 Ocean 's songwriting uses descriptive narratives , dense metre , surrealistic imagery , empathic sentiments , deadpan humor , overt metaphors , and conversational devices . John Calvert of The Quietus wrote that his lyrics treat love as " innocent " , and feature " flying @-@ as @-@ love " metaphors and " respectful euphemisms " for sex such as a flight on a " fighter jet " . Embling of Tiny Mix Tapes regarded Channel Orange as a " songwriter 's album " and views that , although " the emotions , mood , and melodies are broad enough to draw listeners in " , Ocean 's lyrics are " apocryphal , allowing for personal interpretations " . Ocean 's narratives generally depict dark , broken characters , and a Southern California setting , with references to its sunny , coastal environment in both the lyrics and melodies . Randall Roberts of the Los Angeles Times categorized Channel Orange as a concept album about " the twentysomething experience in Los Angeles " , while Greg Kot interpreted the California setting to be " a state of mind in Ocean [ ' s ] world : numb , deceptively luxurious and self @-@ satisfied , where the denizens live disconnected from one another and the world . " 
