ocean’s sophomore effort wasn’t a slump!
In 2016, Frank Ocean released his hotly anticipated sophomore effort “blond”, an album riding off the back of a widely celebrated debut album “Channel Orange”. With unconventional promotion tactics, the album became Ocean’s first number-one album on the Billboard Hot 100 and received rave reviews from fans and critics alike. Released 7 years ago with sparse physical formats, the album ranks high in online searches for “vinyl’ from fans and collectors. Here’s why Frank Ocean’s ‘Blond’ is a vinyl gem.
Background
Ocean started working on the follow-up to his debut album “Channel Orange (2012)” as early as 2013. After receiving critical and commercial success and winning the Grammy for Best Urban Contemporary Album, the world anxiously awaited the next project. Over the course of four years, anticipation went into mania with leaked information from various collaborators and colleagues about studio sessions and rumored guest appearances.
Controversy
Unhappy with his treatment from the Def Jam, Frank released the visual album “Endless” as the final project to complete his label contract. With his contractual agreement fulfilled, Ocean created his own independent label “Boys Don’t Cry” and released his magnum opus “blond” exclusively on Apple Music the very next day. Def Jam didn’t get the album they anticipated. Ocean walked away with $20 million dollars, and a number one album. The move is discussed as the biggest “finesse” of the music industry to this day.
Public Reception
The album received universal critical acclaim with many critics dubbing it the “best album of 2016”. Fans and colleagues praised the album for its lyrical storytelling, vulnerability, experimental production, and top-notch vocal performances. Despite massive success, Ocean didn’t submit it for consideration at the 2017 Grammy’s. He also didnt tour to support the project. 7 years after its release, it is still widely discussed, debated, and enjoyed. In 2024 the album was placed at number 4 on the controversial Apple Music “100 Best Albums” list.
Vinyl ‘Hunt’
With interest in vinyl records rising, ‘blond vinyl’ is one of Google’s most searched word phrases. The vinyl was first released on Black Friday 2016 with Ocean selling a limited number of copies on his site for $35. The ‘black and white’ edition sold out instantly. Its now legend with resellers asking for hundreds, if not thousands of dollars to obtain.
After the first issued vinyls sold out, a frenzied search for the record ensued. Bootleggers hopped on the hype selling unofficial pressings of ‘blond’ and Ocean’s entire catalog. Six years after its release, a second issue with the original cover art became available. Resellers have flooded the internet with more available copies that aren’t as expensive as the first issue.
reflection
With no new album in over seven years, Ocean’s second effort has become a legend in the vinyl and music worlds. With its praises and worldwide acclaim, ‘blond’ has become a must-have for all music critics and fans. Since Ocean has reissued a third pressing of the celebrated album, fans can now rest assured they will get the LP. This masterpiece with its hype and glory is surely the ‘Holy Grail’ of any vinyl collection.
-SV