produced by Nigerian-British producer P2J.

Standout Tracks and Genre-Bending Moments

Mr Nonchalant: Playful and Sultry

The head-knocking Mr Nonchalant channels Christina Milian with lyrics referencing a belly ring and telling a man she likes his eyes “cuz they match the thong”. It’s a perfect example of Tyla’s ability to mix cheeky confidence with irresistible hooks.

Kiss: A Shape-Shifting Banger

One of the album’s most dynamic tracks, Kiss careens between a lithe Afrobeats shuffle and a full-on dance-pop breakdown. Even as the production shifts, Tyla’s voice remains the centerpiece, pulling focus with effortless charisma.

Hot Tubs and Fairytale: Minor Missteps

Not every track hits its target. Closer Hot Tubs is less interesting than its title suggests, and the mid-tempo Fairytale feels a bit wet. However, these missteps are minor in an otherwise strong collection.

Comparison: Tyla vs. Rihanna

Both artists share a knack for reinvention and a commanding presence that elevates their music across multiple genres.

Key Takeaways

• Tyla’s A*Pop is a confident, genre-blending album that cements her as a pop superstar.
• Standout tracks include Mr Nonchalant, Chanel, and Kiss.
• The album occasionally overreaches (e.g., Hot Tubs, Fairytale), but overall it’s “close to top marks”.
• Tyla’s voice is the anchor, allowing her to traverse R&B, amapiano, Afrobeats, and dance-pop seamlessly.
• Fans of Rihanna, Christina Milian, and modern pop should give this a listen.

FAQ

In conclusion, Tyla’s A*Pop is a vibrant, confident album that reaffirms her status as an old-school pop superstar for a new generation. Whether she’s riding a beat like a lilo with a cocktail in hand or belting out a frustrated anthem, Tyla proves she belongs in the spotlight.