Frank Ocean
Across
- 2. Contains a melodic passage inspired by The Beatles’ “Here, There and Everywhere,” earning Paul McCartney a songwriting credit.
- 5. The name came from a dream Frank had about a hazy, distant place, matching the track’s nocturnal vibe.
- 6. André 3000 originally considered adding a second OutKast member, but Big Boi declined, leaving it a one-of-a-kind duet.
- 9. His most streamed song
- 11. Co-Produced by Pharrel Williams,a critique of wealthy West L.A. culture wrapped in a breezy, summery groove.
- 13. Only 46 seconds long, it’s literally the sound of turning on a PlayStation; the boot-up noise sets the “channel surfing” theme.
- 14. Built around chaotic, orchestral bursts and a children’s choir to create a sudden jolt of energy
- 15. His "Breakout" song
- 17. Exactly halfway through the album (at the 30-minute mark) the beat switches, splitting the record into its “day” and “night” halves.
Down
- 1. He released it late on February 14, 2018, with no advance notice—classic Frank style.
- 3. Includes a field recording of crickets from Frank’s own backyard layered beneath the synth pads.
- 4. Nearly 10 minutes long, Guitar solo at the end by John Mayer
- 5. Features rapper Earl Sweatshirt; the piano line nods to Elton John’s “Bennie and the Jets.”
- 7. Originally written for Bridget Kelly
- 8. Frank pitched his voice up on the entire first half, that "demo" take ended up on the final take because he liked that raw feel
- 10. Story about someone working as a drug courier
- 12. Inspired by a trip to the UK where Frank watched screaming fans at a festival and compared the crowd’s devotion to monastic discipline.
- 16. The static and channel-surf noises close the album like a TV shutting off—mirroring the opener and completing the “channel” concept.