Koala

4y

No, but he's a soul artist imo. You could hear the difference between D'angelo and other R&B singers

Elric

4y

You consider D'Angelo straight soul?

Koala

4y

I love some Soul but never cared for R&B / :mystery:

TheReal212

4y

jodeci the peak of r&b

internet buddy

4y

This, Escapade and Miss You Much all sound like variations of the same idea

internet buddy

4y

Lemme guess… too “smooth” for you?

internet buddy

4y

Lemme guess… too “smooth” for you?

Galaxy de list mon

4y

Frank Ocean - Blonde
Reviewed by de list mon

Opener "Nikes" probably overstays its welcome despite the well produced atmospheric instrumental.
"Ivy" is probably my favorite because it manages to create a psychedelic atmosphere out of a few simple guitar riffs and strums. It is hauntingly beautiful.
I like "Pink + White". It's probably the closest, stylistically, to channel ORANGE (but worse). It still manages to present itself as a more atmospheric and lo-fi track, despite (and thanks to) a soaring vocal feature by Beyonce.
"Be Yourself" throws shots at all the hypocritical parental figures. It is also filler.
"Solo" is pretty good overall. With nothing more than an organ and Frank's voice, it's somehow both lively and mellow (if that makes sense). Frank's sing-rap verses are not my favorite.
"Skyline To" is a forgettable ballad that goes absolutely nowhere interesting musically, melodically or lyrically. Next.
"Self Control" is another highlight for me. It features a lo-fi guitar and relies on Frank's singing (something I think may be a bit overrated) to carry it. Thankfully it works here. The subtle strings that bring in the second half are magnificent and the second half refrain creates another psychedelic atmosphere. Awesome.
"Good Guy" is a pretty interlude. Perhaps it could have been longer? But it's probably fine how it is.
"Nights" is the final song that I care for. The first half itself splits into 2 parts (the rap-sing verses are cool/ then the synth-led singing section is a great leadup to the actual split-off.) The discordant guitars leading into the second half is f***ing magnificent.
"Solo (Reprise)" is pointless... as much as I like Andre.
"Pretty Sweet" presents an unfocused second half imo. The psychedelic and unsettling strings feels forcefully 'edgy' here compared to the better songs on here. The breakbeat section and children's singalong ending also foreshadow to a barrage of pointless and unfulfillinh stylistic changes in the second half.
"Facebook Story" is filler. Nobody cares.
"Close to You" is perhaps the best of this second half hodgepodge of detours.
The trio of "White Ferrari", "Siegfried" and "Godspeed" is the most focused section of this second half. Mostly because of the shared lethargy and pointless meandering of experimenting with random styles and melodies. Godspeed feels like it's 5 minutes. At least Frank sounds good throughout.
"Futara Free" has little redeemable about it and goes on perhaps 7 minutes too long. Removing it is my choice. That would be even better

6.5/10

rvi

4y

the elric classic

internet buddy

4y

Neo-soul, like how Lynch and the Coens can be neo-noir

Elric

4y

Appreciate this and think i can understand now. You and rvi and dramatically more focused on the music and apparently none of the lyrics were worth a mention to you. For me the lyrics are what cut everything on that album straight to my soul. Mans got a Dylan/Neil tier pen and like I said even the most simple lines tear my heart out.

Elric

4y

Appreciate this and think i can understand now. You and rvi and dramatically more focused on the music and apparently none of the lyrics were worth a mention to you. For me the lyrics are what cut everything on that album straight to my soul. Mans got a Dylan/Neil tier pen and like I said even the most simple lines tear my heart out.

Koala

4y

R. Kelly might actually be my fav R&B artist

Elric

4y

I gotta revisit its been a while

Koala

4y

R. Kelly might actually be my fav R&B artist

internet buddy

4y

I could never get into her music outside of some singles. You like a lot from her?

Elric

4y

Top 5?

rvi

4y

i like it a good bit more than him and i do definitely appreciate the lyrics tbh. at least on the moments where it hits its very memorable, doesnt bring me to tears or anything though its just great songwriting

TheReal212

4y

Top 5 Jodeci songs?

Freek’n You
In the Meanwhile
Alone
Bring on da Funk
Feenin’

Elric

4y

· edited

probably wouldn't have gutted me when I was your age either but just wait until you're old and have had a few girls f***in wreck your heart like that goddamn Jasmine