I honestly already wanna go back :) I did another listen this morning, really digging it, and I thought, "Ah man... the first time is already gone." It hit well though, so the experience was had 👍
First time I listened to blonde I thought it was weird. Didn't connect with it. I was expecting channel orange 2.0. Now it's one of my favorite albums of all time.
I hear people say this all the time but am I the only one that didn’t like it at first? I mean I liked nights but that was it. It took me like 4-5 tries for this album to really hit for me. Edit: didn’t see the previous dudes comment guess I’m not alone lol
My guy. You’ve got the lyrics on in front of you. That is something NOBODY else does and something that is so so so important to someone’s impression of a song. Kudos
Denton and that other small RU-vidr do it. Also personally I think it’s better to experience the album sonically before you try and tackle the lyrical content, but that’s just my opinion
@@sebc.416 yeah for me if i concentrate on lyrics while listening i get distracted and dont appreciate the music as much. tbf its personal preference on how you can concentrate but for me i like to listen to the music fully first listen
@@sebc.416 I sort of agree, but then you’re only ever getting like MAYBE half of what the album truly is. It’s not a good way to go about videos like this, but a good way to approach an album for personal listening
@@bobdylanlovr69 yeah kinda less fun seeing someone just nodding and commenting about the flow and the beat. But this method can't work really well for all music either
Listening to this album after a breakup is like dousing a flesh wound with peroxide. Man this one album has gotten so many people through their heartbreaks, it’s specific enough to feel like he’s retelling his own personal experiences but just vague enough to apply to everyone and all their facets of life. To quote Apple Music, its a “metaphysical breakup album”.
I had a rough, rough break-up when this album came up. 2 weeks into the incident, I've never cried about it and it kinda confused me. Then I listened to this at work and I started sobbing uncontrollably at White Ferrari. Till now, it's one of my favorite album ever, but I can only listen to this in certain moods.
This was the album that I listened to right as I went through a horrible breakup. I’ve always loved Frank, but this is a special album to me. Got the vinyl and everything.
Idk If anyone else has already mentioned this but Blonde was released independently. It was a big f**k you to his record label because he released his album "Endless" (under the record label) just the day before. So Endless was a lot rougher around the edges and in some sense a throwaway album (its gotten a reappraisal by fans) just to fulfill his contract and be able to release Blonde without any infringements on his artistic vision for the album. I mention this because you talked about how cool it is that the record label approved some of the songs on this album lol
It's an important thing to know. That means he couldn't do it before which goes to show how idiotic some of these labels can be. Gotta trust the artists and let them be who they are. Can you imagine if Frank had not done that and Blonde never existed because of it? And how many amazing pieces of work have been lost because of braindead decisions by labels? Just kills me to think about it
@@trvyycrtr2206 it basically was because he released blond the day after endless , it doesn’t mean endless is bad but frank wanted out of the record label deal so he released endless to go independent , he finessed 20 million by doing that
I get a lot of great comments, but this one is an absolute treasure to me. As someone who grew up listening to music with his dad and now listens to music with his son in the same fashion, I fully appreciate the joy that can come from enjoying music together. Tell him to be patient, both with himself and the music. It will take time to adjust. Show him the lyrics that matter to you the most. Explain how they connect to other songs and other artists, how the sounds link with what you're feeling when you hear a song you love. Share it all, man. Even if he never gets to the point where he loves the music on his own, he'll learn so much more about you and what makes you tick, what your fears are, what your hopes and dreams are. It's all any father ever wants in a relationship with his son. Godspeed, you two. Enjoy the ride ❤🤘
@@bobthepoppop It’s amazing how you’re able to write such nice responses to almost all the comments! Thank you so much for this I’m gonna go show it to my dad
@@justinorozco8911nothing better than a relationship with a dad where you can share with each other the things your interested in, almost a swap of times. Awesome man!
tyler the creator founded the group odd future in the early 2010s which had artists like tyler, frank ocean, earl sweatshirt and more, which is why frank was on many of tyler’s older songs
Its reached that spot for me as well, I swear Im still finding new things after so many listens. My favorite track changes every couple of months it feels like.
The beautiful thing about this album is how it can attach to different experiences in life and make you Appreciate each listen even more. Completely cohesive at an overall listen, but uniquely applicable to everybody.
This is what can be so great about lyrics that are not cut and dry in their meaning. I love when things are not perfectly clear (when it makes sense) in a song because it opens up the song to everyone. Add on these rich, subtle tones like Frank has in this album and you get pure magic
Not sure if you mention this later on, but you said at the start you aren’t sure if you’ve heard frank ocean before. He actually was in the second Tyler the creator song you ever listened to, She. He did the opening verse and the chorus, and was present in a lot of Tyler’s music throughout the years. Cool cuz you kind of went full circle and came back to him.
I had figured he was on some of Tyler's work as him name was vaguely familiar, but I couldn't recall what songs he was involved with or what his voice sounded like
seigfried oh my god. the struggle for identity and self-discovery bounded by the lack of courage to step outside, despite this ever-present feeling that outside is where nirvana lies. for me, that mental outside has literally, like he says, been reduced to a dream within a dream of a thought. man, this song connects with me so intimately it almost feels like im living as an idea from franks mind.
It's been years since this album dropped and it still sticks with me. It's kind of like a palate cleanser. It strips things down to the basics. Before Blonde, I used to think of music as a form of escapism. I would blast loud and heavy music to drown out my thoughts I was trying to avoid. But when I listened to Blonde for the first time, I noticed that there was so much empty space. It was almost uncomfortable how minimal everything felt. However, after multiple listens I realized that each and every small detail was purposeful. With every listen, I would pick up on more and more details. At the same time, the hard feelings I was experiencing would also reveal themselves to me. I feel like ever since Blonde came out, I've been on my journey of self discovery. I've had feelings of shame, guilt, self-hatred, and isolation. And through it all, this album has been there for me. Almost like a companion that I can rely on when I need to feel better. P.S. Seigfried is my favorite by far (Copy and pasted this from another blonde reaction cuz I really like what I said haha)
Bob, you're reaction to Blonde gave me chills, man, I have to say. You see, I've seen most [if not all] Blonde reaction videos, and in most of them the person is both surprised and amazed, but also weirded out by some of Frank's music, particularly the pitch change Frank does, as at the end of Ivy, for example. You're legitimately the only one that was open-minded and quick enough to grasp that what you were listening to was not only music but a story being told. You listened to the end of Ivy, but instead of being judgmental, you had your arms wide open, trying to understand the feeling that "weird" sound was conveying, the story it was trying to tell you. Frank said in an interview he was a storyteller, and you just demonstrated that beautifully throughout this whole video. Thank you for this!
Dude I really like what you said at the beginning, you already earned my respect for you actually open your music ear and just listen. It is really cool how you just told us that you would clear your mind and just listen and see if you like it. Appriciate that. From a big Frankie fan
I've seen countless Blonde reactions, this one is my favorite because you took your time to rewind certain parts, you're going over the lyrics a lot, and I like the longer edit style I think this is your best video so far!
your reaction to white ferrari is priceless. it touches so many aspects of the song and of music in general. it’s so simple but at the same time it’s so deep. best song ever made
Very pleasantly surprised you like this album so much! I'm happy to be proven wrong, definitely thought you wouldn't like this due to how low energy it is, even though it has plenty to offer to make up for that (Siegfried is likely the best RnB song I've ever heard and is one of my favorite songs ever across any genre) Makes me think you'd absolutely digggg Earl Sweatshirt between the music and the insane lyricism EDIT: Also a less popular suggestion, but if you want more Blonde-adjacent shit that's also incredibly good, check out Moses Sumney (either album works, both are superb and Moses is likely the most underrated person working in music today)
It's been a tough battle for Earl on my list, but he is fighting his way closer and closer to the top. He's been mentioned to me from almost day one. I gotta give him a listen
@@bobthepoppop I think earl’s most recent album “some rap songs” is a top 5 rap album of all time, but when you do earl first you should react to Doris probably, and then eventually get up to some rap songs.
i've been listening to this album -every now and then- since it was released but this was the first time i actually sat down and looked up the lyrics. It's actually crazy! I am now taking driving lessons and once i get my hand on a driving license, the first thing im doing is: Go on a car ride and just play the whole album (the other album i want to also do the same for is Mac Miller's Swimming in Circles). it's been the thing that's motivating me to work harder on my driving. (i live in France, the driving exams here aren't as easy as the ones they do in the US and other). Blonde is such a phenomenal project.
It’s so impressive watching you listen to songs I’ve heard before and come away with an understanding that I hadn’t thought of but makes perfect sense great job keep it up 👍
You should definitely check out Sometimes I might be Introvert by Little Simz. It actually dropped this year and it is easily my favorite album of 2021. The production alone makes this album legendary.
Seigfried has always been such a favorite track since I've been a huge Elliott Smith fan for years. That bridge uses lyrics from Elliott's song, "A Fond Farewell", on his posthumous album. Really cool to see an artist incorporate so many different influences from across the board of music. Much love to Frank and I loved this vid!
Loving your channel Bob! You're very naturally intellectual, well-spoken, and open to new things! It's fun to watch! My favorite artist is Childish Gambino. Idk if anyone has suggested him or his albums but Because The Internet would be perfect for you. Think Kendrick and Frank Ocean with a little Tyler!
I am going to be completely "frank" with you...(lame pun intended), but as loving Frank Oceans Channel Orange album, and basically anything that came out from Tyler, Earl, or anyone from that "group", it took a while for me to enjoy this album. I truly think it's one of those that you more appreciate at certain times in your life. I had gotten out of a 9-year relationship, was feeling extremely low on myself, and had this album playing while making coffee one morning. It just clicked, and not only did I enjoy it, but I would become almost in a trance with my headphones on. It was beyond therapeutic for me. I can only name a couple more albums that have that same effect on me. Others are Mac Miller's "Swimming", Kanye's "808's", Radiohead's "Kid A". I don't get angry or disappointed when someone doesn't get it right away. Some of my favorite albums are ones I didn't appreciate or understand at first. Perspective and living some life is needed for certain things to click, but when it does it's extremely beautiful. It got me to want to learn music and I picked up the piano because of this album. I will always adore this album for evolving me emotionally. For simply being there, when my friends or family wasn't able to help me. Not that they didn't try, but I was so closed off from everyone because of my breakup, and Frank gave me the confidence and hope to get my life back, and just live again without pressure. In all honestly, you have become my favorite reacter, and one of my favorite people on RU-vid. The honesty is transparent and makes consuming your content enjoyable. It's been a thrill to see you grow, it's beyond deserved. Have a lovely, and peaceful weekend! EDIT: Infinite kudos for mentioning Fiona Apple. Your other tastes in music make me confident that you'll connect with a lot of these albums that I previously may have thought differently a few weeks ago. It's not only nice to see you evolve in your musical journey, but to also learn more about you, as well.
Thank you so much, Wesley. This is amazing to read. I'm glad you're enjoying this musical ride as much as I am. I think it's great that this album led you into playing the piano. It shows how much power it has and how it can reach people in so many different ways. '808s' has been on my list for awhile, 'Swimming' has been added, and Kid A has always been one of my favorites. Cheers again for the incredible comment 🍻
Loved that you picked up the transition from Be yourself into solo and how he contradicts the voicemail message from his mother. The song really plays on the solo and “so low” - you did pick this up right! And from Pink & White it continues the theme of everything going downhill from that point. You picked up on a lot of things and understood them perfectly especially on your first listen.
The idea of Tyler and Frank together is hilarious to me but I see why your mind went there lol 😅 They're more like brothers if anything. Frank was pretty much the first major name in Hip Hop/RnB to ever come out the closet. He wrote an open letter after his first album Channel Orange got leaked and the rumours started to spread on the internet, thankfully the response was (mostly) positive. Also, I love Radiohead! They're definitely the type of band that Frank does get inspiration from so you're probably not far off. This might be my favourite reaction you've done (no surprise as its one of my favourite albums ever😊) Self Control, Nights and Seigfried are my Top 3 songs.
in Nikes - "his girl keep the scales, a little mermaid" - I've always assumed that relates to weighing scales as in to obsessing over body weight (eating disorder). and then the mermaid bc of connotations to beauty, impossibility, fantasy, siren (the evilness of beauty?)
His album channel orange is a more digestible classic. Lyrics are more straight forward but still pack A PUNCH. Welcome to some of the best music in the past 25 years
@@bobthepoppop you might be my favorite youtuber. Really look up to you and hope I’m still as passionate as I am about music later on in life as I am right now
this album is a grower. like, for real: it may seem very empty or sparse at first, but multiple listens reveal that its emptyness is crafted incredibly well by the immaculate production and mixes, which highlight all the subtleties in a fantastic way, which obviously don't really pop up on first listens
keep doing what your doing you're doing it right this one of the best first reactions to this album I've ever seen, super real, super personal, the heart of what discovering new music is about
only writing this comment about 45 minutes into the video so I know you haven't heard futura free yet but I love hearing people's reactions to frank before they find out he isn't straight. for all of the prevalent themes of love on the album he very rarely writes about it in gendered terms, I think it brings so much life and liberation to his lyrics, it makes the experience of listening to his music and relating to it so universal. love the video, thanks.
I fucking love watching people who otherwise would probably never listen to certain music if it wasn't for RU-vid or Spotify to end up loving it. I went through a similar thing and seeing others go through the same journey is just pure joy. Looking forward to more. Godspeed.
I liked this album when it first came out but it took about 10 listens to click but when it did I still feel as though I’ve never resonated with any work of art so deeply
you’re my favorite reaction channel, i enjoy hearing your perspectives on different genres and music, and i really appreciate your open mindness to take on music. keep it up !
If you're interested in listening to other R&B albums then I highly recommend Voodoo or Black Messiah by D'Angelo, and if you like them then also check out Brown Sugar by him as well. All three are considered to be classic albums
I usually don't watch nor like reaction videos because they always seem fake to me or the reactions are just over the top to please the audience. But recently I discovered your channel with your yeezus reaction video (it probably popped up because I have been a long time huge Kanye fan) and I just love your honnesty in these reactions and it's heartwarming to see somebody opening up to new styles of music. Keep doing what you're doing !
Loves that you mentioned "Daughter" and "London Grammar" very seldom do I hear them mentioned (as much as they should be), and they're both Great bands! 🙏🏽. Pleasant surprise Bob! 🤘🏼🤟🏼
It is an organ on Solo. Maybe my favorite song on the album. Also, Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead did orchestration on some of this album. I'd highly recommend listening to this album without looking at lyrics at some point, just to appreciate the musicality of everything more
Having the context of knowing Frank’s sexuality will make you have some new thoughts and interpretations on second listen, which you started to notice on Siegfried. Also, you have heard Frank Ocean on almost every Tyler album, they are great friends and we’re apart of the rap group “Odd Future”.
@@195achmadmaulana4 his cousin is a drug dealer, and his girlfriend uses the scales to measure out the portions of drugs he serves - mermaids also have scales on the lower half of their body
Please give kid cudi’s “ Man on The Moon: The end of day” a reaction. The deluxe version too. I feel like you’ll enjoy it since you said you admired a musician who can freely express their struggles and the adversities they go through and incorporate it into their music. He is a massive inspiration to many dealing with depression and anxiety. He completely revolutionized hip hop, by being one of the most introspective and innovative rappers of the 2010s.
Omg I love how you pointed out how vague pink and white is... bc even though it might seem like a romantic song, it makes me thing of my parents and I love them and it makes me cry. When it comes to downhill, I just think of them getting older and closer to being farther to me.
They gave me the tools that birthed me. Childhood is what I think of when he brings up palm trees and mj for me. (My parents moved my sister and I to florida)
Man I really appreciate what you do man, I've analyzed this album countless times and it's so great to be able to listen along and analyze along with you and see what your impressions are and watch you take it all in, seeing such an interest in the lyrics in a reaction and the possible meanings is so nice. You're doing great
One of my all time favorites. I remember I didn't like it in the first listening because of the pitched vocals in Nikes. I'm glad I gave it a second opportunity, such an incredible album.
God this review made me realize this is probably one of my favorite albums ever made. You have beautiful interpretations of a lot of the topics on this album man. SUBBED!
Fun Fact: On Self Control Genius credits Swedish rapper "Yung Lean". He is the pitched up voice at the beginning of the song as well. I believe there is a pitched down version on reddit somewhere. To me its crazy how many little credits and features there are on this. So much attention to detail.
Love the open mindedness, we understand a lot of this music can be hard to get or understand since you're deep diving into it. There is a lot of acquired taste involved so the first listen isn't always gonna do it for everyone
I've loved this album for almost 2 years now but only now this dude opened my eyes to new perspectives to the tracks and their meanings. Interpreting it in a way that I would never have seen
I would give anything to hear this album for the first time again. I appreciate that you kept an open mind and saw this masterpiece for what it is - art. An artist pouring himself into something and creating something special. We are lucky to live in a time where we can share our interests in this way. Keep on doing your thing man.
I really appreciate how deep you go into the lyrics. Most people who react to this album focus on the instrumentation which in and of itself is amazing but the lyrics are almost an instrument on their own and a lot of people don't want to take the time to actually try to understand what the feeling he is to portray is. I relate it to Outkast's Hey Ya! where the lyrics are quite depressing buried under happy music. I hope everyone watches this just so that they don't fall into the majority of people and actually appreciate the meaning behind the music. It took me like 5 years of replaying the album to pick up on a lot of what he was talking about and now in my opinion with all things considered it is one of the best albums that's ever been produced. Really enjoyed the video! You should react to Channel Orange next! I also want to add some praise to Frank of how well he can really capture moments in time with music and then be able to portray those moments to the listeners. In my opinion he is the only one in the music industry that can do this as well as he does. I was happy to see how you picked up on that!
Also did you know Fiona Apple heavily inspired Late Registration? Fiona and Kanye even had an interview where he mentioned he wanted to be the rap version of her. Also kanye said love on white ferrari lmfao
finding your channel has been so fun for me, its so cool seeing someone react to things they’re completely new to with no bias. your reactions are so curious and genuine and you’re even giving me new perspectives on things i’ve listened to so many times. truly amazing stuff.
Kenny mason? Metal rap suggestion I’ll think you’d like it PTSD is a good starter song for him I need somebody to react to this because nobody does. So excited to watch this video tho.
You’re by far my favorite review channel. You’re so open minded. I love you for it. Anthony fantano could never. Even when you don’t understand something that’s so clear to me, you’re open minded.
In Seigfried when he sings "this is not my life, its just a fond farewell to a friend" Frank's actually replicating the chorus of the song "a fond farewell" by Eliott Smith, which is about trying to leave a drug addiction
you have no idea how much I've needed to slow things down and take my time with things recently. And your video makes me feel like I'm doing that, for me, or as if i'm learning how to do that from you. it calms me down. thank you
Amazing reaction!! I think you would also like Beyonce's Lemonade, a great body of work. It is a visual album and it comes with a one hour film. Incredible if you ask me, she tells an amazing story.
Never watched any of your videos and usually I steer clear from full reactions but I was very pleasantly surprised. Great insight and genuinely entertaining. Really great stuff
I think I disliked most reaction videos until this one... your analysis is nice not too intrusive as if you are telling me this is what it must be and you're always correct. Moreso like we are working through the lyrics/ the music together. You have a nice perspective to bring to the table, love it man keep it up! (my dad was in the army and I think your little addition about "those rides" was pretty insightful) (also liked the pureness of your reaction to Facebook Story, again an interesting perspective)
