Frank Ocean’s “Bad Religion” & Unrequited Love
Is there anything worse than pouring yourself into a person ultimately not worth your energy?
Nostalgia, FOREVER
Art Design: Nicky Fulcher
nostalgia, FOREVER is a weekly series dedicated to breaking down the lyrical genius of one of America's best writers, Frank Ocean. From nostalgia, ULTRA. and channel ORANGE to Blonde, each week, we'll look at one Frank Ocean song and break down its lyrical merits and meanings. If you love Frank Ocean and heavy lyrical analysis paired with our favorite emotional state—crying—you'll love nostalgia, FOREVER.
Frank Ocean’s “Monks” & the Fantasy of Worship
Do we accept the person we love, not solely their image?
Frank Ocean’s “Pyramids” Is a Lyrical Marvel
This is art, Frank says. It demands our full presence.
Frank Ocean’s “Crack Rock” & Observing Familial Trauma
What else is there to say, except love makes little sense?
Frank Ocean’s “Pilot Jones” & the Time Warp of Toxic Love
How can Frank Ocean truly leave behind what once felt so good?
Frank Ocean’s “Super Rich Kids” & That Time I Took 11 Shots in 30 Minutes
“Real love, I’m searching for a real love.”
A Frank Ocean Song for the Dangers of the “Sweet Life”
“Why see the world, when you got the beach?”
A Frank Ocean Song for When Your Heart Caves In
“My eyes don't shed tears, but boy, they pour when…”
Frank Ocean’s “Nature Feels” & How to Write About Sex
There’s a blithe energy to “Nature Feels,” speaking for all of ‘nostalgia, ULTRA..’
Frank Ocean’s “American Wedding” & the Sound of American Heartbreak
“Jesus Christ, don’t break my heart.”
Frank Ocean’s Forever Reminder to Let Go of the Past
“Dust” is focused on appraising the past as a means of heading off into the future.
Frank Ocean’s “There Will Be Tears” & the Pangs of Missing Your Father
“You can't miss what you ain't had, well I can.”
Frank Ocean’s “Lovecrimes,” an Alternative Interpretation
The crime of ownership is not intentional, just immature.
Frank Ocean’s “Songs 4 Women” Is a Lesson in Singing for Yourself
Frank Ocean’s “Songs 4 Women” teaches us never to make music for love’s sake.
Frank Ocean’s “We All Try” & the Power of Believing in Something
“I don't believe our lives are simple.”
nostalgia, FOREVER: Frank Ocean’s “Strawberry Swing”
The duality of “Strawberry Swing” is a reminder to make blessings out of the ordinary.