Thinking About You

Thinking About You by Frank Ocean has been one of those songs I can't get myself to skip when it comes on the ipod.  

Thinking About You (Acoustic Cover) by Tori Kelly has created a new perspective and feel to a song I didn't think had much room for improvement.  

(Take a listen) 

Although this video is over a month old, I still find myself watching it as if it is brand new.  There is something about it that seems timeless.  The first time I watched the video I couldn't determine what I liked most about it.  Whether it's Tori's mesmerizing singing voice or her natural beauty.  Her style or the way she carries herself.  Everything about her seems so genuine.  I was confused why I had never heard of her.  She seemed like such a pure talent.  

After watching a few "related videos" on YouTube and completing a quick Google search, I realized she isn't far from stardom.  After making appearances on Star Search and America's Most Talented Kid's she was signed to Geffen Records at the age of 12 but was later released in 2006 without releasing an album.  In 2010, Tori made an appearance on American Idol.  Although she didn't reach the 'top 24', she obviously created a buzz.  

While doing some research, I understood what makes Tori so special.  It's not the sound of her voice or her physical features.  It is her resiliency.  Her resiliency to quit.  Her resiliency to quit after coming so close to reaching her dream.  She's been able to withstand Simon's piercing rejections and a release from a major record label.  After reaching a certain level of success just to have it ripped from you, it isn't hard to let self-doubt replace your confidence.  This isn't the case with Tori.

She hasn't let past rejections interfere with her future ambitions.  While watching the video, you feel as if you are watching a passionate artist who finds pure joy in making music.  She gives off a certain innocence that isn't tainted by a dollar sign.  Tori embodies the meaning behind YOUNG AND HUNGRY.  She knows what she wants and she does it for all the right reasons.  The perfect equation for happiness and success.  

Most are still trying to figure out what they want to do with their lives.  The rest of us are trying to defend our dreams from those who doubt or don't believe in them.  We are only willing to hold on to those dreams if we are doing them for the right reasons.  If not, rather than making naysayers believers, we allow them to break us down.  Self-ambition is one thing that should never be taken from you.  It is also the one thing that should result in inspiration for the rest of the world.  Not a few more commas in your bank account.