By Erik Hopkins, Reporter.
Frank Ocean shook the contemporary R&B ground in 2012 with his release of his first full-length album Channel Orange, featuring dominating tracks like “Super Rich Kids,” “Thinkin Bout You” and “Bad Religion.
Ocean’s songs immediately became hits and resonated within the souls of youths and young adults across the globe. Lines like, “Or do you not think so far ahead? / ‘Cause I’ve been thinkin’ ‘bout forever,” from “Thinkin Bout You,” were enough to stick to listeners and create more than enough hype about Ocean’s second album.
But after not releasing any new music for four long years, fans were beginning to wonder where the singer went. Had he dropped out of music? Was he on a hiatus? Had he fled the country? Even Adele was beginning to wonder, telling Jimmy Kimmel last November that she, “doesn’t even know where he’s gone.” She even begged him to come back.
But the drop of Ocean’s new album proved the long four years Frank Ocean-less was worth the wait. On Aug. 20 2016, Ocean dropped his new LP, Blonde, selling 276,000 copies in its debut.
The album delves into breaking barriers, delving into heavy topics like police brutality, even giving mention to Trayvon Martin, subtle nods at Ocean’s sexuality and plenty more existential thoughts we’ve all pondered to get the gears in our minds thinking about any and all.
Ballads like “White Ferrari” talk about each person seeing a relationship differently, accompanied by a beautiful harmony and heart jerking lyrics. “Nights” escorts a more uplifting beat, and “Pink + White” features an uplifting sound that’ll immediately find itself wedged in your mind on an addictive loop.
If you were a fan of Ocean’s debut LP Channel Orange or even his 2011 EP Nostalgia, Ultra, than Blonde won’t be too far off on your next list of favorite albums. Even if it doesn’t seem like your cup of tea the first time around, give it a chance. It’s likely the sound and lyrics will grow on you.
