not purely an R&B album, but do you think it's inaccurate to even call it R&B at all? would pop be the first would you use to describe, and R&B the 2nd?

i stopped right before his album occurred on the list of aggregate critical acclaim. i like him

You like 8701 more than Confessions?

nah

I would say Art Pop first and Alternative R&B second. But it’s such a mishmash of different influences and sound directions that trying to nail it down to one genre is almost disrespectful. It’s like asking if purple rain is a rock album or a R&B album?

it cant be both? never asked an either/or question

Blonde stans are so rabid they think it's disrespectful if you try to vaguely describe the album

Never said I was a stan

Out of the 11 full songs, I would consider 5-6 R&B

Did i say anything about TPAB being off that list

Blonde review soon then

Interested in this

There's alot more rock to Princes voice than Franks. just off the way he sings throughout its easily r&b for me.

This is a good point

I also don't feel the need to nail things down so im could see calling it art pop as well as r&b, it can be both

I love some Soul but never cared for R&B / :mystery:

jodeci the peak of r&b

You consider D'Angelo straight soul?

Top 5?

No, but he's a soul artist imo. You could hear the difference between D'angelo and other R&B singers

Frank Ocean - Blonde
Reviewed by de list mon

Opener "Nikes" probably overstays its welcome despite the well produced atmospheric instrumental.
"Ivy" is probably my favorite because it manages to create a psychedelic atmosphere out of a few simple guitar riffs and strums. It is hauntingly beautiful.
I like "Pink + White". It's probably the closest, stylistically, to channel ORANGE (but worse). It still manages to present itself as a more atmospheric and lo-fi track, despite (and thanks to) a soaring vocal feature by Beyonce.
"Be Yourself" throws shots at all the hypocritical parental figures. It is also filler.
"Solo" is pretty good overall. With nothing more than an organ and Frank's voice, it's somehow both lively and mellow (if that makes sense). Frank's sing-rap verses are not my favorite.
"Skyline To" is a forgettable ballad that goes absolutely nowhere interesting musically, melodically or lyrically. Next.
"Self Control" is another highlight for me. It features a lo-fi guitar and relies on Frank's singing (something I think may be a bit overrated) to carry it. Thankfully it works here. The subtle strings that bring in the second half are magnificent and the second half refrain creates another psychedelic atmosphere. Awesome.
"Good Guy" is a pretty interlude. Perhaps it could have been longer? But it's probably fine how it is.
"Nights" is the final song that I care for. The first half itself splits into 2 parts (the rap-sing verses are cool/ then the synth-led singing section is a great leadup to the actual split-off.) The discordant guitars leading into the second half is f***ing magnificent.
"Solo (Reprise)" is pointless... as much as I like Andre.
"Pretty Sweet" presents an unfocused second half imo. The psychedelic and unsettling strings feels forcefully 'edgy' here compared to the better songs on here. The breakbeat section and children's singalong ending also foreshadow to a barrage of pointless and unfulfillinh stylistic changes in the second half.
"Facebook Story" is filler. Nobody cares.
"Close to You" is perhaps the best of this second half hodgepodge of detours.
The trio of "White Ferrari", "Siegfried" and "Godspeed" is the most focused section of this second half. Mostly because of the shared lethargy and pointless meandering of experimenting with random styles and melodies. Godspeed feels like it's 5 minutes. At least Frank sounds good throughout.
"Futara Free" has little redeemable about it and goes on perhaps 7 minutes too long. Removing it is my choice. That would be even better

6.5/10