‘Channel Orange’ Frank Ocean

In this cynical world, Frank Ocean’s timing in revealing his sexuality seems a bit curious: The Tumblr-page announcement that shook the urban music world came less than two weeks before the release of his sophomore album, “Channel Orange,” bringing him an avalanche of publicity and making him the most celebrated figure in music at the moment.

It would all seem a bit manufactured – if we were talking about a lesser artist. But the 24-year-old Ocean – who already had music fans in the know enraptured by his self-released “nostalgia, ULTRA” last year – is so genuine in his artistry that it’s unthinkable that anything else in his mind could be contrived.

In many ways, “Channel Orange” picks up where “nostalgia, ULTRA” left off: It continues on a similar musical path, filled with luscious, pillowy slow grooves (“Thinkin Bout You,” “Pilot Jones”), whirring electro beats (“Pyramids”) and retro-soul (“Sweet Life”). But “Channel Orange” digs deeper than just intriguing melodies and beats: Ocean gets political on “Crack Rock” and deeply personal on “Bad Religion,” where he’s tormented by male lover who doesn’t return the affection.

Of course, it’s Ocean’s same-sex declaration that has garnered him so much attention over the past few weeks. But anyone expecting “Channel Orange” to be some kind of gay pride statement may be disappointed.

As headline-grabbing as Ocean’s recent announcement was, the enduring story remains his talent.”