5. Frank Ocean – channel ORANGE
Released: July 10, 2012 ~ Reviewed: July 17, 2012 (4.5 out of 5 Stars)
We’ve seen plenty of talent come and go with even more focus than this project, but none of them under this type of scrutiny. Some people refused to listen because of his announcement while others dug their heels in even deeper to experience the follow up to nostalgia.ULTRA. Ocean navigated the craziness to create one brilliant album that resonated with everyone that heard it. Without conforming to features or created personas, Frank managed to make you feel abundantly satisfied with this project, feeding you songs that somehow managed to be simple and complex at the same time dressed in musical structure that simply works. Sounds that seem to be borrowed from perfect influences without sounding cheap or contrived. If this album is any indication of what Frank has to offer, the announcement will be an afterthought and possibly forgotten completely. – Saule Wright
