e˟ review: Frank Ocean - Channel Orange
It’s finally here. After sitting in my drafts for over a month, I have finally gotten around to finishing the review of Channel ORANGE.
As I said in my previous post I apologise profusely and am willing to make it up to all of you with flowers and a candlelight dinner.
WHEN this album was released in mid-July this year, it was probably one of the most anticipated R&B/Soul records in the last 12 months. However all the anticipation on the planet wasn’t enough to foresee the week-early release of the album digitally worldwide. This caused a manic downloading frenzy that the internet had not experienced since the release of Kim Kardashian’s sex tape.
Before even listening to the album, the names working behind the canvas already suggest an R&B masterpiece painted on the other side. Producers Pharrell Williams, “Malay” James Ho (who’s worked with the likes of John Legend), Andre 3000 and Frank’s Odd Future brothers Tyler, The Creator and Earl Sweatshirt all lend hands in writing, production and performance. Even everyone’s favourite douche-bag John Mayer lends a talented, and hauntingly beautiful, guitar strumming hand on this one.
I must confess: When i first heard this track way back in April... I was worried. It wasn't what i was expecting for the upcoming album and reminded me more of Usher than Ocean. HOWEVER, the pure emotion and vibe this song gives off has that kind of infectious mellowness to it that penetrates you as soon as Frank croons that high-vocal hook. Not one of my favourites, but the resonating synth tune is hard to hate. ― 3/5
5. Sweet Life
The third installment in the triliogy of 'pre-release date' tracks, 'Sweet Life' is definitely one of the more fun songs on the album. Entertaining (and slightly sarcastic) lyrics combined with big loud sounds and heavy bass and drum lines are what form the foundations of this track. Personally, I strongly recommend checking this one out. ― 4/5
7. Super Rich Kids
Before I heard this, I was a strong believer that "simpler is better". However this track is just FAR too simple that it's almost bland. Frank relies way too much on his voice to carry this one home, albeit he does a pretty good job, yet the beat is lacking and annoyingly heavy and repetitive. Yet what cuts me up the most about this, is how ridiculously BORED Earl sounds in his verse. Deliberate or not, it let me down. ― 2.5/5 (Purely because if this was an acapella, Frank would have killed the fuck out of it)
10. Pyramids.
Earlier in the year, i posted a link to a video in which Frank Ocean discusses his passion to tell stories through his music. 'Pyramids' is a shining example of that passion. Definitely the clear winner of the 'most effort' award, with this "musical movie" spanning almost 10 minutes, Ocean takes listeners on a journey with this track. After 3 or 4 runs through this one, it's pretty hard to not want to sing along. ― 4/5
11. Lost
Well-paced and incredibly balanced between vocals and instrument. Frank uses this songs almost as a showcase of his talents as an artist. Taking his voice throughout the sound spectrum and using it to deliver a fairly catchy chorus. When I listened to this one properly i realised just how well is summarises the entire album and could have easily been used as the closing track. ― 3.5/5
15. Pink Matter
Vocal...Orchestral...Instrumental...Perfection. Ocean hits every note 100% right in this one; soothing and caressing each word as the guitar weaves in and out of the background. And THEN there's the deep, funkesque bassline that adds a whole other dimension to the composition of this track. Andre 3000 fits almost as seamlessly into this song as Frank ocean himself, as he provides the perfect tempo and vocal change that helps propel this song into the "orgasmic listening" region. ― 5/5
As i've said many times before, Frank Ocean's talent is FUCKING impressive. So combine his musical style and versatility with his profound ability to translate stories through his songs and you have the many-faceted diamond that is Channel ORANGE
