Frank Ocean: Blond. Album Sketch

year: 2016

tones of: prince, stevie wonder, youth lagoon, the beach boys

genre samples: electronica, r&b, psychedelic rock, world music, indie folk

music: experimental, sparse, warbled, robotic, stripped, futuristic, trippy, echoing

lyrics: introverted, honest, emotive, earnest, visual, experiential, realistic, authentic

best guest: andre 3k delivers yet again on another frank ocean track [solo (reprise)]

favs: self control, nikes, seigfried (lyrics), nights, futura free, be yourself

bonus: i was asked about it, and yes, i think this is def better than Channel Orange

score: 9/10

Youth Lagoon: Wondrous Bughouse. Review Sketch

year: 2013

tones of: the flaming lips, the beatles (sgt. pepper style)

genre samples: indie-rock, psych pop

music: expansive, personal, intimate, radiant, enveloping, vibrating, sonic, slow, prodding, sonorous, hazy, mystical, sparkling

lyrics: paranoia, mortality, loneliness, trust, abandonment, darkness, illness, instability

favs: through mind and back, mute, pelican man (beauifully bleak lyrics), raspberry cane

note: not many specific songs stand out here, but the ambiance they all produce is this album's greatness.

score: 8/10

Youth Lagoon: The Year of Hibernation. Album Sketch

year: 2011

tones of: flaming lips, the xx, bright eyes

genre samples:  dream pop, ambient techno, emo, downtempo

music: atmospheric, blissful, isolated, comforting, encircling, minimalist, plush

lyrics: painful, young, idealist, fragile, cynical, dark, angst ridden, metaphorical

favs: posters, cannon, 17, daydream, montana, the hunt

score: 8.5/10