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. 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
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. 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.
  7. 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!!!
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Ishan
    Jul 18, 2012
    10
    one word...beautiful.
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. 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
  14. Thankyou
    Jul 20, 2012
    10
    Best album of the year So Far. The album really doesn't have a horrible song. Great all the way through, production was great and is just a masterpiece.
  15. 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
  16. tee-mo
    Jul 19, 2012
    10
    This is not just a classic R&B album, this is just a classic. Ocean gives the listener everything he has, opening himself up and displaying his most personal feelings for everybody to see. Its sincere, its beautiful, its powerful and you can completely lose yourself for the entirety of the album.
  17. 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
  18. 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.
  19. Benson
    Jul 18, 2012
    10
    I dont even like R&B, but this is probably my favorite album of 2012 so far. Definitely worth checking this album out, no matter what your tastes are.
  20. whitenoise
    Jul 18, 2012
    10
    The best album I have heard since Kanye's Beautiful Dark Twisted Mind, Channel Orange works not as a bunch of radio-friendly songs thrown together on a CD as we so often here today but rather as 55 minutes of music that all blends together, creating, as Ocean said in his letter, "a world rosier than mine." The only disappointment for me that comes along with this classic is that someThe best album I have heard since Kanye's Beautiful Dark Twisted Mind, Channel Orange works not as a bunch of radio-friendly songs thrown together on a CD as we so often here today but rather as 55 minutes of music that all blends together, creating, as Ocean said in his letter, "a world rosier than mine." The only disappointment for me that comes along with this classic is that some people have said this is a mediocre album that only gets attention because of his recent coming out letter. I will admit that this is complex music and some people might not be able to handle it right now (I mean if you go from listening to only the dance music on the radio to this, you're either going to feel enlightened or just not feel it...I probably wouldn't have been able to listen to this album a few years ago) but his recent coming out has *nothing* to do with the reception of this album- it is a classic that is finally giving people something fresh...and hearing people say its because of his sexuality really gets me frustrated...Anyways...lets hope we have stuff like this from Frank Ocean (and the Weeknd) to listen to for years to come!… Expand
  21. waxing
    Jul 19, 2012
    10
    Frank Ocean is 24 years old and much like Janelle Monae, he's on another level of genius. As a black artist in America, it is very hard to dodge the pigeon-hole and to do it with deft. There will be detractors who say that he got a publicity boost from his personal declaration-- and I would argue that they would be correct but only in the commercial aspect. If you'd been following him atFrank Ocean is 24 years old and much like Janelle Monae, he's on another level of genius. As a black artist in America, it is very hard to dodge the pigeon-hole and to do it with deft. There will be detractors who say that he got a publicity boost from his personal declaration-- and I would argue that they would be correct but only in the commercial aspect. If you'd been following him at all before his blog posting, you would've surely checked out "Pyramids" which murders any Trey Songz, Drake, Chris Brown, or The Dream song. That single set the tone for the push behind the critical acclaim, not his affair with another man. Someone has to learn from Monae's mistake--she had one of the most outstanding albums in recent memory but we feel we're too hard pressed for time to really listen. The vocals on "Sweet Life" are so reminiscent of D'Angelo, I think he may be attempting to challenge the man. "Pyramids" is an epic poem worth dissecting line by line, not to mention one that effortlessly bridges the present discotheque-hip-pop with the funky-90s-XXX-R&B (think Bel-Biv) . "Crack Rock" is our generation's "Too High" by Stevie Wonder. Let's not mention the interludes, which can be disconnect and trite, but only add to the cohesion of channel ORANGE. "Fertilizer" is clever and "Not Just Money" hits so close to home, the line about eating a hot-link to assuage the pain of being broke hurts.

    Now I'm just waiting on his collabo with Janelle Monae.    … Expand
  22. jmu1512
    Jul 19, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. channel ORANGE already feels like a classic, making R&B refreshing and innovating than it ever been in recent history. Frank Ocean blends jazz-funk, soul, classic R&B, and electronic in one engrossing debut; kind of like the many different programs of a television. However, what makes channel ORANGE so compelling is in the lyrics. As a storyteller, Frank brings you to the emptiness of Los Angeles. where sometimes love isn't valued. Wealthy partied out teens with no motivation or loving parents, drug addicts, strippers - Frank is observing it all. Not only observing, but providing their perspectives; he's not judging, but only reflecting. And, it seems that Frank's characters are not the only ones going through struggles.
    Throughout the album, Frank expresses unrequited love. Going through heartbreak, Frank voices his wrenching pain on the emotional climax "Bad Religion." This track is a good representation of the album as a whole - musically, it appeals to the ear with its soul. Emotional? It hits you where it hurts. But, it does not make the album less beautiful.
    Using his noir characters and himself, Frank explores human nature, even the dark, aimless abyss of it. Yet, just like the quote, "better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all," Frank's one-sided love and heartbreak shines a light through the album's tragic, lifeless characters - leaving you with hope.
    Just how Kanye West's "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" pushed boundaries for modern hip-hop, channel ORANGE is doing the same for R&B while still being grounded on the genre's roots.    … Expand
  23. jeffjacobstein
    Jul 19, 2012
    10
    Stunning. People who are giving this album less than an 8 are overlooking the genuineness of the singer and his song-writing abilities. He is a true artist that will stick around for a while. A modern day Marvin Gaye in my opinion.
  24. tarheel10
    Jul 19, 2012
    10
    Beautiful, elegant, cohesive. All adjectives to describe this wonderful debut album. Looking forward the rest of Frank Ocean's career. The best relatively mainstream r&b album I have heard since Usher's Confessions or Ne-yo's Year of the Gentleman. Frank is in the lane of Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye and holds his own. Brilliant songwriter and has dropped the best album of 2012 so far.Beautiful, elegant, cohesive. All adjectives to describe this wonderful debut album. Looking forward the rest of Frank Ocean's career. The best relatively mainstream r&b album I have heard since Usher's Confessions or Ne-yo's Year of the Gentleman. Frank is in the lane of Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye and holds his own. Brilliant songwriter and has dropped the best album of 2012 so far. Although it is not perfect, it is close.… Expand
  25. n_vermind
    Jul 19, 2012
    10
    The first real R&B album from a popular artist in at least 5 years. Excellent replay value and not a track worth skipping. Frank's storytelling ability in songs like Pyramids and Lost are incomparable to anybody else in music right now, and with the help of Malay, Pharell, and Tyler , Frank produces the entire album masterfully.
  26. boldsoon
    Jul 19, 2012
    10
    The perfect continuation to Nostalgia, ultra.

    It is a long, epic album, to consume as a whole, and with very simple compositions - the last hidden song is just a lounging nice final- and with really introspective lyrics.
  27. demiserv
    Jul 19, 2012
    10
    amazing. his album is reminiscent to prince mixed with take your pick of RnB singers. his range is splendid. i agree wholeheartedly that this is the RnB we were waiting for.
  28. brains4zombies
    Jul 27, 2012
    10
    This is an absolutely gorgeous album. Every song on this record exudes powerful emotions, whether talking seriously about doomed or failed relationships to those of frivolity and nonchalance. The details of establishing a dichotomy between the rich and poor through the song selection and lyrical choice works very well. There are also many great beats accompanying Frank's soulful voice.This is an absolutely gorgeous album. Every song on this record exudes powerful emotions, whether talking seriously about doomed or failed relationships to those of frivolity and nonchalance. The details of establishing a dichotomy between the rich and poor through the song selection and lyrical choice works very well. There are also many great beats accompanying Frank's soulful voice. The vignettes add touches of color and help to personify the release. This has definitely made its way into "My Island 5" for sure.… Expand
  29. LightningRT
    Jul 23, 2012
    10
    Really creative, smooth and lyrically meaningful R&B. Channel Orange brings a deep, poetic lyricism to R&B that has been sadly absent for quite some time. And the beats and his vocals are nice and polished. Definitely a must have album.
  30. 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!
  31. otis93
    Sep 6, 2012
    10
    The best album of 2012(so far). Frank does not sound like anyone else. Though his lyrics are at times out there he brings it back and delivered an awesome album.
  32. 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.
  33. VisionsofJohana
    Sep 23, 2012
    10
    To define Frank ocean would be difficult. Is he an R&B crooner? A Neo Soul Singer? This generations
  34. 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.
  35. 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
  36. 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
  37. 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!
  38. 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
  39. BENNEB
    Nov 15, 2012
    10
    One of the best albums of the year...super music......................................................................................................
  40. 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
  41. 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
  42. Ad-Rock
    Dec 19, 2012
    10
    Absolutely amazing. It just gets better with every listen. I can't recommend it enough.
  43. Marc_Digs
    Dec 20, 2012
    10
    It's rare to hear an album so poignant in lyrics and instrumentation that appeals to so many listeners. If you have followed Ocean this album's reach and honesty is no surprise. He croons, serenades, and speaks from the soul like no other. As a first true "album" the range and command of his talent is evident...
  44. Prideguy94
    Apr 18, 2013
    10
    Through R&B swing and smooth colored pop, Frank Ocean pours out the love within his soulful heart and creates a modern day masterpiece for all past and future generations to intake and compare to all the other music that has long past its halls of reigning.
  45. 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.
  46. 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.
  47. ChristyDunne
    Feb 15, 2013
    10
    Every track in this album is outstandingly strong, each song telling its own story. However, not only are there so many solid tracks, as an album each track compliments each other. The darker tracks, such as Pink matter, blend perfectly with the more brighter, happier songs such as Forrest Gump to make a brilliant and complete album.
  48. 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
  49. ZaggingZebra
    Mar 30, 2013
    10
    Let's get something straight. A lot of the negatives that I see on Channel ORANGE have to do with the pacing of the individual tracks and the lack of originality and creativity. Well, these are the understandable negatives.

    This is not an album to fit into traditional R&B. You're not going to be twerking to Frank Ocean's Channel ORANGE. No, most likely you'll be slightly bobbin your    Let's get something straight. A lot of the negatives that I see on Channel ORANGE have to do with the pacing of the individual tracks and the lack of originality and creativity. Well, these are the understandable negatives.

    This is not an album to fit into traditional R&B. You're not going to be twerking to Frank Ocean's Channel ORANGE. No, most likely you'll be slightly bobbin your head thinking of another place in another time, doing something else. More than music that's straight forward, Frank's voice has the ability—along with the thought-provoking beats—to whack you away from the immediate story at hand. That's what has been happening to me no that I've played the album more than 150 times. That's what happens when the pacing is what it is. It's not really a negative because it's not an ignorant mistake. The pacing was purposefully chosen. Nobody has to like it, but if this isn't the kind of music you like, how can you rate it?

    As for creativity, this album dives into this individual's experiences as a young man. Not everybody is different. In fact, we're more the same than most want to believe. Is Frank the first person to go through what he's gone through? No, but Frank brings his unbelievably descriptive and metaphorical language to paint stories that I feel go right over a lot of listeners' heads. It's like calling Faulkner bad writer because he didn't like to mess with punctuation.

    By now, I've mentioned what I like about Channel Orange by diving into some critiques on the album. My favorite tracks are Thinkin' Bout You, Sierra Leone, Super Rich Kids, Pilot Jones, Crack Rock, Bad Religion, Pink Matter, Forest Gump, End (Voodoo).    … Expand
  50. 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
  51. 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.
  52. 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
  53. 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.
  54. 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".
  55. NShep53
    Jun 3, 2015
    10
    Channel Orange (the debut album by Frank Ocean) is one the best album of this era. Every song is great and there is no reason to ever hit the skip button. Listening to it is like having the best dream of your life. Kudos to Ocean and I can't wait for his new album.
  56. 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
  57. 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
  58. 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
  59. 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
  60. CalCal31
    Jan 2, 2016
    10
    With a slither of hindsight, this is un-doubtfully, the most beautiful album of the decade thus far. Lonerism, MBDTF, and Bon Iver's Sophomore are all lurking, but to create something as masterfully written, delivered and blended to this degree is the separation point. His distinctive factor, is his literature. It's a known fact that Ocean was a songwriter long before his debut projectWith a slither of hindsight, this is un-doubtfully, the most beautiful album of the decade thus far. Lonerism, MBDTF, and Bon Iver's Sophomore are all lurking, but to create something as masterfully written, delivered and blended to this degree is the separation point. His distinctive factor, is his literature. It's a known fact that Ocean was a songwriter long before his debut project Nostalgia,Ultra (2011), penning for the likes of Justin Bieber and a variety of other pop stars, but his own ascension is a tale of confusion, frustration and denial. He wrote most of the 'concept' pieces on this album to distract himself from his faltering reality, to go to happier places, and in turn, he took us on the mystical journey too.… Expand
  61. 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
  62. 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
  63. Pacaveli
    Aug 18, 2016
    10
    "channel ORANGE" is perfect! Frank Ocean's debut (excluding his mixtapes - by the way this mixtapes are perfect, too!) is masterpiece... A 2012's "To Pimp A Butterfly" by Kendrick Lamar, but in the styles of: R&B, neo soul, psychedelia, hip hop and electronica!
    Frank Ocean shows this album, that he's a blend of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye (R.I.P. Marvin Gaye...) and Prince (R.I.P.    "channel ORANGE" is perfect! Frank Ocean's debut (excluding his mixtapes - by the way this mixtapes are perfect, too!) is masterpiece... A 2012's "To Pimp A Butterfly" by Kendrick Lamar, but in the styles of: R&B, neo soul, psychedelia, hip hop and electronica!
    Frank Ocean shows this album, that he's a blend of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye (R.I.P. Marvin Gaye...) and Prince (R.I.P. Prince...) of our years!
    This is the music that I loved! Perfect, Frank Ocean, perfect! I'm so proud of You!
    All of this "small" masterpieces are from each other!
    Thank You, Frank Ocean... Thank You!

    Finally, my score for Frank Ocean's debut album, which is called "channel ORANGE" is 10/10!

    Now, only remains to wait for "Boys Don't Cry"!!!

    Greetings!
    ~Pacaveli    … Expand
  64. 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.
  65. 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
  66. 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
  67. 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.
  68. 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
  69. 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.
  70. 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
  71. 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".
  72. 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
  73. 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
  74. 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
  75. Flikkie72
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    Amazing emotional journey with sounds that will stay fresh year after year after year.
  76. Toillion
    Mar 28, 2020
    10
    Amazing start to the amazing Frank ocean. This is unlike any other no budget album from def jam records.
  77. 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.
  78. 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
  79. 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
  80. 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
  81. 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
  82. 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???
  83. javierp
    Jun 5, 2022
    10
    Almost 10 years since this album came out and it still feels so fresh. True genius.
  84. 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
  85. 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.
  86. 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
  87. Blonisco
    Jan 26, 2023
    10
    Pretty good……………………that's what I like."Lost","Thinkin Bout You","Pink Matter"are my best tracks
  88. 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.
  89. madeh
    Mar 3, 2013
    9
    Definitely my album of 2012 and essential listening for anyone who is interested in hearing what R&B can be in this age where the genre has largely been condemned to the toilets of 'da club'. Reeking of poor song-writing, flooded with offensive sentiments and overproduction which is spilled over by the proverbial urinal cake of auto-tune. Instead, Frank Ocean has produced a clever andDefinitely my album of 2012 and essential listening for anyone who is interested in hearing what R&B can be in this age where the genre has largely been condemned to the toilets of 'da club'. Reeking of poor song-writing, flooded with offensive sentiments and overproduction which is spilled over by the proverbial urinal cake of auto-tune. Instead, Frank Ocean has produced a clever and catchy album which not only showcases his impressive (and super soulful) vocal abilities but also his smart strongly metaphorical and satirical style as a lyricist. Unfortunately for me, his album was tainted by moments of self-indulgence in the form of the many 'filler' tracks amongst the 'real' songs which overstepped the line from inspired quirkiness into pretentiousness. Despite that, there are just so many fantastic tracks such as 'Lost', 'Super Rich Kids' and 'Forrest Gump', however 'Sweet Life' is the stand out track for me.… Expand
  90. CPB
    Jan 2, 2013
    9
    The best album I have heard in 2012.
  91. smithclark15
    Oct 7, 2012
    9
  92. 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.
  93. 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.
  94. 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
  95. 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
  96. 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.
  97. Minjaben
    Aug 9, 2012
    9
    This album is nothing short of amazing.
    Not immediately - it takes a while to fully appreciate.
    There are little details in the production that are almost subliminal - people talking quietly in the distance, the sound of a woman turned on, etc. These details make the music exciting and rewarding to keep coming back to. The style is so inventive - Ocean takes you on a journey similar to    This album is nothing short of amazing.
    Not immediately - it takes a while to fully appreciate.
    There are little details in the production that are almost subliminal - people talking quietly in the distance, the sound of a woman turned on, etc. These details make the music exciting and rewarding to keep coming back to.
    The style is so inventive - Ocean takes you on a journey similar to what I would think of Pink Floyd doing.
    This music makes me so thoughtful and reflective - his emotions pour out in nearly all the songs. Favorites are Lost, Bad Religion, Thinkin Bout You and Forrest Gump. The whole album, however slow, possibly cliched and wandering at times, is an emotional and enthralling journey I would recommend to anyone with an open mind. I've been listening to Channel Orange nonstop.    … Expand
  98. kentishtownboy
    Nov 25, 2012
    9
    Extraordinary, layered, textured, addictive and a chocolate box who's flavours may differ but are all damned delicious. My stand out tracks are Pyramids and Super Rich Kids. I'm a Whats Goin' On kinda guy and with a bit of nurturing and maturing I believe Ocean can give us all something equally as special - until then it's a 9/10 for me...
  99. agunsux
    Dec 9, 2012
    9
    I
  100. 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.
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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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