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

By Request: Top Albums/Tracks/Collabs of 2012

A L B U M S*

1. Tame Impala: Lonerism
2. Killer Mike: R.A.P. Music
3. Kendrick Lamar: good kid, M.A.A.D. City
4. Miguel: Kaleidoscope Dream
5. Frank Ocean: Channel ORANGE
6. Andy Stott: Luxury Problems
7. Passion Pit: Gossamer
8. Grizzly Bear: Shields
9. Japandroids: Celebration Rock
10. Beach House: Bloom
HM. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis: The Heist


T R A C K S**
1. Frank Ocean: "Pyramids"

2. Grizzly Bear: "Sleeping Ute"

3. Tame Impala: "Feels Like We Only Go Backwards"

4. Miguel: "Adorn"

5. Passion Pit: "Take A Walk"

6. Kendrick Lamar: "Sing About Me, I'm Dying Of Thirst"

7. Usher: "Climax"

8. Grimes: "Oblivion"

9. Andy Stott: "Sleepless"

10. Crystal Castles: "Affection"



C O L L A B O R A T I O N S***
1. A$AP Rocky, Kendrick Lamar, Drake: "F*cking Problem"
2. Kanye West, Big Sean, Pusha T, 2 Chainz: "Mercy"
3. Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock: "Money Trees"
4. Frank Ocean, Ryan Hemsworth: "Thinkin Bout You" (Remix)
5. Burial, Four Tet: "Nova"
6. Schoolboy Q, A$AP Rocky: "Hands On The Wheel"
7. Jessie Ware, Disclosure: "Running" (Remix)
8. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis: "Same Love"
9. Killer Mike, Bun B, T.I., Trouble, El-P: "Big Beast"
10. The xx, Four Tet: "Angels" (Remix)


* HM = Honorable Mention and does not necessarily rank at #11
** Excludes repeated artists (#s 1-4, 6) and collaborations for breadth
*** Remixes included, also prioritizes breadth over repeats (#s 2, 8)
    NB: It's unfortunate that "rock bands" don't collaborate as often
        or attract more remixes like rap, r&b and electronica

Frank Ocean: Channel ORANGE. Album Sketch

year: 2012

tones of: usher, stevie wonder, michael jackson, maxwell, teddy riley-black street (pyramids), elton john

genre samples: gospel, funk, r&b, jazz, electronica-funk (pyramids)

lyrics: complex, hidden, simple, honest, forward, earnest, historical, personal

music: glitzy, smooth, somber, soulful, modern, amazing, real, playful, creative

early favs: thinking about you, pyramids

best guest: andre 3000 on pink matter

late favs: lost, pink matter, forest gump

score: 8/10