Frank Ocean fans have been waiting in anticipation for his new album since Channel Orange was released in 2012 - and Blonde definitely did not disappoint. Blonde has already reached number one on Billboard 200, making it the third top selling album of the year so far. Frank Ocean takes alternative R&B to a whole new level in Blonde. It's clear that his emotion and song flow have improved since Channel Orange. and the minimalist soft rock vibe in Blonde is something I think everyone can appreciate. Blonde was made with the help of a variety of featured artists like Beyonce in "Pink and White" and James Blake with Bon Iver in "White Ferrari." The combination of these different vocal performances blends a variety of tones and harmonies which makes for a unique sound. This album might put you in your feels, but in the best way possible; it will leave you reminiscing back on different times in your life and embraces a perspective of personal motivation. After listening to Blonde for the first time, the first thing I noticed was Frank's greatest position of taking in life as it comes. Blonde includes songs that describe his personal circumstances in a way that makes the feeling of achieving greatness from a rough start seem more obtainable, inspires a message to love yourself, values higher thinking, and conveys bold statements relating to issues like social media usage in human connections. So here is a short list of songs from Frank Ocean's, Blonde that I personally can't get enough of.
1. Ivy: Start of a great relationship, felt like a dream come true but time changed everything. It was the "Start of nothing new" as he illustrates the start of being together as kids. But over time their love developed into feelings of resentment. He describes reflecting back on times when they were kids and believes that the feelings they share are still good deep down.
2, Self Control: "Wish we'd grown up on the same advice," shows compassion for his love's personal struggles, wishes he could have given guidance. Shows that timing doesn't always make you grow out of love. The constant repetition of "Keep a place for me" is a beautiful sentiment that many people can relate to in life when barriers such as timing or distance cause built up feelings in love.
3. White Ferrari: Daydream wonderland developed in a familiar sound. It idealizes making your existence great and celebrates greatness in simply just existing. His pure, timeless melodies with James Blake and Bon Iver adds to the emotional feel.
4. Siegfried: Not fitting in and not wanting to. He talks about sharing his mind but thinks maybe he's a fool. Maybe he should settle down, but he's just not ready. Repetition of "I'll do anything for you" is a beautiful insight on personal feelings of love. He describes visions of Nirvana in love and inspires to think beyond beyond simply just existing in a fun filled world.
5. Futura Free: Pure inspiration of success. He depicts his life starting out small, making minimum wage and barely being able to get by; to the progression of where he is now, fulfilling his true passion. The situation he experienced serves as an example of making the most out of what you're given and constantly aspiring to become better.
I hope you consider listening to Blonde and find your own personal meanings and significance in his music.
