The lyrics are pretty relatable, I mean who hasn’t been told to not be “a weedhead” by mum before? On one hand there’s a lovely caring sentiment behind the short track, but on the other hand the repeated phrase that drugs make you “sluggish, lazy, stupid, and unconcerned” may be Ocean subtly alluding to why the heck the album took so long… Lyrically there are nods to Ocean’s childhood, but the strength in the music means the narrative takes the backseat.īe Yourself is a voicemail from my mum Ocean’s mother telling him not to take drugs at college. Opening with chirping birds and driven by a subtle strings and a delicate piano melody, the track is a welcome departure from the production-heavy sounds on ‘Channel ORANGE’. Pink + White is perfectly placed in the album’s track list with its upbeat feel, simple drumbeat, beautifully constructive vocal layers, and Beyoncé’s warm harmonies. “Lyrically there are nods to Ocean’s childhood, but the strength in the music means the narrative takes the backseat.” This may be to convey the fact he’s still battling plenty of emotions as the lyrics suggest, but honestly it’s an unnecessary aggressive end to a great slow-burner. However, in the last 30 seconds Ocean looses his mind with distracting vocal effects before closing with sounds of trashing the studio. Singing about a relationship that’s just ended but there’s still plenty of feelings in the air, Ocean’s voice builds from a timid beginning to a confident soar as the song progresses. Ivy’s opening wobbling guitar and clean vocal delivery is reassuringly Ocean-esque compare to Nikes. The album’s opener sounds more like new Drake than Frank Ocean, but its five minute duration means the song eventually wins you over, leaving you intrigued for what’ll come next. Ocean’s vocals begin sounding like a drunken chipmunk before the strange auto-tune effect wears off to a minimal level, allowing him to drop a rap verse. Originally named ‘Boys Don’t Cry’, ‘Blonde’ starts slow and steady with Nikes. Coming just a few days after the release of his visual album ‘Endless’, Ocean has released a 17-track collection of minimalistic neo-soul, RnB, and modern hip-hop that’ll leave you both falling in love with him all over again and at the same time questioning why the f*ck the album took so long.

After endless speculation, delays, and teased content, visionary American artist Frank Ocean has finally released the follow-up to his beloved and highly praised 2012 debut album, ‘Blonde’.

Blonde frank ocean album review