30 million monthly listeners. This seems like a statistic for a newly released album; however, this album is nearly 10 years old. This statistic just reinforces the timelessness of the album “Blonde” by Frank Ocean. “Blond” or “Blonde,” which are the masculine and feminine versions of blonde in French, are what Frank Ocean uses to represent his duality in masculinity and femininity through his world-renowned album that was released on Aug. 20, 2016.  This album surrounds Ocean’s struggle with masculinity and emotions inspired by sexual experiences, heartbreak, loss, duality and trauma through introspective lyrics and unconventional and progressive sounds. 

“Blonde” is the second studio album by American singer, songwriter and rapper Frank Ocean. Ocean began his musical career as a ghostwriter in 2010, but the following year he released his first mixtape and secured a recording contract with Def Jam Recordings. His first studio album was “Channel Orange” and at the 2013 Grammy Awards, it was nominated for Album of the Year and won Best Urban Contemporary Album. Ocean grew quick to fame and was named by “Time” as one of the world’s most influential people in 2013, but then Ocean went on hiatus. Ocean did not release any music for three years and people were confused, but then on Aug. 20, 2016, “Blonde” was released. This album ranked first on Pitchfork’s list of the best albums of the 2010s decade. It was Ocean’s first number one album on the US Billboard 200 and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. 

“Blonde” includes popular songs such as, “Pink + White,” “Self-Control,” “Nikes,” “Solo” and my personal favorite, “White Ferrari.” This album features guest vocals from Andre 3000, Beyonce and Kim Burel. This specific album stood out from Ocean’s previous releases because it encompasses styles such as R&B, pop, soul, avantgarde, indie rock, electronica, psychedelia and hip-hop. Ocean is praised for this album because it challenges the conventions of R&B and pop. On this album’s surface it seems insular, but in Ocean’s hands his creativity and intimacy attract the ear to tune in.

 All the songs in this album serve a purpose. They represent the themes of falling in love, heartbreak and coming of age. This album is also able to display Ocean’s sexuality and youth innocence while still conveying a sense of tranquility and calmness. His lyrics are always heart touching. Lyrics from my favorite song on the album, “White Ferrari,” state, “I care for you still and I will forever/That was my part of the deal, honest/We got so familiar.” This touches my heart everytime because I feel like a lot of people who go through heartbreak can relate to this, and it gives a positive outlook on the usually harsh time of dealing with losing someone. With every breathtaking song, Ocean puts together a lyrical book that only gets better with every listen. The songs on this album are filled with transparency and vulnerability, which makes them easy to relate to. 

It is super rare for an artist to appeal to mainstream masses and critics, but Ocean makes it look easy. Ocean’s vocals, touching lyrics and his ability to consistently experiment with music, twist its norms and this album’s exceptional lyricism and smooth transitions between songs makes him and this album stand out. Every time I listen to this album, I can feel more and more emotion from the music, and I can connect with the atmosphere it creates. This album has also had a profound cultural impact through its ability to connect with a wide range of people through its themes and craftsmanship. 

Pitchfork published a review by Ryan Dombal on Aug. 25, 2016, that perfectly embodies Ocean’s music and more importantly the influence the album has: “’Blonde’ is filled with feelings and ideas – deep love, heady philosophy, despondent loss – that he may have never had a chance to experience for himself. The stories Frank tells here find solace in sorrow… They console. They bleed. And yes, they cry.” I feel like this perfectly embodies Ocean as an artist and truly captures this album. Some people may see this album as sad and something to cry to, which it is, but this quote shows that his music tells stories. These stories are sad and lonely, but at the same time they are soul touching. His music, especially the music in this album allows people who feel unseen and unheard to feel like someone can relate to them and hear them and their struggles. His music notices the people struggling and can connect to them, hear them and heal them all at the same time. 

 This album is impeccable. It has no skips, and it flows effortlessly through tracts. “Blonde” is one of the most beautiful pieces of art that has ever been created and always will be. Everything about this album is soul touching and I always find myself enjoying it. I know that in my darkest or happiest moments, this is an album I can always turn to and is one that I am guaranteed to touch my deepest soul. I feel like this piece of art is something everyone should be able to experience. So, do yourself a favor, press play, relax and enjoy some truly original and brilliant music that was gifted upon us. 

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