15 Songs U Shouldn’t Think Twice ‘Bout Spinnin’ | Playlist 🎧

1. Daði Freyr, “Think About Things”

“Think About Things” • Daði Freyr Pétursson / AWAL • 2020

“Though I know I love you / I find it hard to see how you feel about me / ‘Cause I don’t understand you / Oh, you are yet to learn how to speak…” The first musician that comes to mind when the country of Iceland is mentioned is Björk – she’s kind of a big deal.  That said, for this thought-provoking, ‘U SHOULDN’T THINK TWICE ‘BOUT SPINNIN’ list, we look to a different Icelandic musician, Daði Freyr.  The Reykjavík-born Freyr landed a no. 1 hit in Iceland with the song, “Think About Things.”  While the song hasn’t experienced such success in America, if you’ve never heard it, the first time you do hear it, you’ll understand the hype.

“Think About Things” is a colorful pop record.  Yes, that characterization can be made about a number of songs, but that’s definitely an accurate way to describe it.  Freyr’s vocals are distinct and gorgeous.  The production exemplifies finesse with clear, clean sounds – it sounds perfectly quantized to say the least.  Rhythmic guitars, infectious groove, and bright keyboards (horns included) truly propel the record to lofty heights.  Catchy songwriting doesn’t hurt either, particularly, the chorus:

“Baby, I can’t wait to know
What do you think about things?
Believe me, I will always be there, so
You can tell me anything and I’ll listen.”

2. Chloe x Halle, “Wonder What She Thinks of Me”

Ungodly Hour • Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia • 2020

“I wonder what she thinks of me / When she sees that mark on your neck / Oh, no, I didn’t mean to go that far…” 😬 “Wonder What She Thinks of Me” is formidable record on Ungodly Hour. Ungodly Hour is the sophomore album by Grammy-nominated, R&B duo, Chloe x Halle – it deserved more attention y’all!  “Wonder What She Thinks of Me” is a gorgeous ballad; another opportunity within Ungodly Hour for the high-flying vocals of the sisters to shine, not to mention the harmonies.

Chloe x Halle serve as producers on the penultimate cut from Ungodly Hour. All said and done, it’s quite impressive what the sisters construct here.  The harmonic progression has some nice unexpected quirks, keeping “Wonder What She Thinks of Me” from ever being predictable.

“So, tell me, tell me, baby
I know this is crazy
You’ve done this before, so
Who are you to judge me? Me?
It’s never wrong when you're in love.”

3. Gerald Levert, “Thinkin’ Bout It”

Made to Love Ya • Warner Music Group – X5 Music Group • 2020

“All this time I’ve been sleeping with you / You been sleeping with me / You been stroking him and loving him / And kissing him and hugging him.” The late, great Gerald Levert definitely isn’t feeling his significant other’s unfaithfulness on one of (if not) the biggest hits of his career, “Thinkin’ Bout It.” The 1998 top-15 single appears on one of his best solo albums, Love & Consequences, while almost always is tops on any greatest hit compilation. In this case, “Thinkin’ Bout It” reappears on Made to Love Ya, released in 2020.

It’s rare that a six-and-a-half-minute song ends up being a pop hit, but that’s exactly what happened with “Thinkin’ Bout It.” Honestly, it’s just that ‘damn good,’ partially quoting another Gerald Levert hit. In addition to colorfully depicting her unfaithfulness and threatening to leave her (narrative-driven songwriting), “Thinkin’ Bout It” shines thanks to soulful vocals and idiomatic, adult contemporary R&B production.  I mean, the lazy bass line sells itself.  The groove is none too shabby either – very 90s hip-hop/R&B!

 4. The 1975, “I Think There’s Something You Should Know”

Notes on a Conditional Form • Interscope • 2020

“I Think There’s Something You Should Know” commences the second half of Notes on a Conditional Form, the fourth studio album by The 1975. The 1975 experiment with more of an electronic script (house), constructed more minimally as opposed to maximally.  Even if the sound carries more weight than the lyrics, Matthew Healy delivers a gem with the line, “Feeling like someone, like somebody else, who don’t feel them self / Paying for their wealth with their mental health.”

According to Healy (via Apple Music), “I Think There’s Something You Should Know” is “explicitly about imposter syndrome, depression, that kind of sense of isolation.” There are a number of instances where this is indeed explicitly clear including the aforementioned lyrics as well as lines like “I’d like to meet myself and swap clothes” as well as “You get a moment when you feel alright.”  The latter line seems to speak to how fluid and unstable mental health can truly be.  “I Think There’s Something You Should Know” reappears from Think…5ive Songs.

5. Tiana Major9, “Think About You – Notion Mix”

At Sixes and Sevens (EP) • Zero Point Nine Limited • 2020

R&B has some very successful artists, even as the genre has changed over the years and some of the biggest names have faded.  That said, when newer artists release music, they aren’t all promoted to the same degree.  British R&B musician Tiana Major9 is an artist everyone should tune into that they’re probably completely unfamiliar with.  Major9 shines on the THINK-driven “Think About You – Notion Mix,” which appears on At Sixes and Seven (2020).

“Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh / All I do is think about you.” Tiana Major9’s Jamaican heritage is loud and clear on this reggae-tinged R&B bop.  There has always been a space for reggae within R&B, but it takes the right musician and just the right framing to make it successful.  There’s no question regarding proper execution on “Think About You.” The sound can be described as bright, exuberant, and sunny as Tiana thinks about her love, sigh.  The aforementioned chorus is simple but highly effective – straight to the point.  The verses provide more of the meat – the emotions, with some Jamaican patois – driving the romantic vibes.

6. Christian French, “I think too much”

“I think too much” • Disruptor / RCA • 2020

Sometimes, you’ve got to pursue your passion.  That’s exactly what rising pop musician Christian French did.  He dropped out of Indiana University in his native state, and pursued music.  Hearing French’s music, it’s clear that he made the right choice to pursue music.  Sweetening things even more, he’s signed to a major label. “I think too much” arrived in April 2020.  Naturally, it’s a perfect fit for this U SHOULDN’T THINK TWICE ‘BOUT SPINNING list.

“Sometimes I think I think too much / Can’t stop; my thoughts come all at once…” Christian French kicks off “I think too much” with the relatable chorus.  Perhaps he reveals his cards early on but there’s ample goodness to come.  Beyond the honest lyricism, the production (Imad Royal) is awesome.  The sound is bright, energetic, and exuberant.  Furthermore, the 23-year-old matches the energy with his own expressive, nuanced, and youthful pipes.  Sure, French speaks to the plight of overthinking but it’s incredibly entertaining to hear given his great musicianship and the personality that he showcases.  He may be “Questioning things I can’t control / Finding my youth’s been getting old,” but it’s definitely engaging for the listeners.

7. Dustin Lynch, “Thinking ‘Bout You”

Ft. Lauren Alaina

Tullahoma • Broken Bow • 2020

Dustin Lynch is more than a handsome face, though it’s easy to get distracted by that cowboy hat.  Time to refocus – sorry (not sorry)! Restarting, the country musician quietly released a new album in 2020, Tullahoma.  It didn’t get the same buzz as Current Mood (2017) where Lynch was just a “Small Town Boy” who was “Seein’ Red.” Anyways, he enlists American Idol runner-up Lauren Alaina for “Thinking ‘Bout You,” which appears as the third track from Tullahoma.

Love is in the air on “Thinking ‘Bout You,” which should come as no surprise.  It’s a pretty ordinary title about a ‘tried-and-true’ topic – LOVE.  Even being predictable in just about every way possible, “Thinking ‘Bout You” is a charming, enjoyable country duet.  Dustin Lynch kicks things off, reminiscing with a girl who he still feels some type of way about.  On the pre-chorus, he goes on to say, “It’s good to hear from you again / Girl, what a coincidence.” Coincidence indeed, as the man unveils all his feelings on the chorus.  Of course, Lauren Alaina plays along as well, as she asserts, “I heard your song the other day / And it put a smile on my face / When I started reminiscing.” It’s simple, but at the same time, this is a song that reminds us that love can be natural and simple as much as it can be complex and incredibly difficult.

8. Tyler, the Creator, “I THINK”

IGOR • Columbia • 2019

“I don’t know where I’m going / But I know what I’m showing / Feelings, that’s what I’m pouring / What the fuck is your motive?” “I Think” maintains the momentum established early on by Tyler, the Creator on his Grammy-winning 2019 album, IGOR.  IGOR marked a stark difference from the rapper’s previous albums. Honestly, it felt inappropriate toit as a rap album, which made many debate if IGOR would ultimately win the Grammy in a category that didn’t best characterize it.

Tyler, the Creator does actually rap some on “I THINK.”  It follows departures from “Igor’s Theme” and “Earfquake.” “I Think” confirms that Tyler can still drop bars, even if they’re more R&B-leaning.  Also, worth noting, Solange appears on the chorus, in another well assembled collaboration on IGOR.  Still, Tyler is the star.

“I think I’ve fallen in love
This time I think it’s for real
...How can I tell you? How can I tell you?”

9. HRVY, “I Don’t Think About You”

“I Don’t Think About You” • Universal Music • 2018

“I don’t think about you, no, no… / I don’t think about all the things that we’ve been through / Don’t remember who broke up with who / Don’t think about you.” Sigh, numerous songs are written about the aftermath of a relationship.  Post-breakup is a stimulating subject matter for songs in almost every genre.  HRVY is still young with his whole life ahead of him (and likely numerous future lovers), but even the post-breakup bug has hit the British pop artist on “I Don’t Think About You”.  

While HRVY claims he isn’t giving his ex the slightest bit of thought, the listener has to be skeptical, at least given the details he provides.  On the first verse, the then rebounding 19-year old claims, “I’m not thinkin’ ‘bout if you’re home alone / Walkin’ in my old t-shirt…,” later following up on the second with, “I don’t care about the words that you never say / Stuck in your throat / I don’t care about if you’re sorry now.” Of course, ultimately, he’s bitter, and she’s regretful.  At the end, expectedly, HRVY admits, “But I still love you” (as if we couldn’t already figure that out). Beyond the relatable theme and lyrics, “I Don’t Think About You” shines in various ways.  HRVY has a beautiful voice, and he’s backed by a chill, easy-going backdrop, led by soulful guitar and robust bass line. A pretty sweet addition to any pop lover’s collection.

10. Kelly Clarkson, “I Don’t Think About You”

Meaning of Life • Atlantic • 2017

“It used to bother me, thought I could never leave / After all that I’ve been through, nothin’ left to prove / No, no, no, I don’t think about you…” Prior to its release as a single, “I Don’t Think About You” was one of the highlights when Meaning of Life originally arrived. As a single, it is truly ‘a match made in heaven’ for Kelly Clarkson. Why? It’s a ballad, and ballads allow for her to show the totality of her prodigious instrument.  That girl can SANG!!!

Anyways, on “I Don’t Think About You,” Clarkson flaunts her incredible range and overall vocal dexterity.  The high notes are among the highest she’s ever recorded. The song itself is also memorable, benefitting from the topic of love – it never fails! The centerpiece is the chorus, partially excerpted above, and continuing as follows:

“Weighing down on me
I lost my sanity
And now that we are through, nothin’ left to lose
No, no, no, I don’t think about you.”

“I Don’t Think About You” reappears from 13 Thinking and Thought-Driven Songs as well as Think…5ive Songs.

11. Rick Ross, “I Think She Like Me”

Ft. Ty Dolla $ign

Rather You Than Me • Epic • 2017

“I once got no allowance, now I got the crown / I said I was ‘The Boss,’ nobody made a sound.” “I Think She Like Me” represents Rick Ross in his element.  The single is certainly a highlight from Ross’ somewhat underrated 2017 album, Rather You Than Me. Opening with a soul sample courtesy of The Stylistics (“People Make the World Go Round”), the lush production work is fuel for his lyrical fire.

Ross isn’t dropping innovative new lyrics on “I Think She Like Me,” but his ability to flex and flex hard is worth something.  For example, he slyly injects a masturbatory reference for the millionth time, but it still works (“Every nut I bust really, I gotta do it twice”). He enlists the services of the ever ubiquitous but highly effective Ty Dolla $ign on the chorus.

“Uh, I think she like me
Oh, I think she like me
I know her n***a don’t like me
With your bitch right now, yeah, I might be.”

“I Think She Like Me” reappears from 13 Thinking and Thought-Driven Songs.

12. Jessie J, “Think About That”

R.O.S.E. • Republic • 2018

“All you disturb is my work and my patience / Years of grindin’, you took it, you broke it and all ‘cause you fake it.” “Think About That,” the second song off of R.O.S.E. (Realisations), features gorgeous production work by DJ Camper. What makes it shine is the lush piano and a mix of old-school, soulful drums and more modern, hip-hop oriented programming.

“Think About That” is set in a minor key, which always bring some extra, strong emotions to the table.  Here, Jessie J’s realisations are ‘angry’ as she sings about her disillusionment with the music business:

“You just laughed when I cried
Think about that
Who lives the real sacrifice?
Think about that.”

Worth noting, upon releasing the four EPs that comprise R.O.S.E., Jessie J hadn’t released a new project since 2014 when the underrated Sweet Talker bowed.  “Think About That” reappears from 13 Thinking and Thought-Driven Songs as well as Think…5ive Songs.

13. Ed Sheeran, “Thinking Out Loud”

x • Atlantic • 2014

Amazingly, Ed Sheeran would be nominated for numerous Grammys before finally becoming victorious. He came up short on his sophomore album x (Multiply), which was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album as well as the prestigious Album of the Year.  The following year would be his time, with “Thinking Out Loud” earning him his first two Grammys – Pop Solo Performance and Song of the Year. Notably, the soulful, well-written pop record seems ‘inspired’ harmonically by a famous Marvin Gaye number, “Let’s Get It On”.

Addressing the elephant in the room given my previous statement, “Thinking Out Loud” is starkly different from the Gaye number. Sheeran focuses on romance as opposed to a physical connection on this gem which previously appeared on 13 Thinking and Thought-Driven Songs as well as Think…5ive Songs.

“So, honey, now, take me into your loving arms
Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars
Place your head on my beating heart, I’m thinking out loud
And maybe we found love right where we are.”

14. Frank Ocean, “Thinkin Bout You”

channel Orange • The Island Def Jam Music Group • 2012

Frank Ocean took a risk coming out as bisexual during the run of 2012 debut LP, Channel Orange.  The black community continues to be a ‘work in progress’ regarding LGBTQ+ friendliness.  Ocean didn’t suffer in the least commercially. Channel Orange went on to be nominated for the Grammy for album of the year.  One of the reasons for its success was single “Thinkin Bout You.,” which straddles a line.

Without knowledge of Ocean’s sexuality, the naïve listener won’t necessarily pick up any LGBTQ+ references.  Explicitly, there’s just one, and it’s relatively subtle:

“My eyes don’t shed tears, but boy, they pour when… I’m thinkin’ ‘bout you…do you think about me still?”

“Thinkin Bout You” is about being in love for the first time and for Frank Ocean, that experience occurred with a guy.

“Yes of course I remember, how could I forget how you feel?
You know you were my first time, a new feel…”

“Thinkin Bout You” Previously appeared on the playlist, 13 Thinking and Thought-Driven Songs and A Compendium Comprised of 100 Notable LGBTQ+ Songs.

15. Aretha Franklin, “Think”

Aretha Now • Atlantic • 1968

“You better think (think) / Think about what you’re trying to do to me / Think (think, think) / Let your mind go, let yourself be free.” No better way to end 15 SONGS U SHOULDN’T THINK TWICE ‘BOUT SPINNIN’ than with a classic, right? Right! Aretha Franklin = icon.  “Think” = iconic song by an icon.  Makes perfect sense!

“Think” commences the early Aretha Franklin album, Aretha Now (1968), with a bang.  This is a record that’s chocked-full of attitude, S-O-U-L, and most of all, powerhouse vocals.  The vocals alone are enough to solidify the iconic status; we know that there will never, NEVER be another Aretha Franklin.  But, of course, the song itself is brilliantly penned by Franklin and Ted White, with a blend of repeated, catchy, and prudent lyrics.  Jerry Wexler does a phenomenal job with the production, as always.  What more can you say? Two-minutes and twenty seconds of perfection realized.