One of this year’s critically acclaimed albums is upon us. Frank Ocean worked hard on his newest release and channel ORANGE is the terrific outcome. Dipping its feet into the rap, R&B and soul genres, the album discusses themes of love, youth and religion while acting as a coming out note for the artist as well. Ocean, who revealed to the world he was in fact bisexual, speaks about his devoted love for the man who was his “first true love” with lyrics that tell stories of one’s life. Preceded by three singles, “Thinkin Bout You”, “Pyramids”, and “Sweet Life”, the album has a big chance at being Album of the Year.
Not counting the intros and interludes, the album starts off with its first official single, “Thinkin Bout You”. With the first few lyrics, the song of devotion showcases Ocean’s smooth and sultry vocals that have been receiving praise from all critics. When the chorus comes along and the artist hits higher notes, I am completely hypnotized by everything he is saying. Perfect start.
A short, two and a half minute track by the name of “Sierra Leone” comes up and the thumping drums are an indicator of something great. Ocean plays around with different vocal styles that all come together to create a unique experience. For some reason I could not stop listening and just wish the piece of sex was a little longer. Nothing but pure talent here.
Pharrel Williams needs to keep his job as a producer as he helps create another great song this year. “Sweet Life”, the album’s current single, is a chill, low tempo song describing a life without hardships. The songwriting here stays pretty simple, but Ocean takes those simple lyrics and extends them as much as possible. At times, Ocean even sounds a little like Bruno Mars. Compliment?
“Super Rich Kids” starts off slow, keeps the same pace throughout most of the track, with a beat that will get stuck in your head long after it ends. When parents are gone, kids will misbehave. Super rich kids seem to have loose ends that need to be taken care of and fake friends, according to Ocean. The artist describes the sad life of those who seem to have it all.
Ever fell in love with someone who really wasn’t good for you? It seems Ocean has. The artist tells the story of his love for a drug addict on “Pilot Jones”. This woman is not one Ocean would take home to meet his mother. Though the artist’s vocals are near perfect once again, this track does not stand up as strong as the ones that preceded it.
A beautiful piano intro turns into jazz-sounding production. Ocean’s performance on “Crack Rock” is more of a spoken-word account of drugs and abuse rather than true singing. While I enjoy most of the track, I do find the repeating of the song title extremely annoying. Is it the best effort on the album? No, but it does keep it moving down the right path.
Before the full album came out, Ocean teased fans with the epic, ten-minute “Pyramids”. On the album it serves as the halfway point and it still sounds fresh and unique. Ocean grabs attention with the first notes and takes you on a journey where he falls in love with a woman from a strip club. Throw in Cleopatra references and an electronic-driven beat and the ten minutes go by pleasantly fast.
Some sites have been calling Ocean’s album “pop” and I did not understand why until “Lost” began playing. Ocean quickly describes the big, full breasts of the girl he is with who also seems to be incapable of controlling her life. We learn Ocean has her cooking dope on the stove when she should be cooking meals for her own family. Love and drugs get mixed in together once again.
Jazz instrumentals kick off “Monks”, an explicit track all about sex. Loving to ride without any hands and having a desire to get down with guys who wear pants are not lyrics you want your mother to hear. The song may not be the groundbreaking, epic piece holding the album together, but for those wanting to hear the naughty side of the artist, he presents you with this.
As soon as I heard the organs on “Bad Religion”, I knew I was preparing myself for a real treat. Ocean’s soft vocals return as they hit beautiful notes that sent chills down my back. Combining themes of religion and sex is a tricky thing to do, but the artist pulls it off without sounding vulgar or offensive. Towards the end, Ocean lets out a cry that may be the track’s best aspect.
“Pink Matter” features Andre 3000, who provides an impressive verse on a slow number that has Ocean questioning if there is universal meaning. The song just seems to be many ideas, random as they may be, all rolled into one four minute track. As mentioned before, Andre 3000’s unique vocals take things down a different path, but everything comes back together before the end.
The first track I heard from the project closes the album. “Forrest Gump”, is a playful, child-like effort where Ocean’s confessions of bisexuality are crystal clear. Some critics have dismissed the track, but I can do nothing but sing praise for it. I think the effort is beautiful. Hearing that another man is the object of affection in Ocean’s eyes is shocking. I wanted to stand and applaud when it was all over.
channel ORANGE is a wonderful release by a brave artist who decided to step out and speak up. A reason why this album is such a hit is the fact that Frank Ocean is not afraid to sing what is on his mind. The album covers lost love, drugs, sex, troubled youth and homosexuality. How many albums have done that in one swoop? The effort comes out of the door swinging, loses some steam for a few numbers and then picks back up stronger than ever. Do I feel this is the best album of the year? Not really, although it is amazing and will probably get the title of Album of the Year this February. It receives an 87%
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Tracks to Hear: “Thinkin Bout You”, “Pyramids”, “Bad Religion” and “Forrest Gump”
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