Strawberry Swing is a popular song by Frank Ocean, the American singer-songwriter, and rapper. The song was released in 2011 as part of his debut mixtape, Nostalgia, ULTRA. It is a dreamy and ethereal tune that features Ocean’s trademark emotional lyrics.
One of the interesting aspects of Strawberry Swing is the way the song is produced. It features a sample of a classic track, which brings a unique flavor to the song. So what is the sampled song in Strawberry Swing? Let’s take a closer look.
The Sampled Song
The sampled song in Strawberry Swing is “Crimson and Clover” by Tommy James and the Shondells. It was released in 1968 and was a huge hit at the time, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song is known for its distinctive guitar riff, which became an iconic part of the tune.
“Crimson and Clover” was a groundbreaking song at the time of its release. It incorporated a range of different sounds and styles, from psychedelic rock to pop and folk. The song’s lyrics were also notable for their abstract and poetic nature, which was a departure from the more straightforward lyrics of many popular songs at the time.
The song was written by Tommy James and his songwriting partner, Peter Lucia Jr. They came up with the main riff while experimenting with different guitar sounds in the studio. The song was then recorded and released, becoming a sensation and a staple of classic rock radio to this day.
The Use of the Sample
Frank Ocean’s use of the “Crimson and Clover” sample in Strawberry Swing is masterful. The sample appears throughout the song, providing a distinctive and memorable undercurrent to the tune. Ocean’s lyrics, which focus on themes of love and hope, fit perfectly with the dreamy and romantic vibe of the sample.
The sample is used in a variety of ways throughout the song. At times, it appears in the background, providing a subtle but powerful presence. At other times, it is brought to the forefront, creating memorable moments of musical interplay between the sample and Ocean’s vocals.
One of the most interesting things about the use of the “Crimson and Clover” sample in Strawberry Swing is the way it transforms the original tune. While “Crimson and Clover” was a lively and up-tempo song, Ocean’s use of the sample slows it down and gives it a more dreamy and introspective feel. It feels like a natural fit for Ocean’s introspective and emotive style of music.
The Legacy of Strawberry Swing
Strawberry Swing has become one of Frank Ocean’s most beloved songs, and part of that is due to the way he uses the “Crimson and Clover” sample. The sample has become a defining part of the song, and it is hard to imagine Strawberry Swing without it.
The song’s dreamy and romantic vibe has also made it a favorite among fans. It captures a sense of nostalgia and longing that is universal and relatable. As with many of Frank Ocean’s songs, the lyrics are poetic and introspective, exploring themes of love, loss, and hope in a way that feels deeply personal.
In conclusion, the sampled song in Strawberry Swing is “Crimson and Clover” by Tommy James and the Shondells. The use of the sample in the song is masterful and adds a distinctive and memorable element to the tune. It is a testament to the power of musical sampling and demonstrates the way that artists can take classic songs and make them their own.
FAQ
What is Strawberry Swing a cover of?
Strawberry Swing is not actually a cover of any song. It is a song by the British rock band Coldplay, and it was included on their fourth studio album, “Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends,” which was released in 2008. The song was written by Coldplay’s lead singer, Chris Martin, and it features his falsetto vocals, along with a mixture of various instrumentation, including a xylophone and an acoustic guitar.
While Strawberry Swing is not a cover, the music video for the song does feature a reference to the cover of the “Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends” album. The album cover features an image of a painting by the French artist Eugène Delacroix, titled “Liberty Leading the People,” which depicts a woman holding a French flag and leading a group of people. In the Strawberry Swing music video, Chris Martin is seen walking across the album cover, which has been recreated as a chalk drawing on a city street.
Strawberry Swing is a unique and innovative song that showcases the artistic abilities of Coldplay and their ability to create memorable and imaginative music videos. Though not a cover, it has become a fan favorite and has received critical acclaim for its catchy melody and thoughtful lyrics.
What songs does Frank Ocean sample in nostalgia ultra?
Frank Ocean’s debut mixtape, “Nostalgia, Ultra” gained widespread critical acclaim upon its release in 2011. It contains a mix of original compositions and sampled material, including a few covers. In terms of sampling, “Nostalgia, Ultra” borrows from a range of genres and eras, mixing classic soul and R&B with modern hip-hop and indie rock.
One of the most striking samples on the album is its opening track, “Street Fighter”. This song samples “Lovers in Japan / Reign of Love” and “Life in Technicolor” by British rock band Coldplay. The sample is woven seamlessly into the track, with the synths and drums from “Lovers in Japan / Reign of Love” punctuated by sound effects and vocal snippets from the Street Fighter video game. It’s a powerful and innovative blend of influences that sets the tone for the rest of the album.
Another standout track is “Swim Good”, which features a sample from the popular rock band MGMT’s “Electric Feel”. Ocean adds his own spin to the sample, transforming it into an eerie and atmospheric beat that perfectly fits his dark lyrics about driving a car into the ocean. “There Will Be Tears” similarly draws from classic R&B, sampling “Don’t Let Me Down” by The Beatles to create a mournful ballad that showcases Ocean’s impressive vocal range.
Other noteworthy samples on the album include “Lovecrimes”, which takes inspiration from the Isley Brothers’ “At Your Best (You Are Love)”, and “Novacane”, which borrows from producer Chuck Inglish’s “Automatic”. The album also features a cover of “Hotel California” by the Eagles, which Ocean transforms into a moody ballad with his signature, soulful voice.
In short, “Nostalgia, Ultra” is a masterclass in innovative sample-based music production. Frank Ocean blends genres and eras with ease, creating a timeless and original sound that continues to captivate listeners over a decade after its release.
What song did Frank Ocean steal?
Frank Ocean is a popular American singer, songwriter, and record producer known for his unique style in blending genres like R&B, hip-hop, and soul. However, despite his tremendous talent and commercial success, he has faced accusations of stealing or closely imitating other artists’ works.
One of the most prominent cases of this involved the Eagles’ hit song “Hotel California.” In 2017, the band filed a lawsuit against Ocean, alleging that he “stole” the melody and chord progression of their song without permission or credit. According to the band, Ocean used “Hotel California” as the basis for his song “American Wedding,” which appeared on his popular mixtape “Nostalgia, Ultra.”
The Eagles argued that Ocean’s use of their music was a clear violation of copyright law, as he had not obtained a license for the sample or sought permission from the band or their representatives. The suit sought damages for copyright infringement and suggested that Ocean had acted deliberately, knowing that his use of the song would garner attention and controversy.
Ocean did not deny using the Eagles’ music in “American Wedding,” but he defended his actions as a form of artistic expression. In a statement, his representatives argued that he had transformed the original song by creating new lyrics and altering the rhythm, tempo, and feel of the music.
Despite Ocean’s claims, the case raised important questions about the limits of creativity and borrowing in music. Many critics argued that Ocean had crossed a line by taking such a recognizable and iconic song without permission, while others credited him for his innovation and reimagination of classic sounds.
In the end, the case was settled out of court for an undisclosed sum, and no formal judgment was made on the legality or morality of Ocean’s actions. However, the controversy surrounding the dispute continues to be a topic of debate among music fans and legal experts alike, and it serves as a reminder of the complex and ever-changing landscape of intellectual property in the digital age.
Why was Nostalgia, Ultra removed from Spotify?
Nostalgia, Ultra is a popular mixtape that was released by American singer and songwriter Frank Ocean in 2011. It was widely acclaimed for its unique blend of R&B, pop, and hip-hop sounds, and it featured hit singles such as “Novacane” and “Swim Good”. However, the album was removed from Spotify, as well as Apple Music, several years ago, which has left many fans wondering why.
The reason for Nostalgia, Ultra’s removal from Spotify is due to the controversy surrounding the track “American Wedding.” This song is a remake of “Hotel California,” which was originally performed by the American rock band, The Eagles. The group took legal action against Frank Ocean, who was accused of failing to obtain permission to use the song’s melody. The Eagles were especially protective of their music, which is why they filed a cease-and-desist order against Frank Ocean. He has since stopped performing the track at live shows.
As a result of this legal battle, Nostalgia, Ultra was never made available on major music streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. Although the mixtape can still be found on other websites online, Frank Ocean has not released it officially since then. While many of his fans have continued to enjoy this classic project, it remains a sore spot for the artist, who had to scrap an entire album due to the legal dispute. Nevertheless, Frank Ocean has continued to release new and innovative music over the years, including his critically acclaimed albums Blonde and Endless.
Did Frank Ocean sample Mary J Blige?
Yes, Frank Ocean did sample Mary J. Blige in his song “Super Rich Kids” which features Earl Sweatshirt. The song was released on his 2012 album “Channel Orange”. The sample used in the song was from Mary J. Blige’s 1992 hit single “Real Love”. The sample is most prominent in the chorus of “Super Rich Kids”.
Frank Ocean’s use of the “Real Love” sample was well-received by fans and critics, who praised the way he incorporated it into the song. Mary J. Blige’s “Real Love” is widely considered to be a classic R&B track of the 90s, and its inclusion in “Super Rich Kids” added a nostalgic element to the song.
Sampling is a common practice in the music industry, where artists often use portions of pre-existing songs to create something new. Sampling can be controversial, especially when artists do not obtain the proper clearance or permission to use the sample. In the case of “Super Rich Kids,” however, Frank Ocean and his team did obtain the necessary clearance to use the “Real Love” sample.
Frank Ocean did sample Mary J. Blige in his song “Super Rich Kids,” specifically using a portion of “Real Love.” The sample was well-executed and added to the overall sound and feel of the song.