Frank Ocean - Channel Orange

[buddhahat]

I may get slated for liking R n B (I've already caught enough flack from my other half for this) but anyone else heard Channel Orange yet? Frank Ocean guests on No Church In The Wild on the Jay Z/Kanye collaboartion Watch The Throne if you know that album and has a really smooth, soulful voice.

If you're into Here My Dear era Marvin Gaye, Prince, or 70s Stevie Wonder, you might want to check this out. Plus his lyrics are really sharp - Super Rich Kids is incredible:

http://open.spotify.com/track/0K9oqDmJBgSFjXU1bUY9Fk

and Pyramids:
http://open.spotify.com/track/0rbK15g3UsDTVy1EuwgKYz

[thatjacob]

I've been listening to "Super Rich Kids" on repeat since it was released. Easily the standout track for me and a very good use of Elton John-esque piano stabs throughout.

[Zach95]

So lovely so see this.  I ought to check out this section more.  I have eclectic tastes when it comes to music, and this album is just fantastic.  Sweet Life, Pyramids, and Thinkin' Bout You are just magnificent.  I love a little R+B when done right (i.e. Marvin Gaye) and there's so much raw, unabridged emotion and soul pouring from this record.

[hypehat]

Yeah, this is my album of year so far. It just keeps getting better as it goes. Bad Religion is so the standout for me....

[Zach95]

Yeah, this is my album of year so far. It just keeps getting better as it goes. Bad Religion is so the standout for me....

I forgot to mention that one. Another brilliant track. I'm not sure it's my favorite album of the year, but it certainly stands up in my top 5.

[ivy]

I love this album. I was worried that it wouldn't live up to the crazy hype but it does. Such a rich album with so many surprising moments. My favorite track is Forrest Gump, I can't stop listening to it.

[Cabinessenceking]

I listened to this album, but it didn't catch on that much for me. The aforementioned songs I agree were the stronger tracks but the total product seemed a bit soft and whimpish to me. Should I really give it another try?

[ivy]

I listened to this album, but it didn't catch on that much for me. The aforementioned songs I agree were the stronger tracks but the total product seemed a bit soft and whimpish to me. Should I really give it another try?

Yes, I think you should. It's not an album that is meant to knock your socks off with big notes. It's not overreaching and not out-of-the-box awe-inspiring, but it just hits a sweet spot. Kind of like Pet Sounds  in that regard, to me.

[hypehat]

It definitely took a few listens to grow on me, and it isn't front-loaded like so many modern records.

[Alex]

My only question (and my personal determining factor for R&B credibility), does Ocean employ a kickass horn section?!! For some reason, Stax/Volt seems to be the standard I hold all R&B to.

[Letsgoawayforawhile]

Just thought you'd all be intrigued by this;
http://www.rap-up.com/2013/04/25/frank-ocean-takes-inspiration-from-beatles-beach-boys-on-new-album/

[hypehat]

Given that one of my first reactions to Channel Orange with barely any knowledge of Frank Ocean, the man, was 'this dude sure listens to a lot of Stevie Wonder'.... colour me intrigued.