What was your initial opinion on Blonde after first listen? To be honest I wasn’t overwhelmed during the first listen as I thought I would be when I first listened to channel orange. Some songs stood out more than others and in general I didn’t like some songs at that time. After all that hype I wondered would it actually live it. But the difference of this album that I noticed from the first listen was that it was much more personal. In channel orange Frank narrated stories of an Indian girl wanting to run away (Monks) and a depressed rich kid (Super Rich Kids), where in contrast Blonde is much more about the emotion of Frank and his state of mind. In channel orange Frank was telling us various stories to keep us intrigued but I feel in Blonde we are avidly listening to what he the artist has to say about himself.
What is your opinion on Blonde now? It is one of my all time favorite albums from one of my all time favorite artists, simply incredible. I have listened to it countless times and the underwhelming opinion I had before has come to acute understanding and in awe of Frank’s work. The real selling point for me is from his honest raw emotion that he expresses throughout the album, which as I mentioned before contrasts to channel orange. This contrast doesn’t make it better necessarily but it is a new light on an artist that I adore. In Blonde there are various personal themes that Frank has displayed such as the highs and lows of drug abuse and signs of nostalgia. This accompanied by profound lyrics and incredible musical background makes this album all the more special, which was something we expected from Frank. Imo Blonde not only lived up to the hype but I believe that it has completely surpassed it.
What are your 5 favorite songs off Blonde? Either in order or not. In no particular order:
Nights
Seigfried
Nikes
Self Control
Pink + White
White Ferrari (I know I cheated)
What are your 3 least favorite songs off Blonde? Either in order or not (not including skits).
Pretty Sweet (Can only pick one. This was my least favorite)
Why is Seigfried/Nights your favorite song? I know I cheated (again). I JUST CANNOT SEPARATE THESE TWO! Both of them are so musically and lyrically magnificent that really makes these songs the standouts in the album imo. Seigfried was my initial favorite from the two after the first couple of listens due to its incredible and breathtaking flow. Its lyrics are beautiful and profound and it’s a song that really shows Frank’s honest emotion. Imo it is the song with my favorite lyrics as he sings about his love life and his thoughts on himself and God. Nights on the other hand was a song that grew on me, instead of being an immediate favorite. The reason I love this song is not only due to its beautifully written lyrics, but it was the musical element. Nights hands down has one of my favorite songs musically, EVER. Seriously we have to appreciate the change in music from 2.59-3.00 and 3.30-3.31, just WOW. These two songs are not just my favorite songs of the album and Frank Ocean as an artist, but of all time.
Why is Pretty Sweet your least favorite song? I don’t hate this song at all (I actually kind of like it). It’s just not the standout song that I would show to a friend that didn’t know Frank or put on my favorite playlist. Because it is such a personal album I respect Frank’s reasoning to put it in there. It’s distorting and asymmetric rhythm was probably to send the album off on a different curve and has an obvious reason for being there, so I don’t mind it.
What was your favorite musical moment in Blonde? (Non-lyrically) Nights. I have already explained why. But GOD DAMN the music in this song is so good.
What changes would you have like to seen, if any? (Removing songs, combining songs, adding songs from Endless, etc) I wouldn’t like to change anything. It is so personal that I feel that there is no real need to change a thing because it’s the way Frank wants it to be, so I’ll leave it how it is. However if Endless didn’t exist then Rushes too, U.N.I.T.Y and Slide on me would be great to include, they are all outstanding.
Where does Blonde rank in Frank's discography? Blonde and channel orange are both incredible albums, even if they are different. I have been leading side to side by which to choose as my favorite because they are so good in their own way. Only time will tell for this one but atm it’s a stale mate.
Where does Blonde rank in this year's music releases? This year has been a great year for music imo. Releases from legendary artists David Bowie and Radiohead, as well as great albums from James Blake, Chance the Rapper and Vince Staples. Heck there is a new Isaiah Rashad that I haven’t listened to that’s good, as well as possible albums from Childish Gambino, Gorillaz and the xx. But I don’t think anything will be better Blonde this year, if there is an album then I will be pleasantly shocked. Blonde is just a master class, simple as that.
What would you rate Blonde? (/5 stars, 1-10, etc) 9.99/10. Seriously Frank a collab with Kendrick and he only gets three words? You’ve lost 0.01 of a point XD.
Final thoughts on Blonde? Blonde is an instant classic in my book. I think that this version of Frank was unexpected, but damn I am glad that it has cropped up and Blonde has excelled its hype and not only just lived up to it. I will be listening to it regularly for a while until the hype has calmed down (for me) and deciding where will it be in my favorites but it is already high up there. I am happy that the last 4 years of waiting for this album Frank produced this. It was so unexpected, emotional, passionate and simply beautiful. Blonde is a masterpiece. Thank you Frank.