Love and Self-Reflection
Finding peace and comfort in Frank Ocean’s Blonde.
Frank Ocean ensured that with an album as electric as Blonde, he would leave an entire generation in awe. Past the music, this album is more than art. Feelings and experiences pour out of each song. Every year, as I get older, I reflect on it more and more. Like many people, Blonde has become very special to me.
My first listen
I’ll be honest for a moment — I wasn’t the biggest fan of Blonde the first time I heard it. Kanye West, being my favorite artist, had my full attention at the time. Overshadowed by his long-awaited album, The Life Of Pablo, Blonde to me was just another good album of 2016. Some songs were played and others were quickly forgotten.
Don’t get me wrong, though — songs like “Nights” piqued my interest. However, I thought it was nothing more than a collection of emotional songs strung together by a great voice. I still hadn’t grasped the emotional side of the record, but the unique production pulled me in a bit more. I was young and immature — not quite ready to understand what Frank had created.
My first relationship
As shown in the cover art, Blonde is a very intimate album. That is why I must tell you about my past endeavors. It wasn’t until my first serious relationship and later breakup that I listened to the entire album. As I delved in, the lyrics on “Ivy” felt more personal.
I thought that I was dreamin’ when you said you love me
The start of nothin’
At first, being in love, or at least what I thought was love, felt great. I was on top of the world — and much indeed felt like I was “dreaming.” Even “Self Control” was beginning to sound better. Although being in a relationship fueled my love for the album, nothing prepared me for what I was about to encounter.
“All good things must come to an end,” as someone once said, felt more real than ever. In short, I could feel my relationship slowly coming to an end. We were too young to understand what real love was, and it no longer felt the same way it did at first. To spare the details, me and my girlfriend broke up, and she moved on as if nothing had happened.
Just like Frank, I was left alone with mixed emotions and not knowing what to think. This is why I believe that to understand the album, you must first experience it.
Understanding Blonde
It all starts with “Nikes” and a sweet high-pitched voice referencing youth in the beginning. Regarded as the turning point on the album, “Nights” splits the album into two parts. The first part can be said to be about falling in love and immaturity. The second part contrasts the first by emphasizing ideas of letting go and deep reflection.
From the songs “Ivy” to “Self Control,” it is clear that Frank is in the beginning stages of a relationship. He sings about initial feelings of love and sexual admiration. Unfortunately, his relationship doesn’t last long. From the short interlude “Good Guy,” we learn that Frank’s relationship was rather meaningless.
This quickly transitions into the first part of “Nights,” detailing his past one-nighter. The second part is much slower, which creates a somber feeling that greatly mirrors a crash after a drug high. It can also be inferred that Frank experienced a crash due to being “high” on infatuation from his previous failed relationship.
Moving on, “Solo (Reprise)” once again touches on the theme of loneliness. By repeatedly saying “so low,” André, the featured artist, conveys that he might be depressed or at a loss of confidence. Frank further pushes the idea of rock bottom with the introduction of “Pretty Sweet.” Although titled “Pretty” and “Sweet,” the ear-wrenching instrumental is quite difficult to listen to at first. Throughout the song, Frank is surrounded by a mess of risk, death, and unloyalty.
In “Close To You,” reflection finally starts to set in.
I’ll be honest, I wasn’t devastated
But you could’ve held my hand through this, baby
Let my mind run underneath warm jets
I run my hands through what’s left
Filled with loneliness once again, Frank is left with nothing but memories of his past relationship. He also thinks their situation could have been handled differently. Moreover, “warm jets” are used to refer back to the album artwork, and the shower Frank might use for peace and comfort.
When we move over to “White Ferrari,” Frank uses the symbolism of purity and innocence to describe his relationship. He is once again reflecting on the precious love he has for this special someone.
The haunting of “Seigfried,” combined with the realization of “Godspeed,” set a penetrating tone.
I will always love you
How I do…
Wishing you godspeed, glory
Letting go is the hardest part of every breakup. One must forgive but not forget, and that’s exactly what Frank does. He expresses the love he still has for this person but knows he eventually has to part ways.
Futura Free
In the final track, “Futura Free,” Frank is now at full maturity and reflecting on his previous endeavors in life. This is where things come full circle. To my interpretation, it is not the end — but rather a feeling of freedom since one can reflect on their actions and act accordingly.
My first breakup was pretty rough for me at the time. I was young and still learning. Some nights were emotional, to say the least. But as cliche, as it sounds, Frank got me through it. Blonde was a distraction — a distraction I needed. Listening to “Pink + White” and “Solo” only brought me comfort on unhappy days.
In five years, a lot can happen. Relationships are created and even destroyed. As I matured, I am now reflecting on my previous relationship and how to be better. I don’t feel sad when I listen to “White Ferrari” or “Godspeed.” Instead, I appreciate the music and magic created by Frank Ocean.
Over time, I learned how to move on and see things in a better light. Revisiting the album only makes me feel glad I experienced what I experienced. Much like Frank Ocean in “warm jets,” I have found peace and comfort in Blonde.
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