With the end of the week in sight, it is the perfect time to find some new, upcoming artists to add to your playlist. This week, we’re diving into Blood Orange’s discography.
Blood Orange, also known as Dev Hynes, is a singer, songwriter and record producer who has worked with artists like Solange, A$AP Rocky, Mac Miller, Britney Spears, FKA Twigs, Sky Ferreira, Carly Rae Jepsen, Blondie and Mariah Carey.
Originally from East London, Hynes was a member of the band Test Icicles from 2004 to 2006. Together, the band released one album in 2005 called “For Screening Purposes Only” before Hynes moved to New York City to release solo music.
In 2007, Hynes began releasing music under the name Lightspeed Champion, where he released the single “Galaxy of the Lost” and his debut album, “Falling Off the Lavender Bridge.”
After touring for two years, Hynes put Lightspeed Champion on an indefinite hiatus, wanting to explore other types of music.
In 2011, Hynes switched to producing, focusing on a more R&B-centered project under the name Blood Orange. His first single “Dinner” dropped in January 2011, and he followed up with his debut album “Coastal Grooves.”
“Coastal Grooves” set the tone for Hynes’ Blood Orange persona. Songs like “Forget It” and “I'm Sorry We Lied” are prime examples of his newfound genre, combining R&B, pop, electronica, indie and funk. The album has a distinct ‘80s disco vibe, differentiating it from other albums from the 2010s.
“S’Cooled,” “The Complete Knock” and “Sutphin Boulevard” have slower tempos and more relaxing beats. Still, they maintain similar distinctive funky bass riffs throughout the album, making for an overall cohesive record.
However, the album’s outro, “Champagne Coast,” ties all the tracks together. The song starts with a jazzy drum, repeating lyrics like “Come into my bedroom” with a slow lead-up to the beat drop, where Hynes uses a synth beat, leading into the bridge.
The bridge of “Champagne Coast," both sonically and lyrically is the best part of this song: “Tell me, what's the joy of giving if you're never pleased? / On my last strength against you / Baby, tell me what you need / Young as I want to know / I will never let you go.”
Blood Orange released “Cupid Deluxe” in November 2013, as a follow-up to “Coastal Grooves,” further proving Hynes’ musical genius.
Hynes’ music became more universally known after being featured in the soundtrack for the 2013 drama “Palo Alto,” directed by Gia Coppola. “Palo Alto” follows rebellious teenager April (Emma Roberts) as she enters a relationship with her soccer coach, Mr. B (James Franco) and struggles with substance abuse.
“Palo Alto” was an indie cult classic, and its soundtrack was a big part of its success. The film featured both “Champagne Coast” and “You’re Not Good Enough,” which perfectly captured the film’s themes, depicting this forbidden relationship and angsty rebellion.
After the success of “Cupid Deluxe,” Blood Orange has since released three more albums titled “Freedom Sound,” (2016), “Negro Swan,” (2018) and “Angel’s Pulse,“ (2019). Out of the bunch, “Negro Swan” stands out for its lead single “Charcoal Baby” and “Chewing Gum,” a collaboration with A$AP Rocky and Project Pat.
However, Blood Orange recently returned to screens after being featured in the 2024 hit movie “Challengers” directed by Luca Guadagnino. The single “Uncle ACE” plays when the three main characters, Tashi, Art and Patrick, (played by Zendaya, Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor, respectively) share a passionate three-way kiss as teenagers.
Blood Orange provided the perfect soundtrack for the film “Challengers” because the intensity of tennis combined with the three characters’ complex love triangle can be felt through the music.
Blood Orange's sound continues to defy easy categorization. Its blending of different musical genres throughout his discography shows how Blood Orange has consistently evolved, bringing listeners new and innovative music.
