Channel Orange

Favorite Track: Crack Rock

What a beautiful album.

This was a fun one to listen to

Another album that kinda grew on me. Initially I wanted to give it 2 stars, as it's really not my kind of thing, but I managed to listen to it on loop the entire day and I ended up never skipping anything, besides "Forrest Gump" and "Bad Religion" which are both pretty bad. While this still wasn't my thing at the end of the day, I grew to understand and appreciate the vibe. Nothing particularly amazing here, but nothing egregiously bad either. The super short prelude songs are also all genuinely fun, like "Start" and "Fertilizer". I think my favorite song here is "Lost". Is this album going to stick with me? Absolutely not, but it's always nice hearing something different for a little bit.

An easy 5 if obviously shy of what he hits on Blonde.

Mildly listenable but rarely memorable. Pyramids and Lost the most interesting followed by the worst song on the album (Monks)

Boring

Fantastic

Frank ocean is good shit

Channel Orange is literally the last CD I bought. It was 2012, the summer after my freshman year of college. I, like most of my peers, had largely moved on from CDs by this point, unless you were *really* obsessed with a band. In our dorms, we mostly used Spotify, which was still completely free, or pirated music that played directly from our computers. I never had an iPod (lower-middle class kid problems that I just didn’t care to fix by the time I got to college), so I did have a CD player for when I was on the T or the bus, which was fashionable because I was going to film school, but even so, I mostly listened to the same few mixes. In fact, I recall my roommate and I having a hard time finding CD-Rs anywhere to burn new mixes. Since I knew my living situation already for the fall semester, though, I was able to put all my stuff into a storage unit, which meant I didn’t have a CD to listen to in the car that summer, unless I went back and grabbed my old emo CDs, which by 2012 were out of fashion and also not really my taste du jour. By then, I was *very* into R&B, hip-hop, and electronic music, which I had always liked, but this was a great era for those genres. Odd Future bridged the gap for me a lot, as well, so I was very into Frank Ocean, but so was everyone I knew in 2011/2012. “Novacane” and “Swim Good” were big party songs, but “No Church in the Wild” made him super relevant. The early release/leak/demo of “Thinkin Bout You” was inescapable if you were in college at this time. It was kind of heralded as an instant classic, so Channel Orange already had a lot of hype around it. I just needed a CD I knew would be a safe bet to play on my drive to and from the coffee shop I worked at that summer. There is very little I have to say about Channel Orange as music, mainly because it was and remains an instant classic. The nostalgia I have for this album– and, to some degree, for that final summer of my teenage years– makes it hard to not just love everything about this record. The beat switch on “Pyramids,” the André 3000 verse on “Pink Matter,” the fucking Earl Sweatshirt verse on “Super Rich Kids” that remains a classic, and yes, “Thinkin Bout You” with those violin swells. But there’s also the groovy smooth “Sweet Life,” the sweet tragedy of “Crack Rock,” the Californian soul of “Lost,” the guitar work on “White.” And if you’re a hip-hop nerd Millennial, you know “Pink Matter” would’ve even been better if they’d been able to include that Big Boi verse. I played Channel Orange nonstop the summer of 2012. I smoked to this record, I worked to this record, I partied to this record, it was just part of my fabric. Again, I was raised in small town New England, pretty lower-middle class, but I also was going to film school with a bunch of privileged hipsters, and grew up two towns over from the beach, which meant I had a lot of pretty well-off friends. The themes on this album of getting lost and drowning in wealth and privilege, especially when it’s not where you came from but rather a world you forced yourself into, it all really spoke to me at the time. Six months later, though, I had dropped out of film school, moved back home to help with family stuff, and just generally 360’ed my life. But I had gotten my first iPhone, and now had Spotify and YouTube everywhere I went. So Channel Orange and the CD itself kind of fell to the background. I may have revisited it once when Blond came out, but I really wasn’t a fan of Blond, and by then my taste were a bit more defined, so I kind of moved on from this record. This was my first time listening to it in at least a decade. Yet now, in the summer of 2025, I’m coming at it as an out-and-proud bisexual transgender woman who recently got laid off from her privileged nonprofit job after 7 years of working in fundraising, aka the most privileged, wealth-connected career ever, and because of that I’m considering just leaving that career behind since I don’t have those privileged contacts, and meanwhile New York City has had so many fucking heatwaves that it feels like I’m living on the West Coast. In many ways, Channel Orange hits even harder now. The channel surfing concept not only brings me back to my youth, but also feels like how I’ve spent my own summer nights, unable to go out but with no motivation to do much anyway. The existential narratives here are filled with the same fascinated empathy I’ve had at donor cultivation events and house parties hosted by a friend of a friend. I also think the queerness of this record stands out to me a lot more now. The self-pity of “Bad Religion” cuts deep, but it’s also present on “Thinkin Bout You” and even the straight-passing “Pink Matter,” let alone in the death-wish nature of “Super Rich Kids,” “Lost,” and “Sweet Life.” My palette for this style has also matured, so the connective tissue tracks that I used to just tune out on the CD like “Fertilizer” now feel essential, which is silly because now it’s way easier to ignore connective tissue tracks on Spotify. The only song I still have a gripe with is “Forrest Gump,” but it’s not like I dislike it, I just think it’s the weakest song and should not technically be the closer (even though it technically isn’t). Yes, my love for this record is driven by nostalgia, but it’s also just a definitive classic. It’s eloquently made, unstuck from time, and many tracks here have taken on a life of their own, see: TikTok song usage. To me, it almost feels more relevant now in the midsts of a recession than it did in 2012, post-recession. I’ve been thinking a lot about ditching streaming, for ethical reasons and to save costs while I’m laid off, and just putting $20 toward a couple cheap CDs that I know I’d spin constantly one time to hold me over. I still have a working CD player, and my wife has offered me her ancient iPod nano for fun. Now that I remember how perfect the last CD I ever bought is, maybe it’s a sign. Maybe I should find a used copy of Channel Orange and play out the rest of the summer just listening to this masterpiece. Maybe my life will look a lot different in six months again.

You know, I didn’t get the hype when this came out, but now I get the hype. Good for you, Frank Ocean!

frank ocean plz drop this one of the albums of all time and i need more then just this and blonde i beg

I can understand the hype behind this album, but most of the album feels like soulless R&B music. Apart from Lost, which is class, he knew what he did with that. Still not bad, just not my taste.

Loved this.

This was not what I expected at all. It was way more soulful. Most of the tracks were very easy to listen to, nothing too hard or abrasive. I could quite easily listen to it again.

Listened on Spotify. So this will be my second listen of "Channel Orange", and this time I had a much better experience. Frank Ocean's voice is great and the lyrics are really good and touches on a lot of different things like unrequited love, privilege, loss of identity, sexuality and spirituality. It's a great album! Favs: - Pyramids - Thinkin Bout You - Lost - Super Rich Kids - Sweet Life 9/10

Good sound and production, but didn't resonate with me. A few songs stood out stronger, but not enough to really bring me back/

I liked this lot when it came out, but it really didn’t grab me the same way this time. Still thought the beats were real good.

Pleasant album, but not jaw dropping. Pyramids is a good song - nice beat. Lost is a very nice song.

Not for me.

I do recognize that I have a strong bias for albums that came out during my formative years, in this case, my early 20's, and that I may associate big life transitions and emotional rollercoasters to these albums, but danggit, Channel Orange did capture that for me back in 2012. The lyrics of unrequited love, turmoil in love, or the hypocrisy of the wealthy, all backed by some funky synths - all changed the r&b game and I loved it. "Thinkin Bout You" is sad and lovely, and such a classic, but my favorite is "Pyramids." I remember listening to this for the first time while driving in Cincinnati summer, and just going "whoa" during the mid-song transition.

It's crazy to think back to 2012. OF mixed tap Vol2 comes out and you realize that the ceiling is so much higher than Goblin, and then Frank drops cO and you realize these punks are going to actually produce great music. It takes Tyler 5 years to release an actual album, and here's Frank producing great work in 2012. Now my white straight man take - this album also perfectly capitalizes on the chill-wave era in an unexpected way. You have bands like Neon Indian, Washed Out, and Starfucker creating really great bops but with slow-paced development. Even thinking about the xx coming out of this era, you have popular musicians incorporating sparsity in their albums, letting the lyrics trickle out over either an exciting or devastating backdrop. Frank never rushes into an album and there's so much more emotion in his music because of it. Also random observation - doesn't Bad Religion have the same organ sequence as Jesus Lord off Donda? It's the same 4 notes on the same organ looped over the whole track ...

This is really good. Super Rich Kids is a standout. I wish I could spend more time with the lyrics, but I couldn't pay that much attention on this listen and spotify hates working properly while playing this album for some reason.

I ofc love this album and everything about it. But my favorite barely relevant part is just the fact that the sheet music of "pyramids" actually looks like a series of pyramids

Didnt listen to it all,just not my vibe,but it was that the opening track and end track had this rescpective names and were the ps1 sounds

This album is pretty close to a masterpiece. Incredibly soulful and catchy songs. Numerous hits and lots of repeatability. An R&B standard. I don't like all the other artistic expression stuff with Frank but can separate the art from the artist. 8.5/10 (4.25/5)

Fav: Pyramids Least Fav: Pilot Jones Orange is the best colour, so it’s no surprise that an album titled ‘Channel Orange’ is actually pretty good

Amazing album. Really good songs.

I don’t really like this type of music. I get that he has a good voice, but I am bored

This one. Oh yeah. Lost is an awesome song

I've been familiar with Frank Ocean ever since his inclusion in the rap group Odd Future. I'm also a big fan of Tyler, The Creator and Earl Sweatshirt - of which Frank Ocean appears as a guest vocalist pretty frequently. Coming into this album I've heard it through a couple of time and am familiar with multiple songs. I already really love it but this will be a fun experience doing a deeper dive. The entire album has an interesting feel as if you're flipping through channels on an old CRT tv. I almost imagine these channels, and by extension the songs on the album, being different events in Frank's life and experiences. My favorite arc in the album is from "Sweet Life", "Not Just the Money", and "Super Rich Kids". The lyrics in both songs talk about growing up with white kids who were spoiled from their upbringing and how ultimately the life styles they lead are hollow and ultimately end up doing them a disservice in the long run. The beats on the album are also extremely unconventional but somehow the album manages to make them feel extremely cohesive and that they fit extremely well. Sometimes Frank's vocals feel like they "go off the beaten path" of the beat of the song but I kind of like how unpredictable the vocal nuances can be on this record. This was a fun one to return to! Definitely one I could see myself returning to with some frequency. Standout tracks are: "Thinkin Bout You", "Sweet Life", "Super Rich Kids", "Lost", and "Bad Religion".

NOPE

yknow i don’t like this as much as i used to. it sounds quite dated which is rough for now not that old it is. it sounds like how vine complications feel.

I mean it was fine. Not really my usual genre and I got a little bored at the very beginning and the very end but not terrible overall. Yeah just kinda mid.

It’s creative but not my jam

Someone I love recently told me I need to remove the word "pussy" from my vocabulary so I can't give an honest review of this album.

average falsetto enjoyer. idk halt modernere (finally) chillige musik

Erstes Album was ich kannte. Lost + Pyramids sind banger, der Rest ist auch ok

i feel like hed trying to be deep

3.5

3.5

This is a fantastic album.

Dull

High highs, high lows

R&B, wo ich sofort an einen eingeölten Usher denken musste wie er eine Zuschauerin auf der Bühne dryhumpt. Nicht ganz meine Musik, etwas zu schmusig. 3/5 Sterne

Ich weiß nicht. Lahme moderne Beats. Gähn

Very mediocre R&B. Not bad, but not worth listening to.

Top five all time for me

Before: I DO NOTTT PLAY ABOUT CHRISTOPHER BREAUX. For years and years I've said that Frank Ocean was my favorite artist of all time and he's still very high up there; he has a very secure spot in the top two or three. I have a Frank Ocean tattoo. I know every single word to this album. Don't piss me off I'm so serious. Standout tracks: Literally almost all of them Weakest tracks: Dude idek Standout lyrics: "We end our day up on the roof. I say I'll jump, I never do, but when I'm drunk I act the fool, talking 'bout, 'do they sew wings on tailored suits?'" - Super Rich Kids "If models are made for modelin', thick girls are made for cuddlin'" - Pink Matter "What if the sky and the stars are for show, and the aliens are watching live from the purple matter?" - Pink Matter "Who needs another friend? I need to hold your hand" - Pink Matter During/after: I know every song on this thing inside and out already so this isn't my usual first listen impressions. The little cough and laugh at the beginning of Start makes me feel like I'm raising from the dead. Thinkin Bout You makes me feel like I'm 16 again and is just so GOOD. Frank's voice is like velvet. Super Rich Kids has always been a favorite with amazing lyrics. The Earl Sweatshirt feature on it absolutely bangs. Crack Rock is another favorite. Not all that much to add except for the fact at it's just really really good. Pyramids is such a masterpiece. Love the juxtaposition of the Egyptian pyramids with the LUXOR PYRAMID HELLOOOO???? I'm calling the police. Also, people sleep on the John Mayer feature on White. Those strings are just so John Mayer and it sounds great with Frank and the vibe of this album. Monks is another underrated banger. Every time I hear the "I'VE NEVER ASKED FOR MUCH" I just wanna do a lil danceee. Bad Religion always puts a very specific and tragic image into my mind immediately with the opening lyrics ("taxi driver, you're my shrink for the hour"), and the whole song just sounds like a drunken, heartbroken, tirade. The pain in this song is palpable. Pink Matter is another classic. I'm so in love with the play on "colors" of matter (gray matter, pink matter, purple matter, blue matter), and there is a lot to unpack there. This track has probably the best lyricism on this album and Andre 3000 has an amazing feature. A favorite for sure. Forrest Gump is probably historically one of my most listened to tracks off of Channel Orange. It's just chill and catchy. Reminds me so much of teenage midwestern summers and is almost painfully nostalgic. End makes the record feel very full circle when you consider how Start sounds and how it begins this tracklist. Really though, the entire second half of the album after White is beautiful (as is the first half but in a different way). Frank does a great job at splitting his albums up into two distinct halves (don't even get me started on how Blonde is split up, omfg) and it works well here. Bad Religion into Pink Matter into Forrest Gump into End is a perfect way to wrap this record up. A smooth, sexy, velvety ode to love and drugs. What more could we ask for? I maintain that he is one of the best artists of this generation. Where's the album, Frank? Easiest 5/5 ever.

Really rate this one.

This is a great album, but the problem with it is that it has like four AMAZING songs, another four REALLY GOOD songs, and the rest is just nice, good, well performed. Like, it's consistently good, but some of it can't help but seem less good when right next to some legitimate masterpiece-level songs. Still a must listen! 114.

Really good, didn’t listen to it all. Will need to give it a full play, but all the songs are really original

I like this album, but I certainly don't love it. The highlights are fun, but the whole experience really doesn't blend well for me - too stop and start to maintain a consistent sound/theme. I do appreciate the range of sounds he's attempting though. The vocals are too high in the mix for my taste. Best Tracks: - Pink Matter - Thinkin Bout You - Bad Religion Worst Tracks: - Sierra Leone - Monks Rating: 5/10

Classic, year 10 vibez

Sounds great. Some interesting and engaging lyrics. However, I can’t get behind the vulgarity and cop killing message.

Not bad, just not my thing. I did like the song “Pyramids” but it was way too long to consider listening to again.

It was fine at first, but jesus christ it drags towards the end. When an album runs out of things to say it should stop, not repeat itself for another 20 mins.

Overall: 7/10 Frank has such a beautiful voice and the ability to convey so much passion and emotion into his lyrics. I was feeling a little anxious this morning and this album helped me chill out immensely. Modern R&B doesn't tend to be a genre I listen to a lot but I really respect it. Fav Song: Crack Rock Least Fav Song: Bad Religion

From the PS1 system-on opening, I kind of figured this was going to be something. Thinkin Bout You is pretty middle-of-the-road R&B for 2012; Sweet Life has maybe a bit more; Super Rich Kids had me enjoying Earl Sweatshirt more than Frank Ocean. The interludes are interesting. Back half of the album opens up a lot more with Pyramids, Lost. Ultimately it's eclectic and pretty cool, but I'm surprised it was as hot as it was in 2012. It doesn't really feel special most of the time.

A modern classic.

A perfect album.

Fine, amazing voice, some interesting songs. Just not my genre

This is really not my thing.

Good beats. Not a big fan of the lyrics or the singer.

This is pretty terrific. A post 2000 album that is worth listening to on this list. A laidback feel, anticipating drake, but does it much better. It’s a grower too. 4 stars

I am currently sitting on a train travelling through northern Spain, and I have happily listened to Channel Orange twice through in a row, and will line it up for a third run soon. I have obviously slept on this one, and now I'm wondering why. Well, I know why; I had three small children in 202 and wasn't keeping up to date with new music. I knew that this album was highly crtically rated, but I've been around the traps long enough that I don't believe the hype. And 2012 was peak music blog hype and there have been some pretty fallow years for exciting music this century, so I took what I saw online with a pinch of salt until I had the chance to check out the album myself, and in the case of Channel Orange, that was more than decade. The reason I signed up for this project was to prompt ms to give a serious listen to albums I never got around to giving proper attention. Mostly, I find that my preconceived opinion of whether I would like a record are born out, occasionally there is a special moment when my ears are opened to something special. And today is one of those days. I don't even know where to start with Frank Ocean's Channel Orange. It is an ambitious artistic statement that reminds me of Stevie Wonder, Prince or Marvin Gaye. It has stylistic echoes of those three giants of RnB without slavishly imitating any of them. Lyrically, I find it most similar to Prince, balancing love and spirituality with sex, drugs and the profane, although full of self-doubt and uncertainty instead of Prince's unshakable confidence. The thematic concerns of unrequited love, sex and existential uncertainty are explored with a lyrical freshness. His heavy use of metphor, story telling and surprising imagery allow a level of ambiguity and flexibility to his approach to the themes. I read that Frank Ocean controversially revealed his bisexuality just before the release of Channel Orange, but he didn't really want to pin down exactly his identity. And that is consistent with this album; it contains the freedom and flexibility to allow Frank and the listener to both be whoever we are as complex human beings. Musically, it is both rooted in classic RnB, soul and gospel while being a new approach. It is quite stunning. The heavier use of musicians over samples is a god idea, especially given the loose song structures, much in the neo-soul tradition, which benefits from sympathetic musicianship to help give some dynamic movement to the songs. I am not a fan of skits, interludes and segues, but I didn't find the run time too long, which surprised me. I generally prefer a short, focussed album above songs that outstay their welcome. But I found myself pulled further and further into this record as it went on. I am generally reluctant to award an album 5 stars the first time I heard it, but Channel Orange is stunning and deserves it.

Favorite picks: "Thinkin Bout You", "Pyramids"

Really not for me unfortunately. 1/5

I think I slightly prefer "Blonde" to this one but no matter what's your favourite, you're always eating good with Ol' Frankie.

While I can appreciate why people would enjoy this & it’s considered a triumphant effort, it’s not my kind of thing at all.

This album seems to be incredibly divisive, with people either loving or hating it. While I probably wouldn't have listened to this without it coming up on this list, I liked it. I didn't really connect like I do with most music I enjoy but his voice is very nice to listen to and everything is very well produced. Solid.

I hate “thinking about you” it reminds me of icejjfish it just sounds so bad to me my fav songs of his are on here and I haven’t heard them in a whiile so this was nice… but I think I kind of outgrew him?? otherwise meh — i feel somewhat indifferent i don’t know so 3 it is

The start song has a ps2 starting theme in... I liked Thinkin Bout You but to a degree where i include it in the liked songs. Pyramids wasnt bad but long so skipped :D Lost isnt bad either. Idk but i guess not my type maybe. Some songs felt like he was just talking, but in a good way like how Rex does. Caught me off guard when he said allahu akbar hahahahhahahha in Bad Religion. وش قصده

Is it bad that I don’t really care for this all that much? There’s a couple tracks here I like, and some choruses from songs I wouldn’t listen to again that I like. Or parts of Pyramids for example. But nothing out of the tracks I like really does anything for me. Liked 3 out of the 17. Also, the interludes get on my nerves. Idk if I just don’t get this album but god they’re so pointless. Fav tracks: Thinkin Bout You Lost Forrest Gump Choruses I like from other songs: Super Rich Kids Pyramids Note: rating this a 1 feels weird but 3/17 is uh yeah.

Expected more

Interesting

A very chilled vibe - enjoyed

Meh...

Incredible post work chill down vibes

I'm sorry, but if someone really said to Mr. Ocean, "Wow, what awesome shit," then they really played him down. What's splashing out of the "ocean" is really pathetic. Hey, and it certainly isn't orange. Unless the album sleeve comes with orange as a warning color. A warning about the content, which is horrific. I tried to listen to the first three songs, but it was difficult; I just skipped through the rest. It might be okay for someone, but I feel sorry for them. In conclusion, the album isn't for me, and I can't give it any stars. I guess I have to.

Sick beats used very sparingly indeed and various organs humming away. If you know your Rhodes from your Wurly you’ll have a field day. Franky’s charismatic, slow-ooze vocals come from somewhere between not quite rap and not quite soul. It’s a good specimen.

Some excellent songs! My 15 and 13 year old Kids love this album, I do totally understand!

Artificial soul.

I think there's just a clear disconnect between me and a lot of the styles at play here. It seems like most people lose their minds over "Pyramids", for example; I recognize that it's well-constructed, but it's nothing I care to listen to. I feel that way about quite a few songs on this record. I want to acknowledge and give credit to the diverse production elements, but there's still such a prominent smooth R&B thread throughout the album that I just don't jive with. Still, there are multiple songs I enjoy to some degree, even if I don't love any of them. "Crack Rock" and "Lost" are quite easily my two favorites, and I can see a few more potentially growing on me in time. As someone who had only heard select Frank Ocean songs, hearing this entire record gave me a slightly better feel for his talents, even if his music still isn't something I inherently love. Was considering a high 2.5, but enough moments made me perk up to go with a light 3. 3/5

Lots of interesting ideas here and while it doesn’t always work or drags at times, it’s a great listen

10 Stars.

Haven’t listened to this one in years so it was fun to revisit. A unique artist with a lot to say.

Any songwriter should aspire to the high highs of “Sweet Life”

Cool, maybe too cool for me.

Immaculate vibes, love the sampling and production.

I listened to more than half of every song (except pyramids, only ⅓ of that monster), waiting to hear anything that would make it clear to me why this guy is so acclaimed, and why people so fervently wait for his mercurial ass to just release a fourth album already. BUT- no. All I hear is competent pop r&b. Nothing I would normally listen to, or am I interested in starting. Kinda crap actually; it’s ok with me if he can’t get himself to produce any more music. if someone perused my reviews thus far they'd think I hate almost everything... it ain't true. I have a music library 6000+ albums and growing- all of which I like quite a lot. but I haven't liked much pop music since the early 60s. the music seems tainted by market expectations. Not Frank Ocean so much- he's an earnest singer influenced by other capitalist pap. so he does a better job of making it, but it can't help but be what it is.... i'm sure i'm missing something- but i gave it a real good chance....

3.5 - I see the vision and I think I really got into it but I just didn’t find it as entertaining Reminds me a lot of the first half of because the internet. Lacks the hits that blonde does, but has all the talent, thematic elements, and overall scope of a great album

He has all the ingredients unfortunately I only found a few song I liked.

Bland smooth pop but well done.

Fine for background noise but just not my jam

Nice soundscapes. The vocals didn't really keep me engaged though. It was pretty chill

8/10.

What was that? No emotion in the words whatsoever, just mumbling to the same beat over and over

Initial thoughts: I really enjoyed this album, and the intro just gave me pure nostalgia

Powerful vocals - Frank Ocean has range! Meaningful lyrics, too. Cool incorporation of other sounds into the music. I enjoyed this album.

Definitely grew on me as I went on. I've never really listened to this genre before and it was alright. Lost is actually a good song asw.

Have always enjoyed listening to this album, despite Frank Ocean not giving us much.

3+ Stars (9/15)

Debut album. One of these albums that everyone seems to love. Electro-funk, pop-soul, jazz-funk, and psychedelic styles, as well as nonmusical sounds such as film dialogue and ambient noise. Pleasant, very well produced soul. Frankly a bit boring. Nice smooth album to put on in the background.

Really not keen on this style of R&B, with over-the-top, drawly vocals. Reminds me of Drake, but not as bad.

start- 5 thinking bout you- a potato flew around my room before you came AAAAAAA. whats good about this challenge or whatever you call it is that it shows me music ive known for so long but didnt actually know. did that make any sense. anyway. the song is fine. 5 fertilizer- 5 sierra leone- no i dont live in denver. 5 or 6 sweet life- 5 not just money- real as fuck. reminds me of being a kid in the car and just listening to my mom. 6 super rich kids- hi earl. quinlan loves this song. 6 pilot jones- 5 crack rock- "you dont realize how little you matte til youre all alone in arkansas with a little rock left in that glass dick." awesome. 6 pyramids- 6 lost- 5 or 6 white- 5 monks- 5 bad religion- 5 pink matter- hi andre. 5 forrest gump- not forrest gump. 5 end- 5

I have a pretty basic car with a pretty basic stereo. The only thing my car has going for it, sound wise, is that the engine and frame are quieter than my old car. I listen to a lot of this music in the car. So a lot of this music sounds ... muddy, muffled ... in my car. It's not the music's fault that it wasn't EQed to sound good in my car. So I shouldn't give this album extra points because it somehow just sounded *really good* in my car, but it did. Optimized for basic soundsystem? I guess? In any case I really enjoyed this album.

tiring in the same way dr. octagon was

I do not get the hype for this album, personally, but I also do not really have a reason

Hoy martes toca artista que sólo ubico de nombre. Música tranca, ideal para reuniones (destaco siempre esto porque siento a la música como ideal para cada situación diaria y las juntadas con amigos son algo fundamental para sortear estos momentos tan complejos en el mundo, en Latinoamérica y Argentina). El comienzo tocó mi corazón con los sonidos con los que la primera Play Station arrancaba. Todo el disco está muy bien. Gran debut de mi tocayo. Hasta mañana.

NO.

5/10

personifies the 90’s and 2000’s kids teenage and college years. Evokes those feelings and memories of youth and uncertainty in the most vulnerable ways

Not known to me. Not very impressed. An OK album at best.

Never able to get into this one.

Some people may like this record. And that's fine with me, but I am not one of them. Its not antipathy. Its apathy

Great lol

Nope

Another not-my-cup-of-tea album. This one was nominated for a Grammy for Album of the Year in 2012 and I know it was quite popular and appreciated, but I don't understand the hype. I have no problem with this kind of music, but this one in particular sounded lukewarm to me. The only songs I would listen to again sometime are Pyramids (which lasts almost 10 minutes) and Bad Religion. The rest - meh.

really lovely

It's probably more like a 4.5 but this album deserves the bump. Lots of standout tracks. Worth a few listens. Handful of non-singles that make my Liked songs.

Das ging ziemlich lang. Besser als ich es mir vorgestellt habe, aber hat mich nicht umgehauen. War bei drei, wegen der Länge eins weniger.

Seemed monotonous to me

classic . baller. no complaints. used to say it was better than blonde for me

Not bad

Autotuned? Too much filler. Not 90s hip hop, don’t need that much filler

3.5-4ish.

I'm probably just biased towards more modern music but I tended to like the songs in this album more than most of the ones I've encountered from this website

sexy pyramids greatest song all time gets better as you listen..!@@ ?

Real good

Har inte lyssnat mycket på Frank Ocean alls tidigare. Det var bättre än jag väntade mig. Det finns helt klart en stark idé bakom skapandet och det är kul att lyssna på. 3 av 5.

Den här har jag väldigt kontroversiella åsikter om. Som inte försvinner när jag lyssnar om den. Den har absolut en hel del fantastiska highlights och jag älskar faktiskt Skits:en i denna. Tycker de tillför mycket. Men det tar lång tid innan albumet faktiskt kommer igång. Det är väldigt trevande i början och jag är inte lika stort fan av de tidiga sångerna som många andra är. Jag tycker de saknar något och därför är min rating inte starkare än en 2a. Men det är tydligt på denna skiva vilken otrolig potential Frank Ocean har/hade.

3.5

I actually liked this a bit more than I remembered. Still not my preferred R&B, but there were songs that stuck out for me "Sweet Life", "Pyramids" and "Bad Religion"... I really dug André 3000 guitar on "Pink Matter" and at least smiled at the Elton sample on "Super Rich Kids" (not sure if I was high in the song, but loved the call out) (6.5) ★★★

Not my favourite genre like a few tracks. 3 stars

3.5/5

I think this is a great modern classic of an album. Frank took a genre that had gotten pretty damn cheesy, and made it cool by incorporating a bunch of eclectic elements and themes that were different from the typical R&B album. Tons of highlights here, including "Thinkin Bout You", "Lost", "Pink Matter", "Bad Religion", and "Pyramids". 5 stars.

Bit of a 2010s classic and a nice juicy mix of RnB, neo soul and bedroom pop with tangs of hip hop. Synths are super succulent and crooning is richly vitalistic. Highlights are Thinkin Bout You, Sweet Life and Super Rich Kids which simmers things down to a Bennie And The Jets notch. Second half isn’t as good and is a bit too orangey for crows. Had me channel hopping a little bit but overall really good.

8/10. I knew this would be as good as it was. Catchy compelling tunes with a jazzy aspect to them and very interesting lyrically. The album is very consistent as well with no songs that really made me lose interest. As to why I'm not giving it a 5, for me there is something missing to keep it from being there. I can't put my finger on what exactly but it is there, maybe after after more listens I can come back and update this.

This album is the definition of "a whole ass vibe". Great album, favorite track is probably Pink Matter but there’s so many here. I expect Blonde will be on the list somewhere as well.

A unique sound.

Probably swayed by the playstation loading noise intro but I didn't hate it

A phenomenal album that puts you in a specific space while listening, though the next album does all this but to another notch

last living genius

songs like pyramids, thinking bout you and sweet life are still highlights in frank ocean's discography although the album isn't consistently as brilliant thorough it's entire length but it's clear frank ocean had something special he improved on with later releases 7/10

So, the interpolation was clever, but when it was glaring (Elton John's Bennie and the Jets and Coldplay's Fix You) it took me out for a bit, but it wasn't like total turn off. Monks is another highlight than the ones in other reviews. https://youtu.be/_591yozrv9o

I can't believe I've heard like 3 great frank ocean tracks and none of them were on this. every great album should come with a tumblr post.

honestly, I’m a bit underwhelmed. Everyone seems to hail Frank Ocean as a genius, but for me, the whole lot is massively overrated. The album gets way too much praise for what it actually delivers. There are a few things I can tip my hat to, though. The production on this album is undeniably slick, lush layers of synths and subtle guitar work that create an atmospheric soundscape. Some tracks have moments of brilliance where Ocean’s vocals are smooth as silk, carrying an emotional weight that’s hard to ignore. The mix is polished, and there are flashes of creative lyricism that hint at what could be genius if only they were consistently on point. That said, I can’t help but feel that a lot of the acclaim is a bit of a head rush. Frank Ocean’s work here feels too self-important; he’s hailed as a visionary, yet I found the album’s vibe rather flat overall. The vocals, while occasionally charming, often come off as detached and don’t really spark the kind of excitement I was expecting. The lyrical content, which everyone seems to rave about, feels a bit overthought and doesn’t resonate with me on a personal level. Frank Ocean is massively overrated, and I reckon people praise him far too much as a genius when, in my opinion, Channel Orange just doesn’t live up to the hype. At the end of the day, Channel Orange is a well-produced record with its moments, but it just doesn't move me the way it’s supposed to. Despite the lush production and occasional standout vocal moments, it’s an album I can’t really get behind. For me, it scores a modest 3.1/5 stars. an interesting listen at best, but not the masterpiece its reputation would have you believe.

Don't call it a comeback. Or do cause it took me 10+ months. But here we are listening to something that I put off for over a decade and I'm kinda glad I did. I don't think I would've appreciated it as much then as I do now, but I also have the lens of the future to say I don't think the hype was ever real. Very solid album though, lots of highlights and I don't find anything to fault it for personally. Just good solid R&B by an immensely talented young artist at the time.

I'm gay i like gay people this album was everything to me when i was a teenager in highschool. Pyramids and super rich kids are always going to be in my head because they are insane songs. I have no idea what the majority of the odd future guys are up. --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- First musical connection I remember having is talking to someone about odd future, asking them about it and starting to listen to them all. This album stuck out so hard to me and it made me feel a bit normal about being me. I still felt weird about being a young queer guy in school but eventally that friend found out and tried to link me up with their friend who was making whatever hyperpop was called before it was called hyperpop. I felt happy and seen. Eventually my teacher learned I was gay and his response is always in my head where he was shocked cause he thought i was asexual. --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- I love being gay i love gay people i love being nb and they them and queer and everything i love u frank ocean but u also made blond so this cannot be a 5 even if super rich kids and pyramids are

This is an album I would've rounded up to a 5 if I had just had to skip the day and just gave it the credit of its memory. It was formative and inescapable, but Blonde is better to the point can I cannot reconcile the two. Perhaps Endless as well, but that's a sticking point for somebody else to make. Channel Orange is slower and longer than I remember. If you forget nostalgia,ULTRA. exists it comes across about as intentional as a debut possibly could. The deeper cuts are somewhat forgettable, yet vibe-y, and the run from Crack Rock to Bad Religion still slaps.

8/10 Significant album for me in high school, still really good now although it definitely doesn’t feel as fresh and bold as an album like Blonde. I think more than anything it’s a display of “holy shit this dude is going to be big”, and now we have millions of people begging for his return like it’s the rapture. It’s greatly admirable in retrospect and it definitely spoke to my baby gay awakening at the time. Pyramids is still fucking insane though what the fuck He makes cock rings now, gotta respect the grind

I liked this album, I had actually heard this a few times before.

Very very good

I can appreciate the album... But it's not my cup of tea.

What a great voice he has! Very nice chill Monday vibes

Excellent album. Love the psychedelic tinge and the production overall. Gets a 5 for making me love it despite not always loving that genre.

Would be real nice if Frank made another album this century.

Personal, romantic, groovy and understatedly chill. I think I got swept off my feet with Ocean's cool vibes.

I think this is a fantastic album, like a 4, even a 4.5 (and Blonde, which is definitely coming later, is a full 5 to me) but I’m bumping it to 5 for nostalgia. It’s just so classic!! I love it!’

Just some of the most beautiful sounds

really can track this to the exact beginning of my consciousness... being 15.. and looking back at the absolute list of all timers that came out in 2012... just an incredible time to be alive and into music... anyways it has aged pretty well, honestly i havent revisited this one in a while ...

Channel Orange is cool and I’ve got mad respect for Frank post-Blonde. But I really did not understand the appeal when this came out in 2012 (except for Forrest Gump which I absolutely love). So yeah, I like it now. Pyramids already sounds a bit dated though.

The crack rock song was pretty funny. However, Pyramids was pretty terrible. Overall I wasn't really into this.

While I'm a fan of neo-soul, this doesn't move me. Auto-tune makes me cringe. It feels like he's still working out what he wants to do, half-baked ideas jostling with positive directions. Feels like a mish-mash.

It’s a shame that his album looks like the easyJet logo because all it reminds me of is cheap knockoff versions of something more expensive, - expensive but better. Also, I don’t quite understand why Frank Ocean said he’s quitting to become a writer. If you write songs, you’re a writer, you don’t have to confine yourself to one medium. I think his themes are interesting, but the music does not captivate me in any way. Although it does feel a little bit like swimming in warm water, it’s not like the ocean.

This was excellent. Fell short of a 5 mostly from my being unfamiliar and nothing exactly sticking with me — that'll take a few more listens. But this defied easy classification in the best way. Ocean's singing is superb, but it's the odd chances he takes and strange structure to the melody that really set him apart. The material was interesting, the production bang on. Sylvia really likes Ocean, and this album in particular, and it's cool to know my kids can ID great music when they hear it. I'll definitely be spinning this one again.

Fantastic. I was a big fan of his Blonde album, but for whatever reason, I never got around to checking out this one. I love it. Maybe not quite as epic as Blonde, but damn close. And if I had time to spin it some more, I might even bump this up to 5 stars.

I loved this. Sylvia has played this for me in the past because it’s one of his favorite albums. I knew the album title reflected his synesthesia. I was enraptured with the storytelling across all the songs and I’ll be spinning this one again.

There might be greatness here, but apart from a couple of songs, I can't hear it.

Pleasant. Probably his best album, i would say i really dig many songs and so i will be listening again

Growing up, this album basically defined the sound of my generation. It's hard to over emphasise how big it was. I still think it's an excellent album and has stood the test of time

To each his own, but this is not for me.

Love the diversity of styles and what a great voice. Everything works.

Thinkin Bout You Sweet Life Pyramids Lost Bad Religion

Skräpmatmusik, utan snabbheten då.

I knew a few from here already. Production is lovely. The songs all tend to follow a similar path that I don't find 100% satisfying, staying in repetition of certain sounds/melodies... definitely an issue of personal preference rather than the quality of the music. I don't see how he could've done anything better here, but I also don't think I'll revisit this too often. 4.5

A mixed bag. Some tracks sounded like bad Craig David (too much warbling with little tune) others pretty inventive. Probably needs more of a listen.

Sublime keyboards and synths. Comes across as a very LA album, all shine and surface sheen. RnB isnt my genre but this transcends the boundaries.

Well that was a surprise! Not sure how this guy had completely passed me by, but it’s just what I hoped to get from this exercise when I embarked upon it. Here is an artist I’ve never listened to (never heard of him TBH) likely would otherwise never listen to due to my hatred of everything R&B from the 90’s and noughties, yet with enough of an eclectic mix of tunes and influences to lift it way above the mediocrity of that genre. I heard a funky Stevie Wonder base and keys, a little Prince, some jazz influence, and it was no surprise that the OutKast sound offered up Andre 3000 as supporting cast. I really liked this.

Despite several attempts, I never managed to enjoy this album

4.97⭐️

Dynamic. The most excellent vibes

Channel ORANGE is like a soundtrack to a car trip: its melodies transport us to another universe created by Frank on the album. They are relaxing songs with sincere lyrics where Frank poured his soul and his heart. It is a very well produced album with intros and interludes that add a lot to the rest of the album.

very good, as expected. this was my first time sitting down and listening to frank ocean and i was not let down. excited to check out Blonde

Wasn't feeling it at first... it felt a little overly produced in the first half of the album, but I found the second have to be more enjoyable.

Easily one of my favorite albums of all time. As one other reviewer put it, this record made me learn how to love music all over again. Every single song is lovely, and the flow of the record is so nice and fluid. Frank's voice alone carries it, but his creativity with production and sequencing is so uncanny, it's such a breath of fresh air. He's mysterious, genius, inconsistent with releases, and that all adds to the allure of his career. Seemingly every song or album he's a part of is absolute quality. I cannot wait for whatever his next release is. Forever a Frank Ocean fan.

Sure I remember liking this when it came out, but only recognised a few tracks and wasnt really that bothered. Quite liked Lost and Monks,Super Rich Kids is canny too. The rest is a bit samey, a bit too rnb for me

This didn't land for me at all. I'm not generally an R&B fan but this made me feel very old, like I didn't get the music these whippersnappers are playing these days. While I understand making the songs slower with a lot of space and atmosphere can be interesting, I don't understand how this can be your only trick on a whole album. There were barely any attempts at hooks and nothing particularly notable to me about the singing or lyrics. This guy is a huge deal I think, headlines festivals and stuff, how that could be a good closer I've no idea. Yep, hard 1.

I've heard this album before, possibly when it first came out. Seems like he's disappeared a bit though. Thinkin Bout You, Super Rich Kids, Pyramids and Lost stood out. The beats and construction of the songs I liked - the lyrics are inane and a bit on the edge for me. Having said that, I enjoyed the album a lot more than I was prepared to, heading in. Easy to work to.

Wasn't sure I would recognise any of this, but I did, think it must've been a 6 music favourite for a while. Largely, I would say it isn't for me, bit too "souly" and RnBy.... But, I think I can appreciate why people would like it. Super rich kids and lost were my favourites. I'm going to say 2.5

I fell in love with the album back in college. It still holds up to this day. Frank >

After some contemplation I did not use a private session for Spotify. This album was fine, nothing really jumped out at me, but nothing annoyed me. It was like drinking tepid water in a room temperature doctor's office. There is no point in giving it another listen.

:)

Used not to like Thinkin Bout You but it's growing on me. Sierra Leone: "We're spending too much time alone, and I just ran out of Trojans." - incredible. Pilot Jones is sweet. Pyramids is a BANGERRRRR. "Monks in the moshpit" is amazing. "Taxi driver - you my shrink for the hour" is so good. Not a lot of standouts, but very good lyrics throughout.

Yeah this isn't really for me. I find it interesting that an album like this could make it on this list. It doesn't have anything unique going for it. I suppose the production was something that would be copied over and over after so maybe that's something. Though some might call it a plague on music production. And I hate the Auto Tune. It's so distracting and terrible sounding. He's got a really nice voice when he's actually singing, why make it sound fake and weird? It doesn't add anything to the music. But this album is also just boring, like I feel like there isn't really much to keep anyone's attention. This is one of those albums that I hate to play on Spotify because now my algorithm will be all messed up and I'm going to get stuff like this suggested for weeks to come. 1.5/5 rounding up because I feel generous today.

Not my thing, but it was ok.

brilliant.

Great Great album i miss you frank ocean

All of 'em

The most influential and best executed R&B album of the 2010, as simple as that.

3.5 truly. Perhaps his peak.

Pleasantly surprised. Will listen through again.

Really liked it and sometimes reminded me a little of Prince.

Rating: 8/10 Incredible highlights (Thinkin Bout You, Pyramids, Lost, Forrest Gump), most of the other songs are around a 7/10. Did not care at all for any of the interludes/intro/outro. Amazing production and mixing as well.

Not my style

This felt like a very honest album about his life. It also had tones of Prince which I respect. My favorite song was “Lost”, which, ashamedly, might be the poppiest track. Ultimately, not my thing, but I respect it. It was surprise to see Andre 3000 and John Mayer on here.

Amazing!

I hope I'm not judging this album unfairly since I've had such high expectations for it, but I truly don't think it lives up to the hype. It's decent thematically and lyrically, but it also doesn't offer anything groundbreaking, even for the time it came out in. I could think of several different r&b artists who had released similar albums around that time or earlier. My main gripe with this album though is the way it sounds—the instrumentals are for the most part boring, and by the time I got to "Pyramids", I was just glad to hear anything different. Speaking of, "Pyramids", "Super Rich Kids" and the instrumental "White" are the three best tracks in my opinion. I know that this review has been mostly me complaining, but I don't think it's a bad album, just nothing to go crazy about. I'm just surprised that this is for some people one of the best albums of all time. 2.5 stars

Too much auto tune for my liking

period.

Too poppy for my taste, yet somehow also feels flat. Bargain-bin R&B masquerading as something more. I'll go listen to some Ne-Yo instead. I did enjoy Andre 3000 though.

Really creative album. My favorite part are the grooves, with the staccatos on the keys. It feels like the natural evolution of Outkast and I appreciated the Andre 3000 feature paying homage. Over the years I have revisited each track multiple times and it remains one of my favorite albums

I tried listening to Frank Ocean a while ago and it didn't do it for me, so I was excited to give this a listen. I absolutely loved it and I am so glad this was suggested for me. It's not exactly a genre I spend a lot of time in but every song was so well done and well orchestrated and just easy to listen to. Big fan of this one

Anybody else's loins get really warm and tingly listening to Frank? Pyramids fantastic Monks has great drumming

This guy is from Long Beach, which seems unusual for an R&B artist. I never heard of him, which isn’t surprising since I don’t know many 21st century artists. Anyway, this album is pretty easy listening. Nothing remarkable but decent.

Flashback to Gossip Girl, which was my first exposure to this album. I don't usually like r&b much (too slow!) but this is a (mild) exception. I like the electro vibes. Plus Frank Ocean seems like a cool guy. (A cool guy who still drops a few slurs once he lulls you into thinking there won't be any, but nevertheless.) Highlights: 'Thinkin Bout You', 'Sweet Life', 'Super Rich Kids', 'Pyramid', 'Lost', the fact that 'Forrest Gump' "serves as a metaphor for the feelings Ocean still harbors for his first love, the man he wrote about in his Tumblr post"

Just not for me. It seemed a bit unusual, almost trying to fuse pop and R&B but it just felt very generic and blah to me.

I guess I can see why certain people would like this...but I am not one of those people. It just sounds very generic and boring.

I like this album surprisingly a good ton! I remembered listening to blonde back then 2 years ago but never having a good grasp of the enjoyable parts of RnB. And Channel Orange is just FULL of those moments that just feel good to be in, to listen to and all that. Mostly talking about the sound, while the lyrics are fairly sad or hazy in tone.

Vibes on vibes on vibes. "Super Rich Kids" and "Forrest Gump" are favorites.

This album has a shit-ton of streams but I honestly can't understand why it's so popular. It's the kind of music you just play in the background and ignore. Nothing great, nothing terrible.

Duh

Amazing album. So many memorable songs.

Frank Ocean probably the artist of the decade for his great production and nice range of vocals.

this sounds like nothing i've ever heard before: probably because i barely listen to american music. but i like it a lot! it's very chill and comfy, it kind of feels like flying through the stars, or swimming through a coral reef. its hard to describe i guess. it's very special. i want to find more stuff like this!

I really want to like this, the production is amazing, and some of the music is fantastic, but I just can't stand his voice. When he's low it's that monotone Drake type voice, and when its high it's that high pitched R&B voice I dislike. He sounds a little more Bruno Mars on Bad Religion, which I don't mind, but still. Not a lot of heavy hitting songs either. Pyramids I guess, but a lot of downtempo R&B stuff. Forrest Gump is probably the standout for me, but even then it's a tepid standout.

Reminds me of "What's going on?" The album needs to be heard all together to enjoy it at its best. Excellently preformed and great to hear people still successfully trying something new 4*

++: Sweet Life, Crack Rock, Lost, White, Monks, Pink Matter, Forrest Gump, End +: Start, Fertilizer, Not Just Money, Super Rich Kids, Pilot Jones, Pyramids, Bad Religion +-: Thinkin Bout You, Sierra Leone 7,6/10

Very good album. Very sexy, while also being very emotional as well. Frank's voice is elegant, and I liked the instrumentals quite a lot, especially the use of organ throughout. The features also kill it. The only criticism I have is that a lot of the songs blend in with one another. It gives the album a good vibe overall, but it makes it hard to differentiate one song from another. Overall, a perfect soundtrack for the kind of sex you cry at the end of.

listened mostly as background noise so i don't know if i can give a proper review on the album, but i really liked it. good chill vibes album, definitely had some standouts. might listen another time or two to focus on the lyrics

didnt like it. definitely not my type of music.

Enjoyable. Really liked the 'Pyramids' track. 4/5.

4.5

This came out of nowhere, wish I would’ve visited it sooner. This is the album JT wished he’d made. It’s smoove, definitely a late night drive album.

Her er det mye chill groovy musikk som er digg å jobbe til, men som kan forsvinne litt i bakgrunnen for min del. Men det er også noen låter med en sykt kul unik sound jeg ikke har hørt så mye før. Særlig Pyramids er fantastisk, et heftig produsert lydbilde som bygges opp. Begynner å skjønne hvorfor alle musikknerder på nettet digger frank ocean

I'm going to give him some credit for the PS1 loading sound right at the start. After that there's not really that much to go on. It feels like such a minimalist, safe, non-offensive time. It's really quite mellow.. but not in a particularly interesting way. The music and production is nice enough I guess...? I don't hate it, it passed the time nicely enough, but it's not exciting.

Kinda bad

Me gusta este disco, pero me resulta demasiado largo.

I'd give this 2.5 stars if I could, because I was impressed with some of the album, particularly the first third, but it then devolved into something more forgettable. However, I do want to check out his "Blonde" album, as I've heard many people like that one best, and I find his talent and sound good enough for me to explore more.

aight. Got tired of the theme of most songs but the instrumentalization was solid

Great album to put on in the background of doing just about anything. Found a few songs that I really like. Overall, chill vibe!

A very unique mesh , kinda a modern day price Pyramids bad religion are very beautiful , I don’t quite connect with the A side as well but love the closing half … never these a very strong debut album with great vocals and unique and interesting mesh of sounds

Not for me

I have listened to this album before and its mostly ok. Its a lot of the same for me. The songs don't really drag me in and the tempo never changes.

In my opinion, context shouldn't matter for the quality of an album. However, for Frank Ocean's proper studio debut the context surrounding it mattered a lot. This album's annoucement came with a Tumblr post by Ocean about his first romantic experience with another man at the age of 19 and how that moment from years before influenced his songs. I turned 20 in 2012, so about that same age, and dealing with similar experiences myself so the annoucement immediately stroke a chord with me. I was only vaguely familiar with Ocean prior to that, not being a hip-hop or R&B fan, although an album released a couple of years before had momentarily turned me on to these genres. It was the right album at the right time. A few of these songs were very relatable to me, particularly the ballad "Bad Religion", and there was also a lot variety of style throughout the runtime, something I wasn't used to hearing in a lot of contemporary R&B. In 2016, unlike the majority of the online music community, I found Ocean's follow-up Blonde to be very dull and uninteresting and I haven't been keeping up with his or other Odd Future-adjacent releases. I still think this is a great album and an essential one of the early-10's alternative R&B movement, regardless of its context. Key tracks: Thinkin Bout You Sweet Life Super Rich Kids Pyramids Bad Religion

My favourite R'n'B album of all time and it's not even close

Not my bag at all, in fact slightly annoying to have on in the background

I’m 19 and I’m on a London Overground train

Frank Ocean has a brilliant voice but the album just doesn't click with me, with few stand out songs.

Why is this album critically acclaimed? The is the basic stuff high schoolers listen to and they think they’re sophisticated for it. Nothing special

I know of Frank Ocean, but I had never listened to him before. There were some tracks that I did like, and I can appreciate the music, but the overall sound wasn't for me.

Was looking forward to a complete listen of this album as it's acclaimed by my peers. Overall, the tracks had a nice, smooth R&B sound to them. Recognized Thinkin Bout You and Lost.

I like this album, but I find the singing to be largely grating. I have some songs on this album that I enjoy and some I have an extremely hard time listening to.

This was so not my taste. I found it mostly painful to sit through.

Don’t understand why this is on the list. There have certainly been worse but this is also not a good listen. It is not memorable in the least.

I’m not a big fan of him to begin with and still don’t understand how Apple Music has Blonde in top 5 albums of all time

I mean his voice sounds nice. I don’t care for many of the lyrics and most of them didn’t do anything for me anyways. If you said u loved this I would say okay good for you. Really kinda ambivalent bout this one.

meh. pretty one-dimensional. don't get the hype on his lyrics-more like singing to stream of consciousness. ok as background music but that's about it.

Haven't listened to this album in a very long time, I remember liking it a lot. We shall see. Yeah this is great, I bet it would be even better if I sat down and tried to follow the story. But he's obviously a great singer, I love all the layered harmonies. I think my one complaint is that it stays kinda one-note for the whole album, it's all kinda that same chill R&B vibe throughout.

Ohhh so this is why everything sounds like this now? Don't try and trick me with the Playstation thing, I'm more of an N64 guy anyway.

Every time I think I'll finally fall head over heels for it, and every time, I'm blindsided by how inconsistent it is

Frank Ocean only made 2 albums and is still one of the most popular artists on Spotify. This isn't a coincidence as this album is on here for being extremely creative and just great in general.

Almost saccharine.

Frank Ocean is a new age goat, this album is influential for a ton of modern rap/indie type of music. I think there's a couple tracks that are just lacking a little bit in here that brings it down to a 4, but blonde would be a 5 if it was on here

Potentially the closest an album from the early 2010’s will come to being “timeless.” Everyone, quick, remember what pop music sounded like in 2012. There was almost always some gimmick (a mandolin) or angle or hyper-emphasized genre (pop going EDM) about each hit song. Channel Orange, on the other hand, has songs that could’ve come out in the year 2001, 2012, or 2025, and I genuinely wouldn’t know which decade to pin it down to. This record is both generational, and generation-defying! On the whole, something I appreciate most about Channel Orange is how it’s kinda like the GTA V of albums (aside from the fact that they both came out within a year or so of each other). Both the album and the game are fantastical portraits/caricatures of aimless, impulsive, glitzy west coast life. Both explore the false promises, hard realities, and various methods of escapism used to deal with it all. And, holy shit, both the game and the album are masterclasses in world-building and defining an atmosphere. I can hear the pastel sunsets in the warmth of Franks crooning. A small nitpick I have with this album is the song Pyramids, whose first half is maybe the only time it sounds a little like it’s for sure from 2012. That synth line is cool, just a bit dated now. The second half of Pyramids switches into the simplest, coolest beat you could hope for though! Catching John Mayer in the midst of his best musical era and just throwing him in there for a little smooth guitar interlude, pulling a clever-as-ever Andre3000 feature, and getting a rising Earl Sweatshirt as the only named collabs on here too??? Incredible. I have to give this album all 5 stars. Frank Ocean doesn’t just present you with a great album, he pulls you into it’s decadent, hazy, hedonistic world.

I've never heard this album before. I wasn't sure what to expect but I like a lot of this album. The experimentation works more often than it misses. The production is great, even if not all of the songwriting pays off. This is a great choice for this list, as this is so much more than "just" an slow R&B album. There's a lot more going on here and I'm glad I've heard it. Not my kind of music typically, but I might actually listen to this from time to time now that I've heard it.

Some of these reviews are insane. Definitely deserved as one of the top albums of that decade. Pyramids and lost back to back is just crazy

Wow! I remember hearing great things about this, but only heard a select few. Great great album. 4.25 but more listens may bump that up.

Not my style, don't like his vocals

Every song is top notch and sing-a-long-able. Also hot take that I’ve always liked this more than Blonde

Very nostalgic for college years with this album. I definitely had more of a fondness in my mind for it loving the song Thinkin’ Bout You. Everything else was not quite as memorable but still a good listen

I downloaded this album in 2012 due to it's critical acclaim and its' topping of many year-end lists. I previously wouldn't have looked much into such an "underground" album, but I had recently graduated college and was looking to broaden my musical horizons based on tastemakers' recommendations. I'm sure my familiarity with the content boosts my enjoyment a bit, but this album also had a decent impact on the 2010s alternative R&B sound that I've taken for granted.

One of the most important records of the millennium

Rnb, way too chill and lame

This album played at least daily in our college apartment. Still love it as much as I did then. Very nostalgic and I think it’s the best frank ocean album still.

Sweet, sensual & melodic. Unlike my father I appreciate Frank’s falsetto. A very nostalgic album for me.

Need to lose the interlude pieces and the falsetto voice

I am not the target audience for this. At least I now have enough experience to state that I don't care for Frank Ocean? I didn't even know who he was before this album came up. Been living under a rock for the last 15 years, that's part of why I signed up for the 1001 albums in the first place. My middle aged horizons have been expanded in a direction I didn't particularly enjoy, but that's growth for you.

This is one of my favorite albums of all time. Its perfect. Its a 1000% perfect album. I wish Frank Ocean released music more frequently, because the world needs it. The hardest part of this for me, is coming up with the best song. Pyramids, Forrest Gump, Pink Matter, all worthy choices. I think I will have to go to the song I've replayed the most out of all of Franks discography, Bad Religion. Stunningly beautiful and genuine. Absolutely love this album. Best Song: Bad Religion Rating: 10.0/10 5 Stars

If I had discovered this album in 2018 I would have been obsessed. Currently it's not my style anymore, but I'm going to rate it high with that in mind!

Some decent grooves, but not much of a Wow factor to be found. The hit track Super Rich Kids is pretty good, but not much else on the album is memorable, (or it is memorable for the wrong reasons). They tried it with the sparse production, but they just couldn't help themselves. Just barely three stars.

I’m on some kind of futuristic R&B trip with that album. I confess that Frank Ocean was one of those artists that I felt that I should have listened to by now, so thanks to this list for giving me a ‘wassup’. There are some killer lyrics on this disc - “my television ain’t HD cuz it’s too real”; “unrequited love for me is just a one-man cult”; “you don’t know how little you matter until you’re all alone”…. Damn, dog. I like (but don’t love) the vibe of the music but those lyrics cut me to the quick.

## In-Depth Review of *Channel Orange* by Frank Ocean Frank Ocean's *Channel Orange*, released in 2012, marked a pivotal moment in contemporary music, blending genres and themes that resonate deeply with listeners. This album is not just a collection of songs; it is a cohesive narrative that explores complex emotions surrounding love, identity, wealth, and nostalgia. Below, we will delve into the lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence of *Channel Orange*, while also discussing its pros and cons. ### Lyrics Frank Ocean's lyrical prowess is one of the standout features of *Channel Orange*. His songwriting is marked by a blend of personal reflection and social commentary, often employing vivid imagery and metaphor. - **Personal Narratives**: Songs like "Bad Religion" and "Thinkin Bout You" reveal Ocean's struggles with unrequited love and longing. In "Bad Religion," he poignantly sings about the pain of loving someone who cannot reciprocate his feelings, encapsulating the essence of heartbreak with lines like “this unrequited love, to me it’s nothing but a one-man cult”[3]. - **Social Commentary**: Tracks such as "Sweet Life" and "Super Rich Kids" critique materialism and privilege. Ocean uses sarcasm to highlight the superficiality of wealth, asking rhetorically in "Sweet Life," “Why see the world when you got the beach?” This lyric reflects a sense of complacency among the affluent youth he portrays[4]. - **Metaphorical Depth**: The song "Pyramids" serves as a metaphorical exploration of historical and contemporary issues faced by black women in America, juxtaposing the grandeur of Cleopatra with modern struggles[3]. This duality in his lyrics allows listeners to engage with both personal and broader societal themes. ### Music Musically, *Channel Orange* is an eclectic mix that defies easy categorization. Ocean seamlessly blends elements from various genres including R&B, funk, jazz, and electronic music. - **Genre Fusion**: The album opens with "Start," an instrumental piece featuring sounds reminiscent of video games and television static, setting a nostalgic tone. The transition into "Thinkin Bout You" introduces lush R&B melodies that are both dreamy and introspective[2]. - **Production Techniques**: The production on *Channel Orange* is rich and layered. Tracks like "Pyramids" showcase elaborate arrangements that evolve over ten minutes, combining smooth vocals with intricate instrumentals. This song transitions from a club-ready beat to an epic narrative journey through time and space[3][4]. - **Emotional Resonance**: The juxtaposition of upbeat instrumentals with melancholic lyrics creates a unique emotional landscape throughout the album. For instance, "Sierra Leone" features a cheerful melody that contrasts sharply with its darker lyrical themes about nostalgia and loss[2]. ### Themes Thematically, *Channel Orange* navigates a variety of complex subjects: - **Identity and Sexuality**: Ocean's coming out as bisexual prior to the album's release adds layers to its exploration of love and desire. His candidness about his experiences provides a refreshing perspective in mainstream music[3]. - **Nostalgia**: Nostalgia permeates the album as Ocean reflects on his past experiences with love and youth. He captures fleeting moments in time through his lyrics and soundscapes, allowing listeners to reminisce about their own memories[1]. - **Wealth and Privilege**: The critique of wealth is prevalent in songs like "Sweet Life" and "Super Rich Kids," where Ocean examines how affluence can lead to emotional detachment. He portrays characters who live in luxury yet remain unfulfilled[4]. ### Influence *Channel Orange* has had a profound impact on both music and culture since its release: - **Cultural Significance**: The album has been hailed as groundbreaking for its honest portrayal of sexuality within the context of R&B music. It opened doors for other artists to express their identities more freely[3]. - **Musical Legacy**: Ocean's genre-blurring approach has influenced countless artists across various genres. His ability to weave personal narratives into broader social critiques has set a new standard for songwriting in contemporary music[1][4]. ### Pros and Cons #### Pros - **Innovative Sound**: The album's fusion of genres creates a fresh listening experience that feels both modern and timeless. - **Lyrical Depth**: Ocean's ability to convey complex emotions through relatable narratives makes his lyrics resonate deeply with audiences. - **Cultural Impact**: *Channel Orange* has significantly influenced discussions around sexuality in music, paving the way for greater representation. #### Cons - **Eclecticism May Deter Some Listeners**: The wide range of styles may feel disjointed to those who prefer more traditional or cohesive albums. - **Emotional Weight**: Some listeners may find the themes of heartbreak and nostalgia overwhelming or difficult to engage with on repeated listens. In conclusion, Frank Ocean's *Channel Orange* stands as a monumental work that not only showcases his artistic talents but also challenges societal norms through its exploration of identity, love, and privilege. Its blend of innovative soundscapes and profound lyrical content ensures its place as one of the defining albums of its era.

The second side of the album really picks up from the first half. Never heard this artist before but would be interested in hearing other albums

Urgh kenn ich extrem gut bruv

Talkin'

It's so hard to not just shut this album off. Fuck Autotune Pyramids is the only thing even remotely enjoyable about this album. Different genre, but this album is about as bas as Chocolate Starfish and the Hotdog Flavored Water.

This was okay. Not really my type of music but somewhat interesting.

Amaze

Now this is the kind of album that I don't understand it's inclusion here. For what it is, its OK. But it's not outstanding in its field (whatever that is). I don't see how it can have been influential, seeing as its only 12 years old. Unless he is related to Billy, and trading entirely on that...... Nah, it's not worth the effort. It's not distasteful but I'm really struggling to not give it a 1.

Pleasant enough but instantly forgettable. I know this because a few hours have passed between finishing listening to it, and typing this. And I can’t remember any highlights or lowlights. I know I wasn’t impressed enough to bother with a quick re-listen.

Certainly not Billy Ocean. This man has received lots of praise over the years from music press, and I can see why. It was a very interesting take on modern R&B, wuite experimental. I liked his voice too.

I'd listened to this early in college cause it had such incredible buzz. I remember the time around its release feeling like a real moment. I got a few songs in, decided I didn't get it/it wasn't for me and never revisited it, or Frank Ocean. Upon revisit, I still feel its not for me. Smoothness is not a quality I usually like in music, and this is one smoooth album. I by no means fault its smoothness, but it doesn't resonate. Now on to my hottest take. I don't think I like Frank Oceans singing. I can't pin it down, but it's just not my thing. Maybe it sounds too perfect? Too smooth? My top tracks were Bad Religion and Pink Matter. I don't know, I don't want to be a hater here. I know this is a hugely beloved and acclaimed album. I tried to like it, but in the end it felt like exactly that. It felt like I was trying to like it, not that I did like it. Album cover: (B+) It sure is orange.

This may be the album I've listened to the most in my life. It was a sensation in my high school friend group and it was played at every function I attended for years. We played it while studying, hanging and smoking, and at parties. It fit perfectly into every situation a nineteen year old listens to music in. I went to college in 2012 and was feeling a lot of the normal discomfort, anxiety, and sadness associated with moving to a new place and undergoing a major life change. Channel Orange was the perfect nostalgic and melancholic accompaniment to those feelings. I listened to it close to daily for multiple years. Mutual love of this album was a common icebreaker as a freshman and sophomore. A girl I dated in sophomore year told me I wasn't allowed to play it anymore because it was all I ever had on. I love every track on this album. His singing is beautiful and the lyrics are sad reflections on what felt to me at the time like very 'suburban' and isolated feelings. There's a lot of 'non-musical' sounds that play throughout the album to break up songs and capture the mechanical noises of listening to an album or tape in real life. The features are all incredible. My favorite songs are 'Super Rich Kids', 'Lost', and 'Pyramids'. I wish 'Fertilizer' was a minute longer. I've never had an easy time deciding what my favorite album is, but if you put me on the spot I may just say Channel Orange. 11/10

I love Frank. Blond is a better album but this still rules. I haven’t listened to Channel Orange in a long time and it was cool to revisit it.

Gear: Abyss DIANA MR Artwork: 🟧📺✨ Production: 🎧😘🤌 Music: 💔🌈🌌✨🎤🫗🔑 Rating: 🍊🍊🍊🍊/5

Gut - aber anstrengend

4/5

Amazing album. It's poppier and more approachable than his later work but still a great album. Repeats: sweet life, pilot jones, pink matter, lost