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. omarsajdi96
    Sep 22, 2016
    10
    Out of 13 songs, I thoroughly enjoyed 10 of them. I also really enjoyed the skits. In an era of music where mainstream music becomes increasingly plain or god awful, Frank Ocean displays immense talent and artistic ideas. Channel Orange explores crowds of emotions and themes. I personally believe Frank Ocean puts words together in a gorgeous and passionate manner. Hats off to one of theOut of 13 songs, I thoroughly enjoyed 10 of them. I also really enjoyed the skits. In an era of music where mainstream music becomes increasingly plain or god awful, Frank Ocean displays immense talent and artistic ideas. Channel Orange explores crowds of emotions and themes. I personally believe Frank Ocean puts words together in a gorgeous and passionate manner. Hats off to one of the best albums in this decade.… Expand
  2. lstubbs1
    Feb 22, 2017
    10
    I am an avid music enthusiast in Chicago, and have been listening to all genres of music since I could remember. I have multiple copies of Frank Ocean’s albums along with electronic streaming access to all of them.
    This one in particular is one of my favorites.With this album being his first after a long period of time, it was well worth the wait. When first listening, I immediately fell    I am an avid music enthusiast in Chicago, and have been listening to all genres of music since I could remember. I have multiple copies of Frank Ocean’s albums along with electronic streaming access to all of them.
    This one in particular is one of my favorites.With this album being his first after a long period of time, it was well worth the wait. When first listening, I immediately fell in love due to Ocean’s display of a story through the uniqueness of his voice and his neo-soul, jazzy sound. I noticed that the album being of the R&B, Neo-Soul genre is set up uniquely where the different tracks represent different programs as we channel-surf through Ocean’s memories. The soundtrack starts with a forty-six second intro which includes a television being turned on. A track that stood out to me was “Super Rich Kids”. This song specifically gave the album a more soothing, sunday at home feel. It will make listeners want to replay and replay until they know all of the lyrics. Although I believe this album to be Ocean’s best album, if I were to pick the song that is my least favorite, it would have to be “Thinkin Bout You”. This song does not jump out to me as an amazing song, It is slow paced and kind of boring which is, in my opinion, not the best way to start off an album. The rest of the album consists of different tempos, sounds including unique instruments and noises, and flows including fast paced and slower paced, as Frank Ocean recollects on his past up into his present.
    I recommend this album for anyone that loves great, soul touching music. If you listen to and enjoy artists such as Childish Gambino, John Mayer, and the Weeknd you will enjoy Compared to Ocean’s three other albums, this one stands out as the more unique and overall satisfying. All seventeen tracks of Channel Orange will have you asking for more and more and sad when it finally ends.    … Expand
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. JanisAg
    May 6, 2017
    10
    It says a lot when you wanna stay up until 4AM so that you could listen to this album and just fully experience this masterpiece. Its one of those albums that you could listen to over and over and over. One of those albums that will constantly give you that emotional satisfaction. One of those albums that you will come back to in 10 or so years. One of my favourite albums of all time.It says a lot when you wanna stay up until 4AM so that you could listen to this album and just fully experience this masterpiece. Its one of those albums that you could listen to over and over and over. One of those albums that will constantly give you that emotional satisfaction. One of those albums that you will come back to in 10 or so years. One of my favourite albums of all time. Thank you Frank for this!… Expand
  6. 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
  7. FruitJuice
    Jul 18, 2017
    8
    great album............................................................................................................................................................
  8. daniels_live
    Sep 12, 2017
    9
    On CO it seemed that Frank sticked to an alternative R&B style, using synths, basses and some particular programmed beats, it made a remarkable record with slow beat and ambient synth songs but also keeping a fresh touch wich includes some jazzy, funk influenced sounds to some of its songs. Listening to the lyrics, its obvious that there is a heavy story telling songwriting that are notOn CO it seemed that Frank sticked to an alternative R&B style, using synths, basses and some particular programmed beats, it made a remarkable record with slow beat and ambient synth songs but also keeping a fresh touch wich includes some jazzy, funk influenced sounds to some of its songs. Listening to the lyrics, its obvious that there is a heavy story telling songwriting that are not necessarily experiences lived by Frank and although some topics are similar in his songs, each story doesnt seem to be related. The fact that the instrumentals create a dynamic R&B urban record, ficticious stories are something interesting for the listener. Lyrics words are in some way related to hip hop backgrounds which make obvious that this record is a modern R&B record.
    Although the record is aimed for pop music because some songs have a love atmosphere, they talk about quite different stuff. Frank sticked to a conservative vocal approach, but in an epic way, the quality of the vocals have the same effort than the instrumentals.
    Never thought of a mostly slow paced album that could be an enjoyable summer album. This album is an example of vocal, production and songwriting quality.
    Favorite songs: Thinking bout you, Sweet life, Crack rock, Pyramids, Pink Matter, Forrest Gump.

    Based on the 1 month writing process that Frank and Ho had and that all songs were single worthy songs (liked all songs) and the different styles that the record treats, I would give it a 95    … Expand
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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".
  14. 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
  15. The_taint
    Jun 4, 2019
    8
    A utterly gorgeous album. I just hope he doesn't fade into mediocrity . My background is rock and metal but this view my head wide open
  16. Tjkast
    Jun 9, 2019
    9
    best album everrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
  17. he_ze1
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    This album is beautiful top to finish, I come back to listen and view it alot and it has grown into one of the best albums to come out of 2010's really beautiful project honestly it says 8 but by rating is actually 8.8 so big W
  18. 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
  19. Flikkie72
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    Amazing emotional journey with sounds that will stay fresh year after year after year.
  20. Toillion
    Mar 28, 2020
    10
    Amazing start to the amazing Frank ocean. This is unlike any other no budget album from def jam records.
  21. 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
  22. 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.
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. bronsonhatch
    Jan 25, 2023
    10
    By far my favorite album of all time. I’ve been listening for years and everytime i listen from beginning to end (very often) it feels like the first time. So ahead of its time, beautiful, emotional, everlasting, and perfect in every sense of the word
  28. 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
  29. 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???
  30. tristantristan
    Nov 26, 2021
    7
    Mid. Pyramids is the only very good song, imo overrated. Boring to listen to
  31. 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
  32. 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
  33. 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
  34. javierp
    Jun 5, 2022
    10
    Almost 10 years since this album came out and it still feels so fresh. True genius.
  35. 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
  36. SuperbaDMIke
    Jun 15, 2022
    9
    Channel Orange is one of those piece's of music that seems nostalgic the first time you hear it.
  37. 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.
  38. 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
  39. padduck7
    Nov 29, 2022
    9
    An album that can be overestimated. Ten years later, it still looks sophisticated.
  40. Blonisco
    Jan 26, 2023
    10
    Pretty good……………………that's what I like."Lost","Thinkin Bout You","Pink Matter"are my best tracks
  41. 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
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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]
See all critic reviews »