Frank Ocean - Channel ORANGE - Album Review

10/10

R&B is in such an apalling state these days (see Chris Brown, Usher, etc.) that it's hard to find raw talent like Frank Ocean. When you do, it's a pleasant surprise.
After his critically acclaimed mixtape Nostalgia, Ultra dropped in 2011, Ocean found himself gaining a reputation as the best young talent around. Two guest appearances on Kanye West and Jay-Z's collaborative effort Watch The Throne later, he has reappeared with his debut album, Channel ORANGE.
Ocean hits hard from the start with the album's first single, 'Thinkin' Bout You'. The song is a perfect display of Ocean's singing range and sets the tone for the rest of the album - believe me, there are plenty more love songs to come.
As the album glides by spectacularly, we soon reach another highlight in the track 'Super Rich Kids'. Admittedly, I only originally came to this song looking for Earl Sweatshirt's guest verse, but the rapper takes a backseat as Ocean croons over hard-hitting piano chords reminiscent of Elton John's single 'Bennie and the Jets'.
I've talked a lot about Frank Ocean's singing voice, but his lyrics are to be admired too. 'Super Rich Kids' describes restless, wealthy children - this fits with the theme of money and class disparity that much of Channel ORANGE is based upon. As we venture further into the album, we hear a alternative take on a crack addict in 'Crack Rock', and several references to Ocean's recently announced bisexuality on several other tracks.
Another feature to take note of is this album's production. Not only is it perfectly executed, it suits Ocean's style unbelievably well. Odd Future frontman Tyler, The Creator appears as a producer on the 1 minute interlude 'White', and it is astonishing to hear just how much his production skills have matured and developed.
The album ends as brilliantly as it began, with the superb songs 'Bad Religion', 'Pink Matter' and 'Forrest Gump'. 
I'm no R&B fan, but Channel ORANGE blew my mind. Never have I heard such a consistently good album, and for that reason I have to give it a perfect 10/10 rating. If I could give it more, I would.

CHANNEL ORANGE is availible on iTunes now. The physical release is 17/07/12.

Here is the album's first single 'Thinkin' Bout You'.