“Sluggish, Lazy, Stupid, and Unconcerned”

Who else could blatantly read a whole generation like that and be praised?

Thank God Endless was released at the beginning of this weekend to absorb part of my overly ecstatic reaction to Frank Ocean finally dropping his new album. But for some reason, what I wasn’t prepared for is how perfect this album would actually be.

*listens to #Blonde one time* pic.twitter.com/iduMLdaflU

— Wantickets (@Wantickets) August 20, 2016

As I have mentioned of Ocean before, he is able to have the listener reflect on their own self while listening to his inspired tracks. Blond has substance; the overall subject matter of the album is able to have every listener rationalize with Ocean’s own thoughts and emotions. It feels as though he is bringing us on a journey to experience the past four years of his life along with him. It was a liberating journey of growth, self-discovery, and realization. 

The overall album has a consistent toned-down sound, all the way to “Futura Free,” which ends with a seemingly random interview featuring Ocean’s younger brother Ryan. In this way, this album contrasts Endless, which was a much more jarring body of work, although nonetheless commendable. Frank, not one to disappoint, has surprisingly given us both sides of the spectrum all in one weekend.

“Nike” is a great opening track summing up where Ocean stands on pop culture today; from gold-digging groupies and the party scene, to paying tribute to A$AP Yams, Pimp C, and Trayvon Martin. Ocean reminds us of where he stands, and the accompanying music video shows the importance of youth and individuality.

One of my favourites on the album is “Seigfried,” a poetic glimpse into isolation, resisting conformism, and an attempt to understand how relationships consume you. I appreciate when artists perfectly incorporate references to other songs in their tracks, and hearing the lyrics “This is not my life / It’s just a fond farewell to a friend” gave me chills (who encapsulated the feelings of loneliness and disconnectedness better than Elliott Smith?).

“White Ferrari” is another favourite. This minimalist track with clear Bon Iver influences features Ocean deeply contemplating what I see as escaping his normal life to be able to stay in a stage of bliss forever with his love. A beautiful track, it turns a “white ferrari” into an instrument of freedom.

Overall, Blond really did have me in my feelings, like I hoped it would. In a year where greats like Beyonce, Drake, and Kanye have been dropping flawless albums, I believe Frank has them beat. If this is what he gives us every time he releases something new, I think I’m okay with a release every four years (take that with a grain of salt).

Listen to Blond on Apple Music and iTunes.