Earlier this year, Frank Ocean made a surprise appearance on Kanye West's The Life of Pablo, and on Friday (May 6), he showed up on James Blake's surprise album The Colour in Anything, as he was listed as a songwriter on the tracks "My Willing Heart" and "Always." Upon the release of his new album, Blake held an interview with Pitchfork, during which he spoke on his relationship with Frank and what it's like to record with him. He also shared his high expectations for Frank's sophomore album, the long-awaited follow-up to 2012's Channel Orange.
Blake explained that he decided to record with Frank when he had reached a creative impasse during the making of The Colour in Anything. He calls Frank a huge inspiration behind the record -- "the way he writes, the strength of what he does, who he is." "We became very good friends," said Blake.
In addition to Frank aiding in the songwriting on The Colour in Anything, Blake also assisted in the production for some of the music Frank has been working on. Blake didn't supply too much intel on what's going to be on Frank's next album, or when it might be released, but the firsthand evidence of Frank working hard in the studio is good news regardless. And whenever the album does arrive, Blake is confident that it will be appreciated.
When asked if the album will be worth the wait, Blake replied, "Yes, from what I know...He is onto something, he really is."
