It is a warm summer day and you are driving down the highway in your car with a group of friends. Windows cracked, laughter fills the air, and you find yourself thoroughly enjoying the moment. The only thing missing now is a good song to make this a perfect drive. You reach over to turn on the radio and crank the volume up and as you are changing stations, suddenly, a beautiful unfamiliar tune catches your attention. You cannot help but fall in love with the soulful voice singing with such raw emotion backed by a unique and entrancing melody. You NEED to know who this is on the radio. After looking at the screen, you find out that it is none other than Frank Ocean. An inspiration to many of your favorite artists, Frank Ocean is most known for his two hit albums “Channel Orange” and “Blonde”. 

Whether it is trying to set the mood for your next date or getting your heart broken, Frank Ocean has a song for every occasion but when it comes down to it, these five songs set themselves apart from the rest of his discography.

#5 “Pyramids”

One of his most popular songs off “channel ORANGE“, “Pyramids” is a song that takes inspiration from ancient-Egyptian Pharaoh Cleopatra, focusing on how she was a woman who often acted out of her self-interests, manipulating men to get what she wanted. Ocean creates this song with heavy use of synth instruments and an invigorating club-esque beat, for the first half that is. The second half, arguably, has one of the best key changes in the music industry, switching to a more calm but equally interesting rhythm. Listening to this part of the song makes one feel like they are in a TikTok edit, and is definitely what highlights the “epic” scope of the song as some would put it.

#4 “Thinkin Bout You”

“Thinkin’ Bout You” is another song from “channel ORANGE” and one of Ocean’s more relatable songs. In this track, Ocean shares his inner thoughts with his listeners as he reminisces about a past relationship, however, what sets this song apart from other typical heartbreak radio hits is how real Ocean is with the way he writes his lyrics. He writes this narrative where he is trying to act tough, as if the relationship ending did not affect him at all: it is what people do, but he also writes other lyrics that contradict this front that humans, and Ocean, puts on; it is what gives this song life, what makes it human. Following more of a calming melody, this song is perfect for when one justs want to lie down in a dark room and think about the girl who broke their heart.

#3 “Ivy”

“Ivy” is the first track on this list that comes from the album “Blonde”, a sentimental album that can be seen as Ocean’s most vulnerable work. “Ivy” is a song that is written about a failed relationship and the complicated intricacies that come along with that dilemma. The song is backed by a mournful instrumental that sets the forlorn vibe and Ocean showcases his vocal capabilities on this track while singing about his heartbreak. “Ivy” is similar to “Thinkin’ Bout You” in many ways, but what differentiates this song from the former is how much more transparent he is with his lyrics and sound. Ocean gets more emotional, as apparent to whomever is listening, but the end of the track is what captures how it feels to be in a dying relationship; Frank records himself screaming, not knowing what else to do, but to begin to break the objects around him with anger and grief. “Ivy” is a song that heals and builds one up just to destroy them back to what they were before.

#2 “Novacane”

“Novacane” is a stand-alone track that follows a more upbeat style of music. This song is written about the feeling of being numb when it comes to love; the feeling of not being able to feel another’s affections. What most people enjoy about this song is the energy it brings when it comes on in the car, it just makes one say, “Oh my God, I love this song!” while raising the volume higher to really feel the beat and just dance. The flow, the instrumentals, the lyrics, it all blends to create such an energizing track that everyone wants to scream along to while going 100 mph down the highway (the Wildcat Chronicle does not condone speeding, however).

#1 “Seigfried”

“Seigfried.” Ocean’s best track can only be described as some of his most beautiful work.

“Seigfried” is a unique track off “Blonde”: it is a non-linear story about a break-up which skillfully symbolizes how the process of getting over a lost love is often filled with highs and lows. The melody is nothing to overlook either; it is what gives this song its beauty and sets the exquisite and graceful vibe along with its lyrics which are impressively touching. Ocean’s vocal talent is nothing short of incredible, and one of the best qualities that makes him stand apart from the rest in the music industry and this track is no exception. Ocean sings in a particularly poignant manner in some parts of the song and in others, he shows his acceptance of the situation; alternating between the two states of emotion. This painstakingly powerful and emotion-provoking track is undoubtedly the pinnacle of Ocean’s aura as an artist. Ocean is an artist who can write about what makes people human and do it masterfully – and in a way that allows his listeners to connect with him on a level deeper than what is typically allowed by other popular artists.