Channel Orange

Pretty good gonna play it soon

Frank Ocean has built up ever-growing career from pretty much ground zero, from residing in New Orleans until Hurricane Katrina back in 2005 losing every prized possession he owned and forming a brand new life in California, Frank Ocean has experienced some struggles throughout his life. As the main R&B Crooner from Odd Future, as well as establishing his own name by collaborating with some of today's biggest artists from Kanye West to Beyonce, John Mayer to Justin Bieber; Frank Ocean has quite the resume for a fresh new artist. Frank Ocean's main genre is R&B, however he incorporates sounds from Electro, jazz, gospel, etc. to form a very unique brand of music that is undeniably his own. What makes Frank Ocean so distinct from the saturated market of R&B artists, is his artistic approach to his music. Yes, as an R&B artists he talks about sex and talks about love, the typical norm, however, Frank Ocean as an artist takes R&B to a whole nother level. Frank Ocean is one of very few R&B artists that touches on socioeconomic issues such as religion, philosophy, drugs among other things. As an artist (especially in R&B) Ocean is way ahead of the pack, his innovation in music is way ahead of everybody as of now. In my opinion he may never be as popular in R&B as Trey Songz, Usher or Chris Brown, but artistically Frank Ocean has proven himself to be a true original.If you're a fan of Frank Ocean, you will already have noticed that sonically, Channel Orange is very similar to his debut mixtape Nostalgia, Ultra containing various skits and interludes that often have cultural references mixed in between. Channel Orange is one of those rare albums in the mainstream that lets listeners delved into the artist's psyche, and thankfully Frank Ocean is an interesting person to listen to. Frank Ocean does not succumb to the pressure of making typical "lets make love" songs or "get up and dance", his lyrics are much more poetic and meaningful. The first track "Thinking Bout You" demonstrates some of Frank's storytelling ability; Ocean's lyrics are contain much more substance, filled with double entendres that are neither corny nor cliché. Songs such as "Bad Religion" & "Forrest Gump" contain some of the more personal lyrics from Frank, basically questioning his own existence and the reason to why he is the way he is. Don't get me wrong Frank has his "crooning moment" that are sex driven and about love "Pink Matter feat. Andre 3000", "Sierra Leone" are perfect examples."Super Rich Kids feat. Earl Sweatshirt" and "Sweet Life" addresses social classes and the power of money manipulation (no illuminati reference) "Crack Rocks" and "Pilot Jones" also addresses drug addiction. Now while I may love this album, there are instances where I tend to become bored. The sound at times can become tiresome, the tempo of nearly every song is damn near similar with the exception of tracks "Pyramids" & "Monks". I don't mind as much because there are no songs on the album that sound the same, however there are moments where I wish Frank Ocean could be a little more optimistic on the album. With that being said Frank does not sound emo or anywhere like a b**** when he sings unlike some artists (*cough* Drake) Frank Ocean is a grown man being honest in his music and that is what I appreciate about him the most. The obvious scandal surrounding Frank Ocean as well is his "coming out" party; yes Frank Ocean is bi-sexual, he likes men and women, and it is clearly heard throughout the album which creates an interesting dynamic (to me anyways). Does it bother me? Not one bit; if anything it makes Frank Ocean more respectable as a person, being able to express himself honestly and openly to his fans takes some balls. Channel Orange is probably the most ambitious R&B album 2012 has to offer and should definitely be heard.Top 5 Tracks1) Thinkin Bout You2) Sierra Leone3) Super Rich Kids feat. Earl Sweatshirt4) Pyramids5) Lost

lo amo

Really like it!

Just the week before this album made its first digital release, I was complaining to my friends about how its almost impossible to find NEW quality R&B. That the only way you'd be able to listen to new good songs were if you knew about Frank Ocean, Cocaine 80s, and had Raheem Devaughn's latest mixtape.Right after that Frank Ocean drops this masterpiece and inspires hope in my heart for the future of R&B.Its soulful.The lyrics are romantic.He's a young guy but he's keeping it grown and sexy.His singing ability is phenomenal.The production is of top quality and the beats are very sophisticated.When he wants you to feel love, you will feel it. When he wants you to feel hope, you will feel it. When he wants you to feel dispair, you will feel it. But by the end of it all, you will just feel happy you took this emotional roller coaster.Its been a very long time since you could feel a new R&B artist's heart beat through his music.

I decided to purchase this MP3 on the urging of Amazon's recommendation and I have to say that I am glad that I did! This album, had songs that stood out above the rest, so I have to say that it is fair to give my rating 5 stars.I got stuck on, "Super Rich Kids," "Pyramids," and "Pink Matter," (Pink Matter because of my affinity to Andre 3000) and I have to say that these songs stay in constant rotation.My opinion? People who are in touch with their sexuality, generally tend to be more open and free with their passions (i.e. music, writing, art) There is nothing inhibiting them. It's too bad it had to take on open letter to make others notice such a talent, which is always interesting to me (once someone is no longer considered "norm" people jump on it like it's a new toy)Frank Ocean should continue to make music, and not become a puppet to the masses (as others so often become)Kudos!Thanks for such a refreshing change...