This weekend marks the 5th anniversary for Blonde, the second studio album from singer Frank Ocean. It followed in the footsteps of Channel Orange by being another concept album. Blonde was originally titled Boys Don't Cry and was due for release in 2015 but suffered several delays.
Blonde was widely anticipated and features an abstract and experimental sound with genres encompassing R&B, soul and psychedelic pop. Time magazine named it as the best album of 2016, Pitchfork named it the best album of the 2010s and Rolling Stone has it ranked at #79 on their latest list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Blonde was a #1 album here in New Zealand.
"Nikes" was the only song released as a single from the album. It certainly set the vibe for the project with a variety of unconventional musical elements. Blonde almost comes off like one long stream of consciousness as Ocean tackles his masculinity and emotions. Most of the album was inspired by personal heartbreak, loss and trauma.
While there were no other singles releases there were some standout songs which received critical acclaim. One being "Ivy" which has been described as a ballad of reflection and regret. Many critics called it some of Ocean's best work.
Two other notable tracks were "Pink & White" which featured vocals from Beyonce and "Solo" which was produced with James Blake and featured vocals from Jazmine Sullivan.
Blonde doesn't have any Grammy nominations associated with the album because Ocean chose not to submit it for consideration. He stated, "that institution certainly has nostalgic importance, it just doesn't seem to be representing very well for people who come from where I come from and hold down what I hold down."
Along side the album release Ocean put out a magazine with the original title of the album Boys Don't Cry.
Currently Blonde represents Ocean's last body of work. He has since released singles that haven't been tied to anything although there are rumours a third album may be in the works. We'll just have to wait see on that but in the meatime you can enjoy Blonde for it's 5th anniversary.
