What For?

Released in 2015, What For? is the fourth studio album by Toro y Moi (Chaz Bear). It marks a significant stylistic departure from his electronic and R&B roots, embracing a '70s-indebted psychedelic rock and power pop sound. Influenced by artists like Todd Rundgren, Big Star, and Weezer, Bear moved away from the 'chillwave' tag that had followed him since his debut. The album was recorded in Bear's home studio in Berkeley, California, and features contributions from Ruban Nielson of Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Julian Lynch. Critics noted the album's shift toward more traditional songwriting structures and its bright, guitar-centric production. While some missed the atmospheric electronic layers of his previous work, many praised the album's craftsmanship and its ability to evoke a specific era of analog pop while maintaining Bear's unique melodic sensibility. It stands as a pivotal moment in his discography, proving his versatility as a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter.