stayc main image

Compression for Beatmakers

October 18, 2024

Compression is one of the most crucial tools in any beatmaker's toolkit, shaping the dynamics of your track and helping achieve that punchy, polished sound....

Read more
stayc main image

The Best Beginner-Friendly DAWs for Music Production

October 18, 2024

Getting into music production can be an exciting journey, especially for beginners. With so many digital audio workstations (DAWs) available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.

Read more
stayc main image

Top 10 Mixing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

October 18, 2024

Mixing is an art form that requires not only technical skill but also a keen ear and attention to detail. Many producers and engineers fall into common traps...

Read more
stayc main image

Choosing the Best CPU for Music Production

October 18, 2024

When upgrading your CPU for music production, whether you're composing orchestral scores, producing electronic music, or working with intricate multi-track projects, selecting the right processor...

Read more
stayc main image

How to Create Epic Risers and Transition Effects for Electronic Music

October 11, 2024

Creating epic risers and transition effects is essential for electronic music producers to build tension and anticipation before a drop or shift in their tracks. Here’s how you can do it...

Read more
stayc main image

Automating a Drum Bus in Reaper to Create Dynamic Room Effects

October 6, 2024

Read more
stayc main image

EQ in Practice: How to Use Subtractive EQ to Clean Up Muddy Mixes

October 6, 2024

ixing music is an art, and one of the most essential tools for achieving clarity in a mix is the equalizer (EQ). One technique, in particular, known as subtractive EQ, can work wonders for cleaning...

Read more
stayc main image

How to Manage Static Noise in High Frequencies When Compressing Vocals

October 6, 2024

One common frustration in vocal production, especially for home studio and bedroom producers, is encountering static noise in the high frequencies after compressing and brightening vocals...

Read more
stayc main image

Sampling Like a Pro: How to Flip Samples and Avoid Legal Issues

October 6, 2024

Sampling has been a cornerstone of modern music production, allowing producers to reimagine and breathe new life into old tracks. Whether you're producing hip-hop, EDM, or any genre, knowing how to...

Read more
stayc main image

What Makes an EQ or Compressor VST High-Quality: Insights and Examples from Pros

October 6, 2024

When selecting EQ and compressor plugins, musicians and producers look for more than just a shiny interface or brand recognition. It's all about how these tools perform in real-world scenarios...

Read more
stayc main image

Sound Design 101: Crafting Killer Drum Sounds Using Synthesizers

October 6, 2024

Drum sounds form the backbone of many music genres, and while sample packs are popular, designing your own drum sounds from scratch can elevate your production to a whole new level. Crafting custom...

Read more
stayc main image

Mastering Multiband Compression Sidechaining: A Solution to Clashing Frequencies

October 6, 2024

In modern music production, one of the most common challenges is the clash of frequencies between instruments. For example, bass guitars and drum kits often compete for space in the lower end of...

Read more

Frank Ocean's Timeless Appeal: Climbing the Charts Again with Hit Album Blonde

stayc main image

Photo: Charles Holmes, Rolling Stone

In the ever-evolving world of music, where new stars emerge and fade with astonishing rapidity, the longevity of an artist in the charts is a testament to their enduring appeal. Frank Ocean, a revered figure in the R&B genre, exemplifies this phenomenon. Despite the conspicuous absence of new releases from Ocean in recent years, his previous albums continue to resonate deeply with listeners, climbing higher on various Billboard charts.

A Surprise Rise

This week, Frank Ocean's album Blonde achieved a new milestone, reaching its peak at No. 33 on the Billboard Top Streaming Albums chart. This is a significant leap from its previous position at No. 39. Remarkably, Blonde has been a part of this chart for 14 weeks, showing a resurgence in popularity despite its release years ago. The album’s ability to climb the charts so long after its initial release highlights a sustained interest in Ocean's work that few contemporary artists enjoy.

Beyond its achievements on the Top Streaming Albums chart, Blonde is also performing well across other Billboard rankings. It has impressively jumped from No. 51 to No. 43 on the Billboard 200, which is an all-genre list of America's most-consumed albums. According to data from Luminate, Blonde moved 17,863 equivalent units recently, marking a growth of more than 4% from the previous period. Furthermore, the album is climbing the genre-specific charts as well, sitting at No. 13 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and No. 4 on the Top R&B Albums lists.

The Silent Influence

What makes Frank Ocean’s chart resurgence particularly noteworthy is his silence in terms of new music releases. His last major releases were the dual unveiling of Blonde and the visual album Endless. Since then, fans have been eagerly awaiting new material, clinging to every hint and rumor of Ocean's possible return to the studio.

The lasting popularity of Frank Ocean's earlier albums in the fast paced music industry highlights the enduring appeal of his music. His skill in drawing out deep emotions, along with his innovative musical techniques and rich lyrics, keeps attracting listeners and inspiring new artists. Even without new releases, Ocean's influence in the music world is significant, showing that true artistic talent remains relevant over time.

As Blonde climbs the charts again, it confirms Frank Ocean's role as a leading figure in modern music, with works that continue to be influential and uplifting, going beyond the typical trends and phases of music.