"Thinkin Bout You" Frank Ocean

On Wednesday night, this year's Grammy nominations were announced, and leading the pack was 2012's buzziest new artist, Frank Ocean. The songwriter-turned-R&B sensation was recognized in six categories, including Album of the Year, for his much-lauded debut, channel ORANGE, and Record of the Year, for its gorgeous lead single, "Thinkin Bout You." Though facing some stiff competition—look for a likely win by "We Are Young," the #1 hit from 2012's other big Grammy-certified breakout, fun.—"Thinkin" would make a fine choice. Its soulful minimalism is a striking, unique presence among this batch of Record of the Year contenders and the current dance-heavy music scene. But what shines brightest is Ocean's vivid vocal performance—a perfect encapsulation of the pain of unrequited love, with its practiced casualness and moments of passionate falsetto when the feelings simply can't be contained. It's as though he has opened his heart and poured all the hurt directly into song, breaking yours in the process. A