Frank Ocean, Diplo & Half of the Clash Deliver Stunning "Hero"
Frank Ocean delivering a basically-perfect new track isn't a shocker—Channel Orange was one of the most masterfully-crafted albums of this decade. But the R&B singer-songwriter teaming up with half of The Clash's classic lineup, Diplo and a children's choir to meld their disparate styles into a cohesive, organic song is an impressive feat.
"Hero"—from Ocean, Diplo, Mick Jones and Paul Simonon—is a gorgeous mashup of R&B crooning, ethereal electronics and garage punk riffs. Ocean's style takes precedent in this latest offering from Converse's reliably great Three Artists, One Song series, but the imprint of the legendary punk band is baked into this track, too. Not only does the riff sound like it could've been a Sandinista! outtake, but the use of the West L.A. Children's Choir to bind "Hero" together at the end is reminiscent of the children's choir the Clash employed for the Sandinista! version of "Career Opportunities."
But the best part is Ocean's opening line: "My flag is American, but I love some Queen."
You can listen to it above, download it for free on Converse's Tumblr and find out more about how this collaboration came together by watching Fuse News' interview with rock legends Jones & Simonon tonight at 7:30/6:30c. Use our Channel Finder to locate Fuse in your area.
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