{{Short description|2011 studio album by Tyler, the Creator}} {{about|the Tyler, the Creator album|the Sulli album|Goblin (single album){{!}}''Goblin'' (single album)}} {{redirects|Sandwitches|the band|The Sandwitches|the food item|Sandwich}} {{protection padlock|small=yes}} {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2021}} {{Infobox album | name = Goblin | type = studio | artist = Tyler, the Creator | cover = Goblincover.jpg | alt = A flipped and distorted photo of Buffalo Bill at age 19 | released = {{Start date|2011|05|10}} | recorded = | studio = * Opra Music (Los Angeles) * The Trap (Los Angeles) | genre = * Alternative hip-hop * horrorcore<ref>{{cite web |last=Matulaityte |first=Gledre |date=September 4, 2020 |title=20 horrorcore albums that are better than your favorite scary movie |url=https://www.altpress.com/features/best-horrorcore-albums/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124160046/https://www.altpress.com/features/best-horrorcore-albums/ |archive-date=January 24, 2021 |accessdate=March 26, 2021 |website=Alternative Press}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Stewart |first=Allison |date=May 9, 2011 |title='Goblin': Tired shock-rap music from Tyler the Creator |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/goblin-tired-shock-rap-music-from-tyler-the-creator/2011/05/09/AF5R4bbG_story.html |accessdate=March 26, 2021 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref> | length = {{Duration|m=73|s=49}} | label = XL Recordings | producer = * Left Brain * Tyler, the Creator | prev_title = Bastard | prev_year = 2009 | next_title = Wolf | next_year = 2013 | misc = {{Extra album cover | header = Deluxe edition cover | type = studio | cover = Goblindeluxeedition.jpg | caption = }} {{Singles | name = Goblin | type = studio | single1 = Sandwitches | single1date = October 8, 2010 | single2 = Yonkers | single2date = February 14, 2011 | single3 = She | single3date = May 10, 2011 }} }} '''''Goblin''''' is the second studio album and major label debut by the American rapper Tyler, the Creator. It was released on May 10, 2011, by XL Recordings. ''Goblin'' continues Tyler's dialogues with his fictional therapist Dr. TC, first heard on his 2009 album, ''Bastard''. The album's songs were produced almost entirely by Tyler himself, along with a contribution from fellow Odd Future member Left Brain. The album features guest appearances from Odd Future members Frank Ocean, Hodgy Beats, Jasper Dolphin, Taco, Domo Genesis, Mike G and Syd.
''Goblin'' was supported by three singles: "Sandwitches", "Yonkers" and "She". The single "Yonkers" is considered responsible for garnering the significant internet and industry buzz surrounding Odd Future at the time of the album's release. The album received generally positive reviews from critics, debuting at number five on the US ''Billboard'' 200.
== Background == After the release of ''Bastard'', Tyler signed to British independent label XL Recordings and announced ''Goblin'' after the release of "Yonkers".<ref>{{cite web |last=Cragg |first=Michael |date=February 17, 2011 |title=New music: Tyler the Creator – Yonkers |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2011/feb/17/tyler-creator-yonkers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180812150738/https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2011/feb/17/tyler-creator-yonkers |archive-date=August 12, 2018 |access-date=October 8, 2018 |website=The Guardian}}</ref> Close friend and fellow Odd Future member Earl Sweatshirt was notably not featured on the album due to attending Coral Reef Academy in Samoa at the time.<ref>{{cite news |last=Caramanica |first=Jon |date=May 2, 2012 |title=Earl Sweatshirt Is Back From the Wilderness |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/06/arts/music/earl-sweatshirt-is-back-from-the-wilderness.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170726044950/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/06/arts/music/earl-sweatshirt-is-back-from-the-wilderness.html |archive-date=July 26, 2017 |access-date=October 11, 2018 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>
== Music and lyrics == {{Listen | filename = Tyler, the Creator - Yonkers.ogg | pos = left | title = "Yonkers" | description = A 23-second sample from "Yonkers" that showcases Okonma's transgressive lyrics over a minimalistic beat. }} ''Goblin'' continues the horrorcore subject matter first displayed on ''Bastard''. Fictional therapist, Dr. TC, appears throughout the album. The second track, "Yonkers", features a gritty beat with a large bass sound, reminiscent of the production of Wu-Tang Clan leader RZA. Tyler claims to have made the instrumental in eight minutes as a parody of New York City beats.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 17, 2016 |title=Tyler, the Creator: "Yonkers" Was Made As a Joke |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/63619-tyler-the-creator-yonkers-was-made-as-a-joke/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706022138/https://pitchfork.com/news/63619-tyler-the-creator-yonkers-was-made-as-a-joke/ |archive-date=July 6, 2018 |access-date=October 12, 2018 |work=Pitchfork}}</ref> The third track, "Radicals", talks about youthful rebellion. The chorus contains the chanted lines "Kill people, burn shit, fuck school", which was previously used by Tyler on Earl Sweatshirt's song "Pigions" from his 2010 mixtape, ''Earl''.<ref name="Stereogum" /> Pranav Trewn of ''Stereogum'' commented on the song, stating "[It] isn't an anthem of retaliation, but rather self-immolation; you have to purge everything else to discover what's left of yourself".<ref name="Stereogum">{{cite web |date=February 13, 2018 |title=Hip-Hop Is Evolving, And So Is Tyler, The Creator |url=https://www.stereogum.com/1980913/hip-hop-is-evolving-and-so-is-tyler-the-creator/franchises/sounding-board/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013014615/https://www.stereogum.com/1980913/hip-hop-is-evolving-and-so-is-tyler-the-creator/franchises/sounding-board/ |archive-date=October 13, 2018 |access-date=October 13, 2018 |work=Stereogum}}</ref> "Bitch Suck Dick" is an over-the-top trap parody featuring stereotypical misogynistic lyrics from Jasper Dolphin and Taco, similar to ''Bastard''{{'}}s "Tina" and ''Wolf''{{'}}s "Trashwang".<ref>{{cite web |date=October 12, 2011 |title=Tyler, The Creator – "Bitch Suck Dick" Video (Feat. Jasper Dolphin & Taco) |url=https://www.stereogum.com/838852/tyler-the-creator-bitch-suck-dick-video-feat-jasper-dolphin-taco/video/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013211754/https://www.stereogum.com/838852/tyler-the-creator-bitch-suck-dick-video-feat-jasper-dolphin-taco/video/ |archive-date=October 13, 2018 |access-date=October 14, 2018 |work=Stereogum}}</ref> On the album's final track, "Golden", it's revealed that Dr. TC is just Tyler's conscience, and everyone he was interacting with were a figment of his imagination.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 2, 2013 |title=The Conspiracy Theorist's Guide to Tyler, the Creator's 'WOLF' Trilogy |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-conspiracy-theorists-guide-to-tyler-the-creators-wolf-trilogy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013211742/https://noisey.vice.com/en_ca/article/rp3gz6/the-conspiracy-theorists-guide-to-tyler-the-creators-wolf-trilogy |archive-date=October 13, 2018 |access-date=October 13, 2018 |work=Noisey}}</ref>
== Release == On October 8, 2010, Tyler and Hodgy released "Sandwitches" on Odd Future's official website for free.<ref>{{cite web |last=Shepherd |first=Julianne Escobedo |date=October 8, 2010 |title=Premiere: Odd Future (Wolf Haley & Hodgy Beats), "Sandwiches" MP3 |url=http://www.thefader.com/2010/10/08/premiere-odd-future-wolf-haley-hodgy-beats-sandwitches-mp3/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330001805/http://www.thefader.com/2010/10/08/premiere-odd-future-wolf-haley-hodgy-beats-sandwitches-mp3/ |archive-date=March 30, 2017 |access-date=March 29, 2017 |work=The Fader}}</ref> On February 10, 2011, Tyler released the music video for the first single, "Yonkers", from the album.<ref>{{cite web |last=Singh |first=Amrit |date=February 11, 2011 |title=Tyler, The Creator – "Yonkers" Video |url=http://www.stereogum.com/636961/tyler-the-creator-yonkers-video/video/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706004330/http://www.stereogum.com/636961/tyler-the-creator-yonkers-video/video/ |archive-date=July 6, 2017 |access-date=March 29, 2017 |work=Stereogum}}</ref> An extended version with an extra verse was later released on iTunes four days later,<ref>{{cite web |date=February 14, 2011 |title=Yonkers – Single by Tyler, the Creator |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/yonkers-single/419873754 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403044229/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/yonkers-single/id419873754/ |archive-date=April 3, 2017 |access-date=March 29, 2017 |publisher=Apple Music}}</ref> along with an extended version of the previously released track "Sandwitches".<ref>{{cite web |date=February 14, 2011 |title=Sandwiches (feat. Hodgy Beats) – Single by Tyler, the Creator |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/sandwitches-feat-hodgy-beats/420028348 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330000807/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sandwitches-feat.-hodgy-beats/id420028348 |archive-date=March 30, 2017 |access-date=March 29, 2017 |publisher=Apple Music}}</ref> On February 16, Tyler and Hodgy Beats performed "Sandwitches" on ''Late Night with Jimmy Fallon'', making it the first television appearance for any Odd Future member.<ref>{{cite web |last=Schreiber |first=Ryan |date=February 17, 2011 |title=Watch: Odd Future's Insane 'Fallon' Performance |url=http://pitchfork.com/news/41608-watch-odd-futures-insane-fallon-performance/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330010214/http://pitchfork.com/news/41608-watch-odd-futures-insane-fallon-performance/ |archive-date=March 30, 2017 |access-date=March 29, 2017 |work=Pitchfork}}</ref> One month later, on March 16, 2011, Tyler and Hodgy Beats performed the tracks "Yonkers" and "Sandwitches" on the mtvU Woodie Awards with the rest of Odd Future.<ref>{{cite web |last=Fitzmaurice |first=Larry |date=March 17, 2011 |title=Watch Odd Future Perform at the Woodie Awards |url=http://pitchfork.com/news/41904-watch-odd-future-perform-at-the-woodie-awards/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330004734/http://pitchfork.com/news/41904-watch-odd-future-perform-at-the-woodie-awards/ |archive-date=March 30, 2017 |access-date=March 29, 2017 |work=Pitchfork}}</ref> On that same day, a preview of "Tron Cat" was released online as promotion for the album. Also in March, the album cover was posted online featuring a colored picture of Buffalo Bill when he was 19, and it was featured as a backdrop for Tyler's MTV performance.<ref>{{cite web |last=Blanco |first=Alvin |date=March 17, 2011 |title=Tyler The Creator Announces Goblin Date, Dismisses Blog Haters |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1660136/odd-future-tyler-the-creator-goblin-album/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330004749/http://www.mtv.com/news/1660136/odd-future-tyler-the-creator-goblin-album/ |archive-date=March 30, 2017 |access-date=March 29, 2017 |publisher=MTV}}</ref> On March 24, Tyler posted the track list on his Twitter, and the track "Sandwitches" was to be included on the album.<ref>{{cite web |last=Fitzmaurice |first=Larry |date=March 24, 2011 |title=Tyler, the Creator Reveals Goblin Tracklist |url=http://pitchfork.com/news/42001-tyler-the-creator-reveals-goblin-tracklist/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330010624/http://pitchfork.com/news/42001-tyler-the-creator-reveals-goblin-tracklist/ |archive-date=March 30, 2017 |access-date=March 29, 2017 |work=Pitchfork}}</ref>
On March 17, 2011, Tyler announced the release date of ''Goblin'' with a video on his website that flashed the words "Fuck 2DopeBoyz & NahRight", slamming two blogs who he claimed didn't give him recognition early in his career.<ref name="MTV">{{cite web |last=Blanco |first=Alvin |date=March 17, 2011 |title=Tyler The Creator Announces Goblin Date, Dismisses Blog Haters |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1660136/odd-future-tyler-the-creator-goblin-album/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140721102530/http://www.mtv.com/news/1660136/odd-future-tyler-the-creator-goblin-album/ |archive-date=July 21, 2014 |access-date=November 15, 2021 |publisher=MTV News}}</ref><ref name="Ringer2">{{cite web |last=Murdock |first=Logan |date=May 10, 2021 |title=Walking Paradox: How Tyler, the Creator Grew Into the Rebel He Always Wanted to Be |url=https://www.theringer.com/2021/5/10/22428125/tyler-the-creator-10th-anniversary |access-date=November 15, 2021 |publisher=The Ringer}}</ref>
''Goblin'' was also released as a deluxe edition with alternate artwork and packaging, a poster, lyrics, and a second disc containing three bonus tracks. Tyler released the deluxe edition cover of the album on his Flickr on April 4, 2011.<ref>{{cite web |last=Osei |first=Anthony |date=April 4, 2011 |title=Album Cover: Tyler, The Creator "Goblin (Deluxe Edition)" |url=http://www.complex.com/music/2011/04/album-cover-tyler-the-creator-goblin-deluxe-edition |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330003851/http://www.complex.com/music/2011/04/album-cover-tyler-the-creator-goblin-deluxe-edition |archive-date=March 30, 2017 |access-date=March 29, 2017 |work=Complex}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Okonma |first=Tyler |date=April 4, 2011 |title=GOBLIN | Flickr – Photo Sharing! |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/imaginace/5590638742/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110409143613/http://www.flickr.com/photos/imaginace/5590638742 |archive-date=April 9, 2011 |access-date=April 28, 2011 |publisher=Flickr}}</ref> On April 21, Tyler posted several pictures from the filming of a new music video, followed by an announcement that the video is finished on the next day. On April 22, Tyler released a promo video involving himself portraying a character named Thurnis Haley who is a golfer.<ref>{{cite web |title=Odd Future's Tyler, The Creator Presents His Alter-Ego Thurnis Haley |url=http://rapfix.mtv.com/2011/04/25/odd-future's-tyler-the-creator-presents-his-alter-ego-thurnis-haley/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419175416/http://rapfix.mtv.com/2011/04/25/odd-future%E2%80%99s-tyler-the-creator-presents-his-alter-ego-thurnis-haley |archive-date=April 19, 2012 |access-date=December 15, 2015 |publisher=MTV}}</ref><ref name="xxlmag1">{{cite web |date=April 22, 2011 |title=Tyler, The Creator Goblin Preview |url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2011/04/tyler-the-creator-goblin-preview/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110427171341/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2011/04/tyler-the-creator-goblin-preview/ |archive-date=April 27, 2011 |access-date=April 28, 2011 |work=XXL}}</ref> On April 28, "Tron Cat" was leaked online.<ref>{{cite web |last=Young |first=Alex |date=April 29, 2011 |title=Check Out: Tyler, the Creator – "Tron Cat" |url=https://consequence.net/2011/04/check-out-tyler-the-creator-tron-cat/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330014341/http://consequenceofsound.net/2011/04/check-out-tyler-the-creator-tron-cat/ |archive-date=March 30, 2017 |access-date=March 29, 2017 |work=Consequence}}</ref> On May 3, Tyler and Hodgy Beats performed "Sandwitches" and "Analog" on BBC, along with them performing "65" off of the upcoming MellowHype album.<ref>{{cite web |last=Fitzmaurice |first=Larry |date=May 3, 2011 |title=Odd Future Debut Tracks on the BBC |url=http://pitchfork.com/news/42405-odd-future-debut-tracks-on-the-bbc/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330002604/http://pitchfork.com/news/42405-odd-future-debut-tracks-on-the-bbc/ |archive-date=March 30, 2017 |access-date=March 29, 2017 |work=Pitchfork}}</ref>
The third single to be released from the album was "She" featuring Frank Ocean.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 4, 2011 |title=New Music: Tyler, the Creator f/ Frank Ocean – 'She' |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/05/04/new-music-tyler-the-creator-f-frank-ocean-she/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330000434/http://www.rap-up.com/2011/05/04/new-music-tyler-the-creator-f-frank-ocean-she/ |archive-date=March 30, 2017 |access-date=March 29, 2017 |work=Rap-Up}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Twitter / Tyler, The Creator |url=https://twitter.com/fucktyler/status/57489572438876160 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314003407/https://twitter.com/fucktyler/status/57489572438876160 |archive-date=March 14, 2014 |access-date=April 28, 2011 |publisher=Twitter}}</ref> The music video for "She" was released June 3, 2011.<ref>{{cite web |date=June 3, 2011 |title=Video: Tyler, the Creator f/ Frank Ocean – 'She' |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/06/03/video-tyler-the-creator-f-frank-ocean-she/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330005650/http://www.rap-up.com/2011/06/03/video-tyler-the-creator-f-frank-ocean-she/ |archive-date=March 30, 2017 |access-date=March 29, 2017 |work=Rap-Up}}</ref>
The music video for "Bitch Suck Dick" featuring Jasper Dolphin and Taco was released on October 11, 2011.<ref>{{cite web |last=Battan |first=Carrie |date=October 11, 2011 |title=Watch the Video for Tyler, the Creator's "Bitch Suck Dick" |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/44260-watch-the-video-for-tyler-the-creators-bitch-suck-dick/ |access-date=April 11, 2023 |work=Pitchfork}}</ref>
== Critical reception == {{Music ratings | ADM = 7.3/10<ref name="ADM">{{cite web |title=Goblin by Tyler, The Creator reviews |url=http://www.anydecentmusic.com/review/3087/Tyler-The-Creator-Goblin.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031212153/http://www.anydecentmusic.com/review/3087/Tyler-The-Creator-Goblin.aspx |archive-date=October 31, 2016 |access-date=October 31, 2016 |publisher=AnyDecentMusic?}}</ref> | MC = 72/100<ref name="MC">{{cite web |title=Goblin Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic |url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/goblin |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110830143902/http://www.metacritic.com/music/goblin |archive-date=August 30, 2011 |access-date=August 17, 2011 |publisher=Metacritic}}</ref> | rev1 = AllMusic | rev1Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="Jeffries">{{cite web |last=Jeffries |first=David |title=Review: Goblin |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/goblin-r2191246/review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527053827/http://www.allmusic.com/album/goblin-r2191246/review |archive-date=May 27, 2011 |access-date=May 14, 2011 |publisher=AllMusic}}</ref> | rev2 = ''The A.V. Club'' | rev2Score = B+<ref name="TAVC" /> | rev3 = ''Entertainment Weekly'' | rev3Score = A−<ref name="Wete">{{cite magazine |last=Wete |first=Brad |title=Review: Goblin |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20488731,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514090854/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0%2C%2C20488731%2C00.html |archive-date=May 14, 2011 |access-date=May 11, 2011 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly}}</ref> | rev4 = ''HipHopDX'' | rev4Score = 4.0/5<ref>{{cite web |date=May 11, 2011 |title=Tyler, The Creator (OFWGKTA) – Goblin |url=https://hiphopdx.com/reviews/id.1676/title.tyler-the-creator-ofwgkta-goblin |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170520095526/https://hiphopdx.com/reviews/id.1676/title.tyler-the-creator-ofwgkta-goblin |archive-date=May 20, 2017 |access-date=July 3, 2019}}</ref> | rev5 = ''Los Angeles Times'' | rev5Score = {{Rating|2|4}}<ref name="latimesblogs.latimes.com" /> | rev6 = ''Now'' | rev6Score = 2/5<ref name="nowtoronto.com" /> | rev7 = ''Pitchfork'' | rev7Score = 8.0/10<ref name="Pitchfork">{{cite web |last=Plagenhoef |first=Scott |date=May 11, 2011 |title=Tyler, the Creator: Goblin |url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/15413-goblin/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130205030238/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/15413-goblin/ |archive-date=February 5, 2013 |access-date=February 18, 2013 |work=Pitchfork}}</ref> | rev8 = ''PopMatters'' | rev8Score = 8/10<ref name="PopMatters">{{cite web |last=Feldman |first=Max |date=May 11, 2011 |title=Tyler, The Creator: Goblin < PopMatters |url=https://www.popmatters.com/140837-tyler-the-creator-goblin-2496034869.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110827051209/http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/140837-tyler-the-creator-goblin |archive-date=August 27, 2011 |access-date=August 17, 2011 |work=PopMatters}}</ref> | rev9 = ''Rolling Stone'' | rev9Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="RollingStone">{{cite magazine |author=Jon Dolan |date=May 10, 2011 |title=Goblin by Tyler, the Creator | Music Reviews |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/goblin-20110510 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110804185537/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/goblin-20110510 |archive-date=August 4, 2011 |access-date=August 17, 2011 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref> | rev10 = ''Slant Magazine'' | rev10Score = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="Jones">{{cite web |last=Jones |first=Huw |date=May 6, 2011 |title=Review: Goblin |url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/tyler-the-creator-goblin/2491 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110509094018/http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/tyler-the-creator-goblin/2491 |archive-date=May 9, 2011 |access-date=May 9, 2011 |work=Slant Magazine}}</ref> }} ''Goblin'' was met with generally positive reviews. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from professional publications, the album received an average score of 72, based on 37 reviews.<ref name="MC" /> Aggregator AnyDecentMusic? gave it 7.3 out of 10, based on their assessment of the critical consensus.<ref name="ADM" />
Jon Dolan from ''Rolling Stone'' complimenting the album's "lush, left-field R&B-tinged tracks" along with its "early-Eminem evil" lyrics.<ref name="RollingStone" /> David Jeffries of AllMusic commenting that "Tyler's production is as attractive as ever, contrasting his disgusting rhymes and gruff voice with subdued, sometimes serene beats that echo and creep".<ref name="Jeffries" /> Brad Wete of ''Entertainment Weekly'' said, "Too bad Kanye—who's also a fan—already used the title last fall, because ''Goblin'' is one ''Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy''".<ref name="Wete" /> ''Slant Magazine'' critic Huw Jones praising its production and stating that "''Goblin'' could well be one of the decade's most significant releases...a masterpiece for those capable of stomaching it".<ref name="Jones" /> The reviewer Jen Long from the BBC enjoyed Tyler's lyrical "run of shock tactics reminiscent of Eminem", many strongly criticized the similarity.<ref>{{cite web |title=Review by Jen Long of BBC (BBC.com) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/594z/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120123161517/http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/594z |archive-date=January 23, 2012 |access-date=February 27, 2012}}</ref> Joshua Errett of ''Now'' said that someone should have informed Tyler that "Eminem already did this 15 years ago".<ref name="nowtoronto.com">{{cite web |title=Review by Joshua Erret, Now Magazine Canada(nowtoronto.com) |url=http://www.nowtoronto.com/music/discs.cfm?content=180646 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519114811/http://www.nowtoronto.com/music/discs.cfm?content=180646 |archive-date=May 19, 2011 |access-date=February 27, 2012}}</ref> Louis Pattison of ''NME'' said, "It's an album that leaves you in no doubt that Odd Future's leader is a rare talent".<ref>{{cite web |author=Louis Pattison |date=May 11, 2011 |title=Album Review: Tyler, The Creator – 'Goblin' |url=http://www.nme.com/reviews/tyler-the-creator--3/12056 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160514005132/http://www.nme.com/reviews/tyler-the-creator--3/12056 |archive-date=May 14, 2016 |access-date=May 13, 2016 |work=NME}}</ref>
Evan Rytlewski of ''The A.V. Club'' said, "Brash and unwieldy as it seems on the surface, ''Goblin'' is a deliberately created work of art, one of the densest and most provocative statements that independent rap has produced in years".<ref name="TAVC">{{cite web |author=Evan Rytlewski |date=May 10, 2011 |title=Music Review Tyler, The Creator: Goblin |url=http://www.avclub.com/review/tyler-the-creator-igoblini-55804 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630184121/http://www.avclub.com/review/tyler-the-creator-igoblini-55804 |archive-date=June 30, 2016 |access-date=May 27, 2016 |work=The A.V. Club}}</ref> Scott Plagenhoef of ''Pitchfork'' said, "His fantasies and lack of filter are still huge roadblocks for many if not most listeners. They're depraved and despicable, tied in part to a long and unfortunate legacy of gangster and street rap. They're also one aspect of a larger, character-driven story—a license that we grant to visual arts, film, and literature but rarely to pop music".<ref name="Pitchfork" /> Max Feldman of ''PopMatters'' said, "It's that sort of shameful thing that would prevent us from seeing ''Goblin'' for what it really is: a massive spoonful of marvelous hip-hop medicine, of the most unnerving, hyperreal humour you may well ever hear".<ref name="PopMatters" /> Chris Martins of ''Spin'' said, "Is the entire thing about 20 minutes too long? Probably. But the obvious lack of outside meddling proves that Tyler's auteur status remains intact. He is, in the parlance of our times, still swaggin'. Now maybe he can get to work on winning that Grammy".<ref name="Martins">{{cite web |last=Martins |first=Chris |title=Review: Goblin |url=http://www.spin.com/reviews/tyler-creator-goblin-xl |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512042249/http://www.spin.com/reviews/tyler-creator-goblin-xl |archive-date=May 12, 2011 |access-date=May 9, 2011 |work=Spin}}</ref> Randal Roberts from the ''Los Angeles Times'' commented that the album just "presses the same button that Elvis, Johnny Rotten, Chuck D and Eminem did" and after "about 50 minutes you just want Tyler, the Creator to shut the hell up".<ref name="latimesblogs.latimes.com">{{cite web |date=May 10, 2011 |title=Randal Roberts review, LA Times(latimes.com) |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2011/05/album-review-tyler-the-creators-goblin.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111229182807/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2011/05/album-review-tyler-the-creators-goblin.html |archive-date=December 29, 2011 |access-date=February 27, 2012}}</ref>
== Retrospective == In a 2018 interview with ''GQ'', Tyler called ''Goblin'' "horrible". He stated that he would only keep seven tracks from the album: "Yonkers", "She", "Nightmare", "Tron Cat", "Fish", "Analog" and "AU79".<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Green |first=Mark Anthony |date=August 6, 2018 |title=Sugar High: Tyler the Creator Talks Cookies, Clothes, and Crying to Kanye's "Violent Crimes" |url=https://www.gq.com/story/tyler-the-creator-gq-style-fall-cover-story |access-date=December 24, 2025 |magazine=GQ}}</ref>
== Commercial performance == ''Goblin'' debuted at number five on the ''Billboard'' 200, with first-week sales of 45,000 copies in the United States.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Caulfield |first=Keith |date=May 18, 2011 |title=Lonely Island Sets Sail at No. 3 on Billboard 200, Adele Still No. 1 |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/471498/lonely-island-sets-sail-at-no-3-on-billboard-200-adele-still-no-1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629124532/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/471498/lonely-island-sets-sail-at-no-3-on-billboard-200-adele-still-no-1 |archive-date=June 29, 2013 |access-date=May 18, 2011 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> As of April 2013, the album has sold 230,000 copies in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Creator Tyler – Wolf – Amazon.com Music |url=https://www.amazon.com/Wolf-The-Creator-Tyler/dp/B00BJB2C8W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1365536259&sr=8-2&keywords=tyler+creator+wolf |access-date=August 18, 2013 |website=Amazon |quote=...Goblin, that has sold over 230k to date.}}</ref> On January 30, 2018, ''Goblin'' was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).<ref name="RIAA" /> As of 2012, the album has sold 25,000 copies in United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lynskey |first=Dorian |date=January 16, 2012 |title=Indie rock's slow and painful death |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2012/jan/16/indie-rock-slow-painful-death?newsfeed=true |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403133416/https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2012/jan/16/indie-rock-slow-painful-death?newsfeed=true |archive-date=April 3, 2019 |access-date=February 14, 2019 |work=The Guardian}}</ref>
== Track listing == All songs are produced by Tyler, the Creator (T. Okonma), except for "Transylvania", which is produced by Left Brain.
{{Track listing | headline = ''Goblin'' track listing | total_length = 73:49 | title1 = Goblin | writer1 = Tyler Okonma | length1 = 6:48 | title2 = Yonkers | writer2 = Okonma | length2 = 4:09 | title3 = Radicals | writer3 = Okonma | length3 = 7:18 | title4 = She | note4 = featuring Frank Ocean | writer4 = {{hlist|Okonma|Christopher Breaux}} | length4 = 4:13 | title5 = Transylvania | writer5 = {{hlist|Okonma|Vyron Turner}} | length5 = 3:12 | title6 = Nightmare | writer6 = Okonma | length6 = 5:22 | title7 = Tron Cat | writer7 = Okonma | length7 = 4:13 | title8 = Her | writer8 = Okonma | length8 = 3:31 | title9 = Sandwitches | note9 = featuring Hodgy Beats | writer9 = {{hlist|Okonma|Gerard Long}} | length9 = 4:51 | title10 = Fish | writer10 = {{hlist|Okonma|Breaux}} | length10 = 6:19 | title11 = Analog | note11 = featuring Hodgy Beats | writer11 = {{hlist|Okonma|Long}} | length11 = 2:54 | title12 = Bitch Suck Dick | note12 = featuring Jasper Dolphin and Taco | writer12 = {{hlist|Okonma|Davon Wilson|Travis Bennett}} | length12 = 3:36 | title13 = Window | note13 = featuring Domo Genesis, Frank Ocean, Hodgy Beats and Mike G | writer13 = {{hlist|Okonma|Dominique Cole|Breaux|Long|Michael Griffin II}} | length13 = 8:00 | title14 = AU79 | note14 = instrumental | writer14 = Okonma | length14 = 3:40 | title15 = Golden | writer15 = Okonma | length15 = 5:43 }} {{Track listing | headline = Deluxe edition (bonus tracks) | total_length = 82:06 | title16 = Burger | note16 = featuring Hodgy Beats | writer16 = {{hlist|Okonma|Long}} | length16 = 3:49 | title17 = Untitled 63 | note17 = instrumental | writer17 = Okonma | length17 = 1:06 | title18 = Steak Sauce | writer18 = Okonma | length18 = 3:22 }}
'''Notes''' * "Fish" contains the hidden track "Boppin' Bitch"
== Personnel == * Tyler, the Creator (credited as Wolf Haley) – production, vocals * Left Brain – production (track 5) * Syd tha Kyd – mixing, additional vocals (tracks 3, 7, 10, 15) * Taco – additional vocals (tracks 3, 6) * Frank Ocean – additional vocals (track 10) * Brian "Big Bass" Gardner – mastering
== Charts == {{col-begin}} {{col-2}}
=== Weekly charts === {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+Chart performance for ''Goblin'' ! scope="col"| Chart (2011) ! scope="col"| Peak<br />position |- ! scope="row"| Australian Albums (ARIA)<ref>{{cite web |date=May 30, 2011 |title=The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 23 May 2011 |url=http://www.aria.com.au/Issue1108.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20110530060600/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20110530-1606/Issue1108.pdf |archive-date=May 30, 2011 |access-date=February 15, 2015 |publisher=Australian Web Archive |issue=1108}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> | 66 |- {{album chart|Flanders|62|artist=Tyler The Creator|album=Goblin|rowheader=true|access-date=April 12, 2013|refname="Flanders"}} |- {{album chart|BillboardCanada|16|artist=Tyler the Creator|rowheader=true|access-date=April 12, 2013}} |- {{album chart|Denmark|13|artist=Tyler The Creator|album=Goblin|rowheader=true|access-date=April 12, 2013}} |- {{album chart|Netherlands|20|artist=Tyler The Creator|album=Goblin|rowheader=true|access-date=January 6, 2014}} |- {{album chart|Germany|97|id=157559|artist=Tyler, The Creator|album=Goblin|rowheader=true|access-date=April 12, 2013}} |- {{album chart|Ireland|44|year=2011|week=19|rowheader=true|access-date=July 16, 2014}} |- ! scope="row"| Japanese Albums (Oricon)<ref>{{cite web |title=ゴブリン |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/538558/products/923130/1/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006003336/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/538558/products/923130/1/ |archive-date=October 6, 2018 |access-date=October 5, 2018 |publisher=Oricon |language=ja}}</ref> | 147 |- {{album chart|Norway|12|artist=Tyler The Creator|album=Goblin|rowheader=true|access-date=April 12, 2013}} |- {{album chart|UK2|21|date=20110521|rowheader=true|access-date=April 12, 2013}} |- {{album chart|UKR&B|2|date=20110521|rowheader=true|access-date=April 12, 2013}} |- {{album chart|Billboard200|5|artist=Tyler the Creator|rowheader=true|access-date=April 12, 2013}} |- {{album chart|BillboardIndependent|1|artist=Tyler the Creator|rowheader=true|access-date=May 26, 2025}} |- {{album chart|BillboardRandBHipHop|1|artist=Tyler the Creator|rowheader=true|access-date=April 12, 2013}} |} {{col-2}}
=== Year-end charts === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+2011 year-end chart performance for ''Goblin'' ! scope="col"| Chart (2011) ! scope="col"| Position |- ! scope="row"| US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2011 |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2011/top-r-and-b-hip-hop-albums |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201161828/https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2011/top-r-and-b-hip-hop-albums |archive-date=February 1, 2018 |access-date=July 30, 2020 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> | 53 |}
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+2012 year-end chart performance for ''Goblin'' ! scope="col"| Chart (2012) ! scope="col"| Position |- ! scope="row"| US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2012 |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2012/top-r-and-b-hip-hop-albums |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418123251/https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2012/top-r-and-b-hip-hop-albums |archive-date=April 18, 2019 |access-date=July 30, 2020 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> | 70 |} {{col-end}}
== Certifications == {{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for ''Goblin''}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|type=album|award=Gold|artist=Tyler The Creator|title=Goblin|relyear=2011|certyear=2018}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|artist=Tyler the Creator|title=Goblin|award=Gold|type=album|relyear=2011|certyear=2024|id=15242-4783-2|access-date=April 2, 2024}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|type=album|award=Platinum|artist=Tyler The Creator|title=Goblin|relyear=2011|certyear=2025|access-date=August 11, 2025|refname="RIAA"}} {{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true|nosales=true | noshipments=true}}
== References == {{Reflist|30em}}
{{Tyler, the Creator}} {{Odd Future}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:2011 debut albums Category:Albums produced by Left Brain Category:2010s concept albums Category:Cultural depictions of Buffalo Bill Category:Tyler, the Creator albums Category:XL Recordings albums Category:Obscenity controversies in music