Ever since Frank Ocean released his debut studio album Channel Orange back in 2012, the world has recognized him as a musical genius. In April 2015, Frank Ocean announced that he would be dropping his sophomore album Boys Don't Cry in July 2015. He made this announcement via his Tumblr platform, where he also hinted to having two versions of the album. When the album didn't drop on its expected date, the internet was overcome with disappointment; however, we all continued to wait for the album's release. Just this past weekend, Frank Ocean broke the internet when he aired a live stream on his website that featured him building a staircase. The live stream was later revealed to be a visual album entitled Endless, one version of his sophomore album. With the release of Endless, all Frank Ocean fans waited in anticipation for the release of Boys Don't Cry.
Finally, the day after Endless was released on Apple Music, Frank Ocean released his sophomore album, Blond (a shocking name change that no one expected). While both Endless and Blond feature spectacular vocals and have proven to be incredible albums, it is best that we take a look back on Frank Ocean's older music to showcase his musical journey:
When I discovered Frank Ocean, it was through his unofficial mixtape The Lonny Breaux Collection. Most Frank Ocean fans are aware of this "mixtape," but most don't listen to the songs on the collection because it was never officially released or acknowledged as an album. Even though this is the case, I still believe it is necessary to recognize some songs, as this is where Frank Ocean's recognition initially surfaced. One popular song on the collection is "Scared of Beautiful," and it features a deep meaning about women and the insecurities we have concerning our body image.
Another song featured on the collection is the short intro "Acura Integurl." The song became one of the most popular and excited the fans for the release of his debut mixtape, nostalgia, ULTRA.
Following the debut of nostalgia, ULTRA in 2011, Frank Ocean revealed one of his singles from the mixtape would be "Novacane." This single appealed to the general audience, amidst its provocative lyrics and drug references.
The second single from the mixtape was revealed to be "Swim Good."
More popular songs featured on the mixtape included "Strawberry Swing," which samples Coldplay and...
"American Wedding," which reinterprets the Eagles' "Hotel California."
One year after the release of nostalgia, ULTRA, Frank Ocean performed live on Jimmy Fallon and dropped his debut album channel ORANGE a week early.
channel ORANGE in its entirety is a lyrical masterpiece, which can be listened to here. For four years, Frank Ocean left us with nothing but his debut mixtape and album to listen to. Finally, the two versions of his album are available and there is new Frank Ocean music to listen to! Take some time this week to check out both works of art!
