Thinkin Bout You (2012)

"Thinkin Bout You" is a song by American singer Frank Ocean, released as the lead single from his debut studio album Channel Orange (2012). The song was written by Ocean and Shea Taylor. Originally to be featured on Bridget Kelly's debut album, Ocean released his demo version of the track for free on his Tumblr account in 2011. Kelly released her version of the track, titled as "Thinking About Forever" on her debut EP Every Girl released October 19, 2011. In May 2012, Ocean's version was officially sent to radio and released on iTunes as a single.

Lyrically, the track is about a relationship just out of Ocean's reach and the turmoil that ensues. The track also explores feelings of regret and heartbreak. The song received highly positive reviews from music critics, who praised the atmospheric production, Ocean's falsetto and writing ability. Some critics noted the possible bisexual undertones featured on the track.

In December 2012, the song peaked at number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100, 94 on the UK Singles Chart, and 13 on the Heatseekers Songs chart. In 2011, the song received a music video directed by visual art group High5Collective released on September 15. Ocean appears in the clip which revolves around an inter-dimensional romance with Native American cultural imagery. Ocean performed the track during his seven-show tour through North America and Europe in November 2011, at the April 2012 Coachella Musical Festival, and his supporting tour for Channel Orange. "Thinkin Bout You" has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and has sold more than one million units in the United States. The song was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2013 for Record of the Year.

Background

In early 2011, Roc Nation recording artist Bridget Kelly and her production team had approached Frank Ocean to write a song for her debut studio album. The song in question eventually became "Thinking About You", which Kelly commented; “it’s sort of a vulnerable track and I wanted everyone to feel me on it.” On July 28, 2011, Ocean leaked his demo version of the song onto his Tumblr account, with the title stylized as "Thinking Bout You". The song was then promptly taken down by Ocean. Kelly, who had already performed an acoustic version of the song, retitled her version "Thinking About Forever" following the release of Ocean's version. Kelly's version found its way onto her debut EP Every Girl (2011). Kelly was ultimately fine with Ocean's decision, however she noted that she didn't like how most people thought Ocean's version was the original, and how people assumed her version was a cover version. About the confusion of the track, Kelly stated

Now that push has come to shove, we're going to let the song have a life of its own. I think it's an amazing, well-written record. Frank Ocean is incredibly talented, I will never say anything against that. But at the same time, you know, he's going to do what he wants to do, he's an artist as well.

Ocean later stated why he chose to release his own version of the song, stating that it was still extremely personal to him. On March 8, 2012, a re-mastered version of the song premiered on IHeartRadio, intended to be the lead single from Ocean's debut album. At a listening party in June 2012, it was confirmed that the track would appear on Ocean's Channel Orange, which was released on July 17, 2012. The version of the track eventually featured on the album was remodified for a second time, this time to include additional strings and further remastered production. It was released as a digital download on April 17, 2012. The song was subsequently released to mainstream radio in the United States on January 29, 2013.

Composition

"Thinkin Bout You" is an R&B song with an atmospheric beat. The track is a tender ballad that "retains Ocean's signature mellow, minimalist vibe," reinforced with shimmering synths and silky production. Ocean croons smoothly on the song, while employing a falsetto vocal range in certain sections. MTV columnist Jenna Hally Rubenstein likens Ocean's singing on "Thinkin Bout You" to Robin Thicke, Justin Timberlake, and Maxwell. The version of the song featured on Channel Orange features an additional string section, opening the track with a swell of strings.