Frank Ocean

Frank Ocean's second studio album, "Blonde "(also known as blond), was released on August 20, 2016, exclusively on the iTunes Store and Apple Music. This release followed the video album "Endless", which was released a day earlier. The album features guest vocals from artists such as Beyoncé, André 3000, and Kim Burrell, and was produced by Frank Ocean himself, as well as other record producers like Pharrell Williams, Jon Brion, James Blake, and Malay, among others.

Originally referred to as "Boys Don't Cry" and teased for a July 2015 release, the album's release was delayed several times, causing a lot of anticipation from the media and fans. The recording of the album took place in various studios, including New York's Electric Lady Studios, Abbey Road Studios in London, and Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles. The album's physical release came with a magazine titled "Boys Don't Cry".

"Blonde" showcases an experimental and abstract sound that differs from Frank Ocean's previous works, incorporating different styles such as R&B, pop, soul, electronica, psychedelia, avant-garde, indie rock, and hip-hop. The album's themes revolve around Frank Ocean's experiences with masculinity, sexuality, heartbreak, loss, and trauma.

"Blonde" received widespread critical acclaim, with critics praising Frank Ocean's introspective lyrics and the unconventional sounds on the album. The lead single, "Nikes", helped the album debut at number one in several countries, including the US, with sales of 275,000 album-equivalent units and 232,000 pure sales. The album was certified platinum by the RIAA and was named the best album of 2016 by Time magazine. It was also recognized as one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the year by music publications on Metacritic. In 2020, Pitchfork named it the best album of the 2010s, and Rolling Stone ranked it at number 79 on their updated list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

During the album's creation, Frank Ocean collaborated with Tyler, the Creator, Pharrell Williams, and Danger Mouse, and was inspired by the Beach Boys and the Beatles. He also worked with other artists such as Tame Impala and King Krule and recorded the album in different studios. In a personal letter, Frank Ocean mentioned that he was inspired by a photograph of a young blonde girl in the back seat of a car, which he used in promotional material for the album.