Top 10 Frank Ocean Songs

Nostalgia never sounded so sunny. This shimmering, guitar-based pop song is a bit of a departure from Frank’s other music, but who said change is a bad thing? Frank’s album Blonde is full of guitars, and “Ivy” is the first indication of that. Frank tells a gorgeous, intricately detailed story about how good things used to be “back then,” a common theme that has appeared throughout his career. His story of falling in love — and being forced to get back up again — manages to be both poetic and tragic. And who can’t relate to that?

Frank loves movies, so it’s no surprise that he used the titular 1994 Oscar-winning film as the basis for a love song. Unfortunately for Frank, life isn’t exactly a box of chocolates — he knows exactly what he’ll get, and it isn’t who he wants. The song’s heartsick lyrics contrast the poppy, upbeat instrumentation, which almost makes you feel bad for wanting to dance to it. As Channel Orange’s final song, the Forrest and Jenny-inspired track leaves listeners with a sweet taste in their mouth.

This song will make you want to drive around the suburbs in the middle of the night with someone who’s more than a friend. It starts right away with its verse, with no time for an intro; you’d think Frank is all business here. However, its serene, relaxed atmosphere is complemented by Frank’s soothing vocals. Here, he sings about a desire to escape from routine and a failed love. Interestingly enough, John Lennon and Paul McCartney are credited as songwriters here — that’s because Frank repurposes a line from the Beatles’ “Here, There and Everywhere.” While paying tribute to the iconic band this way might have been risky, it definitely pays off.

Getting over a broken heart isn’t exactly easy. On this deeply personal song, Frank draws on gospel music and religious references to express his pain. The song features some of Frank’s strongest, most powerful vocal work, and is a stark change from his usual, more restrained style of singing. The song demonstrates Frank’s gift for making you feel what he feels. The song gradually grows more intense as it goes on, reflecting Frank’s emotional struggles as it builds to a crescendo. When it finally lets up, you may find yourself clutching a tear-soaked pillowcase.

On this solemn, serious, but still catchy song, Frank showcases his ability to turn the darkest of subjects into a hit. There’s talk of wearing his best suit and a Lincoln town car, but at the end of the day, the song is actually about Frank’s desire to drive that car into the ocean. The song’s organ and hip hop drums are a distraction from how dark and sad it actually is. Its subtly Auto-Tuned vocals show shades of Kanye West, whose album 808s & Heartbreak is referenced. We encourage listening to this song in the car — just maybe not around any large bodies of water.

Only Frank could make success sound lonely and introspective. Well, maybe not only Frank, but he just does it so well. Frank seems to be singing to himself here — he discusses the trials and tribulations that fame brings along with it, as well as some of the less desirable lifestyle choices that come with money and influence. About halfway through the song, the beat switches up. It becomes slower and more sparse as Frank reminisces about the past. Though the song is about the monotony of everyday and every-night business, Frank manages to turn it into a certified banger.

Although Frank might be best known for his songs about heartbreak, this song shows off a more fun, playful side of his personality. It describes Frank’s ill-fated, short-lived romance with a girl he meets at Coachella. While Frank talks of not being able to feel anything at all, thanks to the effect of the titular drug, all we as listeners can feel is the urge to get up and move around to one of his most danceable songs. A single off of Frank’s debut mixtape, NOSTALGIA,ultra., “Novacane” made listeners take notice of Frank’s potential and let them know that great things were definitely in store.

Question: what do aliens, peaches, mangos, and Dragon Ball Z all have in common? Answer: Frank Ocean sings about all of the above on “Pink Matter.” This surreal slow jam finds Frank at his most philosophical, contemplating the nature of love, the universe, and pleasure. He wears his soul and R&B influences on his sleeve here, creating the perfect song for cuddling up with your significant other. The song features a rare guest appearance from OutKast member André 3000, whose verse you can’t help but nod your head to. Dré pulls double duty here, not only rapping but also playing a bluesy guitar solo towards the end of the song. Now where’s that new OutKast album?

 

Have you ever loved someone who didn’t love you back? If so, Frank can relate. This mellow ballad’s warm strings and laid-back drums set the mood for an intimate story of heartbreak and nostalgia. The song was released as the first single from Channel Orange and helped turn Frank from an indie sensation to a global icon. It also made fans out of music lovers who fell for Frank’s unique lyrics and irresistible voice. Just listen to that falsetto! It hit the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 and went platinum in the U.S. Thinking about forever has its benefits!

 

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

 

“Lost”

channel ORANGE (2012)

 

“Super Rich Kids” feat. Earl Sweatshirt

channel ORANGE (2012)

 


“Self Control”

blond (2016)


 

This epic, genre-defying ten-minute-long track is a testament to Frank’s musical creativity and originality. As the second single from Channel Orange, listeners’ minds were blown when they heard this wild song. It tells a sprawling story that spans thousands of years and moves from ancient Egypt to the present day. This song somehow manages to do it all: the first section’s infectious, Michael Jackson and Prince-inspired beat is a call to the dancefloor, with the second’s slower, more psychedelic vibes sending listeners from that dancefloor to the nearest hot tub. Oh yeah, that guitar solo at the end of the song? It’s played by none other than John Mayer! “Pyramids” proves that, although often imitated, there’s no one quite like Frank Ocean