Album Review: Frank Ocean - Channel Orange

Frank Ocean
Channel Orange
Rating: Yeah Daddy Make Me Want It

Of course, Frank Ocean's official debut album is going to be overshadowed by his revelation that he is gay/bisexual and that his first love was a man. And yes, there are lots of lyrics to be read in light of that admission, but Channel Orange is definitely not a "gay" record. In fact, one of the interesting things about the record is just how inclusive it is, touching on relationships both homosexual and heterosexual, as well as on issues affecting Ocean and society in general. This makes Channel Orange a very humanized record, but also seems to keep the listener at arms' length at times, Ocean only letting you into see the real Frank in brief snippets and glimpses. Reading over the other basically glowing reviews of the record, it surprised me a little bit about the consensus, as for me, this record, while still very good, lacks the cohesiveness and thrill that his mixtape Nostalgia, Ultra had for me. The songwriting seemed stronger and his voice in better form.

Where Nostalgia, Ultra seemed precisely of its moment in time, Channel Orange has a distinctly old school, Stevie Wonder meets Marvin Gaye feel to it. Even the sketches that litter the record are infused with a vinyl/AM radio vibe. This goes a long way in creating that cohesiveness that I think is lacking lyrically. Channel Orange works best when Ocean is pouring out his soul about something personal to him. "Thinkin Bout You," perhaps the one overtly "gay" track, is a remembrance of the man Ocean first fell in love with, who apparently did not feel the same way about him. Ocean trying to make light of the situation "No, I don't like you, I just thought you were cool enough to kick it/Got a beach house I could sell you in Idaho." And later still let's out he's still in love "I've been thinkin' 'bout you
Do you think about me still?"



The gorgeous and haunting "Crack Rock" details his experience watching someone he cares for descending deeper and deeper into drug addiction. Ocean's voice filled with regret and fear: "How you feeling girl/How's the gutter doing."



Which continues in the drug mule tale "Lost," the character losing sight of her goal in life "Girl you know you're lost/Lost in the thrill of it all."



On "Bad Religion," one of the standout tracks, has Ocean baring his soul nakedly and honestly, running from his troubles:

"Taxi driver, you're my shrink for the hour
Leave the meter running.
It's rush hour,
so take the streets if you wanna.
Just outrun the demons, could you."



Which flows into the stunning ballad "Pink Matter," a regretful tale of love lost, which gives you goose bumps with the power of Ocean's voice and and understated rap from Andre 3000.



And on "Pyramids" Ocean finally flexes his creative muscles, and puts together an amazing almost 10 minute track, tracing the power of sex over generations from Cleopatra to the present. The track effortless moves from R&B come on to funk workout and back and forth.



But for me, the album is just not consistent enough. Too many tracks feel like sketches that needed to be edited heavily. "Sierra Leone" flows along a porn movie soundtrack vibe with almost no melody to spare. "Super Rich Kids" is an indictment of rich kids enjoying the high life without any parental supervision. But from the track, there really doesn't seem to be much fallout from this lifestyle, which makes it more of a recommendation than a scold. While "Monks," a glittery tale of groupies doesn't really add much to the genre, and its tepid funk-lite backing does little to improve things.

Channel Orange is a good record, just not as great as the hype would lead me to believe. I was expecting to be blown away, and instead, was left shaking my head, to be honest. Ocean's voice is in fine form, but lyrically he seemed all over the place, not focusing enough to make something sublime. Channel Orange, to me, is like that pesky sophomore slump, where there is enough to keep you wanting more, but not enough to merit repeated listens.

Rating Scale:

Chilfos: masterpiece; coolest thing I've heard in ages.

Woof Daddy: excellent; just a hair away from being a masterpiece.

Grrrr: very good; will definitely be considered for my top releases of the year.

Yeah Daddy Make Me Want It: good; definitely invites further listens and piques one's interest for more material.

Meh: not horrible, but certainly not great; could have either been polished, trimmed, or re-thought.

Jeez Lady: what the hell happened? Just plain bad. They should hang their heads in shame and be forced to listen to Lady Gaga ad nauseam as penance.

Tragicistani: so bad, armed villagers with pitchforks and torches should run the artist out of the country for inflicting this abomination on the human race.