BEST OF 2011: R&B Song of the Year: Frank Ocean - Thinking About You

Frank Ocean has quickly risen up the ranks to be one of the hottest names in R&B, even though you still can’t buy his album. That’s mainly because Def Jam released the coke-inspired single “Novacane,” instead of the more radio-friendly “Thinking About You.”

A tornado flew around my room before you came
Excuse the mess it made, it usually doesn’t rain
In Southern California, much like Arizona
My eyes don’t shed tears, but, boy, they pour when I'm thinkin' 'bout you

Maybe there are too many metaphors in this first bar for people to get? Who knows. To me, this is perfection in songwriting. When was the last time you had a song make you sit down and think? When have you had to analyze the lyrics to an R&B song? (And by the way, he

Or do you not think so far ahead?
‘Cause I been thinking ’bout forever

Every dude has been in this situation, whether they want to admit it or not. You get with a girl and instantly fall in love, however she’s taking her time expressing the fame feelings (even if she feels the same way). It’s a part of growing up.

No, I don’t like you, I just thought you were cool enough to kick it
Got a beach house I could sell you in Idaho
Since you think I don’t love you, I just thought you were cute
That’s why I kissed you
Got a fighter jet, I don’t get to fly it, though
I’m lyin’ down thinkin’ ’bout you

But you know what’s the most interesting part of the song? The second verse is entirely sarcastic humor. Leading with the line “No I don’t like you, I just thought you were cool enough to kick it...” and filled with nonsensical lines about a beach house in Idaho and a fighter jet. He’s lying to comfort himself. Amazing.

Thinking About You is the epitome of a love song. Of course it doesn't’ touch the greats of the past and honestly nothing these kids are doing might not ever will. However, in a time of songs like “Quickie,” and R&B dudes doing thug rap (looking at you Chris Brown) a true love song is a welcome surprise.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPGVTta_lHY[/youtube]