Frank Ocean has an extraordinary ability to make success sound lonely and reflective. Just like Frank Ocean love songs, there are also various examples from the same talent. We are going to explore the saddest Frank Ocean songs with beloved ones from different years.
Thinkin Bout You
On “Thinkin Bout You,” his effortless piano arrangement and tender vocals capture the pain of unrequited love. This song’s captivating harmonies and lyrics tell a heart-wrenching tale of passion but failed relationships. Thinkin Bout You by Ocean is an uplifting R&B song that explores longing and confusion for someone, while at the same time showing his talent for crafting emotive lyrics. This work by Ocean is one of the first ones that come to mind among saddest Frank Ocean songs.
Ivy
Frank Ocean is a modern master of R&B, neo-soul and hip hop who has charmed a generation with his mystique and reverence for childhood nostalgia.
He excels at writing songs with dichotomous sentiments: from nostalgic reflections on queer relationships to bold bisexual anthems. His style marries postmodernism with old and new sounds seamlessly – “Ivy” being an excellent example. Using its simple lofi drum beat and acoustic guitar accompaniment, Novacane creates a melancholic atmosphere which draws listeners in for more. This track is one of the most popular and sad Frank Ocean songs.
Self Control
Ocean heavily warps his voice on “Self Control” from Blonde, offering an introspective reflection on a past relationship. The stripped melody showcases his remarkable vocal range.
This song from Frank Ocean explores both the feeling of wealth, as well as its drain on one’s sense of identity and responsibility, making it one of his most iconic works. This song is one of the most original Frank Ocean sad songs.
White Ferrari
Ocean’s “White Ferrari,” where he raps at the lower end of his vocal range while supported by Earl Sweatshirt, is one of his most evocative tracks. It’s about saying goodbye to someone he loved as a teenager while offering them their best wishes on their path ahead.
This song’s chiming guitars provide an emotive, percussion-free backdrop for Ocean to express his heartbreak. While he still cares for this person, perhaps now is the time for them to move on. Among saddest Frank Ocean songs , it would be impossible not to mention this track.
Nikes
Frank Ocean, 33-year-old singer/songwriter hailing from New Orleans has quickly established himself as one of the most highly acclaimed artists of our time with two full-length albums, a mixtape, and several features under his belt. Blending R&B, jazz, and psychedelic soul sounds together into his distinctive sound signature;
“Nikes” features an atmospheric piano instrumental and an upbeat beat, representing the complicated feelings associated with being an addict and criticizing law enforcement priorities when dealing with drug offenses.
Moon River
Channel Orange delivers an outspoken bisexual anthem in this track from Channel Orange that tells the tale of a woman consumed with drug peddling and cocaine consumption to dull the pain in her life. Ocean flips between fiery falsettos and laidback rapping on this song for maximum contrast.
“Moon River” utilizes voice layering to create an unsettling and disorienting atmosphere over an instrumental base of guitar and piano, reflecting millennial sentiments as they search for meaning in an ever-evolving world. This unforgettable song is one of the most high-energy among saddest Frank Ocean songs.
Godspeed
This dreamlike song by Ocean is another testament to his poetic writing style. His comparison of his life to an IMAX film creates some beautiful yet thought-provoking lyrics. Additionally, “Godspeed” stands out for being different from Ocean’s usual combination of partial-rapping/partial-singing.
Siegfried
The title track explores the emotional toll of losing someone dear and the sense of emptiness it causes. It references “Siegfried” from Soul Calibur video game franchise and stands out as one of the album’s most moving songs. This successful song has one of the most emotional lyrics among saddest Frank Ocean songs .
There Will Be Tears
There Will Be Tears is an incredibly poignant track on both musical and lyrical levels, exploring the complexities of romantic relationships and their unpredictable outcomes. This song has a special meaning among the saddest Frank Ocean songs. Ocean’s voice pitch-shifts throughout this track as his lyrics explore no hard feelings but having never forgotten this person who once held his heart so dear.
Strawberry Swing
This song has the most touching lyrics among the saddest Frank Ocean songs. Strawberry Swing is another dark track featuring pitch-shifted vocals. It explores how despite your best intentions to love someone deeply, but even after they hurt you it may not work out; how your vision for their suburban family life may not manifest into reality, even after good times had together.