Review:

on 2012-12-31 nlathy Said:

This is Frank Ocean's first studio album. It's a strong album of R&B songs. He clearly has a knack for the hook and the catchy melody. Take for instance "Pyramids," which keeps interest at 9:53 much better than Keith Jarrett's "Moving Pyramids," which clocks in at a shorter length.
Ocean isn't a jazz musician like Jarrett, but he expresses an admiration for jazz. It's hard not to feel for the guy, as he expresses heartache. "Bad Religion" sounds like a bad experience indeed.
It's not without humor. "Forrest Gump" is an amusing song about the movie character.
The catchiest cut is "Lost." It's good he can pick up the tempo from time to time. "Monks" works with this pacing, as well.
The best and most moving song is "Crack Rock," an indictment of the ravages of the drug culture. It's a slam on the evils of drug use as good as Gil Scott-Heron's "Angel Dust."
Not all the lyrics work. "Fertilizer" could have been left in outtakes. But it's only :40. Maybe he should check out "The Who Sell Out" album to see how well short interludes between songs can work. Oh well, Ocean is a newbie, and he seems to be on the right track.
He's drawn attention by revealing his homosexuality. This has no bearing on whether or not he can put out good music, and he shows himself quite capable in the song arena.
Rap is used on the album. For the most part the music is subtle with some sound effects, which "Start" and "End" the album.
His career seems to be made with the ability to come up with a great love song like "Thinking Bout You." I'll admit this song didn't do much for me, when I watched him perform it on Saturday Night Live, but giving it a second chance, I find it's heartwarming. The singer's passion takes his songs to a place where the listener if not transcended is at least hanging around not wanting to leave.
Rating: 10/10