Frank Ocean’s Songs: All Ranked
Frank Ocean is an artist who has always remained true to his craft, valuing his artistry over the trappings of celebrity. Ocean began his career as a songwriter, crafting hits for Beyoncé and Justin Bieber before breaking out with his own solo material. His music is deeply personal and experimental, defying genre boundaries and pushing the limits of what pop music can be.
As a queer artist, Ocean has used his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and tell stories that reflect his experiences as a member of the community. He is a master of storytelling, crafting lyrics that are poignant and relatable, even as he explores complex themes such as love, heartbreak, and identity.
Despite his critical acclaim and devoted fanbase, Ocean has never been one to chase fame or engage in the celebrity gossip mill. Instead, he lets his music speak for itself, and his fans have rewarded him with a level of devotion that is rare in the industry.
Ocean’s albums, from his breakout debut Channel Orange to his more recent Blonde, are testaments to his creative vision and songwriting prowess. His music is experimental and unconventional, incorporating elements of R&B, soul, and avant-garde music to create a sound that is uniquely his own.
In a world where celebrity and image often overshadow artistry, Frank Ocean stands apart as an artist who values his craft above all else. His music is a testament to his brilliance as a songwriter and his commitment to telling stories that are both personal and universal. Whether he is crafting heartbreaking ballads or experimental soundscapes, Frank Ocean is an artist who will always remain true to himself and his vision.
But of all of his tracks from Nostalgia, Ultra to Channel Orange and from Blonde to the abandoned Look at Us, We’re In Love era — which is his best?
46. Close to You
Close to You is a reimagining of Stevie Wonder’s classic song that adds little to the original. While Ocean’s voice is as hauntingly beautiful as ever, the arrangement is lacklustre and fails to surpass the original. It feels gratuitous, and rarely for Frank Ocean’s tracks, forgettable. While it’s not a bad song by any means, it’s hard to justify its existence when the original already exists.
Best line: “I’ll be honest, I wasn’t devastated. But you could’ve held my hand through this, baby”
45. Strawberry Swing
A pattern is already emerging here. This cover is pleasant enough with its dreamy, whimsical melody and Ocean’s signature falsetto vocals. However, it’s hard not to feel a little underwhelmed when comparing it to his more recent, groundbreaking work. While it’s a charming song that’s easy to listen to, it lacks the emotional depth and experimentation that have become hallmarks of Ocean’s music. It’s a bit like sifting through Frida Kahlo’s childhood scrawlings after visiting an exhibition of her greatest work — it’s nice, but you know there’s much better to come.
Best line: “We are all mortals, aren’t we? Any moment this could go”
44. Cayendo
If you’re paying attention, it’s no secret that Ocean is something of a hispanophile. This track showcases his versatility as a singer, as he effortlessly switches between English and Spanish lyrics. However, there’s something a little irksome about his lack of accent when singing in Spanish. The American twang denigrates what is a sweet track. While it’s commendable that he’s embracing his multilingualism and incorporating it into his music, it’s hard to fully appreciate the song without feeling like something is lost in translation.
Best line: “Si esto no me ha partío’, ya no me partiré nunca”
43. Futura Free
Ocean loves a big set piece to end an album, but ‘Futura Free’ is a swing and a miss. It closes out Blonde fairly well but I’m always going to skip it when it comes on shuffle. The first half is great but I just don’t get the point of the interview portion, and for me it really detracts from the whole thing.
I’m sure it’s deep and meaningful in a way, but I just don’t get it. Maybe I’m not smart enough to appreciate this one, or maybe it’s just not that good.
Best line: “You must ain’t get the memo, I don’t cuff bitches no more”
42. Dear April
The sparse instrumentation and slow tempo create a sense of longing and introspection. However, compared to some of his more experimental work, the song feels a bit safe and familiar. While it’s undeniably well-crafted and emotionally resonant, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of some of Ocean’s more adventurous and genre-defying tracks. It’s a solid addition to his discography, but not necessarily a standout.
Best line: “Are you watching this? Are you watching him dance?”
41. Lens
A prime example of his experimental side, with its heavily manipulated vocals and glitchy production. While it’s refreshing to see an artist constantly pushing boundaries and exploring new sounds, in this case, the experimentation can be a little grating. The distorted vocals can be hard to decipher, and the overall effect is disorienting. It’s admirable that Ocean is willing to take risks, but sometimes it can come at the expense of listenability. That being said, there are still some interesting ideas and textures in the track that make it worth a listen for fans of avant-garde music.
Best line: “Back home with that almost, back home with that next time”
40. Moon River
a sweet and intimate rendition of a classic. Ocean’s tender vocals and sparse instrumentation create a dreamy and nostalgic atmosphere, making for an ethereal listening experience. However, the track is a little underwhelming in terms of originality, as it doesn’t really bring anything new to the table. Fans will appreciate his take on the song, but it feels like someone has just churned the song through a ‘Frank Oceanizer’ machine.
Best line: “Two drifters off to see the world, there’s such a crazy world to see”
39. Pretty Sweet
Experimental and eclectic. The production is complex and layered, featuring a variety of instruments and sound effects that create a disorienting and trippy effect. While some listeners may appreciate the song’s adventurous spirit, others may find it too chaotic and disjointed to fully enjoy. I like it, but like ‘Futura Free’, it falls in to the ‘not suitable for playlists’ list.
Best line: “This is the blood, the body, the life right now”
38. We All Try
A heartfelt and optimistic track that showcases Ocean’s soulful vocals and introspective lyrics. The song’s message of perseverance and hope is both relatable and inspiring. Yet, the song’s production and arrangement are, by Ocean’s standards, a bit simplistic and lacking in originality. Overall, ‘We All Try’ is a solid addition to Ocean’s discography, but may not be his most groundbreaking or innovative track.
Best line: “I know that we sin but I do believe we try”
37. Sierra Leone
‘Sierra Leone’ by Frank Ocean is a dreamy and atmospheric track that showcases his unique vocal style and songwriting prowess. The melody and production transport the listener to a sub-tropical haze. However, the song lacks the immediate catchiness of some of his other work, and may not be as memorable upon repeated listens. Solid, but no standout.
Best line: “I’ll sing a Lennon lullaby, she can have a pretty dream”
36. In My Room
Frank Ocean’s ‘In My Room’ is a bouncy and upbeat track that speaks to the joys and detractions of visceral pleasure. Though, lyrically double-edged as the majority of his work is, the irony of the chosen best lyric now seems to hang over the artist, who has been relatively quiet since its release. It’s a haunting emblem of the capriciousness of life that in this instance unwittingly signified Ocean’s understandable retreat from music
Best line: “Got this lust for life in me, horny for the game”
35. There Will Be Tears
On the one hand, Ocean’s vocal performance is raw and emotive, with a palpable sense of pain and vulnerability. However, the sparse instrumentation and lack of a strong hook make the song feel somewhat unfinished and underdeveloped.
Best line: “My Grandaddy was a player, a pretty boy in a pair of gators”
34. Dust
“Dust” is decent enough. The beat is catchy and the production is solid. But there’s something missing that makes it feel just a tiny bit lame. Perhaps it’s the overly simplistic lyrics or the lack of a standout moment in the song. It’s fine for what it is, but it doesn’t quite live up to the high expectations set by Ocean’s other work. A guilty pleasure though, for sure.
Best line: “Who’s that laughing in my library? Is that you?”
33. End / Golden Girl
This serves as the perfect outro to channel ORANGE. The song’s lush, tropical-inspired production and smooth vocals create a warm and comforting atmosphere, like a tropical hug. Frank’s lyrics, which touch on themes of love, loss, and the passage of time, are delivered with a raw and emotional sincerity that is both powerful and relatable. In my opinion, “End/Golden Girl” is Frank’s most accomplished outro
Best line: “My flight leaves tonight but I don’t think I’m going backwards”
32. Lovecrimes
The song’s fun and horny energy is infectious, with a bouncy beat that is impossible not to move to. The hook of “Murder, murder, murder she wrote” is instantly memorable as it interweaves with pop culture. instantly memorable. “Lovecrimes” is a standout track in Frank’s early discography and a testament to his ability to craft catchy and memorable pop-infused R&B
Best line: “You write me love letters with your father’s pen…if he knew the freaky, freaky things that you write with it”
31. White Ferrari
A fanbase favourite. This song’s delicate melody, dreamy production, and raw and emotive vocals create an all too familiar ethereal listening experience. The lyrics, which touch on themes of love, heartbreak, and loss, are delivered with a poetic sincerity that is both evocative and relatable. We now need to hear an EP that features all the different versions of this song…
Best line: “I’m sure we’re taller in another dimension. You say we’re small and not worth the mention”
30. Pink Matter
A slice of extra-terrestrial. The song’s groovy bassline creates a unique and hypnotic sound that is instantly recognisable as signature channel ORANGE. Smooth and soulful vocals add to the song’s vibe, while the collaboration with André 3000 is the icing on the cake, with his distinctive flow and off-kilter rhymes adding a layer of complexity to the song. “Pink Matter” serves as a testament to his ability to fuse different genres into a cohesive and captivating sound
Best line: “What if the sky and the stars are for show and the aliens are watching live”
29. Seigfried
“Seigfried” is a beautiful song that showcases Ocean’s best poetic songwriting. The lyrics touch on the quest for meaning in life following the breakdown of a relationship. The song’s minimalistic production and diaphanous piano melody create a sombre and contemplative atmosphere that perfectly captures the mood of the lyrics. The outro, though I love it, does remind me of that one Vine… you know the one.
Best line: “I’d rather chip my pride than lose my mind out here”
28. Swim Good
Perhaps one of Ocean’s more mainstream efforts. “Swim Good” perfectly captures the essence of 2010s R&B. The song’s upbeat production disguises the severity of the lyrical content of the song’s protagonist. Musically, “Swim Good” is emblematic of the genre of the time, resulting in a sound that is now both fresh and familiar.
Best line: “I’m about to drive in the ocean, I’ma try to swim from somethin’ bigger than me”
27. DHL
A fascinating glimpse into his ever-evolving artistry as Ocean flirts with a hedonist lifestyle. The track’s minimalist production is built on a swirling mix of synths and distorted vocal samples that are layered with Frank’s characteristically smooth vocals. Lyrically, the song is cryptic and enigmatic, with Frank delivering a series of abstract verses that seem to touch on themes of fame, isolation, and disillusionment. There’s a sense of experimentation and boundary-pushing in “DHL” that is indicative of Frank’s willingness to challenge himself and his listeners, making for a thrilling listening experience.
Best line: “Boy-toy suck me like a Hoover, like a Hoover, Boy-toy ride me like a Uber, like a Uber”
26. Novacane
A bonafide classic of Ocean’s catalogue that has aged like a fine wine. The song’s urban melody forms the perfect backdrop for Frank’s story of a romantic interest that hooks him like the title drug. “Novacane” perfectly captures the zeitgeist of the early 2010s, and its influence can be heard in countless R&B and hip-hop tracks that followed in its wake. This is the track that announced Ocean as a major force in contemporary music.
Best line: “Cocaine for breakfast, yikes!”
25. Godspeed
Hauntingly beautiful. This track showcases Ocean’s unique talent for creating music that is both emotionally resonant and sonically experimental. The song takes great inspiration from gospel music and in turn, creates a graceful atmosphere that perfectly captures the mood of the lyrics. Frank’s vocals are raw and soulful, delivering lines that touch on releasing a loved one to the world. The song is a breathtaking moment of transcendent beauty. Ocean is at his masterful best here in crafting Blonde’s greatest ballad.
Best line: “I let go of my claim on you, it’s a free world”
24. Monks
I’m already rethinking this middling placement for ‘Monks’. The song’s upbeat tempo, funky guitar riffs, and catchy chorus create an infectious groove that is impossible to resist. Frank’s vocals are playful and confident, delivering lyrics that touch on themes of youthful rebellion and nonconformity. The track’s psychedelic outro, with its swirling synths and distorted vocals, is a journey that takes listeners on a trip through the outer reaches of Frank’s musical universe, and kinda just make you want to hit up every festival going.
Best line: “A coke white tiger woke us from our slumber to guide and protect us til the end”
23. Skyline To
I imagine this song playing out as the sun rises on an early Summer morning following an all-nighter. That captures the essence of modern love in all its complexities. The song’s dreamy synth pads, intricate percussion, and warm bassline create a lush landscape that perfectly complements the soulful vocals. The lyrics are a poignant meditation on the joys and challenges of modern relationships, with Frank exploring the highs and lows of falling in love on substances. The song’s shimmering guitar lines are a relaxing tonic of hungover psychedelia.
Best line: “In comes the morning haunting us with the beams, solstice ain’t as far as it used to be”
22. Ivy
Ocean at his most vulnerable. “Ivy” is a heartbreaking masterpiece that captures the pain and beauty of lost love. The song’s delicate acoustic guitar riff, gentle piano chords, and haunting vocal harmonies create a melancholic atmosphere that perfectly sets the mood for the story. Frank’s vocals are raw, delivering lines that touch on themes of heartbreak, regret, and grief. Many will wonder how this track isn’t higher in the ranking, but there are simply better songs to come.
Best line: “There were things you didn’t need to say — did you mean to? Mean to?”
21. Pink + White
A song that captures the warmth and beauty of a lazy summer day. The song’s lush instrumentation creates a soothing and relaxing atmosphere that perfectly complements Frank’s soulful vocals. Beyonce’s harmonies on the track are a welcome addition, providing an extra layer of richness and depth to the already gorgeous sound. Her voice creates the perfect ambience for a hot summer’s afternoon, with the track’s lyrics touching on themes of nostalgia of a past relationship.
Best line: “You’d kneel down to the dry land, kiss the Earth that birthed you”
20. Lost
A song that feels like Frank’s attempt at having a radio hit, or more fittingly a TikTok hit. There’s no denying, it’s a musically irresistible track that showcases his undeniable talent as a performer. The song’s energetic beats, catchy hooks, and playful synths make it impossible not to bop along to.
However, it must be said that lyrically, “Lost” may be Frank’s laziest effort. I’ve never been a fan of listing random locations in songs, particularly when they flitter from country to city with complete impunity. Nevertheless, the song’s infectious energy and irresistible melody more than make up for any shortcomings in the lyrics. The thing I dislike the most is that this is his most famous track, when it’s far from his best.
Best line: “She’s at a stove, can’t believe I got her out here cooking dope”
19. Provider
He really loved that Memo guy. This song serves as a love letter to his (former?) lover about Ocean is willing to change his life to better accommodate the feelings his lover provides. A sleek and seductive track, “Provider” showcases Ocean’s unique style and signature sound.
The silky-smooth vocals are a perfect match for the song’s sultry vibe, adding an extra layer of sensuality to an already irresistible track. Lyrically, “Provider” is a testament to Frank’s ability to write clever and insightful lyrics exemplified by the string of classic cinema references running through it.
Best line: “You had you some birthdays, could you prove it?”
18. Nights
A track that is as sprawling as it is ambitious. With one exception there is no better example of Ocean’s creative ingenuity. From its evocative opening chords to its explosive second half, “Nights” is a sonic journey that takes the listener on a wild ride through Frank’s imagination. With its shimmering synths, driving beats, and layered vocals, the song creates a sense of tension and release that’s both exhilarating and cathartic.
Lyrically, “Nights” is a masterclass in storytelling, with Frank weaving together a series of vivid and memorable vignettes that capture the fleeting moments of life in all their messy, beautiful glory. Whether he’s rapping about his past struggles or reflecting on the fleeting nature of drug induced highs, Frank’s words are always poignant and thought-provoking.
Best line: “Shut the fuck up, I don’t want your conversation, rolling marijuana, that’s a cheap vacation”
17. Pilot Jones
A song that masterfully captures the complexities of addiction, whether it be to toxic substances or toxic people. The track creates an alluring atmosphere by utilising hypnotic rhythms and melodies. Lyrically, “Pilot Jones” draws parallels between the euphoria and pain of drug use and the highs and lows of a toxic relationship. Ocean’s raw and honest lyrics describe the desperation and self-destruction that can come from clinging to someone or something that’s ultimately harmful. Despite the soulful composition of the song, Frank affectively accepts his efforts to detoxify are futile — at least he could make a great song out of it, more than most of us get from these types of relationships.
Best line: “You’re the dealer and the stoner with the sweetest kiss I’ve ever known”
16. Biking
‘Biking’ is perhaps Ocean’s most overlooked post-Blonde effort. The song is, perhaps uncharacteristically, optimistic in its construction expressing Ocean’s need to perserve in the face of struggle.
The repeated refrain of “I’m bikin’ uphill and it’s burning my quads” juxtaposes with “I’m bikin’ downhill and it sound like a fishing rod” to reference the pay-off of sticking through hard times. It’s a song that aggressively weaponises metaphor, and collaboration but Jay-Z and Tyler, The Creator really add extra gravitas to this song that probably ranks higher than many fans would expect.
Best line: “When’s the last time I asked for some help that I couldn’t get from nobody else, yeah?”
15. Nature Feels
A rare, but not unique example of his ability to take an existing song and elevate it to new heights. Musically, the track is a shortcut, as it’s essentially a cover of MGMT’s “Electric Feel”. However, what sets Ocean’s version apart is the way he completely reimagines the song in to a summer romp soundtrack. The track’s pulsing rhythm and Ocean’s smoothvocals create a sensual mood that’s both playful and seductive.
Lyrically, the song is a celebration of the natural world and the joys of physical intimacy, with Ocean’s evocative imagery painting a vivid picture of the beauty and wonder of the natural world. What’s most impressive though, is the way Ocean takes a song that was already great and makes it far better.
Lyrically, the song is a celebration of the natural world and the joys of physical intimacy, with Ocean’s evocative imagery painting a vivid picture of the beauty and wonder of the natural world. What’s most impressive though, is the way Ocean takes a song that was already great and makes it far better.
Best line: “I’ve been meaning to fuck you in the garden”
14. Bad Religion
The vibe of this channel ORANGE track is perhaps the most different to all others. The song’s haunting melody, driven by the mournful sound of a church organ, creates an atmosphere that’s both sombre and defiant, perfectly capturing the pain and frustration of unrequited love. What’s most impressive about “Bad Religion”, however, is the way Ocean uses the church organ to imbue the song with a double entendre that speaks to a broader social commentary. The snarky, almost sarcastic use of the organ allows the song to simultaneously curse the pain of unrequited love while also critiquing intolerant faith practices that can contribute to that pain.
Ocean’s lyrics are masterful, with lines like “It’s a bad religion to be in love with someone who could never love you” cutting right to the heart of the matter. The song is a powerful statement about the ways in which love and faith can intersect and collide, and the toll that can take on a person’s emotional wellbeing. Ocean employs his expertise in vulnerability to make a political point —and it’s as sharp as it is heartbreaking.
Best line: “Taxi driver, I swear I’ve got three lives balanced on my head like steak knives”
13. American Wedding
It pains me that finding a place to listen to this song is such a chore. The track is yet another reimagination, this time of The Eagles’ classic hit “Hotel California”, but Ocean takes the song in a completely new direction, infusing it with his own unique sound and vision.
What sets “American Wedding” apart, however, is the way it captures the intense but capricious nature of young love in consumerist Western societies that glorify short-term highs. Ocean’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of two people caught up in a whirlwind romance, living for the moment and unsure of what the future holds. It’s a poignant and powerful statement about the way our society values instant gratification over long-term commitment, and the toll that can take on our relationships and our emotional wellbeing.
Musically, “American Wedding” is a tour de force. In fact, it may be the greatest reimagination of another song in music history. It takes a beloved classic and turns it into something new and entirely its own.
Best line: “It’s just an American wedding — they don’t mean too much, they don’t last enough”
12. Thinkin Bout You
An instant classic, and arguably his signature hit. From its haunting opening chords to its achingly vulnerable lyrics, this song is a masterpiece of modern pop music. At its heart, this is a love letter that peels back the emotional layers to reveal something deeper and more profound. We now know that the song was inspired by Ocean’s first experience of romance with another man, and that knowledge adds an extra layer of meaning to every word and every note.
Musically, “Thinkin Bout You” is a marvel of production, with layers of synths, guitars, and percussion that build to a shimmering climax. But it’s Ocean’s voice that really steals the show here, with its raw, soulful power and heart-rending vulnerability.
And then there are the lyrics, which are a work of genius in their own right. Ocean’s ability to capture the complex emotions of love and longing is unparalleled, and “Thinkin Bout You” is a perfect example of that. Lines like “Do you not think so far ahead? / ’Cause I’ve been thinkin ‘bout forever” are simultaneously heartbreaking and uplifting, capturing the dizzying highs and devastating lows of love in just a few words.
Best line: “It will never get old, not in my soul, not in my spirit, keep it alive. We’ll go down this road ’til it turns from colour to black and white”
11. Slide
I know I’m breaking the rules of this ranking, but I simply can’t resist including Frank Ocean’s “Slide” on this list. This song is a summer anthem that perfectly captures the feeling of warm nights and cool breezes.
At its core, “Slide” is a song about suspicion and desire. Ocean sings about a potential love interest who may be more promiscuous than he would like, and his conflicting emotions as he tries to navigate this new relationship. But despite the uncertainty and the tension, there’s an undeniable sense of joy and possibility that runs throughout the song.
Musically, “Slide” is a feast for the ears, with a bright, catchy beat that’s impossible not to dance to. The use of synths and samples gives the song a modern, futuristic feel, while Ocean’s smooth, soulful vocals tie everything together. This is a song that feels like it was made to be played at a party, with friends singing along and dancing together. The toxic gatekeeper in me is glad this song wasn’t a global number-one hit, because it really could have been.
Best line: “I might, I might empty my bank account and buy that boy with a pipe”
10. Songs For Women
A breezy R&B anthem that perfectly captures the carefree, playful spirit of his debut mixtape, Nostalgia, Ultra. This song is a rare example of Ocean simply having fun with his music, and the result is one of the most joyous and infectious tracks in his entire discography.
But what really makes “Songs for Women” stand out is its rare adherence to meta. Ocean sings about utilising his talents to impress women, comparing himself negatively albeit facetiously to his more mainstream contemporaries.
Musically, the song is a masterclass in blending old and new sounds. The use of samples and vintage synths gives it a nostalgic feel, while the slick, modern production keeps it fresh and current. And Ocean’s vocals are as smooth and soulful as ever, effortlessly gliding over the melody and conveying the song’s joyful spirit.
But what really sets “Songs for Women” apart in Frank’s discography is its sense of fun and humour. This is a song that doesn’t take itself too seriously, with playful lyrics and a catchy chorus that’s sure to get stuck in your head. It’s a reminder that music doesn’t always have to be profound or serious — sometimes, it’s just about having a good time — something Ocean sometimes forgets.
Best line: “Don’t even listen to the songs I record but she be banging that Drake in my car”
9. Self Control
The track is a heart-wrenching plea from Ocean to a lover not to fall out of love with him, and he delivers it with a raw vulnerability that is breathtaking. The production sets the mood perfectly, allowing Ocean’s voice to shine through and convey the depth of his despair. The song builds to a stunning climax, with Ocean’s voice soaring over a bed of hauntingly beautiful synths.
The sparse instrumentation, a subtle blend of piano and guitar, adds to the haunting and melancholic mood of the track, creating a sense of intimacy that draws the listener into the emotional core of the song.
“Self Control” is a song that encapsulates the complex and often messy nature of love, as Ocean begs his lover to stay with him, even as he knows that their time together is coming to an end. It’s a testament to Ocean’s skill as a songwriter and performer that he can create a track so emotionally charged, yet still leave room for interpretation and personal connection.
Best line: “Keep a place for me, I’ll sleep between y’all, it’s nothing”
8. Nikes
Blonde’s only single is a dark and brooding masterpiece that explores the complex intersections of pleasure and pain, love and loss, and the human desire for excess. From the hypnotic opening riff, we are drawn into a world of dizzying highs and crushing lows, as Ocean’s enigmatic lyrics and ethereal vocals lead us on a journey of self-discovery and self-destruction.
At its core, “Nikes” is a dismantling of the hedonistic impulses that drive so much of our modern world. Yet, despite its bleak subject matter, “Nikes” manages to find beauty and transcendence in the midst of chaos, as Ocean’s haunting melodies and lush instrumentation transport us to another realm entirely. From the delicate synths to the creeping transition of pitches in Ocean’s vocals, this is an artist at their sonic zenith.
In many ways, “Nikes” represents the apex of Ocean’s artistry, a bold and uncompromising statement that defies easy categorisation or interpretation.
Best line: “I may be younger but I’ll look after you, we’re not in love but I’ll make love to you”
7. Forrest Gump
The sun sets on a sweltering summer evening, and Frank Ocean’s “Forrest Gump” provides the perfect soundtrack to the dwindling moments of a day filled with heat and passion. With its dreamy, hazy melody and Ocean’s gentle, soulful vocals, the song captures the essence of fleeting love and the ache of longing for someone who may not feel the same way.
But what makes “Forrest Gump” truly special is the way Ocean fearlessly portrays queer love. In a society that too often marginalises and demonises LGBTQ+ relationships, Ocean’s unapologetic and honest portrayal of his own experiences is a watershed moment for his artistry.
With lines like “You run my mind, boy/ Running on my mind, boy,” Ocean perfectly captures the intensity of young love, regardless of gender or sexuality. It’s a bold and beautiful declaration that love is love, and it deserves to be celebrated and cherished.
Best line: “My fingertips and my lips, they burn from the cigarettes”
6. Crack Rock
A track that showcases his formidable musical range with a soulful, jazzy backdrop that provides a perfect counterpoint to his hard-hitting lyrics. With its syncopated rhythms, the track provides a masterclass in musical storytelling, as Ocean paints a vivid picture of the harrowing world of drug addiction.
But it’s true magic is the way Ocean uses the song to comment on the institutional racism of law enforcement. Ocean deftly exposes the hypocrisy of a society that criminalises drug addiction while simultaneously failing to address the underlying social and economic issues that often drive it.
Ultimately, “Crack Rock” is a powerful and timely reminder of the ways in which art can be used to confront difficult social issues. With its bold musical choices and searing social commentary, it is a testament to Frank Ocean’s unmatched talent and artistic vision.
Best line: “Fuckin’ pig get shot, three-hundred men will search for me. My brother get popped and don’t no one hear the sound”
5. Pyramids
A musical journey that only he could take us on. Clocking in at just shy of 10 minutes, it’s a testament to his songwriting prowess that there’s not a single dull moment. This song is a masterclass in musical storytelling, as Ocean interweaves two tales of social decline: the decline of black men and women in America, and the decline of his ex-lover who has left him.
Ocean’s audacity to experiment with so many different genres is nothing short of impressive. “Pyramids” goes from a slow and sultry R&B track to pulsating synth chords that would make any dance fan swoon. And just when you think you know where the song is headed, it takes another turn and transports you to a mystical soundscape.
But what truly sets “Pyramids” apart is Ocean’s ability to pack so much meaning into every line. He paints vivid pictures of strip clubs, Pharaohs, and ancient Egypt, all while speaking to the larger issues of race and power. It’s a breathtaking feat, and one that few artists could even attempt, let alone pull off so brilliantly.
Best line: “Our skin like bronze and our hair like cashmere as we march to rhythm on the palace floor”
4. Chanel
Frank’s greatest gift since the release of Blonde. Frank Ocean takes us on a journey through the duality of masculinity and femininity, exploring the nuances of his own identity and those of his male lover. The song’s chorus, “I see both sides like Chanel,” is a perfect metaphor for this exploration, weaving in references to a high-end fashion brand as yet another swipe at the shallow materialism and hedonism that often accompany the music industry.
As with much of Ocean’s work, “Chanel” is a beautifully crafted song that showcases his musical versatility and poetic lyricism. The track’s sparse instrumentation allows his voice to take centre stage, as he effortlessly moves between rapping and singing, conveying a sense of vulnerability and raw emotion that is truly captivating.
But what really sets “Chanel” apart is its bold exploration of the complexities of identity and sexuality. In a culture that often forces people into narrow and restrictive boxes, Ocean refuses to be confined. Instead, he celebrates the fluidity and multiplicity of his own identity, challenging us to do the same.
Best line: My guy pretty like a girl, and he got fight stories to tell”
3. Super Rich Kids
Opening with a deceptively cheerful melody, “Super Rich Kids” by Frank Ocean is an unflinching look at the dark side of wealth and privilege. Ocean sings of a group of young people who are desperately trying to find meaning in their lives, despite the fact that they have everything money can buy. The song is a scathing commentary on the hollow happiness that often accompanies material wealth, and the parental neglect that is all too common among the ultra-wealthy.
Ocean’s lyrics are sharp and biting, painting a vivid picture of a group of young people who are struggling to find their place in the world. The chorus, with its refrain of “too many bottles of this wine we can’t pronounce, too many bowls of that green, no lucky charms” is a devastating indictment of the superficiality and emptiness that often accompany extreme wealth.
The track’s instrumentation is cleverly polarised as are its lyrics, with the carefree sound disguising the sinister edge to the lyrics, much like the emotional disguises the subjects of the song are employing. Genius.
Best line: “We end our day up on the roof, I say I’ll jump, I never do”
2. Solo
Frank Ocean has always been a master of double meanings and clever wordplay, and his song “Solo” is no exception. With each listen, new layers of depth and complexity are revealed in this deceptively simple track.
On the surface, “Solo” is a song about the challenges of being alone. But as Ocean’s lyrics unfold, it becomes clear that there’s much more going on here. Double entendres like “Inhale, in hell, there’s heaven” and the ambiguity over whether the lyric is ‘solo’ or ‘so low’, Ocean continually hints at a darker side to solitude, where isolation can lead to self-destruction.
Musically, “Solo” is a stripped-down affair, with minimal instrumentation that lets Ocean’s vocals shine. His voice is at once vulnerable and commanding, conveying the full range of emotions that come with being alone. A worthy silver medallist.
Best line: “There’s a bull and a matador duelling in the sky. Inhale, in hell there’s heaven”
1. Sweet Life
The best song wasn’t the single…
“Sweet Life” is a sparkling slice of soul that captures the alluring façade of a privileged lifestyle, while simultaneously tearing it down with searing social commentary. Set against a shimmering, sun-kissed melody, Ocean masterfully exposes the moral decay that often comes with wealth and excess.
With biting lyrics that question the shallowness of material possessions and the detachment of the wealthy from the struggles of the working class, “Sweet Life” is a poignant reminder that money doesn’t buy happiness or fulfillment. Ocean’s emotive vocals perfectly convey the weight of his message, capturing both the beauty and the emptiness of a life of luxury.
But even as he critiques the shallow trappings of wealth, Ocean never loses sight of the joy and pleasure that comes with living in the moment. “Sweet Life” is a celebration of life’s simple pleasures, an ode to the joys of friendship, music, and good company. With its irresistible melody and incisive lyrics, it’s a song that effortlessly captures the contradictions and complexities of modern life, and cements Ocean’s place as one of the most important and insightful artists of our time.
Best line: “So, why see the world when you got the beach?”