Blonde
by Frank Ocean
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 1322 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,213 out of 1322
  2. Mixed: 30 out of 1322
  3. Negative: 79 out of 1322

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  1. Rakala
    Oct 21, 2016
    0
    There is something I am not getting here. This is music? Where are songs like Novocain or Swim Good??This feels like a long boring monologue. SOLO yo! 4 points for what I am not getting.
  2. AnalyDewa
    Oct 3, 2016
    10
    Talvez 2016 seja o melhor ano da música nessa década e com certeza o Frank Ocean está contribuindo para que isso aconteça. Qualquer demora para o sucessor do “Channel Orange” é justificável, ainda mais quando Frank não nos entrega simplesmente um álbum, mas sim dois: “Endless” e “Blonde”. “Blonde” é um álbum rico em samples, detalhes e estilos que o Frank mistura. A intenção dele não é deTalvez 2016 seja o melhor ano da música nessa década e com certeza o Frank Ocean está contribuindo para que isso aconteça. Qualquer demora para o sucessor do “Channel Orange” é justificável, ainda mais quando Frank não nos entrega simplesmente um álbum, mas sim dois: “Endless” e “Blonde”. “Blonde” é um álbum rico em samples, detalhes e estilos que o Frank mistura. A intenção dele não é de maneira alguma se acomodar e trazer mais do mesmo, e muito menos se render as tendências das rádios pop. Em “Blonde”, Frank quer imprimir novos estilos e por isso o álbum é um verdadeiro experimento e a gente percebe em algumas músicas como “Nikes” suas alterações de voz. Vale ainda lembrar o esforço que o Frank teve pra reunir grandes nomes da música atual como Jamie xx, Kendrick Lamar, Jazmine Sullivan, Sampha, Arca e outros já carimbados nomes como Beyoncé, Tyler The Creator e André 3000. O mais interessante de tudo isso é que até mesmo a participação da grandiosa Beyoncé em “Pink + White” acaba por se tornar apenas mais um detalhe no meio de uma de tantas músicas do álbum ricas em personalidade, sons e estilos. Em um ano com álbuns aclamados como “Lemonade”, “Coloring Book”, “The Life of Pablo” e “ANTI”, “Blonde” consegue saldo mais que positivo e se mantém como um dos melhores lançamentos do ano.… Expand
  3. jrnorth
    Sep 26, 2016
    7
    Pretty good album overall. It seems a little experimental compared to his old stuff. The lyrics are much more personal but a lot of the music doesn't really settle on a really catchy beat.
  4. omarsajdi96
    Sep 22, 2016
    10
    A lot of people wonder whether Blonde was worth the wait? Following his critically acclaimed debut album that took the world by a storm, Frank Ocean releases a very unorthodox and minimalistic project after a 4-year hiatus. The hype and anticipation for this album were almost "Detox" level for many people, a lot of this had to do with Frank Ocean toying and teasing with our emotions.A lot of people wonder whether Blonde was worth the wait? Following his critically acclaimed debut album that took the world by a storm, Frank Ocean releases a very unorthodox and minimalistic project after a 4-year hiatus. The hype and anticipation for this album were almost "Detox" level for many people, a lot of this had to do with Frank Ocean toying and teasing with our emotions. Blonde reveals a world wind of personal emotions and feelings as Frank discusses a wide array of topics. Besides the heartfelt lyrics, the production was remarkable and very dissimilar to current popular pop music. Over half the tracks do not have any drums, bold move Frank. Besides Ocean's experimenting with chipmunk like vocals and other sound effects, I have noticed Frank's voice has gotten noticeably superior. Blonde challenges the average listener and requires multiple listens and lyrical breakdown. But once you start enjoying and understanding Blonde, you cannot help but realize and criticise other artists for not experimenting and attempt bold artistic career moves. Thank you Frank Ocean, you were sincerely worth the wait.… Expand
  5. jorge89
    Sep 20, 2016
    10
    Top 3 AOTY in no order: 1.Radiohead: A moon shaped pool 2. Frank Ocean: Blonde 3. Nick Cave: Skeleton Tree. For me this three albums are masterpieces!
  6. n_hibberd
    Sep 14, 2016
    10
    With Blonde, Frank Ocean dramatically strips down the the grand and intricate production of Channel Orange, instead opting for low-key, guitar heavy instrumentals. The result is stunning. Frank Ocean delivers some exceptional vocal performances and lyrics (tracks like Ivy and Self Control are great examples of this), as well as complex emotionally charged subject matter. Ocean plays theWith Blonde, Frank Ocean dramatically strips down the the grand and intricate production of Channel Orange, instead opting for low-key, guitar heavy instrumentals. The result is stunning. Frank Ocean delivers some exceptional vocal performances and lyrics (tracks like Ivy and Self Control are great examples of this), as well as complex emotionally charged subject matter. Ocean plays the role of a scorned lover on Seigfried, one the the outstanding songs on the album, with an incredible level of sincerity and vulnerability. On this album we get a deeper look into the wide range of emotions and ideas Ocean has always displayed in his previous works, and the stripped down production forces the listener to engage with this to an even greater extent. One of the best albums this year.… Expand
  7. diegonelli
    Sep 13, 2016
    8
    It's a very good album, it's very sticky, the production is 11/10 and I don't usually enjoy this music genre that much. I started hearing his music just for curiosity and I got caught!
  8. smithsdivision
    Sep 12, 2016
    10
    This album is really special. This is probably going to be album of the year for me personally. I damn near had an out of body experience listening to this. This album is certainly a must listen that is overflowing with emotion and deep artistic expression
  9. FinestDeity
    Sep 10, 2016
    0
    I'm trying to understand what he was aiming for with this album. When I listen to it I feel as though I'm on a bad emotional acid trip. There's not a single song on the album that makes sense to me. Every song is slow, his voice is distorted for most of the tracks, and it gives a feeling of being intoxicated. It's unfortunate that we've waited so long for this. I guess that goes to showI'm trying to understand what he was aiming for with this album. When I listen to it I feel as though I'm on a bad emotional acid trip. There's not a single song on the album that makes sense to me. Every song is slow, his voice is distorted for most of the tracks, and it gives a feeling of being intoxicated. It's unfortunate that we've waited so long for this. I guess that goes to show you can't rush art.… Expand
  10. proterospongia
    Sep 7, 2016
    8
    We don't know which ways Frank took to get to Blonde, but for sure, there wasn't a easy one. Blonde is a fortress made of Ocean's flesh and bone, where he exposes every single bruise of every corner of his soul.

    Best Tracks: Ivy; Solo; Nights.
  11. Hinaria
    Sep 6, 2016
    8
    After the first time through I was left with goosebumps and in shock . After the second time through I was left feeling wonder and joy, and after the third, forth,fifth, and sixth times through I was left Blonde. Blond (for fans of Frank) is the culmination of years of patience,frustration,anxiety, and forgiveness. Forgiveness for what? Forgiveness for the wait. This album is a tripAfter the first time through I was left with goosebumps and in shock . After the second time through I was left feeling wonder and joy, and after the third, forth,fifth, and sixth times through I was left Blonde. Blond (for fans of Frank) is the culmination of years of patience,frustration,anxiety, and forgiveness. Forgiveness for what? Forgiveness for the wait. This album is a trip through dreamy landscapes, White Ferraris', and Quaaludes, with some love and sex sprinkled in. From the first song "Nikes" where Frank pitched up his voice about three octaves to the final masterpiece of the album "Futura Free" Blonde leaks out hit after hit after hit.… Expand
  12. selinap
    Sep 4, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is one of the best 2016 albums for me. I dont really do a lot of reviews but after purchasing this from itunes and listening to it for 2 weeks, i just felt I needed to put in writing how this makes me feel. I discovered Mr Ocean back when he was on twitter after he released Nostalgia Ultra (which was a really good mixtape)
    I fell deeply in love with his music when I listened to CO which became my soulmate album for years. I was so scared that I wouldnt like the current project as much as I love CO but wow wow wow!! Blonde speaks to me.
    Its very subtle then it just punches you!!
    I went in not expecting NU or CO and thats the best way to approach this, I also read the lyrics as I listened.
    Wow!! Wow!! Wow!! Wow!!
    Self Control is my favorite especially the 2nd part, the beat drop in Nights is THE BEST beat drop I have ever heard. Top 5 are
    1.Self Control
    2.Nights
    3.Solo
    4.Ivy
    5.White Ferrari    … Expand
  13. mattlynn1996
    Sep 3, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It is a beautiful and a broken-into-pieces album. It records Ocean's blur attitude toward his sexual orientation and his personal life. I really love this. I do love this. Coda makes me wanna cry… Expand
  14. jasonsalley
    Sep 2, 2016
    9
    Great art isn't always immediate, in fact, it often isn't. This album takes time to sink in, revealing itself slowly over repeated listens. Like a couple other high profile releases this year, (Life of Pablo, and A Moon Shaped Pool) this album has a distinctly fractured quality, yet is meticulously crafted and tightly packed with beautiful moments. There are quick, seeminglyGreat art isn't always immediate, in fact, it often isn't. This album takes time to sink in, revealing itself slowly over repeated listens. Like a couple other high profile releases this year, (Life of Pablo, and A Moon Shaped Pool) this album has a distinctly fractured quality, yet is meticulously crafted and tightly packed with beautiful moments. There are quick, seemingly insignificant bits of the album that stick with you. "16, how was I supposed to know anything?" (White Ferrari) Parts, you have to scour the whole album for because you can't remember what track it was.

    This very well could end up being the best album released this year. Some songs are instant classics, "Solo", "Ivy" and "Self-Control" rival anything on Channel Orange.    … Expand
  15. ugura
    Aug 31, 2016
    10
    Easily the best album of the year. Surpasses Channel Orange and I was skeptical of that happening. I was terrified that he would turn into another money grubbing pop star with no substance. So far he's stayed true to the art form. This album is nothing short of genius and I'm very happy to be living in an era where we have artists like Frank Ocean.
  16. Cypher_ATL
    Aug 31, 2016
    9
    The long wait played out perfectly for everyone that awaited this release. I can say that this is his masterpiece, and I believe that this will go down as one of the modern-day greats. The cohesiveness and quality that Frank gives us is so satisfying that I'm glad we waited this long for it. The album starts out kind of on a bump with "Nikes", I wasn't a big fan with the song the firstThe long wait played out perfectly for everyone that awaited this release. I can say that this is his masterpiece, and I believe that this will go down as one of the modern-day greats. The cohesiveness and quality that Frank gives us is so satisfying that I'm glad we waited this long for it. The album starts out kind of on a bump with "Nikes", I wasn't a big fan with the song the first time listening to it, and I'm still not completely sold on it. Although it doesn't start particularly great, right after it comes one of the best runs of songs that I've heard in a while. From the chilling "Ivy" to the grandiose "Futura Free", we get almost near perfection in song crafting that I just want to shake Mr. Ocean's hand for a job well-done. The creativity and the diverse topics that he touches on shows a more mature state of Frank, and I'm glad that we've arrived at that stage in his career. He uses many different sounds and structures that make you want to fall in love with it instantly if you're a music fan in general. The production is top-notch, and the songwriting is impeccable. We saw a lot of the same praise in "channel ORANGE", but I believe that the instrumentation and cohesiveness is slightly better than his predecessor. Along with the structure, I believe that the more mature themes and sounds also give this project an advantage over his last album. I believe that fans of very solid works of musical projects will fall in love with this like I did, and I am very pleased with what Frank gave us in the end. The wait was completely and utterly worth it, and I believe that "Blonde" will age like a fine wine.… Expand
  17. Gasphunter
    Aug 31, 2016
    4
    There is something I am not getting here. This is music? Where are songs like Novocain or Swim Good??This feels like a long boring monologue. SOLO yo! 4 points for what I am not getting.
  18. SergioV
    Aug 30, 2016
    8
    80/100.

    This album really slows you down and lets you experience it all. The best songs are "Nikes", "Ivy", "Pink + White", Nights" and "Futura Free".
  19. harr1397
    Aug 29, 2016
    10
    Easily the best album of the year. Surpasses Channel Orange and I was skeptical of that happening. I was terrified that he would turn into another money grubbing pop star with no substance. So far he's stayed true to the art form. This album is nothing short of genius and I'm very happy to be living in an era where we have artists like Frank Ocean.
  20. IBlackout
    Aug 28, 2016
    0
    Compared to other great albums released this year, I seriously don't find this one impressive. I tried listening it in full many times, but I simply can't.
  21. thebassline
    Aug 28, 2016
    10
    Most contemporary musical artists will do damn near anything to chase - and then maintain - relevance. In an industry of declining record sales and infinite musical choices a click away, major singers and bands are prone to hawk their product and brand incessantly across social media, corporate promotions, and ad campaigns. The fear of overexposure has been replaced by the fear of beingMost contemporary musical artists will do damn near anything to chase - and then maintain - relevance. In an industry of declining record sales and infinite musical choices a click away, major singers and bands are prone to hawk their product and brand incessantly across social media, corporate promotions, and ad campaigns. The fear of overexposure has been replaced by the fear of being forgotten entirely, and artists have reacted by shoving themselves in their audience’s face to the point of exasperation and passivity.

    It’s safe to say at this point that Frank Ocean is not like most artists today. In the four years preceding the release of Blonde, Frank drifted steadily further from the spotlight, hiding himself away in the studio and avoiding nearly all social media, and virtually any public appearances - musical or otherwise. Frank’s sabbatical from public life shot expectations into the stratosphere for his follow-up to Channel Orange, and after a protracted and unorthodox rollout, one of the key themes of listening to Blonde is how it twists and subverts those very expectations to create a sparse, insular masterpiece.

    As an opener, “Nikes” is both a promise and an affirmation. By beginning his long-awaited follow-up with three minutes of dramatically pitched-up vocals, Frank sends an immediate message that the album to follow was made on his own terms, and he is not beholden artistically to anything other than his own vision. The song shouts out the late A$AP Yams and Pimp C, who both died of drug overdoses including codeine - and the beat itself is a chopped-and-screwed downtempo haze reminiscent of codeine-fueled works of many Southern rap artists. But the most poignant remembrance is the one that follows: “RIP Trayvon, that **** look just like me” - one of the few times Blonde’s opaque reminiscences coalesce into a definitive social statement.

    When Frank’s unaltered voice finally reveals itself in the final two minutes of “Nikes”, adorned with a gently strummed acoustic guitar, it is as if the drugged-out haze has been parted by the sun. “We’ll let you guys prophesy”, he sings, setting up Blonde’s recurring rumination on the passage of time, memory, and an uncertain future. “White Ferrari” is a double entendre, reminiscing on both a drug-addled car ride and the highs and lows of a past relationship. “Solo” switches from present to past tense, with the first verse recounting tales of youthful innocence, and the second verse looking back from a jaded, melancholy perspective. “Seigfried” is an existential crisis masquerading as a love song, with a reference to solar flares that could extinguish civilization - a reminder to live in the moment with a future that can’t be controlled.

    These truths are revealed in a decidedly sparse manner, as Channel Orange’s expansive compositions are largely replaced by bare-bones arrangements, frequently consisting of little more than Frank’s voice and a single guitar. This sparsity is at first disarming, as it often seems upon first glance that these tracks could be home demos rather than professional studio recordings. Yet upon repeat listens, the power of this minimalism to reveal the underlying beauty in the songwriting becomes clear. Frank’s voice, as stunning and versatile as it has ever been, takes center stage throughout, and his lyrics cut through the guitar feedback with breathtaking emotional precision. As for the instrumentation itself, the dominance of guitars throughout Blonde gives the proceedings an indie rock edge rarely felt so strongly in R&B. A variety of studio collaborators, including Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood, grace the record with diverse and subtle guitar work that perfectly fits each track. “Seigfried” is a particular standout, with a riff that feels straight out of classic rock ballads, pushed back in a haze of echo and reverb to appear as if broadcasting into the track from a distant stratosphere.

    Perhaps most striking on Blonde is the way that the variety of musical collaborators who contributed rarely make their presence explicitly known. Rather, their contributions serve as a means of achieving Frank’s singular vision, from which the album never wavers. Kendrick Lamar’s only vocal contribution to “Skyline To” is a few softly spoken words in the background, and even Beyonce is limited to harmonizing with Frank at the end of “Pink + White”, contributing very little lead vocals of her own. Tellingly, the only true guest vocal feature on the entire album is in many ways the best summation of Frank Ocean’s approach to artistry.

    For Frank and Andre, who have “stumbled and lived every word” in their songs, pure artistic expression is its own reward. Both men have carved out careers filled with bursts of brilliant creativity and long absences, and have lived intensely private lives outside the spotlight. And now, Frank Ocean has created a modern masterpiece that can stand tall with the best works of Outkast and others.    … Expand
  22. Eniall8or
    Aug 27, 2016
    9
    Frequently heartbreakingly beautiful and showcasing constant lyrical strength,this album is very different from Channel Orange in many ways but is equally as impressive and Frank shows a maturity in his songwriting on this record.Ivy and Self Control are the most emotional and instantly likeable tracks on the album but it is in the less immediate tracks such as Siegfried and White FerrariFrequently heartbreakingly beautiful and showcasing constant lyrical strength,this album is very different from Channel Orange in many ways but is equally as impressive and Frank shows a maturity in his songwriting on this record.Ivy and Self Control are the most emotional and instantly likeable tracks on the album but it is in the less immediate tracks such as Siegfried and White Ferrari where we see a real maturity in his song writing.… Expand
  23. redjackb123
    Aug 26, 2016
    10
    It's not channel orange but its was worth the 4 year wait with beautiful vocals from Frank and features from Beyonce, an amazing verse from Andre 3000 and Kendrick Lamar. Frank did something totally different from his previous masterpiece and experimented with different sounds than Channel Orange. Honestly i don't have a favourite track because the whole album is a beautiful journey thatIt's not channel orange but its was worth the 4 year wait with beautiful vocals from Frank and features from Beyonce, an amazing verse from Andre 3000 and Kendrick Lamar. Frank did something totally different from his previous masterpiece and experimented with different sounds than Channel Orange. Honestly i don't have a favourite track because the whole album is a beautiful journey that you have to listen to more than 1 time… Expand
  24. MarkScandi
    Aug 26, 2016
    9
    This is one of the best albums of this year and Frank has done really good job. Maybe I have found 1-2 songs which I don't like, but i think I need to listen them again. Well done, like always.
  25. WESAUS
    Aug 26, 2016
    9
    Following an album as good as channel Orange is no easy task. and I'm usually a little suspicious when an album receives so many positive reviews. But I must say Ocean pulled it off beautifully. Stripped down and simple but yet every bit as ambitious as channel Orange. Pink + White is as good as it gets... a driving beat, acoustic guitars, piano, beautiful background vocals...great production
  26. undergroundsofa
    Aug 26, 2016
    10
    This album is incredible. It is very detailed and there is a wide spectrum of hidden beauties within! Wonderful production, glorious vocals, and much more. Well worth the wait.
  27. Thorpey96
    Aug 26, 2016
    10
    Blonde requires a few listens before it starts to sink in, but when it does you'll be hooked. From my first listen I was very impressed by the sheer attention to detail. But it wasn't until after listening back to the lyrics, revealing a whole new side to the record that I had previously overlooked, did I really start to appreciate this album. Ocean has really blurred boundaries with thisBlonde requires a few listens before it starts to sink in, but when it does you'll be hooked. From my first listen I was very impressed by the sheer attention to detail. But it wasn't until after listening back to the lyrics, revealing a whole new side to the record that I had previously overlooked, did I really start to appreciate this album. Ocean has really blurred boundaries with this record showing that he is not afraid to speak his mind, and really leaves you thinking after every track. Although a lot of people may not see eye-to-eye with this record due to its lack of conformity, it is a prime example true self expression which is something a lot of popular modern artists are seemingly yet to discover. Overall a gorgeous, thought provoking album full of emotion, by an artist way ahead of his time.… Expand
  28. latoyawalker
    Aug 25, 2016
    10
    Blonde is what happens when Channel Orange and Nostalgia Ultra have a baby. lol but seriously tho, how has Frank managed to keep his signature sound in an age where everything sounds so alike? Maybe thhat is what happens when you stay aloof and off social media. I love it.
  29. frankoceanics
    Aug 25, 2016
    10
    A beautiful blend of love, lost, nostalgia and everything in between over eclectic beats. Frank Ocean never fails to deliver quality music to his fans.
  30. mslonnybreaux
    Aug 25, 2016
    10
    Trippy like Nirvana! When last has music made you feel high without actually getting high? Such raw emotion, such beautiful vocals, every lyric, every guitar strum made me feel out of this world. To love Frank is to know him and if u claim to be a music lover it is your duty to get to know him by listening to Blond(e).
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Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Best Album of 2016
10
#10 Most Discussed Album of 2016
14
#14 Most Shared Album of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 38
  3. Negative: 0 out of 38
  1. The Wire
    Nov 8, 2016
    80
    The sum is Ocean’s most thorough reading of his world to date. [Oct 2016, p.65]
  2. Magnet
    Oct 18, 2016
    90
    This is an album of mostly beatless soul whose heart nevertheless pumps vividly and loudly throughout its 17 tracks. [No. 136, p.61]
  3. American Songwriter
    Oct 5, 2016
    80
    This is music that fascinates on first listen but requires multiple spins for its complexities and idiosyncrasies to take hold.
    Read full review
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