My new favorite Frank Ocean song - Alabama
I finally listened to Endless. Well, really I finally bought Apple Music. But that inspired me to listen to Frank Ocean's Apple Music exclusive album Endless. I want to talk more about this album in a future review but for now, I want to shine a spotlight on one song in particular, Alabama.
This song starts with overlapping vocals. They feel like thoughts racing through a busy mind. The way his rhyme schemes continue in the background almost like an echo while he changes flows is so beautiful. I love the repetitive beat behind the vocals. At first, it creates this feeling of uneasiness. As Frank's erratic vocals continue to rush past, the beat almost becomes a point of grounding for the listener and feels oddly comforting. Side note it really reminds me of something from Tokyo Ghoul. This unease eventually morphs into a sense of longing with the outro of the song. He repeatedly asks questions about how he can improve and how he can "do better". The rushed overthinking and tense beat are a reflection of a sense of insecurity that is fully realized in the outro.
At least that's what I got out of the song. However you interpret it one thing is consistent, this dude needs to drop another album.
Go listen to Alabama and go listen to Endless. Even if you don't have Apple Music there are reuploads on YouTube.
Also, SAMPHA AND JAZMINE SULLIVAN ARE UNMATCHED