So it’s been a long time since I’ve posted something up here. Today I’ve been prompted to put up a few thoughts after listening to
Channel Orange by Frank Ocean. This seems like such a timely release, after learning new information about people close to me recently. There has been so much chatter about the album because he has come out recently. I honestly wish I would have had the opportunity to hear the album before hearing of Frank Ocean’s bisexual declaration. This is simply because I wonder if my perception would have been any different had I not known. Honestly I don’t think it would have made a difference, and I’m glad.
Musically the album isn’t ground breaking or really noteworthy nor were the vocals IMO. On a side note I miss the singers who didn’t have any digital enhancements. However because of the subject matter and the writing in particular I thoroughly enjoy Channel Orange. It just reminds me of how beautifully a talented writer can make life appear. An eloquent storyteller is how Frank Ocean should be measured. He finds ways to smoothly sing about crack addicts, prostitutes, opulent life, and feelings of being lost in both life and love. Of course he also tells of love for a man that, according to most societies, is bad and shouldn’t be. In Bad Religion in particular I really enjoy the writing and the feel of the song. He doesn’t overdue the emphasis of homosexual stigma. Instead it just feels like a slightly sad love song about someone he really wants. In my mind this is no different than the story of Romeo and Juliet. Unquestionably they are lovers but, because of the society they are members of, destined to be star crossed. Pyramids is still my favorite track on the album, it's such a mellow vibe and kind of fly and sad. Again I parallel the taste of an orange. There is something beautiful and wretched about seeing a queen who instead of having a pyramid built for her is merely "working at the pyramid tonight".
The thoughts and emotions I equate with Orange are so very fitting for this album. The color itself is fresh, fiery, and warm like spring and summer. The fruit is so sweet with hints of sour citrus. It’s like love, fantastically sweet but not simply one dimensional. Channel Orange is no different. Vibrant visually, perfectly pleasing for the palate. Thank you, Mr. Ocean, for this refreshing work that you’ve left for us all to indulge in repeatedly. You are a beautiful soul not because of your sexuality, but because your sexuality itself is beautiful.
~Au revoir
