Frank Ocean's debut album channel ORANGE was already a huge moment in Hip-Hop and music history, in general. The gold-certified record earned the former Odd Future artist three Grammy nominations, but four years later, when Frank finally returned with new music, it was clear that his lauded debut was just the beginning for Frank Ocean.
Over two days in August 2016, Frank Ocean released Endless, an Apple Music exclusive visual album, and somehow finessed his way out of his Def Jam recording contract. A day later, he released Blonde, and while Frank refrained from submitting it for Grammy consideration, the free-flowing album has gone on to outsell his debut and become his first platinum-certified record.
Blonde is often regarded as Frank Ocean's best, or at least his career-defining, album, and with tracks like "Pink + White," "Self Control," the Andre 3000 "Solo (Reprise)" interlude, and "Godspeed," it's easy to see why fans have taken to so keenly to it. Another track that was a highlight from the record was "Nights," a personal two-part track from Frank that has an ethereal beat switched. Give it a listen below.
Five years later, what are your favorite tracks from Blonde? Do you think the album deserves all the fanfare it receives or is it overrated?
Quotable Lyrics
After 'Trina hit I had to transfer campus
Your apartment out in Houston's where I waited
Stayin' with you when I didn't have a address
Fuckin' on you when I didn't own a mattress
Workin' on a way to make it outta Texas, every night