Channel Orange
by Frank Ocean
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Jul 17, 2012
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 1141 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,048 out of 1141
  2. Mixed: 38 out of 1141
  3. Negative: 55 out of 1141

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  1. All_ButTrU4
    Mar 3, 2021
    10
    Best album I've heard in years. The stories so detailed they seem lived in. Yet the music of the songs isn't compromised. I guess I do have a bias towards this album since it was one of the first serious non-mainstream album i discovered myself and became. In my life there's a time before C.O and after. But with time spent with the album I've come to realize it like most great album getsBest album I've heard in years. The stories so detailed they seem lived in. Yet the music of the songs isn't compromised. I guess I do have a bias towards this album since it was one of the first serious non-mainstream album i discovered myself and became. In my life there's a time before C.O and after. But with time spent with the album I've come to realize it like most great album gets it's flaws from lack of creative restraint. eg.white interlude is unnecessary to the narrative and ruins the transitional effect between it's songs. The interludes the only drawback on this amazing classic. Favourites:pilot jones,thinking 'bout you,sweet life,crack rock… Expand
  2. Vampire25
    Oct 21, 2012
    8
    channel Orange is an ambitious, perfectly produced record that lives up to all the hype it received when it was released. Each track is layered with perfect harmonies and smooth flow from Ocean. The reason it's so appealing to me is because Frank Ocean's vocal ranges are incredibly powerful and so honest that it's so easy to fall in love with this album. The lyrics are among the best thischannel Orange is an ambitious, perfectly produced record that lives up to all the hype it received when it was released. Each track is layered with perfect harmonies and smooth flow from Ocean. The reason it's so appealing to me is because Frank Ocean's vocal ranges are incredibly powerful and so honest that it's so easy to fall in love with this album. The lyrics are among the best this year and his life is literally spilling out at you through these tracks. All In All, Frank Ocean's channel Orange is the best R&B record this year and among the best of the year. B+… Expand
  3. Andremax
    Aug 6, 2018
    10
    A full-of-inspiration and melodic album. Passing by hip hop, soul, R&B with the most varied textures of beats and melodies, in addition Ocean's great voice. But let us not forget of many memorable guest stars, like Andre 3000, Tyler the Creator and the talented guitarist John Mayer with his amazing guitar solo.
  4. axelkoch
    Oct 8, 2012
    9
    Check the Rapgenius homepage for getting background informations to the lyrics. Like the best rappers on earth, Ocean has often double meanings and seldomly also triple meanings! He is a god in songwriting and a king in singing. Still, I have to say, not every single song sweeped me off my feet. Nonetheless, it's a rememberable work of art.
  5. fifi3
    Jul 28, 2019
    8
    Beautifully layered, produced extremely well... tremendous vocals, and an innovative style. Frank brings soul, funk, jazz, R&B, and whatever else to the table in a masterpiece widely hailed as a classic.
  6. RonaldOVOXO
    Jul 20, 2012
    10
    Frank Ocean Is the new savior Of R&B. This album reminds me of Marvin Gaye. Alot of artists don't have strong debut albums. But Frank Ocean is proving the whole world that his music is worthy to the planet. I wish i could rate this higher because this album is the best of 2012
  7. Hendo250
    Sep 11, 2021
    10
    this album is a 9 this album is a 9 this album is a 9 this album is a 9 this album is a 9
  8. FruitJuice
    Jul 18, 2017
    8
    great album............................................................................................................................................................
  9. Spangle
    Jul 18, 2012
    8
    I'm hardly an R&B fan, but just listening to the album you can tell that this kid has talent. I am a fan of rap, am familiar with Odd Future, and do not generally like their releases, but this album is very well done. I personally only like a few songs from the album, but as a whole, this album deserves the praise it is getting.
  10. Mesmerize
    Aug 9, 2016
    9
    9.5
    zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
  11. JotaBrasil
    Oct 19, 2012
    10
    O que faz de um álbum ser considerado uma "obra de arte"? Não é apenas uma "coleção" de boas músicas, não é apenas a elaboração de arranjos perfeitos, não são apenas letras magistrais ou vocalização perfeita. Uma obra de arte musical em forma de álbum é a elevaçãoO que faz de um álbum ser considerado uma "obra de arte"? Não é apenas uma "coleção" de boas músicas, não é apenas a elaboração de arranjos perfeitos, não são apenas letras magistrais ou vocalização perfeita. Uma obra de arte musical em forma de álbum é a elevação de um artista aos céus pelo seu próprio talento. É a consagração máxima da alma, a mente e o coração. É a prova que talento é dado por algo divino. Algo acima de nós, chame do nome que você preferir. Nesses quatro anos de blog apenas três artistas chegaram nesse nível: Kanye West com o monumental My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Adele e o seu arraza quarteirão 21 e o Florence + The Machine com o divinamente dark Ceremonials. O quarto nome acaba de entrar nessa lista: channel ORANGE do Frank Ocean. Contudo, antes de falar do álbum em si, vou dar uma situada em quem é Frank Ocean.

    Nascido com o nome de Christopher Breaux na cidade de Nova Orleans, ele começou a carreira sendo "compositor fantasma" de nomes como Brandy, Justin Bieber e John Legend. Em 2010 se juntou com o rapper Tyler, The Creator no grupo de produtores, rappers, cantores e artistas diversos intitulado Odd Future. O lançamento de mixtapes do grupo junto com o aclamado Nostalgia, Ultra., sua própria mixtape lançada ano passado, chamou a atenção de Jay-Z, Kanye West e da Beyoncé. Com a cantora, ele co-escreveu a canção I Miss You do álbum 4. Com a dupla de rappers, Frank participou do álbum Watch The Throne com a composição e o featuring nas aclamadas Made in America e no single No Church In The Wild. Contudo, o que chamou a atenção da mídia recentemente foi uma declaração extremamente corajosa que o colocou na história da música: em seu site pessoal, Frank declarou que sua primeira paixão aos dezenove anos foi um homem, assim sendo, ele se transformou no primeiro artista hip hop/R&B mainstream a revelar um relacionamento com uma pessoa do mesmo sexo. Em uma indútria tão machista e preconceituosa, a atitude é o começo de uma quebre de barreiras na luta contra a homofobia. Todavia, isso é quase noticia velha, pois Frank Ocean acabou de lançar seu primeiro álbum channel ORANGE. E como eu já disse o trabalho está sendo aclamado como uma obra de arte indiscutível.

    channel ORANGE é a celebração da arte como música. Ocean cria uma obra atemporal ao se colocar em um lugar entre as lendas do soul music como Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye e mais próximo aos melhores trabalhos do Prince. A viagem em um mundo intrigado de Ocean é uma volta ao passado, mas com ao olho no futuro. Complicado, arrebatador, edificante, pulsante, vibrante, brilhante. Frank cominha em estradas da mais diferentes falando do amor em primeiro plano, mas há assuntos como drogas, sociedade e religião. Em cada composição ele vai além do que se poderia esperar. Arranca como um cirurgião órgãos, sentimentos, ossos, medos e muito mais. Como um soco na ferida aberta, ele retrata com maestria de uma pessoa que vive década e mais décadas reflexões profundas e brilhantes. E ele só tem vinte e quatro anos de idade. Podemos classificar o seu som como neo soul para termos apenas uma classificação. Contudo, assim como os três álbuns já citados, channel ORANGE vai muito mais que classificações. A jornada sonora de Frank é muito profunda e multifacetada. O trabalho de instrumentalização é, talvez, um dos mais geniais dos últimos anos. Há tantas texturas, batidas, samples, sons, instrumentos diferentes só que costurados de maneira tão perfeita que chega a ser desleal para nossos ouvidos tentando captar cada segundo, cada batida, cada inspiração, cada pérola. Já Frank como vocalista se coloca em um pedestal que não há proteção. Suas interpretações são cheias de sentimentos, força, genialidade e algo mais que apenas gênios tem e simples mortais não podemos falar com palavras. Não posso ressaltar uma canção, mas posso dizer isso: se você ouvir Bad Religion e não sentir algo arrebatador, esqueça, vocês não está preparado para a genialidade de Frank Ocean. Se sentir, seja bem vindo ao álbum que pode mudar sua percepção do que é música. E Frank Ocean seja bem vindo a eternidade!    … Expand
  12. hornysoul
    Oct 8, 2018
    10
    Este álbum é simplesmente incrível. É algo que implique algum tempo para ser apreciado, sim, mas os pequenos detalhes na produção (que trazem mensagens) tornam as músicas excitantes e gratificantes. O estilo de Ocean é tão inventivo e as suas emoções fluem em quase todas as faixas. Destaques para "Thinkin Bout You", "Sweet Life", "Lost" e "Monks".
  13. CordRafael
    Feb 17, 2022
    9
    so nao é 10 pq existe blonde so p deixar no perfil so p deixar no perfil so p deixar no perfil
  14. BENNEB
    Nov 15, 2012
    10
    One of the best albums of the year...super music......................................................................................................
  15. leumassregor
    Mar 5, 2023
    9
    This is one of the best albums of ALL TIME. Frank Ocean never disappoints!

    A lot of songs on here are very slow, but this is one of these albums that grows on you. You have to give it more than one listen! The production on this album is fantastic, but the vocals are what really pulls me in. Frank Ocean's falsetto and runs are heavenly; guaranteed to give you goosebumps. This album    This is one of the best albums of ALL TIME. Frank Ocean never disappoints!

    A lot of songs on here are very slow, but this is one of these albums that grows on you. You have to give it more than one listen! The production on this album is fantastic, but the vocals are what really pulls me in. Frank Ocean's falsetto and runs are heavenly; guaranteed to give you goosebumps.

    This album is timeless and just gets better with every listen.    … Expand
  16. Atum_
    Jun 8, 2020
    9
    Frank Ocean is an amazing artist, his music just make people feel. This is, in my opinion his best album. He touch on a lot of different themes with his impecable penmanship and amazing voice. It's a shame how he can't seem to get any major mainstream buzz, he truly deserves it. I didn't use to like other music than only rap, however artists like Frank showed me that other music can beFrank Ocean is an amazing artist, his music just make people feel. This is, in my opinion his best album. He touch on a lot of different themes with his impecable penmanship and amazing voice. It's a shame how he can't seem to get any major mainstream buzz, he truly deserves it. I didn't use to like other music than only rap, however artists like Frank showed me that other music can be amazing as well. Favorite track: Super Rich Kids… Expand
  17. GamePlayer77
    May 25, 2021
    9
    Ocean's 2012 LP would be a masterpiece if it weren't for the lackluster feature verses, which don't fit the tracks at all. Besides that, channel ORANGE is a great storyteller with diverse tracks and interludes.

    FAV TRACK: Lost
    LEAST FAV TRACK: Super Rich Kids
  18. MusiclyMade
    Jul 29, 2012
    7
    The praise this album is getting was already decided way before it was released. The listening public and the critics want this album to be good so they say it is. What Frank Ocean has produced is a fine album that doffs its cap to Stevie Wonder and a few other R&B legends. The modern twist on the production gives it a more updated feel too and actually captures some of the emotion inThe praise this album is getting was already decided way before it was released. The listening public and the critics want this album to be good so they say it is. What Frank Ocean has produced is a fine album that doffs its cap to Stevie Wonder and a few other R&B legends. The modern twist on the production gives it a more updated feel too and actually captures some of the emotion in Ocean's voice that older methods may have missed. But there are no hooks that are worth remembering. Considering that Ocean has written songs for Justin Bieber, there's a lack of loud chorus on here that may have given Ocean another dimension to exlpore and show off the fantastic vocal and instrumental production on this thing. 'Pyramids' would have been perfect as a shorter track because it's the most radio-friendly song on Channel Orange. People are literally spaffing their pants over this album when it barely deserves an erection… Expand
  19. blogfirstlast
    Apr 9, 2013
    8
    It does get repetitive, but that's the style he was going for. He is a great singer and this album was produced like a Kanye album! This album had a perfect mix of R & B and Pop.
  20. JamesJennings
    May 2, 2022
    9
    My personal favorite R&B album of all time. While not perfect, and with a few more skits than I would like, I still find enjoyment in every listen. The music really takes you somewhere. It's like you're sitting in a chair on the beach drinking a martini looking up into the sky, but when the song Crack Rock kicks in the sky is on fire and the chair is on fire and the beach is on fire andMy personal favorite R&B album of all time. While not perfect, and with a few more skits than I would like, I still find enjoyment in every listen. The music really takes you somewhere. It's like you're sitting in a chair on the beach drinking a martini looking up into the sky, but when the song Crack Rock kicks in the sky is on fire and the chair is on fire and the beach is on fire and you're melting.… Expand
  21. pkindieboy
    Jul 22, 2012
    8
    A very enjoyable listen, and gets better with repeated listens as well. Ocean's vocal resemblance to Stevie Wonder is easily dismissed, and the production is interesting and the lyrics engrossing. Most of all, it's soulful as all get out. Don't believe the haters, this is good stuff.
  22. N10
    Jul 18, 2012
    10
    The R&B that I loved, I thought was gone, but damn I was wrong. This is an instant classic. The themes and some of it's concept kinda reminds me of Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. And just too compare Ocean with those great artists is something really big. For an debut album it´s great, it's fantastic. It's been years since I heard an R&B debut strong as this one. I've been a big fanThe R&B that I loved, I thought was gone, but damn I was wrong. This is an instant classic. The themes and some of it's concept kinda reminds me of Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. And just too compare Ocean with those great artists is something really big. For an debut album it´s great, it's fantastic. It's been years since I heard an R&B debut strong as this one. I've been a big fan of Ocean for quite a while now, and I was sick worried of how the album would be, If it's going to be a disappointment or not. And no. This is absolutley amazing. And now I'm honest, just because I'm a fan it doesn't mean that I'm lying, wouldn't lie to myself, that's pretty stupid. The lyrics are really good, better than I expected. I mean, I've always known that he was a good lyricist, but this was fenomenal. The story of each song is moslty fun, romantic, and sad. It simply is fantastic. He has improved as an artist, just listen to the song "Bad Religion"... Wow, an instant classic and one of the best songs of the year. That's cool, but then their are songs like "Sweet Life", "Super Rich Kids", "Pink Matter", and "Pyramids". And what about them? They all earn a grammy. Yeah, they all do. No other R&B artist has a song at the same level and quality as Ocean does this year. Just one, who? Ushers "Climax". And that's a great song. But yet, theirs no other one. How about Chris Brown? What about it. I pretty much like his music for the fun, and there was no other R&B artist to listen to at that time, just him and Usher just to mention somebody. But then it came two great and MATURED R&B artists. Frank Ocean and The Weeknd. If you haven't heard of him, check him out. Browns latest "Fortune" was mediocre, I'll give it a try agian later. A grammy nomination would be a disgrace to music. But I wouldn't be surprised if it would, there's no other in that category and genre now these days. And don't misunderstand me, I love Ushers music, but I like his older more. That's it.
    Kinda off-topic now, but please buy the album, buy the album if you support great music. It's a masterpiece of 2012. If this doesen't win a grammy for best album, then yeah. Their taste of music is bad. I mean wack.
    It's an beautiful album. The production doesn't feel cheap at all, either way around and also the lyrics. It's detailed, and the stories are for the most part absolutely brilliant! Buy it! It's worth it. ;)
    This ain't average, this is fantastic!    … Expand
  23. thugnificent2
    Mar 30, 2013
    10
    this album is incredible. give it a few listens before you declare it a masterpiece, i did and it changed my view on this album. sierra leone is a masterpiece, every song on the album is great. it's recomended to listen to this album while you're in love
  24. javierp
    Jun 5, 2022
    10
    Almost 10 years since this album came out and it still feels so fresh. True genius.
  25. jagai84
    Nov 3, 2012
    10
    incredible album for an incredible artiste with such soulful hooks and meaningful lyrics...i see dis album as one of the best for 2012 and a possibility of being nominated for album of the year at the grammys!
  26. simonsays
    Jun 14, 2013
    8
    A bit too much filler on this thing, but the vast majority of this album is a beautiful. A tad overrated as some of the tracks just aren't that compelling. The production is definitely unique though
  27. QuintonB
    Jan 4, 2013
    10
    Frank Ocean has brought back substance and style to R&B, releasing one of the best R&B albums since Voodoo by D'Angelo. His debut record, channel ORANGE already feels like a classic, mixing jazz fusion, pop, funk, R&B and soul into one cohesive record. Forget about the controversy surrounding his sexuality; Frank Ocean is already a fascinating artist who has much more to deliver.
  28. isthatbrandon
    Mar 23, 2016
    10
    Frank Ocean has one of the most soulful albums this decade. There is an incredible amount of substance and a definite replay factor to Channel Orange. The production is insanely good, and of course he sounds great. An absolute must buy
  29. Blonisco
    Jan 26, 2023
    10
    Pretty good……………………that's what I like."Lost","Thinkin Bout You","Pink Matter"are my best tracks
  30. Ndrwdvdbrsn
    Oct 9, 2022
    10
    Frank Ocean's album, Channel Orange, is one of the greatest albums of all time. It has great songs such as Thinkin Bout You, which is also one of the greatest records of all time. Frank Ocean is truly an artist like no other.
  31. BetterOffDead_
    May 19, 2014
    8
    wow this album is great track after track frank delivers great vocals and interesting topics. this album doesn't lack at all production is great very catchy songs of this, some of my favourites are bad religion,super rich kids,and lost there just a few every track on this album is well done nothing felled rushed. very impressed with franks debut album.
  32. partyfavor
    Apr 25, 2018
    10
    A musical masterpiece, a legendary album ahead of its time. channel ORANGE is one of the few albums that I don't skip even one track at all. Frank Ocean delivered lyrical substance, fun and fresh skit and theme of the album itself. Classic R&B.
  33. Calciferus
    Jun 2, 2013
    10
    Best of the best albums of 2012, Channel Orange is the spearhead of the next R'n'B generation. Diversity & idiosyncrasy of the album combined with the ability to make the music accessible without taking many spins & plays made it the most beautiful record of 2012. From the sentimental "Thinking About You" to the bourgeois-esque "Super Rich Kids", Frank somehow managed to make every trackBest of the best albums of 2012, Channel Orange is the spearhead of the next R'n'B generation. Diversity & idiosyncrasy of the album combined with the ability to make the music accessible without taking many spins & plays made it the most beautiful record of 2012. From the sentimental "Thinking About You" to the bourgeois-esque "Super Rich Kids", Frank somehow managed to make every track on this album to become an album-single-material (yes even "Start" and "Fertilizer"). Highlight of highlight tracks: Lost, Pyramids, Monks, Thinking About You, Super Rich Kids, Crack Rock.… Expand
  34. charlesobrien
    Sep 8, 2012
    10
    As a longtime Frank Ocean fan, it would be foolish to describe my review as unbiased. However, the absolute class and beauty of channel ORANGE leaves this record at an undeniable 10/10. The amount of talent broadcasted throughout this splendid record will undoubtedly allow it to prosper many years into the future.
  35. SugarVenomOhyea
    Nov 9, 2012
    10
    'Channel Orange' does amazing as a debut from an R&B singer. Frank Ocean effortlessly puts together a good album. Complete with mysterious interludes, filled with new-styled contemporary R&B, soul-ish beats with a modern edge to them. It also touches on themes of Bisexuality, being a first to do so
  36. OGHipHopCritic
    Jun 11, 2018
    10
    A 99 which rounds up to a 10/10. Ignoring the interludes, this album is the greatest album of the 2010's era. There would be no artist that could reach this level of greatness that Frank Ocean has achieved on channel orange. Channel Orange is full of the greatest and most relaxing RnB beats which are filled with vocals that sound angelic and heavenly. Frank's voice is hypnotic and perfect.A 99 which rounds up to a 10/10. Ignoring the interludes, this album is the greatest album of the 2010's era. There would be no artist that could reach this level of greatness that Frank Ocean has achieved on channel orange. Channel Orange is full of the greatest and most relaxing RnB beats which are filled with vocals that sound angelic and heavenly. Frank's voice is hypnotic and perfect. Like I said, the only negatives were the interludes, but then again, interludes should not be reviewed in albums. Thankfully this album won RnB album of the year. If I was deciding, this album would have won Frank at least 6 Grammys and almost 10 nominations. Strewth.… Expand
  37. Xellophone
    Oct 25, 2019
    10
    Okay this is the definition of a great album, probably the best R&B album ever, so much different emotions, just stunning
  38. eddie1987
    Jul 19, 2012
    10
    Frank ocean is truly very talented, he is great, beautiful lyrics and beats, harmonies, impressive album. my favorite tracks: Pyramids, Pilot Jones, Lost, Bad Religion, Sweet Life, Monks, Forest Gump, Thinkin Bout You
  39. WeAreTheFilter
    Jul 21, 2012
    9
    The best albums are often born out of the struggle to overcome adversity and pain. The process of picking over, examining, and releasing demons through the medium of music mostly results in albums that are honest, unguarded, and emotionally raw - all of which makes for a bloody-good listen. While Channel Orange, the debut album by 24-year-old singer-songwriter/rapper Frank Ocean, certainlyThe best albums are often born out of the struggle to overcome adversity and pain. The process of picking over, examining, and releasing demons through the medium of music mostly results in albums that are honest, unguarded, and emotionally raw - all of which makes for a bloody-good listen. While Channel Orange, the debut album by 24-year-old singer-songwriter/rapper Frank Ocean, certainly fits into this category, it is Ocean… Expand
  40. ragekoi
    Jul 14, 2013
    10
    Frank Ocean's "Channel Orange" is a musical marvel in comparison to a majority of the music on the market these days. Each track does a excellent job of not only sounding spectacular but also portraying powerful and emotional narratives. It stands out in the modern music industry as an avant-garde collection of stories portrayed through excellent music.
  41. MovieLover123
    Aug 29, 2016
    10
    God do I miss the days when Frank was not pretentious. This remains his best album to date. Best tracks off this album are Sierra Leone, Sweet Life, Pink Matter and Super Rich Kids.
  42. Andre3000
    Jul 21, 2012
    8
    An RnB classic that people will be listening to for years to come. Better than anything usher, chris brown, r kelly, the weeknd, ne yo, and others are putting out. He doesn't have the strongest voice....but his melodies are insane
  43. agunsux
    Dec 9, 2012
    9
    I
  44. Jeveuzac
    Jul 19, 2013
    10
    Definitely a masterpiece. It is one of the best albums I've heard in my life. While it begins in a simple, as the songs go by, it gradually becomes more complex. Frank Ocean knows how to make you addicted to him music, knows how to make a perfect album from start to finish
  45. Gosh_reiners938
    Jan 19, 2023
    10
    I honestly don't know how to describe it, there are so many great songs and emotion you can hear it in Frank's voice. So let's get the negative out of the way, the fertilizer song im disappointed it isn't the full version you can find it on YouTube the full song is actually pretty good but this snippet is kind of lame. Crack rock i have a mixed reaction i love the instruments used and someI honestly don't know how to describe it, there are so many great songs and emotion you can hear it in Frank's voice. So let's get the negative out of the way, the fertilizer song im disappointed it isn't the full version you can find it on YouTube the full song is actually pretty good but this snippet is kind of lame. Crack rock i have a mixed reaction i love the instruments used and some of the lyrics too but the repetitive singing of Crack rock Crack rock is honestly annoying. The highlight of the album and frank Oceans entire song catalog is pyramids, I remember hearing that for the first time just right in the beginning I'm thinking to myself what is this omg. The song is so beautiful the sound of it and the vocals plus it doesn't even feel that long of a song in my opinion it's the best song he has ever put out. I highly recommend this album too anyone and I'm so glad I finally listened to it for the first time in 2021 please check out this album you won't be disappointed! Also check out golden girl not included on spotify or apple music but is on YouTube or the cd version of Channel orange.… Expand
  46. ORIGINATED
    Apr 29, 2015
    9
    Pretending to be able to fully review this album in a few lines would be an insult to music as a form of art. This neo-soul, PR&B, jazz whatever album puts Frank Ocean on top of his own pyramid. Its title is a reference to grapheme–color synaesthesia, its songs are about life, religion, lust, love, sex and much more. There are so many details on this sonically unconventional andPretending to be able to fully review this album in a few lines would be an insult to music as a form of art. This neo-soul, PR&B, jazz whatever album puts Frank Ocean on top of his own pyramid. Its title is a reference to grapheme–color synaesthesia, its songs are about life, religion, lust, love, sex and much more. There are so many details on this sonically unconventional and substantial material, it’s hard to find a flaw. Perfectly mastered voice, insanely great jams and profound mind studies. It can be catchy without ever being too simple, very sentimental without manipulating. It’s a subtle movie, but unlike Life after Death, this one is closer to Kubrick more than Scorsese style. The first tracks feel almost a bit lighter than the final ones but the album is a masterpiece overall and no other artist was able to top this in 2012.

    Best track: Pyramids
    Exact Score: 9.5    … Expand
  47. eli_fjr
    Nov 7, 2019
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Intense but I think I liked it. At this point just listen to it so you don't feel left out.… Expand
  48. djlollyb
    Aug 23, 2012
    9
    Frank Ocean was one of last years sleeper hits and after appearing twice on Jay Z & Kanye West's collaboration album Watch the Throne and a critically acclaimed debut mixtape Nostalgia Ultra, Frank released his debut album Channel Orange. On this album Frank brings back the classic R&B we all thought was dead and does a very good job at it.
  49. chughes717
    Jul 18, 2012
    10
    Channel Orange is an instant classic. The album is the best to be released from any member of the Hip-Hop super-group, Odd Future thus far. Ocean's smooth voice, and brilliant song writing exemplify what has been missing in most music nowadays, and that is originality. It is very safe to say that Channel Orange is the 2012 album of the year at this point.
  50. tristantristan
    Nov 26, 2021
    7
    Mid. Pyramids is the only very good song, imo overrated. Boring to listen to
  51. SuperbaDMIke
    Jun 15, 2022
    9
    Channel Orange is one of those piece's of music that seems nostalgic the first time you hear it.
  52. somaontv
    Jul 21, 2023
    8
    omg omg omg this album was sooooo good Bad Religion had me shook tbh even though i don't put it on a pedistol words can't describe how good it is favorite track is super rich kids
  53. MichaelDN
    Dec 15, 2012
    7
    I think I'm giving this the positive score it deserves. It's not a bad album by any means, and I appreciate the originality, but I can hear better elsewhere. To the people who are saying how creative this is, and how bold Ocean was willing to be, I'd like to give them a copy of Radiohead's OK Computer or Stevie Wonder's Songs In The Key Of Life. Those are albums that can change the futureI think I'm giving this the positive score it deserves. It's not a bad album by any means, and I appreciate the originality, but I can hear better elsewhere. To the people who are saying how creative this is, and how bold Ocean was willing to be, I'd like to give them a copy of Radiohead's OK Computer or Stevie Wonder's Songs In The Key Of Life. Those are albums that can change the future of music. This is an album that has some cool ideas, and a couple of really strong tracks for sure, but it's nothing to write home about. I guess the fact that it is different is what people are going so crazy about, because while there is a lot of skill shown here, it's not outstandingly competent when you compare it to some of the other artists who are out there. I should say, it sounds like I'm being hard on this album, but that's only because I'm relating it to how others are perceiving it. With no previous expectations about what to think of this album, I would come back with nothing but positive things to say. It is interesting, creative, and enjoyable. However, I think all of those positive things you can say about it, that I would also say about it, have been blown out of proportion. It's definitely worth the listen, for its unique sounds, nice vocals, and interesting lyrics, but I wouldn't exactly call it one for the ages, as it's being considered.… Expand
  54. Ishan
    Jul 18, 2012
    10
    one word...beautiful.
  55. jp_fal
    Dec 4, 2012
    10
    Frank Ocean has done the whole genre of R&B a tremendous service with this album. Unlike his contemporaries hiding behind vocoder effects Frank projects soul not seen since the legends of the seventies. There is a real depth of emotion captured here that I have not seen in recent R&B, check out Sweet Life or Bad Religion. The lyrics are great and delivered with pace & style. His mainFrank Ocean has done the whole genre of R&B a tremendous service with this album. Unlike his contemporaries hiding behind vocoder effects Frank projects soul not seen since the legends of the seventies. There is a real depth of emotion captured here that I have not seen in recent R&B, check out Sweet Life or Bad Religion. The lyrics are great and delivered with pace & style. His main strength is his amazing vocals, Frank can sing in a way that makes you wonder if anyone else out there actually can.… Expand
  56. jatv1994
    Jan 29, 2013
    8
    Demonios, la publicidad es poderosa, y aunque no soy fan de este genero, (Fan de Mr. oizo, Autechre, etc.)
    me parece un album que funciona, gracias a la maravillosa voz de Ocean. Tiene gran profundidad la musica, la produccion es impecable con una calidad excelente. Pero no todo es color de rosa en este disco, que a mi parecer esta un poco sobrevalorado gracias a la reciente confesion de    Demonios, la publicidad es poderosa, y aunque no soy fan de este genero, (Fan de Mr. oizo, Autechre, etc.)
    me parece un album que funciona, gracias a la maravillosa voz de Ocean. Tiene gran profundidad la musica, la produccion es impecable con una calidad excelente. Pero no todo es color de rosa en este disco, que a mi parecer esta un poco sobrevalorado gracias a la reciente confesion de la bisexualidad de Frank O.
    Los temas que toca son repetitivos y sus letras no tan profundas como su calificacion sugiere. El "AMOR" abarca un 90% de su album, y cansa un poco lo mismo en todas las canciones.
    Si bien no es para comprarlo, una escuchada claro que vale la pena.    … Collapse
  57. remyplambert
    Sep 5, 2013
    8
    A smooth, beautiful album featuring Frank's vocal and stylistic range that tells a Los Angeles love story and all the complications involved, from lack of mutualistic attraction to surprisingly falling in love with another man.
  58. MusicPro
    Oct 28, 2014
    10
    Best album of 2012. And probably one of the best albums of all time. Really! It's amazing. Frank's style is amazing. The beats are awesome, the lyrics is very smart. This album takes you to California, Los Angeles. While you're listening to the album there are no clouds in the sky. And you're sitting on a chair on the street and... just enjoying the flaming sun.

    And it has a very    Best album of 2012. And probably one of the best albums of all time. Really! It's amazing. Frank's style is amazing. The beats are awesome, the lyrics is very smart. This album takes you to California, Los Angeles. While you're listening to the album there are no clouds in the sky. And you're sitting on a chair on the street and... just enjoying the flaming sun.

    And it has a very original and creative thing. This album is a channel. He is changing channels all the time and... he can't find a channel where he isn't there.

    He did this thing in his mixtape too. In '2011' with "nostalgia,ULTRA."

    He is talking a lot about his past too.

    In "Thinikn' Bout You' he admitted the he has fall in love once with a guy when he was 19.

    And there's an epic 10 minute song too. "Pyramids" That song is amazing! One of the best lyrics that I've ever heard. It's separated for two parts. And between them there are sounds that helps the first part fade into the second.

    The lyrics are describing the place and the situation where Frank is. It's beautiful.

    It takes you to Egypt.. and to a strip club called "The Pyramid" in the middle of the desert.

    And the word "Pyramid" has a lot of meanings too.

    This is an amazing R&B/Neo Soul album.    … Expand
  59. AlejandroLuque
    Mar 6, 2017
    10
    Hermoso, excelente, original, único, exquisito, definitivamente hoy en dia es dificil encontrar un talento como el de Frank Ocean, clasico y al mismo tiempo atemporal. es una delicia para los oidos, excelentemente escrito y producido, es indescriptible lo bueno que es este album, lo mejor que he escuchado en esta ultima decada, los generos musicales son tan diversos, pero al mismo tiempoHermoso, excelente, original, único, exquisito, definitivamente hoy en dia es dificil encontrar un talento como el de Frank Ocean, clasico y al mismo tiempo atemporal. es una delicia para los oidos, excelentemente escrito y producido, es indescriptible lo bueno que es este album, lo mejor que he escuchado en esta ultima decada, los generos musicales son tan diversos, pero al mismo tiempo encajan tan perfectamente, es coherente sonica y liricamente.… Expand
  60. Boatfromthesea
    Jun 1, 2018
    9
    Great GreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreatGreat
  61. bust0rf
    Mar 6, 2017
    10
    THIS ALBUM IS JUST AMAZING. Frank Ocean is the best male singer. I just don't have words to describe how much I love this record. His voice is so soft, the lyrics, ahhhh, I LOVE YOU FRANK.
  62. bhkben
    Nov 27, 2020
    10
    even today, i hear this album as if i was hearing it for the first time. all the emotions, exposed mercilessly, it makes you feel and vision the album itself. to frank, i love you. thank you for this masterpiece.
  63. ahern1204
    Oct 6, 2015
    10
    This album is just beautiful and relatable on so many levels. Frank Ocean is an amazing soul and while channel ORANGE can be considered "fake deep" or corny at some points, it still works out in the end to being one of the best debut albums I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. Would I say people overrate it because of him coming out right before the release? Yes but do I think thatThis album is just beautiful and relatable on so many levels. Frank Ocean is an amazing soul and while channel ORANGE can be considered "fake deep" or corny at some points, it still works out in the end to being one of the best debut albums I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. Would I say people overrate it because of him coming out right before the release? Yes but do I think that takes away from the music itself? Of course not. The fantastic blend of R&B, neo-soul and psychedelia production makes channel very easy listening for an album with such dark and moody themes. In short, channel ORANGE is a masterpiece of music.
    Best Songs: Pyramids, Pink Matter & Sweet Life
    10/10    … Expand
  64. AudioGunblast
    Nov 26, 2013
    8
    NOTE: An 8 from me means I really liked it. I don't toss 10s around.

    The last album I listened to was Vampire Weekend's sophomore release, Contra, an excellent album, but which was bursting with lyrical content about anything and everything, whether it was Nicaragua, The Clash, old video games, or the breakup it was actually supposed to be about. Frank Ocean has interesting lyrical    NOTE: An 8 from me means I really liked it. I don't toss 10s around.

    The last album I listened to was Vampire Weekend's sophomore release, Contra, an excellent album, but which was bursting with lyrical content about anything and everything, whether it was Nicaragua, The Clash, old video games, or the breakup it was actually supposed to be about. Frank Ocean has interesting lyrical content throughout this album as well, but it's much more concentrated on the theme. I can tell that this record overall was inspired by the homosexual relationship described in his "open letter", but he also goes into other relevant parts of his life and past, like being filthy rich and dealing with his unrequited first love. I've yet to understand whatever the hell is going on in "Pink Matter", though.

    This is musically an inferior album to Contra, though. While I do love the beats on tracks like "Thinkin Bout You", "Super Rich Kids", and "Lost", it's just not up to par on songs like "Sierra Leone", "Pilot Jones", and "Monks". I guess you could call it a "meh" album in this regard, because it is. This could possibly be my album of the year 2012 if it were better this way.

    But as a whole? Yeah, this album's pretty excellent. In spite of what I said earlier about its inconsistent production quality, that matters not too much because this is a lyric-based LP. And its good tracks can be extremely good, especially in the case of "Pyramids", very likely my favorite song of 2012 (although I'm well aware that I'm not the only one who thinks this, this is generally hailed as a modern classic). "Pyramids" is just one of those songs where you just have to take a step back and bask in its awesomeness. It's no epic, extended crescendo; it's not "Stairway to Heaven", it's not "Bohemian Rhapsody", it's not "Won't Get Fooled Again". It doesn't even follow the model of modern long songs like Green Day's "Jesus of Suburbia", LCD Soundsystem's "All My Friends", or Justin Timberlake's "What Goes Around... Comes Around". It's completely different thing altogether, an entity unto itself. I don't think there's any song I've heard before that I can compare it to, which earns it even more respect than I already give it.

    It's also worth noting that Frank is an excellent singer, and his vocal ability is especially pronounced on songs like "Pyramids" and "Thinkin Bout You", actually my two favorite songs from the album. But like the former song, I can't think of anyone it reminds me of. When I hear the voice on a Frank Ocean song, I'll easily be able to recognize it as his.

    STANDOUT TRACKS: THINKIN BOUT YOU, SWEET LIFE, SUPER RICH KIDS, PYRAMIDS, LOST, WHITE, BAD RELIGION, FORREST GUMP    … Expand
  65. glasses1
    Nov 24, 2013
    10
    brings peace. Beautiful composition. This is a classic that I recently discovered after going on odd future' website and downloading nostalgia/Ultra. Very strong debut from Ocean and I expect more great things from him in the hopefully near future. Highlights include "Thinkin Bout You", "Super Rich Kids", and "Pyramids".
  66. Tabor
    May 25, 2017
    9
    Frank Oceans genius is shown off on his debut studio album "channel ORANGE". He fills the space with heartfelt ballads, and trap fueled anthems of depression and pain. Ocean is humbled and merely just consumed by his art in every track. Through his perfectionist mentality, you see he is not in the game for money or other side benefits. It is an exhausting album, but this is one of the fewFrank Oceans genius is shown off on his debut studio album "channel ORANGE". He fills the space with heartfelt ballads, and trap fueled anthems of depression and pain. Ocean is humbled and merely just consumed by his art in every track. Through his perfectionist mentality, you see he is not in the game for money or other side benefits. It is an exhausting album, but this is one of the few times you will love to be so emotionally wrung out.… Expand
  67. sambartlett2004
    Jan 17, 2021
    9
    As far as first albums go this is what every artist should strive for. Frank talks about growing up in LA with his incredible songwriting and lyrics while performing the with great vocals. Channel Orange is the ideal Frank Ocean.
  68. ANGELOO22
    Feb 6, 2022
    9
    Um projeto que reflete toda genialidade de um artista que não gosta de se prender a fórmulas repetidas e convencionais, assim eu descreveria Channel Orange e o seu criador Frank Ocean. Entregando complexidade e individualidade em cada faixa, Frank faz com que Channel Orange se destaque de maneira brilhante e automaticamente gera qualquer hype para futuros projetos.
    Um destaque para os    Um projeto que reflete toda genialidade de um artista que não gosta de se prender a fórmulas repetidas e convencionais, assim eu descreveria Channel Orange e o seu criador Frank Ocean. Entregando complexidade e individualidade em cada faixa, Frank faz com que Channel Orange se destaque de maneira brilhante e automaticamente gera qualquer hype para futuros projetos.
    Um destaque para os instrumentais que são geniais, cheios de camadas, samples que são perfeitamente bem encaixados e o uso de instrumentos não tão comuns aos nossos ouvidos fazem desse álbum algo genial que se diferencia totalmente dessa atual indústria desgastada.

    Meu top 5 faixas:
    Pymarids
    Thinkin Bout You
    Lost
    Super Rich Kids
    Sierra Leone    … Expand
  69. jstrickler872
    Jul 19, 2012
    10
    Frank Ocean is amazing! This album proves what he is truly capable of! when i saw it was 92/100 from critics i was kind of shocked! Not even drake got that high of a score.
  70. UglyWhiteKid
    Jul 20, 2012
    10
    Basically, the best album since My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and one of the greatest debut albums I have ever heard. If Frank can top this... wow.
  71. sudheervemuru
    Jul 19, 2012
    7
    The album has its high points and they are certainly high as far as modern R&B goes, but it isn't as tied down as Nostalgia/Ultra, which is the superior of the two. Highlights include: Pyramids, Lost, Bad Religion, and Thinkin Bout You. It's a must-listen for 2012, but won't be the best major label record Frank Ocean delivers hopefully.
  72. RomanRaifeld
    Aug 26, 2012
    9
    Probably one of the best longplays of the year. And it's so neworleansese.) Fank Ocean sounds like Stevie Wonder of our days. "Lost" is my favourite track by the way.
  73. iAmericA45
    Jul 18, 2012
    9
    This record is simultaneously incredibly fresh and nostalgic. Borrowing classic R&B elements and combining them with modern beats, great guest rap verses, and hugely innovative songwriting, Channel Orange is a GIANT step forward for frank, and also for the entire genre of 'PBR&B.' Breaking free of the traditional Odd Future niche in many places, Frank creates some truly astounding vocalThis record is simultaneously incredibly fresh and nostalgic. Borrowing classic R&B elements and combining them with modern beats, great guest rap verses, and hugely innovative songwriting, Channel Orange is a GIANT step forward for frank, and also for the entire genre of 'PBR&B.' Breaking free of the traditional Odd Future niche in many places, Frank creates some truly astounding vocal and musical phrases which are complimented by dazzling production and arrangement. Mark my words: countless Frank Ocean imitators are about to start popping up in what seems to be the next hot style in Hip-Hop/R&B. Easily the freshest and most innovative album to come out so far this year, if not the decade. I honestly believe that this album may be a gamechanger in pop culture. Also, Andre 3000 spits the Verse of the century on 'Pink Matter.' The man is supernaturally talented.… Expand
  74. myxo101
    Sep 28, 2012
    10
    This album is literally a canvas filled with rich imagery of Ocean's lyrics, bind together with the precision & detail of a great musician; This is literally a masterpiece of Ocean's deepest thoughts.
  75. MajesticUterus
    Jan 12, 2013
    9
    Channel Orange is pure ambition. Frank Ocean's great vocals and unconventional melodies and production create a total re-imagining of R&B. The best album I've heard since Kanye West's 2010 My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.
  76. KriShnaK
    May 11, 2014
    10
    Channel Orange - what an amazing album.
    Frank Ocean has given some beautiful songs like Forrest Gump, Lost, Thinking 'bout you, Pyramids.
    The album has a very distinct essence unlike other mainstream contemporary albums.
    A must listen. 10/10
  77. LROC
    May 4, 2017
    10
    Certainly one of the best albums of the decade. Simply incredible. I would not be exaggerating if I said it was the best R & B album of the decade and probably the 2000s. It is complete in every aspect that an album needs to be. It has, moreover, a coherent and intelligible sequence between the songs, thus giving a complete and intelligent body to the disc.
    About the lyrics? "It's Frank    Certainly one of the best albums of the decade. Simply incredible. I would not be exaggerating if I said it was the best R & B album of the decade and probably the 2000s. It is complete in every aspect that an album needs to be. It has, moreover, a coherent and intelligible sequence between the songs, thus giving a complete and intelligent body to the disc.
    About the lyrics? "It's Frank Ocean, **** That's all I can say, in short. Sharp rhymes, the lyrics with body and so deep that really touch the heart. The beats are flawless as the arrangements and everything on this album is. "Piramids" is so incredibly good that it doesn't even seem like 9 minutes. In fact, my desire to hear this song is that it never ends. "Thinkin Bout You" is impeccable, like "Sierra Leone", "Sweet Life" and "Pilot Jones", very good, very consistent. "Bad Religion" and "Pink Matter" remind me of issues related to sexuality, they touched me a lot, I was caught up in these two and, especially, "Bad Religion". "Crack Rock", "Forrest Gump", "Lost" and "Monks" are also very strong and have a contagious beat. There simply is not a "more or less" song on this album. They are all incredibly good and sensible.

    This is an album that has everything to be a great classic, just as Ocean has everything to be a great artist. I believe that this album did not reach the astronomical proportions it deserved because the industry, unfortunately, is driven to the advertisements and marketing of the great record companies. It is a shame and a great loss for the industry not to recognize this album (which deserved the Grammy Award for Album of the Year) and this incredible artist.    … Expand
  78. Fidelito
    Nov 21, 2021
    10
    Es Channel Orange de Frank Ocean, que mas quieres???

    Its Channel Orange by Frank Ocean, can u ask for more???
  79. smithclark15
    Oct 7, 2012
    9
  80. OrangeOcean
    Feb 1, 2013
    10
    Best album since Kanye's "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" Different kinds of singles but all the singles contain a same special Ocean's heart-broken feeling. Perfect songs. Perfect vocal performances. No doubt that is the album of the year.
  81. BIG-Dong
    Jun 21, 2013
    10
    Emotional, raw, deep, and lyricism at its finest, Frank Ocean delivers on "channel ORANGE," making it one of the best albums in recent memory. The album as a whole serves as commentary, but the smooth manner bombining many genres of music together in which Ocean explores his issues makes the listen all the more enjoyable. Even the tracks "Start" and "End," which can be described asEmotional, raw, deep, and lyricism at its finest, Frank Ocean delivers on "channel ORANGE," making it one of the best albums in recent memory. The album as a whole serves as commentary, but the smooth manner bombining many genres of music together in which Ocean explores his issues makes the listen all the more enjoyable. Even the tracks "Start" and "End," which can be described as sound bites, are enjoyable in the context of the full album. By the end, Ocean's album will have you wanting more.… Expand
  82. wfsenior
    Dec 19, 2018
    9
    'channel ORANGE', the debut studio album from Frank Ocean, is one of the best R&B albums ever created. A standout in a dying genre, this record was named after the colour that Ocean perceived when he first fell in love (thanks to his grapheme-color synesthesia). This breakout project features gorgeous & emotional vocals which boast incredible range; Ocean has been gifted with a unique,'channel ORANGE', the debut studio album from Frank Ocean, is one of the best R&B albums ever created. A standout in a dying genre, this record was named after the colour that Ocean perceived when he first fell in love (thanks to his grapheme-color synesthesia). This breakout project features gorgeous & emotional vocals which boast incredible range; Ocean has been gifted with a unique, powerful and iconic voice. Crisp production and fantastic storytelling are all built by Ocean atop influences from Stevie Wonder and Prince. Everybody needs to hear this album at least once.

    The artwork is so simplistic that it stands out and just works. My absolute favourite tracks are 'Thinkin Bout You', 'Sierra Leone', 'Pyramids', 'Lost', 'Bad Religion', 'Pink Matter', 'Forrest Gump' and 'End'. Overall I would rate 'channel ORANGE' a 9.5/10 - and the only reason that I didn't give this a 10/10 is because Ocean outdid himself on his second studio album 'Blonde', which is my favourite album of all time.    … Expand
  83. fredinwhiterock
    Sep 21, 2012
    7
    I loved this album on first listen and enjoy it slightly less with the passage of time and plays. Another reviewer here refers to Ocean's genius and Janelle Monae. I experienced the same exhilaration with her last album and now can't bring myself to listen to it at all. Maybe genius' albums should have best before dates stamped on them.
  84. JakJohn
    Jul 19, 2012
    10
    Songs on this album are like pieces of puzzle! Just like his open letter, now many hate on this guy more than ever. channel ORANGE is arguably Album of the Year.
  85. nicoo
    Jul 18, 2012
    10
    The Album Is Such An Improvement From Nostalgia, Ultra That Is Almost unbelievable, Songs Like Thinkin bout You And Bad Religion Are Simply Breathtaking But Channel, Orange Greatness Lies In The Few Songs Where The Writing Seems Not So Complicated (Lost, Crack Rock) Channel, ORANGE Does Not Have Bad Songs Only Non Perfect Moments
  86. KonTheDon
    Aug 10, 2012
    10
    Best album of the year! Almost perfect, my personal favourite songs are Thinkin Bout You, Pink Matter, Bad Religion and Forrest Gump. Amazing voice and lyrics!
  87. cnrcnr
    Jan 10, 2013
    10
    Frank Ocean has poured his heart out into, what I would say is one of the best RnB albums in the last 10 years. Not scared to experiment or be different he has produced songs that people want to hear, and frankly I cant stop playing it. Pyramids, though epic in length; is outstanding especially compared to the commercial, overplayed, overproduced, repetitive 'music' released nowadays.Frank Ocean has poured his heart out into, what I would say is one of the best RnB albums in the last 10 years. Not scared to experiment or be different he has produced songs that people want to hear, and frankly I cant stop playing it. Pyramids, though epic in length; is outstanding especially compared to the commercial, overplayed, overproduced, repetitive 'music' released nowadays. Frank Ocean has produced an album with so many artistic layers, with little snippets of flickering TV channels and conversations, not to mentions the 'jingle-esque' fertilizer, expressing soul in a comical way. If you haven't heard the album, do not underestimate it's sheer genius and beauty. Thank god for Channel Orange… Expand
  88. PerilousPanda
    Jan 24, 2016
    10
    Frank Ocean is airborne, looking around, taking it all in. "Up above the birds, I saw the sky like I never seen before," he whispers on his major-label debut, Channel Orange, as avian chirps surround him. "You thought I was above you." The 24-year-old has quickly proven himself to be among the most gifted singer-songwriters of his generation; he's got the type of voice, wit, charm, smarts,Frank Ocean is airborne, looking around, taking it all in. "Up above the birds, I saw the sky like I never seen before," he whispers on his major-label debut, Channel Orange, as avian chirps surround him. "You thought I was above you." The 24-year-old has quickly proven himself to be among the most gifted singer-songwriters of his generation; he's got the type of voice, wit, charm, smarts, and ineffable humanity that's always hoped for, but never promised. And he's got every reason to think he's above the vividly realized lost souls that slouch, preen, and weep throughout his album. But that's not how Frank Ocean works. His lofty gaze is powerful, but not all-powerful. "What's a god to a non-believer who don't believe in anything?" he sang on Watch the Throne's "No Church in the Wild". He's so good at questioning that answers can't help but bubble up in the wake of his words.
    Along with Ocean's empathy for his characters is a sense of repose-- he's been there, he's weathered it, and he's come away with his Zen-like calm intact. On Channel Orange, this serene deadpan is splashed with crackling emotion, as though he's alternately narrating and starring in his own Magnolia-style cross-wired-heartbreak epic. It's all there on proper opener "Thinkin Bout You", where he battles his own brain while reminiscing about a first love. He tells himself white lies in the verse before flipping to a falsetto that could make D'Angelo sweat for the endless wound of a chorus: "Do you not think so far ahead?/ Cause I've been thinkin bout forever."
    When Ocean dropped an early take of "Thinkin Bout You" on his Tumblr last summer, it was quickly followed by a version from perfectly competent Roc Nation signee Bridget Kelly, who claimed Ocean originally wrote the song for her. The fact that Ocean's take dwarfs Kelly's both artistically as well as in terms of popularity is telling. After languishing as a behind-the-scenes writer for pop stars including Brandy, John Legend, and Justin Bieber, with "Thinkin Bout You" Ocean doubled down on the out-of-nowhere success of his unique and brilliant 2011 mixtape, Nostalgia, Ultra., marking his territory as a performer in his own right. And while he's now primarily writing songs for himself, his time toiling in L.A. studios gave him the experience to create a piece as accomplished and varied as Channel Orange, which swings from Stevie-style keyboard breeziness to 1990s bap&B to mystic psych rock to crunching 8-bit funk without thinking twice.
    The "Thinkin Bout You" mix-up was telling for another reason, too. As written, it's by-and-large a unisex composition, and the line, "my eyes don't shed tears, but boy they pour when I'm thinkin bout you," didn't seem especially revealing since Ocean wrote the song for a woman. In light of the letter he published earlier this month, in which he stated that his first love, at age 19, was with a man, that line-- and others on the album-- gains some personal and historical context. For a culture that accurately prides itself on sonic progression, hip-hop and R&B can be woefully conservative when it comes to sexuality. This is changing, and Frank Ocean is helping it to change, and if his revelation inspires others to understand themselves or the world more fully, then that could be one of Channel Orange's finest legacies. But it will not be the album's only legacy.
    Aside from its bravery, Ocean's letter was, in itself, stunningly written. Its beautiful ambiguities had people reacting with sensational headlines, and then amending those sensational headlines, and then thinking about how and why they personally reacted to such sensational headlines. More questions; more answers. After realizing he was in love with a man, Ocean "reminisced about the sentimental songs I enjoyed when I was a teenager. the ones I played when I experienced a girlfriend for the first time. I realized they were written in a language I did not yet speak." And, whether consciously or not, Channel Orange's language is admirably-- and skillfully-- inclusive. Rather than getting listeners to comb through the lyrics for certain words or references, Ocean mixes things up so well-- and coats the entire affair with heavy doses of disorienting surreality-- that petty pronoun policing is rendered completely useless as deeper meanings reveal themselves at the same time.
    While pop is currently in the golden age of exacting self-reflection-- an often beguiling phenomenon spurred on by the internet's infinite mirror-- Ocean is interested in a more selfless pursuit. "As a lifestyle, you always being the focal point is innately unhealthy," Ocean recently told The New York Times. "I like the anonymity that directors can have about their films. Even though it's my voice, I'm a storyteller." Those tales are as wide-ranging as they are engrossing, always benefitting from Ocean's eye for detail and specificity. There are sly California class observations in the vein of Joan Didion or Randy Newman, wher    … Expand
  89. Phuc2002
    Oct 3, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. best album of 2012. Give me such a nostalgia feelings and i still love it. Frank is the Genius of our time… Expand
  90. SyreSam
    Sep 6, 2021
    10
    I mean it has a grammy when they didnt snub anyone i hope so. I got nothing to say to the genius of this album
  91. SeanR2003
    Jun 3, 2022
    10
    One of the best albums of all time turning 10! Such a great album from start to finish, wish I could just go back and listen for the first time
  92. Skrapoel
    Jul 19, 2012
    9
    Nostalgia, Ultra was my favorite album (mixtape) of 2011. I didn't expect the new album to come close but I was wrong. The falsetto in Thinking Bout You is stunning.
  93. MadJ
    Jul 19, 2012
    10
    Why is it that the reviewers who gave Channel Orange negative scores, also gave Lana Del Rey 10/10? I guess instead of listening to poignant critiques of opulence and wealth, they'd rather hear superficial musings about it.
  94. Alternativelove
    Jul 19, 2012
    10
    The meteoric rise of Frank Ocean is undoubtedly indebted to his charismatic persona. He is a very intimate human being who is willing to fully wear his heart on his sleeve, but not for the attention. While a lot of focus has recently been cast upon his sexuality, his courage translates to great songs as well, and all the hype hater should admit that this guy is a very gifted songwriter.The meteoric rise of Frank Ocean is undoubtedly indebted to his charismatic persona. He is a very intimate human being who is willing to fully wear his heart on his sleeve, but not for the attention. While a lot of focus has recently been cast upon his sexuality, his courage translates to great songs as well, and all the hype hater should admit that this guy is a very gifted songwriter. His songs are almost uncomfortably personal ranging from heart-wrenchingly gorgeous (Bad Religion), to intelligently observing (crack rock), to surprisingly funny (Super Rich Kids). The variety of these songs is exceptional for hip-hop and Frank himself gives across a vibe similar to Stevie Wonder of Marvin Gaye. He's an old soul who has an indie reputation and an ear toward mainstream. Superlatives and praise will undoubtedly be heaped upon him, but rightfully so for this is one of the freshest sounds in hip-hop, maybe in music in general. He's just as radical and revolutionary as his Odd Future mates, but as a singer/song-writer he is second to none. Give this album a shot even if you are not into hip-hop, you might just get hooked. (10/10)… Expand
  95. CPB
    Jan 2, 2013
    9
    The best album I have heard in 2012.
  96. Miszi
    Jul 29, 2012
    8
    "Pyramids" has to be one of Frank's best songs. After hearing this 10 minute long story with beautiful complex beat I thought the album would be much better than "Nostalgia,ULTRA". While this album does show off even more of Ocean's amazing writing skills it lacks the melodic hooks that made "Nostalgia" even more of an amazing effort. That's not to say there aren't any, "Thinkin' Bout You""Pyramids" has to be one of Frank's best songs. After hearing this 10 minute long story with beautiful complex beat I thought the album would be much better than "Nostalgia,ULTRA". While this album does show off even more of Ocean's amazing writing skills it lacks the melodic hooks that made "Nostalgia" even more of an amazing effort. That's not to say there aren't any, "Thinkin' Bout You" is probably the best example considering the mind-blowing falsetto. So my opinion on the whole thing is that it's a great debut but it's extremely overrated because of personal letter from artist that made it's way onto internet a couple of days before the release of album. My favourite tracks are (in no particular order): "Pyramids", "Lost", "Crack Rock", "Bad Religion" & "Pink Matter" .… Expand
  97. Bones
    Nov 1, 2014
    10
    A beautiful album that explores many different dimensions, what makes it mostly beautiful is Frank Ocean who isn't afraid to dig inside those dimensions and along the way makes the listeners dig into them as well.
  98. np6
    Oct 3, 2012
    10
    This is the most addictive album I've listen in a long time. And I am not even close of being a fan of R&B or rap.Can't wait to see where Frank goes from here. Well done!!!
  99. TheFriedMan
    Apr 16, 2013
    10
    When it's good, it's amazing, but there are few moments of the album that are hollow and therefore not deserving of a 10. However, that shouldn't take away from the fact that this is a 9.
  100. bdun_12
    Nov 1, 2012
    10
    Almost none of my friends like Frank Ocean. Some can "handle" him, but few truly like his music. My friends are the ones that like that really hardcore rap music. You know, the songs about sex, drinking, money, fame, fancy cars, women. The ones where they cuss they every other line, and where all the songs are about the same thing. I think the problem is simple. They can't understand trueAlmost none of my friends like Frank Ocean. Some can "handle" him, but few truly like his music. My friends are the ones that like that really hardcore rap music. You know, the songs about sex, drinking, money, fame, fancy cars, women. The ones where they cuss they every other line, and where all the songs are about the same thing. I think the problem is simple. They can't understand true music when they hear it. Channel Orange is the best album of the year, and revived true R&B music. When was the last time you heard anything like this? It's been a while. I can't stop listening to this raw, new, soulful album. It's beautiful. It's an instant classic piece of music. The flow and production are phenomenal. The songs go around the usual "newfound success" genre and make you realize what Frank sees of this new fame and lifestyle. It's a perfect debut album. He puts us right in his shoes and tells us what he thinks.
    And yes, Frank Ocean is an amazing musician. Does he have potential? More than enough. His ideas are creative and refreshing. Channel Orange is an album to appreciate and enjoy, and I have done that each and every listen. And I don't care if Frank Ocean is gay, straight, lesbian, asexual, black, purple, yellow, or orange. He is a musician whose albums I will anticipate, whose songs I will sing along to, and whose personality I can understand. Listen to Channel Orange.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best Album of 2012
7
#7 Most Discussed Album of 2012
1
#1 Most Shared Album of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 46 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 46
  3. Negative: 0 out of 46
  1. Uncut
    Sep 14, 2012
    80
    Sumptuous and sprawling, his major label debut comfortably backs up the hype. [Oct 2012, p.86]
  2. Q Magazine
    Aug 20, 2012
    80
    While Ocean's artistic ambition is impressive, it's his haunting candour that really casts a spell. [Sep 2012, p.106]
  3. Mojo
    Aug 8, 2012
    80
    [A] rich and complex album. [Sep 2012, p.95]
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