Break-out R&B superstar is nominated in six categories for the 55th annual Grammy Awards taking place this Sunday in Los Angeles. Most notably, Frank Ocean will battle , , , and Denver’s for the Grammys 2013 best new artist award. For record of the year (“Thinkin Bout You”), Ocean is up against the (“Lonely Boy”) fun. (“We Are Young”), (“Somebody That I Used to Know”) and (“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”).
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Frank Ocean has had, by far, the most highly publicized of his short career. From discussing his sexuality to engaging in fisticuffs with Chris Brown, Ocean is on the rise. For many, he’s the favorite to take home the album of the year award for his critically acclaimed album “Channel Orange.” In advance of music’s most prestigious award show, here are the 10 best Frank Ocean songs.
10) “Nature Feels”
One of the sexed up tracks from “Nostalgia ULTRA,” Frank Ocean translates MGMT’s “Electric Feel,” into a slinky track about his sexual prowess. The lyrics are metaphorical (“tell me how my nature feels,” and the beat proper against Ocean’s monotone flow. It was early in the game to call Frank Ocean’s style a success but “Nature Feels,” was easily one of his finer moments.
9) “Novacane”
Another stand-out track from “Nostalgia ULTRA,” this was the single that made Frank an easy crowd favorite. Rappers everywhere were hopping on instrumentals to tell their own tales of love. Ocean details meeting a sexy siren at Coachella and too many nights with cocaine induced frozen face with ease and very little distraction.
8) “Thinkin Bout You”
The track that is Ocean’s ace in the hole and chock full of metaphors, “Thinkin Bout You” isn’t great because Ocean does anything vocally incredible. The song is great because of the way Frank Ocean showcases his ability to write about love with a controlled obsession.
7) “No Church in the Wild”
Frank Ocean had not just one, but two coveted guest spots on Jay-Z and Kanye Westap “Watch the Throne.” While “Made in America” was more driven by its soulful hook, Ocean abjectly takes this track for a ride with his challenging questions about God, religion, and those governed by the two. One of his most poignant offerings before the release of Channel Orange.
6) “Swim Good”
There are many great moments on “Nostalgia ULTRA” but “Swim Good” is easily the best storytelling on the project. A song about risking everything for freedom and finding self, Frank Ocean was giving a glimpse of his songwriting capabilities with this one and the results left an indelible gold star on his track record.
5) “American Wedding”
In a move that must have taken guts, Frank Ocean sang an account of a failed and hasty love affair over the Eagles ubiquitous 1970’s “Hotel California” instrumental. The verses are long and Ocean’s vocals are airy, giving an ethereal vibration to an already entranced song. A little longer than other songs released at the time, the singer basks in confidence with his lyrics.
4) “She”
Released on Tyler the Creator’s “Goblin,” Frank Ocean lyrically plays the background on this one, singing with sophomoric glee about deep and dark desire. Never-mind Tyler’s creepy and morbid descriptions of wanton desire and lust, Frank shines on this debut single with his controlled yearning.
3) “Forrest Gump”
One of the tracks on “Channel Orange” that delved into love and sexuality directly, this “Forrest Gump” is Frank Ocean at his most descriptive. Detailing the moments of going past third base, the tale of sweet love and affection is relatable and authentic.
2) “Pyramids”
At more than 10 minutes, Frank Ocean created a song that is really two songs rolled into one. Allegory is his strong suit and there’s no stopping the singer’s love of thematic concepts from taking over. The last four minutes are a brilliant ode to a “woman of the night” Ocean calls Cleopatra. Check for John Mayer’s haunting guitar solo to close this one out.
1) “Bad Religion”
It is not only Frank Ocean’s haunting songwriting about unrequited love and his description of forbidden connection sung like a sad, sad dirge that made this song a hit.”Bad Religion” received such positive standings because of its authenticity and daring pessimism. Ocean almost chants the last line of the song (“I could never make him love me”) with obvious pent up passion and aggression. Easily the most moving moment on “Channel Orange.”
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Ru Johnson is an arts and culture music writer living in Denver. You can follow her on
