REVIEWS
Frank Ocean
Blond
Boys Don’t Cry 2016
Following more than a year of speculation, disappointment, and collective wishing,
Frank Ocean rolled out two stunning expressions of — and explorations into —
personal identity; his quietly brilliant visual album, Endless, shined light on the labor
involved in being a desired artist by building something right in front of us. Blond,
however, is not just simply the result of that labor; it is a subtle, genre-less gift of self,
from Frank Ocean to his fans. Here, Frank is as honest on his wiry guitar ballads
(“Ivy,” “Self Control”) as he is on the hip-hop cuts (“Nights,” “Futura Free”). Big-name
contributors (Kendrick, Beyonce) and eclectic influences (Elliot Smith, The Beatles)
can be discovered in the details, but Blond is all about the man behind the art.
Beyoncé
Lemonade
Columbia Records 2016
It was inevitable that a statement as personal and articulate as Lemonade
would be reduced to some tabloid fodder and a few Late Night jokes. But
for those who were really listening — really watching — Lemonade is a
triumphant and cinematic examination of infedility and self-love. Even
for those who were only kind of listening, Lemonade is full of flawless
production and stellar vocal performances. And to the population at large,
its just another reminder that Beyoncé can turn pain into power, and right
now she is at the top of her game.
Solange
A Seat at the Table
Columbia Records 2016
On A Seat at the Table, Solange refines her artistic voice for one of
2016’s most cohesive and necessary album statements. Through
introspection, Solange discovers and shares perspective and truth
about being a black woman in the United States right now. Her
voice — sonically, tonally, and narratively — sounds assured and
developed; her backdrop is airy and gorgeous, at times evoking
subdued funk textures. On her most wholesome project yet, Solange
is proud, and it shows — Also, if you’ve been waiting for some fire
sad Wayne bars, strangely enough, you’ll find those here, too.
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