Deciphering The Story Of Frank Oceans 'Blond'
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Frank Ocean is probably the greatest artist of this generation and ‘Blond.’ cemented it.
Released in 2016, his avant-soul masterpiece was issued in two different versions: the physical version in magazines (like Boys Don’t Cry, Ocean’s zine magazine) given away in pop-up stores; and the digital one on iTunes.
The record cover says “blond.” but on streaming platforms, it’s “Blonde.” - representing the masculine and feminine versions of ‘Blonde’ in French.
A journey that began in 2013, Blonde was recorded across the globe, in London, New York, Tokyo, and Paris. Frank Ocean spared no expense, flying in top instrumentalists, producers, and collaborators, exceeding the $2 million dollar advance provided by Def Jam to complete the album.
Frank Ocean released his visual project “Endless” on Apple Music on August 19, 2016, as part of his Def Jam contract. He also paid back a $2 million advance to keep control of future recordings.
The next day, August 20th, Frank Ocean released Blonde, from his own independent label, “Boys Don’t Cry” that Def Jam knew nothing about!
Frank, rumored to have secured a $20 million deal, chose to exclusively premiere Blonde on Apple Music. In the first week alone, he earned $1 million, – much more than he would have made under contract at Def Jam.
With the resurgence of vinyl records, “blond vinyl” has become one of the top-searched phrases on Google. Initially released on vinyl for Black Friday in 2016 at $35 per copy, Frank Ocean’s album gained legendary status, with resellers asking for hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
Following the initial release, a frenzy for the record led to bootleggers selling unofficial pressings of “blond”. Six years later, Frank released a second issue, featuring the original album cover and the stylized title “blonde.” While it also sold out, copies from resellers are not as expensive as the first issue.
Recently, Ocean reissued a second pressing of the celebrated album, bringing relief to fans who can now anticipate eventually obtaining the highly sought-after LP.
Breakdown of each song from the album:
"NIKES"
FRANK OCEAN DISCUSSING HIS PAST FROM A FUTURE PERSPECTIVE, HINTING AT BEING IN THE FUTURE OR AN ALTERNATE UNIVERSE.
He foreshadows a poolside conversation (referencing 'self control") and explores themes of care in relationships. The mention of "last night feels like a past life' connects to the concept of nirvana explored in 'nights. References to humidity in bars link to a scene with the guy from 'good guy. The alternate version concludes with a Japanese rap. One man, surrounded by many attractive girls, avoids commitment. In matters of the heart, choices abound-whether it's drinking or relationships. Men and women coexist without pursuing what's left behind; they opt for what comes their way. The present moment is emphasized, urging carefree living amid a vast sea of humanity. Amidst this crowd, a noteworthy person stands out, even drawing envy from a model's child. However, preferences are acknowledged, and impossibilities are diemiceed. The phrase 'nex to next hints at future events involving parallel universes. Notably, the mention of 'kind always calls a friend shadows Frank Ocean turning to his friends in times to come.
"IVY"
IVY CAPTURES FRANK'S INITIAL ENCOUNTER WITH HIS FIRST TRUE LOVE, WHOM WE WILL REFER TO AS CLEOPATRA FOR NOW.
The song starts with the line 'I thought that I was dreaming when you said you loved me,' taking Frank by surprise, much like many of us with our first loves. As the song unfolds, he reveals the relationship's challenges, with Cleopatra yelling and screaming for him, yet he acknowledges a lingering positive feeling. The lyrics convey the inevitable end as Frank reminisces, stating, "We'll never be those kids again.' In 'Ivy,' Frank finds himself navigating the complexities of a first love gone awry.
"PINK+WHITE"
FRANK'S ATTEMPT TO DISTRACT HIMSELF BY GAZING AT THE SKIES AND IMMERSING IN NATURE.
However, his thoughts persistently revolve around phrases like 'it's the same way you showed me' and 'If you could fly, you would fly south. Despite his efforts, he acknowledges that 'it's all downhill from here and muses on the possibility of reincarnation, stating that if one could die and come back to life, Cleopatra would 'kneel down to the dry land, and kiss the earth that birthed you. The theme of a past life resurfaces, aligning with the concept of reincarnation, a key element of nirvana. Despite his attempts, Frank's mind remains unsettled.
"BE YOURSELF
FRANK'S MOM, SENSING HER SON'S ODD BEHAVIOR AND DEPRESSION, REACHES OUT TO HIM, EMPHASIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ONESELF.
In their conversation, she highlights the repeated use of the word 'good' in the album, questioning the lack of vibrant adjectives. Expressing concern, she advises Frank against marijuana, warning of its potential negative effects. Despite her powerful advice, the question remains:
Will Frank heed her words?
"SOLO"
FRANK RECOUNTS AN ENCOUNTER WHILE TRYING TO MOVE ON FROM CLEOPATRA.
Under the influence of drugs, he describes his eyes as 'like them red lights, indicating he's baked. Despite his sluggishness and the clinic affecting him, he acknowledges hitting life raw, facing the consequences of depression without concern. This marks a darker turn for Frank, leaving us curious about the next chapter in his story.
"SKYLINE TO"
FRANK OCEAN IS HIGH.
He's reflecting on the swift passage of time and the blurred perception of distance as we age. Seeking escape, he briefly finds solace in drugs, momentarily believing everything will be okay.
"SELF CONTROL"
SELF-CONTROL BEGINS WITH A POOLSIDE CONVERSATION MENTIONED IN 'NIKES' - "we off by the pool"
Frank goes back to his lover Cleopatra. Noting changes like her haircut symbolizing the passage of time. He reflects on the irony of not heeding his mother's advice. Frank admits, I came to visit, cuz you see me like UFO, that's like never, revealing his unrequited obsession. Acknowledging her current relationship, ha says, 'I know you got someone coming, I know I gotta leave. Frank attempts a reunion with Cleopatra, only to face heartbreak once again.
"GOOD GUY
BEFORE DIVING INTO THE GOOD GUY ANALYSIS, REMEMBER THAT WHEN FRANK SAYS 'HERE'S TO THE GOOD GUY HE HOOKED IT UP,' THE GUY HE SEES MAY NOT ACTUALLY BE A 'GOOD GUY.'
As we discover, it's just a casual hookup, and Frank doesn't raise his hopes, acknowledging it's just a late-night encounter. This heartbreak affects Frank's behavior and shakes his confidence.
"NIGHTS"
IN THE FIRST PART, FRANK ADMITS TO BECOMING CALLOUS IN LOVE, Jy EXPRESSING A DESIRE FOR FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE.
Past love experiences shape his current perspective, but he senses a mysterious connection, questioning if Cleopatra is reaching out from another dimension. Frank yearns for enlightenment, finking it to a lifetime search for someone special. He reflects on his present life, sharing details about his current relationship, nightshift job, and hints that his first love, Cleopatra, might be the girl he encountered in Houston. Despite this, Frank remains emotionally scarred, rejecting casual encounters.
"SOLO (REPRISE)"
ANDRE 3000'S RENDITION OF SOLO HAS ONE GOLDEN LINE HIDDEN IN IT. HE SAYS, "SOLO THAT I DON'T GET HIGH NO MORE"
Earlier, in solo, frank spoke about actually being alone in a bad way, now he talks about being alone under a different light, maybe he's moving away from those toxic people and things that his mother warned him against.
"PRETTY SWEET"
IT'S CLEAR THAT FRANK IS SEEKING HEALING AS HE ADDRESSES GOD AS 'FATHER' AND DECLARES, "WE ARE YOUR CHILDREN."
Could Frank's pursuit of Nirvana and and a perfect afterlife be guiding him towards faith?
"FACEBOOK STORY"
FRANK TELLS US ABOUT A FRIEND'S DISASTROUS ENCOUNTER WITH A GIRL AND SOCIAL MEDIA.
This idea is elaborated upon later.
"CLOSE TO YOU"
FRANK OCEAN SEEMS TO HAVE GAINED SELF-CONTROL, FACING CLEOPATRA.
Downplaying his depression, he mentions she could've supported him. He explores alternate versions, hinting at a universe where everything worked out.
"WHITE FERRARI"
WHITE FERRARI IS AN ALTERNATE UNIVERSE."
Initially, he describes driving with red eyes, a metaphor for emotional turmoil. Later, he shifts focus to the road, noting dilated eyes, possibly influenced by someone. The lyrics touch on shared experiences, as suggested by clouds, and transition to a realistic acknowledgment of caring. The song concludes with a reference to taller dimensions, highlighting contemplation of alternate realities where outcomes differ.
"SIEGFRIED"
FRANK OCEAN ENVISIONS A PARALLEL UNIVERSE WHERE HE GAZES UPON CLEOPATRA'S FACE AND EMBRACES HIS TRUE SELF.
Setting himself apart from his peers, he confesses to being less brave and more inclined to sleep outdoors, risking his pride. Referencing 'NIKES' and 'SELF CONTROL,' he contemplates settling down with two kids in a swimming pool. The song reflects on the theme of things falling into place, and concludes with the anticipation of a 'good' cry, a recurring motif in the album, before returning to his own reality.
"GODSPEED"
FRANK SAYS HE WILL "ALWAYS LOVE YOU LIKE I DO". NOTICE HOW HE DIDN'T EVEN HAVE TO COMPARE HIS LOVE TO ANYTHING? HIS LOVE FOR HER IS JUST THERE, EXISTENT.
After finding God in pretty sweet, he lets out a "prayer for you, just a sweet word". He wishes Cleopatra Godspeed (a sign of good luck to someone starting a journey. He closes out with these low vocals that say "This love will keep us through blinding of the eyes, silence the ears, darkness of the mind. it's 'til we die". Frank is finally over his lover.
"FUTURA FREE"
FRANK RECONNECTS WITH HIS MOTHER AFTER "BE YOURSELF," EXPRESSING REGRET FOR NOT HEEDING HER ADVICE.
He talks about "fading drastically" (perhaps a reference to 'Godspeed"), he talks about evading the press and the drama (as heard in 'Facebook Story'), he talks about not smoking (Solo Reprise), he talks about someone wanting to hurt him ('Pretty Sweet' with the lyrics 'I know you want to hurt me"), and most importantly he talks about the difference that distance makes.
The song transitions into laughter-filled interviews with friends, highlighting Frank's turn to them. The track wraps up with the question "How far is a light year?" followed by the response 'a second."
A light year measures 9.4 times ten to the fifteenth meters away from Earth, and interestingly, the song's duration is precisely 9 minutes and 24 seconds.
At the end of this almost tragic love story, frank turned to himself, his family, and his friends.
Blonde is a love story.
Not a perfect one, but a real one.
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