In 2011 Frank Ocean had pretty much the best year an emerging artist could have. After several years of songwriting for other artists, Ocean put out his mixtape nostalgia, ULTRA which propelled him into the public eye. He also had two features on two of the most highly anticipated hip-hop albums of 2011: his Odd Future brother Tyler, The Creator's Goblin, and Watch The Throne by Jay-Z & Kanye West. With him finally being recognized with commercial and critical success, Frank was set to dominate the airwaves when his debut studio album came out this past July.
Ocean did indeed start to get heavy radioplay with his lead single, Thinkin' Bout You. It was first released in the summer of 2011 as a reference track since he originally penned it for Bridget Kelly. In a perfect example of people connecting to Frank's passion, his version received so much praise that he decided to use it on his own debut as well. In a little under an hour, Frank explores love and love lost, pain and pleasure, privilege and poorness, and vices and virtues. For all the turmoil he contemplates, it always feels like he reaches some kind of catharsis and is able to be at peace. The instrumentals are an eclectic mix of experimental drum beats, piano lines, and soothing synths. They never draw away from the main focus of the album, Frank. The handful of featured artists never steal much attention either. This doesn't come across as arrogant, though, Frank's deeply introspective musings should be the centerpiece of channel ORANGE because they are the most touching aspect of his music. Beyond the production, features, and Frank's own excellent voice, his personal reflections on life and living give color to the album and make it worth tuning in.
Download: Frank Ocean - Pilot Jones
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