“Writing about music is like dancing to architecture”. Articulating the essence of music is unachievable through mere words. Music is a form of art, an adventure, but most importantly, a universal language – it embodies an essence that cannot be articulated into words. Only a truly great artist like Frank Ocean will have their listeners attempting the impossible.
Through his exceptional lyricism and maverick production, Frank Ocean’s album “Blonde”, is the most dominant album of the 21st century, unraveling a completely new genre: a blend of R&B, pop, and indie. Ocean’s output was solely in the form of 2 albums: 2012’s Channel Orange and 2016’s Blonde, and some singles released up until 2020. It could not be more according to Ocean’s character to eschew the insistence of the mainstream for further releases and stay true to his motives – delivering an immersive encounter, transcending beyond the auditory, to pierce the soul.
Through artful word choices, Ocean intricately weaves a narrative in his album, “Blonde”. It grapples with a wide spectrum of hardships from themes resonating easily with mainstream audiences, while simultaneously sharing his complex personal events. Ocean, being an openly bisexual man, sings about his experience of struggling to accept himself, unraveling a new path of music, and valuing vulnerability.
While all songs in “Blonde” are consistently crafted, its most prominent and recognized song is “Pink + White”, with over 1 billion streams. This song stands out for its exceptional lyricism, alongside a sweet genius harmony of piano, acoustic guitar, and drums. The opening lyrics of the song may initially appear pessimistic: “That’s the way everyday goes / Every time we have no control”, Ocean’s angelic vocals shine a new light, putting a positive spin on the phrase that expresses how life will change regardless of our will for the status quo to remain untouched. Furthermore, the repetition of the lines: “You showed me” represents Ocean reminding himself of the importance of continuity taught by a mentor.
The second track “Ivy” opens with the lines “I thought that I was dreaming, when you said you loved me”, representing the dramatic realization when romantic feelings are reciprocated. “Dreaming” represents the potency of love – transforming the tangible reality into something surreal. As Ocean captures the limerent effects of love, he also expresses the complexity of young relationships. The profound lyric, “If I could see through walls, I could see you faking”, offers a poignant insight into the vulnerability and deception of teen love. The lyrics express Ocean’s desperate desire to penetrate through his partner’s facade, a common struggle of trusting whether one’s partner is authentic.
Although all of Ocean’s productions enlighten the industry with his unparalleled talent, “Blonde” is a profound testament to his ability of seamlessly blending genres. Ocean’s enduring legacy, through each intricate layer in his songs, fosters a deeper understanding of the human experience taught by one eccentric and rebellious persona. Ocean’s work significantly surpasses beyond entertainment. Before clamoring for additional releases, it is important to offer thoughtful appreciation and recognition for this gem.
