Five years after his debut album reshaped music, Frank Ocean continues to redefine what it means to be a modern artist. His journey from a promising newcomer to a cultural icon is a testament to his unique artistry and profound connection with listeners.
Just last year, Ocean’s innovative approach to music distribution allowed him to navigate out of a restrictive record deal and into independent success. This freedom came after Blonde solidified his position as a critical and commercial force, further boosting his already impressive career. However, rewind to five years before Blonde, and Frank Ocean was still on the cusp of superstardom. Channel Orange was released five years ago, marking a pivotal moment following his mixtape and early features. It’s almost hard to recall a time when he was simply labeled “Odd Future crooner Frank Ocean.” Since then, he has unveiled his deeply personal and complex artistic vision, fulfilling the promise hinted at in his early work, including a feature that arguably outshone both Beyoncé and Otis Redding on Kanye West and JAY-Z’s monumental Watch the Throne.
While “No Church in the Wild,” his collaboration on Watch the Throne, is a powerful track, it doesn’t quite capture the essence of Frank Ocean songs. Therefore, it’s not included in this list focusing on his solo work. Curating a list of the top 10 Frank Ocean Songs from his relatively concise discography was a challenging but rewarding task.
10. Nature Feels (from Nostalgia, Ultra, 2011)
Echoing the sentiment about “No Church in the Wild,” “Nature Feels” is undeniably influenced by another artist, borrowing heavily from the iconic bassline of “Electric Feel” by MGMT. However, Frank Ocean elevates the source material, arguably surpassing MGMT’s sound since their Oracular Spectacular era. More importantly, Ocean infuses the track with a provocative and sensual lyrical perspective. He masterfully sexualizes the natural world, drawing a bold connection between photosynthesis and primal human desires. Lines like “I’ve been meaning to f— you in the garden / Been breathing so hard we both could use the oxygen” and “Feeling like Adam when he first found out this existed” are both audacious and deeply evocative, marking this mixtape track as a standout early Frank Ocean song.
9. Ivy (from Blonde, 2016)
Frank Ocean’s appreciation for indie rock is evident throughout his work, from the “What’s a Radiohead?” interlude on Nostalgia, Ultra to naming his label Boys Don’t Cry. “Ivy,” from Blonde, perfectly showcases this influence. The shimmering, palm-muted guitar riff, co-written by former Vampire Weekend member Rostam Batmanglij, creates a delicate and spacious sonic landscape. Within this percussion-less environment, Frank Ocean delivers a raw and honest confession about lost love, this time portraying himself as the one who inflicted the heartbreak. “Ivy” is a prime example of Frank Ocean songs blending genres and emotional depth.
8. Bad Religion (from Channel Orange, 2012)
“Bad Religion,” a hidden gem on Channel Orange, is profoundly linked to Frank Ocean’s public acknowledgment of his bisexuality just before the album’s release. It shares thematic connections with the introspective opening track of the album, delving into themes of vulnerability and confession. In this emotionally charged track, Ocean confides in a taxi driver, only to be met with religious platitudes. This experience leads him to the poignant realization that desperate pleas, whether directed towards a higher power or a desired partner, can feel futile and damaging: “If it brings me to my knees, it’s a bad religion.” The song’s emotional climax is reached during the denouement, where Ocean unleashes a Prince-esque scream, a signature moment that encapsulates the raw emotion within Channel Orange and many Frank Ocean songs.
Frank Ocean's mother Katonya Breaux Riley with Frank Ocean
7. Nikes (from Blonde, 2016)
Blonde was released just a day after Endless, Frank Ocean’s visual album that fulfilled his contractual obligations with Def Jam, liberating him to pursue his artistic vision fully independently. “Nikes,” his first single as a free agent, was a deliberate departure from mainstream commercial expectations. It’s a deeply layered and melancholic track, finding beauty in its poignant subject matter. While Frank Ocean often explores themes of luxury and fame, “Nikes” strips away these superficialities to focus on deeper reflections. He pays tribute to fallen figures like ASAP Yams, Pimp C, and Trayvon Martin, creating one of his most impactful and emotionally resonant moments: “Pour up for ASAP [Yams]/RIP Pimp C/RIP Trayvon, that n—- look just like me.” This song is a powerful example of Frank Ocean songs tackling social commentary with personal vulnerability.
6. Chanel (Single, 2017)
Frank Ocean’s nuanced exploration of bisexuality gained significant attention, especially after his initial breakthrough with songs that acknowledged attraction to women. “Chanel” brilliantly weaves together these seemingly disparate aspects of his identity. It’s an alluring ode to bisexuality, filled with quotable lines that resonate deeply with listeners. Among these, “I see both sides like Chanel” stands out as a particularly clever and insightful lyric. Frank Ocean draws a parallel between his romantic fluidity and the iconic Chanel logo, a symbol of duality and perspective. “Chanel” is a testament to Frank Ocean songs’ ability to be both personal and universally relatable.
5. Pink + White (from Blonde, 2016)
“Pink + White” boasts impressive collaborations, co-written and co-produced by Pharrell Williams and featuring backing vocals from Beyoncé. However, these high-profile names are secondary to the sheer beauty and emotional depth of this Frank Ocean song. Blonde‘s album credits are filled with notable artists, yet it’s the album’s inherent musicality and emotional honesty that made it a standout release. “Pink + White” masterfully blends ethereal melodies, delicate keyboard chords, and subtle basslines, creating an aural representation of the pink and white sky Ocean sings about. The song captures the bittersweet essence of youth, juxtaposing the joy of youthful memories with the pain of loss. Ultimately, it arrives at a powerful realization about the enduring nature of memory and its power to transcend mortality: “This is life, life is immortality.” “Pink + White” exemplifies how Frank Ocean songs can be both sonically beautiful and profoundly moving.
Lana Del Rey in a press photo
4. Pyramids (from Channel Orange, 2012)
“Pyramids” is an ambitious ten-minute epic that sits at the heart of Channel Orange. It’s a song of multiple movements, feeling like an entire album condensed into one track, both thematically and musically. It begins with a high-energy, almost club-ready vibe before transitioning into a slower, more introspective and druggy section. Musically, it soundtracks a sprawling narrative that spans millennia, exploring Black history and identity. Ocean’s Cleopatra character is depicted as powerful in ancient Egypt, only to be reimagined in the present day as a stripper, reflecting themes of power, loss, and societal shifts.
A lighter moment associated with “Pyramids” is Frank Ocean’s SNL performance. After finishing his vocal performance, he casually walks across the stage to play video games while John Mayer, a collaborator on the album, continues to play guitar. This performance became a memorable and quirky moment, further cementing the unique appeal of Frank Ocean songs and persona.
3. Slide (by Calvin Harris featuring Frank Ocean, 2017)
While credited to Calvin Harris, “Slide” is undeniably a Frank Ocean song in spirit. Calvin Harris’s sunny, disco-infused production provides the perfect backdrop for Ocean, resulting in his closest foray into a summer anthem and his biggest Top 40 hit to date, reaching No. 9 on Billboard’s Pop Songs chart. The track showcases remarkable chemistry between collaborators. Ocean’s opening lines muse about spending his wealth on a Picasso, and while he doesn’t explicitly name the artist, Offset seamlessly name-drops Picasso in his guest verse, highlighting the song’s effortless cool and collaborative energy. “Slide” demonstrates the versatility of Frank Ocean songs, proving his ability to shine even in collaborative projects.
2. Thinkin Bout You (from Channel Orange, 2012)
For anyone questioning Frank Ocean’s vocal prowess after a perceived misstep at the Grammys, revisiting his definitive performance of “Thinkin Bout You” is essential. This rendition is a masterclass in vocal control, effortlessly shifting between spoken-word delivery and soaring falsetto. Originally a demo, “Thinkin Bout You” became a breakout single, lauded for its emotional depth and sonic minimalism. The song’s power lies in its use of space and vulnerability, capturing the raw pain of unrequited love. Upon the release of Channel Orange, Ocean revealed that the song was inspired by his feelings for another man, making “Thinkin Bout You” a pivotal moment of personal and artistic revelation in Frank Ocean songs.
1. Novacane (from Nostalgia, Ultra, 2011)
Frank Ocean has undoubtedly evolved as a lyricist, but “Novacane,” a track from his debut mixtape, remains a pinnacle in his discography. His early brilliance is undeniable. Inspired by his experience attending Coachella 2010 as a fan, “Novacane” perfectly encapsulates the detached and somewhat artificial atmosphere of millennial festival culture. The song is woozy, disorienting, and instantly quotable, capturing a sense of listlessness and hedonism. The narrative arc, from engaging in conversation with an attractive woman about JAY-Z and Z-Trip to a drug-induced haze with dirty dishes piling up, is intentionally unsettling. Frank Ocean has never aimed to simply entertain; he seeks to provoke and reflect reality, even its less glamorous aspects.
Years later, The Weeknd would achieve mainstream success with “Can’t Feel My Face,” which explores similar themes of numbness. However, “Novacane” stands out as the quintessential Frank Ocean song that compels listeners to reject superficiality and seek genuine experiences beyond the VIP section, urging a pursuit of a more authentic “natural high.” “Novacane” is a defining track among early Frank Ocean songs, showcasing his unique ability to blend poignant lyrics with innovative soundscapes.
