Our First Impressions Of Frank Ocean’s Visual ‘Endless’

Someone better call this number because we finally found Frank Ocean.

The elusive artist seems to be over being a meme of himself, along with the album title Boys Don’t Cry, because last night, we were finally gifted Frank Ocean’s new visual album, Endless.

If Endless signifies endless questioning, endless aggravations and endless unfulfilled release dates, then we’d say the name of this project is on point.

Rolling Stone has confirmed that the new release is completely separate from Ocean’s much anticipated sophomore studio album, teasing that another album release is coming to Apple Music this weekend.

For now, at least we have Endless. With contributions from the likes of Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood, James Blake, Jazmine Sullivan, Sampha and more, Ocean’s latest 18-track release features surprises at every turn.

Frank Ocean made me get Apple Music. Idk what this #Endless thing is, but it already fills the void for wherever that other album is.

— mike (@mcrpz) August 19, 2016

Though we’re not completely in love with it like we were with Channel Orange, there’s a little bit of something for everyone. Most tracks are under two minutes, but there are some definite standouts.

“At Your Best (You Are Love)” is a cover of the the Isley Brothers’ original 1976 release. Using his “Thinkin’ About You” falsetto, Ocean makes the soul group’s delicate single into his own, with the help of string arrangements by Johnny Greenwood and the London Contemporary Orchestra.

“Comme des Garçons” is an instant head-bobber that’s insanely too short. Sitting at exactly one minute, Ocean sings “Feelings come, feelings go” and “Comme des Garçons” (which is French for “like boys”). Who knew Frank Ocean spoke French?

On “Slide On Me,” one of the album’s longer tracks, Ocean’s croon comes across echoed and restrained. With the sound of gutter twangs and low industrial drum beats, he opens the song with the line, “I’ve been running all year.” From what, Frank Ocean? Your disappointed fans?

“Sideways” begins in the outro of “Slide On Me,” and has Ocean sing-rapping over a smooth kick drum and high-hat. Ocean raps, “When I’m up they gon’ hate / When I’m down they gon’ celebrate / Sittin’ sideways, sideways, nah, it’s not too late.”

If you enjoyed Channel Orange’s “Pink Matter,” chances are you’ll like “Rushes To,” where the singer shows off his incredible alongside mellow guitar strums.

“Higgs” is Endless‘ last track, although the visual album does transition into German visual artist Wolfgang Tillmans’ “Device Control” afterwards. Like most of the promising songs on this project, however, it ends way too soon, abruptly stopping in silence.

If you want to see Frank Ocean build some stairs along to new music, head on over to Apple Music and stream it now.