2012 Rewind

A year in which R&B, soul, dance/electronic music, jazz and hip hop topped my personal pop charts. If you'll indulge me, a few favourites...

Solange's "Losing You" is the the pop song of the year. Love its 80s Madonna influences, beautiful melody, and stunning video.

Chromatics - Kill For Love - a late in the year discovery and by christ, better late than never. Love their mix of melody, mood, mystery, and low-key menace (bit like the film Drive which they helped soundtrack).

Thank fuck for fearless Frank in 2012. I love this song, but could have picked any track from the sensational Channel Orange (CO). CO re-sparked my interest in long players - every track was a winner, even the preposterously long Pyramids (a nine minute + single that didn't suck). God, Allah, Jah, Buddah etc bless Frank Orange. 

An insanely catchy, clever, tune that puts a smile on my face whenever I hear it. The video is pretty wonderful as well.

Finally, a slow-burning charmer (a Miguel cover) that provided a perfect accompaniment for crowded sky train rides home during the rainy season - some songs fit certain moods/scenes/activities. Look forward to listening to more of their good stuff.

Fearless Frank

God bless Frank Ocean.

Just as I was on the brink of giving up on albums forever, up pops Frank with the most coherent, relevant, socially-aware, honest, groovy, and soulful record (Channel Orange) in many a year.

Such is his poise, talent, and all-round game, it's hard to believe he's only 24.

Yes, the production is slick and smooth, but Frank's songs, to my ears anyways, share the same spirit, fire, and vision as Stevie Wonder, Prince, Marvin Gaye and Donny Hatthaway at their respective peaks.

Above all else, Frank is an incredible story teller and Super Rich Kids, Sweet Life and Pyramids are terrific examples of this. Nobody else in the R&B world is telling it like it is in 2012 like Frank and it's fantastic that he has found a sizable audience and long list of celebrity admirers.

You know a song/s are great when they keep popping up in your head, day and night, and this has been the case for me since I brought Channel Orange two weeks ago.

And judging by this video, he's smart, grounded and ready, willing, and capable of delivering much more - god bless you Frank and look forward to more audio greatness in the near future.