Where was Frank Ocean? Four years have passed since the last time the soulful, emotion wrenching R&B singer dropped his last album. The question has been answered.

On August 20th, the singer surprised many of his fans by releasing an album, titled “Blonde.” The album features an array of dream-like instrumental focused songs, with Ocean’s almost hypnotic voice weaving in and out of the instrumentals; a different turn from his 2012 album, “Channel Orange.” With a focus on social issues along with self discovery, Ocean has proven he remains a powerful artist in the music industry.

First listening to this album, I could not help but be enticed by the different sounds that Ocean brought to each song. The first song on the track list,”Nikes,” is simple: Ocean’s voice, a beat and a hypnotic effect. The song references racial injustice, social issues and even gives a nod to Trayvon Martin, saying, “RIP Trayvon,” and “He look just like me.” The song also features an incredible music video which creates an ode to diversity, people of color and the beauty of the human body.

Skip a few tracks, and one will find “Solo,” yet another example of the diversity of this album. “Solo” speaks mainly of Ocean and his loneliness, self love and wait for a lover. The song features only his voice and a church organ behind him along with references to what Ocean perceives about heaven and hell.

With a distinct difference from song to song, Ocean truly creates a story throughout the entire album, and I really never knew what to expect from the next track.

With a wide range of sounds, as well as trips of nostalgia, dreamy vocals and instrumentals, Ocean has done it again. He created an artistic masterpiece, full of raw emotion and incredible songs that takes one on a journey throughout the album.

With nods to racial inequality, inner struggles and social problems, Ocean not only creates a variety of sounds  but also helps one connect with every word he soulfully sings.

I enjoyed listening to this thoroughly and would highly recommend it to anyone who likes Ocean, R&B music or to someone who just wants to feel and relate to music.