Frank Ocean

Channel Orange | 4 stars

BUZZ ARTIST!

R&B

This R&B discovery recently made news for saying he'd been in love with a man. What really should be making headlines, though, is his talent. This is an intricate yet seamless tapestry of layered music and detailed lyrics-an instant neo-soul classic on the order of D'Angelo's and Maxwell's debuts. Like those artists, Ocean has learned from Stevie Wonder and Prince, channeling both masters on the 10-minute epic "Pyramids." This is not just the best debut of 2012-it's the best album period.

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Chuck's Playlist
THE 2012 OLYMPICS MIX

1 COLDPLAY

"Viva La Vida"

Chris Martin and his blokes indeed ruled the world with this bigger-than-life anthem, soaring to Olympic heights and inspiring us all.

2 THE CLASH

"London Calling"

The host city of the Summer Games never sounded more badass than on this 1979 classic from the British punk-rockers.

3 KANYE WEST

"Stronger"

Yeezy told the haters "that that don't kill me can only make me stronger." Surely this will get you pumped for the weight-lifting competition.

4 JAY-Z FEATURING RIHANNA & KANYE WEST

"Run This Town"

This power trio shows just how to have 'em eating your dust in London—or any other city.

5 DESTINY'S CHILD

"Survivor"

With Beyoncé wailing as if her life depended on it, this Grammy-winning 2001 smash is a testament to never giving up.

6 RIHANNA

"Hard" "I see you aiming at my pedestal/ I better let you know," sings Ri-Ri, telling the pretenders who's got the gold on this street banger.

7 LADY GAGA

"The Edge of Glory"

For anyone about to experience the moment of a lifetime, embrace it.

8 CHRISTINA AGUILERA

"Fighter"

A true vocal heavyweight, Xtina could knock out anyone with this hard-hitting rocker.

9 FUN.

"We Are Young"

Sure, it's about getting wasted. But that "set the world on fire" chorus practically comes with a torch.

10 QUEEN

"We Are the Champions"

Thirty-five years after Freddie Mercury sang it, there is arguably still no better victory song.

What About Muse's Olympics Song?
Appropriately, an English band was chosen to do the official Olympics song. But that's about the only thing right about "Survival." Yes, Muse's symphonic rock captures the spirit of grandeur, but it's so wildly over the top, it almost feels like a parody of the Games. [2 stars]

Hot Singles
NO DOUBT

"Settle Down"

It's been 11(!) years since their last album, but Gwen Stefani's posse has no trouble getting their ska-pop groove back on a bumping preview of Push and Shove, due Sept. 25. Hella fun. [3½ stars]

THE KILLERS

"Runaways"

Reuniting after frontman Brandon Flowers's solo album, the Killers sweep you away with an anthemic tale of lovers torn between rebellion and responsibility. [3½ stars]

ALICIA KEYS

"New Day"

Rocking some fresh hip-hop swagger—courtesy of producer husband Swizz Beatz—Keys heralds her return with this uplifting, drum-kicking declaration. [3½ stars]

Quick Cuts
MISSY HIGGINS

The Ol' Razzle Dazzle

This singer-songwriter comes off like Australia's answer to Sara Bareilles. The gospel-blues of "Watering Hole," though, is something even better: Think "Rolling in the Deep." [3 stars]

MARINA AND THE DIAMONDS

Electra Heart

The U.K.'s Marina Diamandis again shows facets of Florence + the Machine. But some tracks bring to mind an edgier Katy Perry, while "Teen Idle" recalls the torchy trip-hop of Lana Del Rey. [3 stars]

HANK WILLIAMS, JR.

Old School New Rules

There's a song here called—I kid you not—"The Cow Turd Blues." That's what you may be feeling after listening to this, unless you treat it as a comedy album. [1½ stars]