Frank Ocean - Channel Orange

American RnB songwriter and producer Frank Ocean has graced us with his long awaited debut album Channel Orange. His previous mixtapes Ultra and Nostalgia have given us a taste of what Ocean is about, keeping us on cloud 9 and triggering some cozy moments.

If you thought you knew his sound, Channel Orange is a whole new introduction to Frank Ocean, so brace yourself for some goose bump moments and timeless music.

The album is a blueprint of excellent songwriting and production. He emerges as a victorious risk taker in choosing sounds that are out of the usual RnB spectrum. The album is written and produced by Ocean and has guest appearances from Tyler the creator, Andre 3000, Earl Sweatshirt and John Mayer.

"Thinking about you" was released as the lead single and has charted in the Billboard RnB/Hip-hop chart. Its bold lyrics and falsetto gives it a classic feel as he takes us back to the Prince days.

"Pink Matter" is one of the tracks that stand out with Andre 3000 contributing a one of a kind rhythmic rap verse and Ocean going into an imagination realm and letting his mind wander.

Ocean tackles socioeconomic themes on "Sweet Life" and "Super Rich Kids", voicing nothing but his honest opinion about the wealth and lifestyles that come with it.

Ocean came out as bisexual just before the release of the album and on the pop charged "Forrest Gump" he comes clean about a guy he has the hots for. This song is proof that writing comes naturally and effortlessly to Ocean.

"Lost" is one of the few upbeat tracks, it is true, honest and gives us a non-judgemental perspective of a couple with a drug habit. Ocean paints a picture that we can all understand.

"Bad religion" takes an unusual delivery which is more narration. The song is a treat to listen to with a start, a climax and an end and the orchestral elements on the beat works very well.

"Pilot Jones" has a striking beat that will take you into the lyrics and force you to relate to the song. It is one of the high points of the album. Other heartfelt tracks to look out for are "Pyramids", "Monks", "Crack Rock" and "Sierra Lionne".

Channel Orange is a collection of day to day life put into song and in between the songs are interludes that join the tracks into one.

Channel Orange is proof that music geniuses do exist. Ocean has definitely introduced a different kind of RnB and it's a breath of fresh air to the industry…it's simply the naked truth.

The album is indeed a classic masterpiece hence its debut at number 2 on the Billboard hot 200 albums chart just a week after its release. Follow up singles like "Sweet Life" and "Forrest Gump" are yet to make an impact on charts worldwide.

Listen to the teaser trailer of Frank Ocean's album here:



Disclaimer: This is an article written by a Channel24 user. The views of users published on Channel24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Channel24. Our editors also reserve the right to edit or delete any and all comments received.