A Deep Dive into Frank Ocean's Blonde

[@TennisThom]

Hey! I'm making this comment to clarify a few things that have been brought to my attention by viewers in the comments :) - Frank's first love in Ivy is actually a man. The letter (I mention in the video) he wrote to him contains he/him pronouns. That wasn't done with any ill intent. I didn't notice that and just blindly assumed it was a girl (which was definitely wrong, I'm sorry about that) so thank you to the people who brought that up! - The music that's heard in the beginning is called Ambiance #003, it was used on blonded radio I think. Thank you so much for watching really means the world to me ;)

[@lovezra]

Great Job ! :)

[@j02435]

the man's name is Omar Apollo

[@SoundCloudYapper]

Could you do one of Kanyes albums please?

[@cherylgallegos6539]

@@SoundCloudYapper yes please, DJ K

[@cherylgallegos6539]

@@lovezra KKK

[@youtubefriends384]

love how the analysis of blonde is almost the length of blonde itself

[@shotgod0000]

Longer actually

[@EmmettB08]

@@shotgod0000that’s why he said almost

[@shotgod0000]

@@EmmettB08 almost means is shorter though about would mean either or

[@weisserferrari]

@@shotgod0000 🤓☝

[@Bossmanchaz]

@@shotgod0000🤓👆

[@flez.]

Firstly I wanna say I love these videos. but also another thing I noticed in the album is the motif of "swimming pools". Every time frank mentions a swimming pool, he is referring to love, which ties into the album cover and name. He dyed his hair blond/e (symbolizing purity) and then dived into a swimming pool (his relationship with Nikea). The chlorine in this swimming pool (Nikea herself) turned his hair green and removed his purity. Genius album writing and storytelling.

[@robertoguzman897]

you cut your hair but you used to live a blonded life. Shit, that's genius

[@nobodygaming6163]

Wow that's brilliant

[@mrq.1236]

⁠I’m so glad you bought this up cause I’ve watched so many Blonde analysis videos and read so many articles and Reddit threads of theories on this album and I almost never hear anyone talk about the recurring image of water and swimming pools throughout the album. Nikes, Pink + White, Self Control, Seigfried

[@wobbles7492]

blew my mind, had never even thought of that as a reason the album is a) titled blonde and b)depicting frank with green hair. genuis

[@pattygagne692]

You just blew my mind.

[@andersmithmusic08]

In Siegfried, the part where he says "this is not my life, it's just a fond farewell to a friend" he is actually reprising the song "A Fond Farewell" by Elliot Smith

[@fabiansilva1476]

I like how when he mentions the 30 minute mark of the album, it’s at 30:30 of the video. The attention to detail is crazy

[@727Ado.]

Also at 40:40 he says "don’t wanted", same grammar error as in facebook story, if that was intentional it’s crazy

[@grayfam9293]

@@727Ado. that’s a crazy reach 💀

[@Tyriiah]

@@727Ado.he says "don't want it"

[@ResidenceSkater]

When I heard him say the 30 minute mark I was ok that’s neat and then I checked the video times and I was like no…. He didn’t, and he totally did. Thats next level attention to detail just like you said. That earned my subscription right there. 🫱🏼‍🫲🏾🩵🙏🏾✅

[@xyz-e7c]

Some Ppl on twitter played blonde in 23:00 in december 31, new year was on nights beat switch

[@Radmj16]

This guy is one of my new favorite KZbinrs

[@John-zg8pw]

same

[@JulianBlank23]

same

[@henryknapp9397]

same

[@PersonSomeone-t2q]

same

[@kasakidoc761]

same

[@tuv]

Best video for my personal favorite album of all time. Thank you for making this 💚

[@SockiSkateboards]

For real. Blond is on my top 5

[@Andrew-pw5nm]

omg tuv has immaculate music taste

[@Ali46788]

tuv has amazing music taste and amazing music lol

[@Scorchabl]

Oh shit tuv!

[@yutikoo]

@@Ali46788 trash music

[@MusicIsMyThing5]

idk if you knew this but the length of futura free relates to the last question of "how long is a light year?" the song is 9 minutes and 24 seconds and a light year is 9.24 trillion kilometers

[@jiffu7051]

thats fucking amazing

[@Potatwo]

A light year is approx. 9.46 trillion km though

[@Abrabeck82]

The thing is if you check the percentage of time in the song, it would be ​9.46 @@Potatwo

[@blodinbramo1938]

@@Abrabeck82 didnt get it, what?

[@Abrabeck82]

@@blodinbramo1938 it's the percentage

[@tecnopop5055]

Give this man an award for this video that I've watched twice

[@benkindasucks]

only twice?

[@r3_routing47]

holy shit im so glad your visuals have colour now. it looks amazing. please never change the artstyle its one of the best parts about your vids

[@Dr.TestieTester]

I think he changes it for each subject. If you look back on the Tyler The Creator video and Kendrick Lamar video they are both visualized differently as eachother. The glitchy and unstable graphics of the Wolf trilogy show how unstable Tyler was in the album. In DAMN.'s video it's more of a serious timeliness documentary style and for this it's a colorful and visually pleasing which goes with the albums theme and album cover.

[@whoisriot]

Franks first love was a dude…

[@Dr.TestieTester]

@@whoisriot what does that have to do with anything

[@henryknapp9397]

​@@whoisriotok? who gives a shit

[@Asdgkliq]

@@Dr.TestieTesterthe dude in the video says its a girl. Doesnt really matter tho

[@spiffyleek5220]

Thank you for a breakdown on this album, tbh I never really understood how or why he wrote and organized it in what seems to be a very confusing way. I'm glad there's people like you who take time to truly try to understand where an artist's mind is at when creating their projects. It's a great way to assist in the growth of art, society, and comprehension of human feelings.

[@n0kx1st60]

Never in my life would I thought I can cry to a KZbin video. I’m 19 years old and I think I’m at the lowest point in my life, in the last 6 months I had my life turn around 180 on me, have broken up with a person I thought I could live forever for, had to come back to my country after 4 years of high school when I already built relationships and friendships with people, and overall just regretted everything I did in the past years. Now I have no clue where I’m going with my life and it’s really hard. This video made me realise how much I feel connected to the album and made the songs even better for me, the last three songs genuinely made me cry, but I felt better. And after your message at the end, I really did feel hopeful, and hopefully I can continue moving forward thanking for what had happened to me in the last several years and not regretting it

[@wyddmatt]

Alright so you gotta get up and change your life around. ASAP

[@jurgistihomirovs4376]

I know life can be very hard… it’s a part of living. But you can’t live in the past, keep moving forward, keep trying to get back up! I know you can do it… because I did it too, and there is no room for quiting! What really helped me… was this album right here, it gave me power, fuel and love… Also remember that you are loved and wanted, this album loves you, Frank loves you, I love you and others love you too!!! I hope this hepls… wishing you the best ❤️

[@n0kx1st60]

@@wyddmatt that’s what I’m about to do, I want to go to my manager and speak about quitting my job, and just applying for jobs that I want to do and interested in, don’t care about how much they pay, I really just want to do what will make me happy and not just keep me in “prison”, but thanks for this comment!

[@n0kx1st60]

@@jurgistihomirovs4376 Thanks! I honestly feel like I want to change and listening to the album today helped me clear my emotions and stuff!

[@ashchuruk]

hope you doing well bruh,stay up and keep going,all be good

[@Hofma42]

Thanks for this masterpiece!

[@orishahar7106]

This video is amazing, just a thought: In my perspective, white Ferrari is not about them physically riding in a Ferrari, but rather a metaphor, the car is the lover and the ride is the relationship, Frank is driving without any words, as he knows it’s the end of the “ride”. It also shows Frank’s progress throughout the album, in “Nikes” he sings about his materialistic nature, literally talking about shoes, while in this song, he talks about a physical object but as a metaphor for love, a spiritual thing.

[@ErinJeanette]

It's not coke?

[@ubzue8402]

I also feel like the track Siegfried questions his masculinity and sexuality. He dissociates himself with his past lover but also what he’s attracted to. There’s many ways to perceive this track.

[@shonesanchez6636]

The album sounds pretty dang good but I’m failing to understand the genius of it. Nothing bad to say about it at all but nothing close to where people place it

[@shonesanchez6636]

Literally pushed because it conforms to the dei/ esg zesty agenda

[@goose7453]

​@@shonesanchez6636 i think the album sparks a really strong emotional response in people through the way it is made and thought out and that is what makes the album feel so special to many. personally i really enjoy the album and after watching this explanation i can appreciate all the details, but i don't think i have gone through enough in life for the album to really have a strong, engraved place in my heart. in that regard i feel similar to you that it doesn't exactly offer something special or over-the-top. so, maybe the genius of the album is that it is really comforting IF you have gone through the "target" experiences of the album (some kind of breakup, hardship in life, something you had to give up on or lose etc) that's how i see it at least

[@bavess]

i love that it isn’t just split up by songs, but something deeper. i had no idea about the seasons. this video is honestly so so so amazing

[@blindspotzr3975]

Song timestamps - - - - - - - > Nikes - 2:35 Ivy - 7:13 Pink + White - 10:29 Be Yourself - 13:17 Solo - 15:45 Skyline to - 19:35 Self Control - 21:38 Good Guy - 24:47 Nights - 27:31 Solo (reprise) - 32:11 Pretty Sweet - 33:48 Facebook Story - 36:13 Close to you (my personal fave) - 37:59 White Ferrari - 39:23 Seigfried - 43:16 Godspeed - 48:52 Futura Free - 55:45

[@jusseffnarvaez3437]

Goat

[@bootytickler43]

thanks man

[@definitelynotmatthw]

“i run my hands through what’s left, but we’re getting older, baby. don’t have much longer, baby” 😔☝️☝️☝️

[@mhhriifqi]

Thank you my man

[@way_2_saucy848]

Please never stop making these deep dive videos, this video was absolutely amazing

[@ult_delann]

Ayee matching pfps

[@tedster6090]

I love your analysis's cuz you don't just interpret the lyrics vaguely and give general meaning to them like everybody else. You actually try to create a story and piece everything together.

[@misterangeley]

“Basic takes it toll on me eventually, eventually yes” basic here refers to how he’s living and experiencing a basic life now with no relationship or a partner as a focus. And it’s eventually taking a toll on him. It isn’t necessarily a diss at the girl but I like your perspective!

[@langybangy-o2t]

franks first love was about a boy in his younger years. i think ivy is about that, and how frank wrote to him before he moved and the boy told frank he loved him back.

[@joshrillo]

I also think that it's a boy in the Nikes as well. Isn't it? It's not about the girl who's had the scales. Lol.

[@Actul_Trap]

@@joshrilloI’m pretty sure nikes was a girl tho, cause she was supposed to be with his cousin? Honestly you can’t really tell for a lot of these songs lmao.

[@BigSmokes1]

This guy is kinda of like Frank Ocean. Releases something every fucking lightyear but when he does it's the greatest thing ever made.

[@TrillTuga]

"who is this girl, Tron Cat?" is so funny if you watched the wolf trilogy

[@loveforgillian]

34:23

[@ezy5335]

I went to this vid right after I watched the trilogy😭

[@midnightvirtue26]

@@ezy5335same

[@IWillShockAndBaffleYou]

​@@ezy5335ME TOO LOL

[@mrguy3001]

that vid was so good bro, love wolf trilogy

[@r3aprz]

throughout the few "deep dive" videos you've made so far, they have all been amazing. from my perspective you deserve more support and subscribers for all of the time, effort, and work you have put into these hour long videos. the amount of detail, explaining, jokes and quality these have are honestly the reason why i feel you deserve that. i hope you continue to make more on different albums and artists in the future and thank you for all of the hard work put into makes these videos.

[@jaggerseiders2334]

Blond has been my all time favorite album and impacted my life in such a massive way since I first heard it. While some songs took some time and replays to understand, I believe every song is still a masterpeice of storytelling. Each song has been prominent in my life no matter what emotion I was feeling at the time because each song has a perfect vibe to fit any mood, If i'm sad Seigfried or White Ferrari are my go-to's, Happy I put on Pink + White and Pretty Sweet, ect. Like you said at the end of the video this is how we'd tell others about our past relationships, that's what I think makes this album so universal for anyone. Each song speaks to a different time in everyones lives and tells of experiences that almost anyone can relate to. I've dissected Blond many times trying to understand each lyric, I've seen lots of video essays on Blond but I don't think any of them come close to this video. This video was beautifully done and went over every detail and more in this masterpiece of an album, I hope more people see the amazing work you made and can understand Blond a little more with the help of this video.

[@BLOMDED]

Ever wondered if frank himself watched this?

[@DK0324]

It’s crazy how all the albums you choose to talk about are the ones that had the biggest impact on my life. I genuinely appreciate you and your videos. Keep up the great content 🙏

[@dannyjuarez1969]

I mean they’re pretty popular albums

[@alexanderl9634]

I just want to compliment you on the audio design or rather control in this video, the way you let the respective songs for each section flow in and out of focus was extremely well done, genuinely one of the best viewing and listening experiences i've had with an essay video in a really long time.

[@44rav]

holy youre the best video essayist for music ever keep this up

[@highkick7306]

I literally never heard this album, saw you done a breakdown of it and knew it was gonna be worth it

[@karlrask6479]

I don't think I've ever been this captivated by a youtube video before, the way you're painting the story is truly mesmerizing. One of the best videos I've seen on this platform for sure.

[@thecakeshow6404]

Not gonna lie that end monologue from you is gonna stay with me for a long time

[@totproductions2871]

100% honest this is one of the best KZbin videos I’ve ever seen, can’t wait to re-listen to blond with all this in mind. 🔥

[@emmajanes]

saw the title and said "oh ABSOLUTELY" out loud. i will always be sat for a frank ocean analysis

[@colinpopcorn1117]

i love how you left your voice in even if it was shaky, it shows how much this album and story means to you. being voulnerable on the internet is hard but you made this video really powerful with your emotions.

[@nat4real190]

Love the "30 minutes mark" also the video being half way through 😂

[@mads7969]

I love the fact that not only is the album a loop, but this video is one as well.

[@jaydel3388]

come on man. THIS IS ART. you created something really inspiring with this one do not have any doubt abouth that. i'm sure frank would be so proud seeing how you interpreted these stories

[@Miruq]

HE LIVES weve missed you thom ❤

[@thegreatkompass]

Hey, nice pfp! Where’s it from?

[@idk.938]

30:30 it's ironic how the beat switch also switches halfway through the video makes you appreciate the youtuber so much more.

[@lucan9750]

No way

[@1iknowIsCool]

2 videos in a row of 2 of my top 5 albums is crazy I love this guy

[@Mateothxmas]

Js curious but what are the other 3

[@1iknowIsCool]

@@Mateothxmas prolly rodeo, tpab and long live asap

[@floxynzekwesi8182]

This was one of the best things I’ve seen in a long time, thank you for dissecting this brilliant masterpiece in such a compelling way

[@zyrvoid]

probably one of the best yt creators ive found in a while. i never thought there’d be someone that makes videos that just hit and impact so insanely hard, i cant for more of these album documentaries

[@frankoceanlover2000]

I was listening to Dear April and i thought about Frank and Nikea’s relationship. I went on Reddit and got an explanation of what Dear April means (because I can’t explain very well) by “52-bananas” and they stated “”I’ve interpreted it as a story of two people who shared some intense feelings but their lives were diverging in different paths. While they, at one point, shared something passionate, they have both grown since that moment and things won’t quite be the same as they used. They both experienced love with other people and the love they once shared can’t be the same. The two strangers left an everlasting impact on one another and both will never forget what they shared while also acknowledging that it was brief and no longer able to recreate.” I feel like dear April is a continuation of the “blond” album where Frank sees Nikea again later in life and starts to reminisce about their old times together.

[@reedschultzgeo]

damn bro you don't even know how much ive been enjoying these videos, been a fan since the wolf trilogy one. something about the way you structure these videos; the pacing, storytelling, visuals, ur personality, etc. its just the perfect combination, and i'm loving every bit of it. keep these great uploads coming man!~

[@andrewgomez9893]

I’ve listen to blond over 1,000 times and I have never thought of it like seasons but now it makes so much sense, this was an amazing video

[@the-the-the-the-the-the-the]

so cool to see all these different polarizing perspectives coming from ONE album. great video essay, this subscription was earned

[@montymorton8770]

These videos are the best thing to come to youtube. Really showing what albums mean. Thank you thom.

[@chimcactusswift5494]

This guy keeps making these insane album breakdowns. Love watching em, keep it up man.

[@charliebinks_09]

Best KZbin video ever made. The ending could not have been more perfect. Thank you so much

[@benjybrasington9508]

Dude, your channel is so underrated, all of the videos you have made are so in depth and made with passion

[@polinaa6748]

this changed my life, thank you TennisThom.

[@NotBored._]

THE MAN COMES BACK WITH ANOTHER BANGER

[@julienthefantastic]

OMG IM SO GLAD YOU POSTED AGAIN I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR SO LONG

[@christophebenoit8206]

Man you can't imagine how happy I was seing you uploaded a video about this album thank you for the great content its an inspiration for all of us !!

[@_snth6710]

"dont regret it, just move forward. it was all good, and, in the end, it's still gonna be all good." literally the most impactful thing i've heard online ever. thanks for this masterpiece of a video bro.

[@trapzone707]

you might genuinely be making some of the best damn videos on the platform right now.

[@ksegraves3335]

It baffles me how people like frank are able to tell stories through music so intricately, describing it like no one ever has. Truly therapy for me

[@nils_k777]

i think i watched every video about blonde on yt but this is special, keep up the good work

[@ayaankhokhar5243]

I'm not even joking when i say this is a beautifully crafted video, the editing, the palette and voice over is perfect. You should be proud of this content!

[@E-vacs]

i just watched both of your most recent deep dives and now im ready for another

[@flunkyspingus3461]

these deep dives are so good you gotta do more

[@bounce1094]

Such a good breakdown. Both this and the damn video are some of the best breakdowns I’ve watched and made me appreciate these albums 10x more

[@cashcartii8]

the take about the music in be yourself, etc. being one of the best parts of the album is so true. it might be my favorite instrumental of all time. it literally sounds like childhood and nostalgia. it comes from buddy ross it’s a song called running around

[@johnnymarti7927]

This was the first video i ever saw of yours and it became one of my favorites. You should keep doing these deep dives on music its amazing

[@PaleoPalico]

Your videos are amazing, there is nothing quite like them on this website and I really hope you continue making these

[@JD093]

been waiting sooo long for one of these the animations are 🔥🔥

[@DanielDrury-Wright]

Watching this while going through a break-up is so hard but it opened my eyes

[@MatthewMooreDrums]

DUDE THESE VIDS ARE SO WELL MADE PLEASE DO ONE ON IGOR BY TYLER THE CREATOR. Seriously, Igor is such an in depth story and I would love to see u go over it

[@MJFinn]

yes!!

[@thegreatkompass]

Aged well

[@MatthewMooreDrums]

Freakbob

[@bquick1177_music]

HE DID

[@arthurjolly3490]

The story telling of the video and the visual aspect are incredible to appreciate the album and the story around it, really great job

[@crzy4u]

I honestly love this channel because in every single one of his videos especially the Deep Dive into DAMN album, he explains the storyline and the concept behind the album clearly. I look forward to watching more of your videos about albums.🙌🙌Keep up the great work‼️‼️‼️

[@jsunn6691]

Need more deep dives I swear, these videos are my favorite youtube videos ever

[@drdeepster1329]

amazing video , have listened to the album several times didnt know there was so much to it

[@jessytshibangu5780]

Hey Tennis, I love your videos. I need more Kendrick Albums decoding and The Weeknd Albums as well. You're so good at this.... Keep it Up bro

[@Unknown_Ent-ty]

you finally uploaded 😭😭😭

[@xviv8585]

i almost never like or comment on videos but this analysis is so meaningful and deep and just feels so real and understanding truly a phenomenon video that perfectly pairs with a phenomenal album

[@Nikkitu]

We be going blonded with this vídeo Great vid tomtommy!! Great editing too,this video was worth the wait,cant wait to see your next deep dives and videos too!! :DD Wish you the best man!! Great vídeo as always!!

[@nitronick1075]

The way you break down albums is superior to anyone else on the platform. The way you go over each song in detail and breakdown lyrics to make the album make more sense as a whole is such a good way to do things. After watching your damn video I went to find a good video on Tpab but I just never found one that made me get it. Keep up the good work man I can’t wait to see which album you do next.

[@wolfsingh1215]

Bro I love your deep dives and bro that timing with the beat switch dividing the album AND YOUR VIDEO BROOOO LEGEND

[@TheyallloveCharisma]

This KZbin channel makes me realize how deep and complicated artists music really is

[@Megotmotionn]

I've never liked a youtuber this much to watch 1 hour videos to the end

[@rohitreddy4833]

Bro bro, please make more deep dives like this like this is incredible content that is SUPER underrated

[@endurable_alex8379]

I've heard that Ivy was also partially named Ivy because Beyonce (who has backing vocals on Pink + White) and her daughter whose middle name is Ivy were in the studio at the time of recording. Apparently the noises you hear at the end of the song are from Beyonce's daughter, Blue Ivy Knowles, playing with instruments in the studio.

[@wallisxilovefrankocean]

that’s so smart

[@chillythecreator]

possibly the best video ive watched in the past few years. Huge W

[@aVentro]

best yt video i've ever watched. im deadass honest

[@GarrettLeftAtHome]

It’s difficult being a frank ocean fan and going into another phase where he’s all you want to listen to but there’s literally always something new to hear or find out

[@Luis._angel]

You should do 4 your eyez only, I know it’s very clear it’s a story but I wanna see what more you can pull out from the album. Subscribed btw ‼️‼️

[@AliChigau]

Your deep dive videos are FANTASTIC keep up

[@sakleijnv]

i’m wondering how you consider the letter at 8:36 and the song ivy to be connected. he only ever addresses his first love with the pronouns “he” but you portray the visual character for ivy as a woman. in ivy frank never mentions his first love by pronoun so ivy could either be about the person he wrote the letter about or it could be that the letter is not connected to it at all. i’d say it’d be more accurate to portray the character of ivy as a man or i’d recommend mentioning that the gender of the character isn’t known. it’s such a small detail but just something i noticed !

[@sarelht6101]

THANKS

[@PoTheDragonWorrior]

wow this was such an in depth explanation to this album and really helped me understand an unknown (to me) backstory to a phenomenal car ride life story. you just got a new sub

[@lilyamezquita4901]

“”Who is this woman tron cat?!?!” Was so real😭

[@Tea-Slurper]

These videos make me appreciate albums I already love even more!! :)

[@Frappucinooceanio]

He will drop this year (i'm just delulu)

[@excel1637]

next year he’s dropping ong

[@Frappucinooceanio]

@@excel1637 or maybe the next one

[@hoephobic]

@@Frappucinooceaniohe is never dropping again he owns a jewelry company and said in a interview he isn’t making music again

[@The_State_of_Oklahoma]

He’s dropping, sometime, hopefully, maybe…

[@Frappucinooceanio]

@The_State_of_Oklahoma maybe 😔

[@preciouserasmus7917]

brother, this is the most beautiful video ive ever watched

[@dizzymonkey1423]

☝️🤓 this isn't a tennis video this is frank ocean

[@joetoe]

i don't comment under videos whatsoever but i downloaded this for a flight and it had my attention start to finish, really well explained, visualized, and done in general. need more and gonna get to that damn deep dive soon

[@Ziggy_fn]

I personally think that maybe the 'white ferrari' mentioned in the song is not actually about a white ferrari. The song is about the duality of the relationship, and i think the white ferrari symbolizes the innocence and fun of the relationship, and then goes on later to say how he hopes his relationship worked out in another dimension

[@Guerradossantos10]

dude this video is pure beauty thank you for bringing such a detailed explanation with so much quality. you’re a hell of a storyteller!

[@mr.boombastic5772]

You gotta make one of these type of videos around (MBDTF) by Kanye West It is a amazing album with a beatutiful story behind it, and inside the album!

[@hanspanini]

I watched this a couple of months ago and came back today. Today i can say with confidence that this is one of the best yt videos i`ve ever watched. Thank you