User:Siposun/sandbox

Composition and lyrics
"Solo" is an alternative R&B song that features church organs played by James Blake. The key signature is 3 flats. The track addresses the pain of living a solo life through first person perspective stories while maintaining an upbeat sound. The title is a double entendre, it can be interpreted as 'solo' as in alone or 'so low' as in feeling sad. The hook of the chorus comments on the current chaotic state of the world with the lyrics "it's hell on Earth and the city's on fire". He then explores a non-traditional view of hell and heaven with the following lyrics "inhale, in hell, there's heaven", Ocean juxtaposes getting high to reach "a happier place" to relieve the "his feelings of 'so low'". In the tracks verses Ocean shifts to the harsh reality of being alone, his lyric "I'm skipping showers and switching socks, sleeping good and long" could be "interpreted as an allusion to feeling depressed".

Critical reception
In a positive critique of the song, Ryan Dombal of Pitchfork calls 'Solo' "a stunning piece of songwriting that ultimately finds some peace with being alone. It sounds like a friend". Another review called the track "the song you play, really, when you want to surrender". Additionally, one review from the Ringer claimed 'Solo' to be "the next great Frank Ocean Song". The track was also ranked by Billboard at number 96 on their Billboard Hot 100. In a less positive review, one critique was left "confused by the randomness of the lyrics".

Cover performances
New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde performed a cover of 'Solo' at Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC while on her Melodrama World Tour. Lorde as previously mentioned that her album, Melodrama, was inspired by Frank Ocean's album Blonde. In her cover, she makes the song her own by slowing "down the final chorus, wringing every drop of drama from Ocean's celestial and apocalyptic lyrics".