If you’ve ever wondered what the hell Frank Ocean’s been doing the past four years, then this weekend should bring you the answer.
After more than a year of rumors and delays, the Long Beach R&B singer’s follow-up to the modern-soul masterpiece “Channel Orange” is here; at least the first installment is, anyway.
On Thursday night, Ocean’s new visual album, “Endless,” appeared online (exclusively via Apple Music) — but this is definitely no “Lemonade.” The 45-minute film depicts Ocean and friends simply building a staircase, as new material plays. It looks like a particularly artsy Home Depot commercial.
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There are moments of magic hidden away for those who listen hard enough. Several tracks — including the excellent “U-N-I-T-Y” — feature the rare sound of Ocean rapping, while the stark and sublime “Rushes To” makes room for the 28-year-old to showcase his unmistakably rich and gorgeous voice.
Oddly, the most complete song on the album is a serene, space-age cover version of the Isley Brothers’ 1976 song “At Your Best (You Are Love)” (also famously covered by Aaliyah), featuring contributions from British singer/producer James Blake and Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood, who orchestrated strings.
But despite these highlights, “Endless” feels like an abstract depository for ideas that are incomplete, but also too good to throw away. If this were the only end product of four years of waiting, Frank Ocean might face revolt from his followers . . . but there’s more music to come.
According to Rolling Stone, another, separate album is due this weekend. Although it no longer carries the long-mooted title of “Boys Don’t Cry,” this forthcoming work will be the true successor to “Channel Orange.”
Watching men build a staircase might be perplexing, but think of it as symbolism. The visuals of “Endless” seem to hint that this album is merely a pathway to something greater. We’ll find out exactly how great very soon.