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Millions of songs have been released from 2010 to 2019, with new genres, new styles, and new ideas creating trends year after year. As such, it’s hard for a song to make a lasting impression and not get lost in the mix; if I asked you what the #1 charting song was from 2012, would you be able to hazard a guess? Likewise, with subjective opinions, your favorite song from 2012 would likely be a lot different than mine.

My top song from that year, and, ultimately, this decade, is Frank Ocean’s “Pyramids” off of his Channel Orange album. While not a single off of this album, it is the definition of a deep cut, at almost ten minutes in length. What makes it stand out is the eclectic first half transitioning into a methodical, profound groove that is purely infectious. There is not a dull moment in this song that is twice as long as most.

The true artistry in this track derives from the deep themes Frank conveys. Nailing down thematics from Egyptian times and introducing them to a modern setpiece is the song’s niche, as Cleopatra is the center focus of the first part of the song, and the latter half of the song segues Cleopatra into an equivalent woman in present-day. Frank’s repeated “She’s workin’ at the pyramid tonight” likely refers to the woman working at The Luxor in Nevada, where prostitution is legal. These ideas were derived on Genius.com’s page of the song, and confirmed by Frank later. I highly recommend checking out that page to get a stronger grasp on the track.

It’s a challenge to pick a favorite song off of Channel Orange, as there is positively no filler from (literal) “Start” to “End”. I chose “Pyramids” as the top track because it never overstays its welcome and is serene commentary on beauty and its impact on society. While “Super Rich Kids” may have a catchier chorus, and “Pink Matter” is even calmer, “Pyramids” is the ultimate cohesive unit.

While the majority of songs have deep themes in Channel Orange, “Pyramids” comparison of ancient beauty to modern beauty is striking and thought-provoking. Having the listener think about the track and warranting multiple listens without being cumbersome is what makes this song of the decade material for me. While R&B isn’t my favorite genre, I find Frank’s voice divine and his lyrics endearing. This, combined with tight production and replayability, make this a song I will listen to for the rest of my life.

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