Music
Brandy: 'Human'
Released on Monday, Dec 8 2008
Published Monday, Dec 8 2008, 13:24 GMT | By Nick Levine | 4 comments
It's no surprise, therefore, that Human finds her vulnerable and reflective rather than sassy and saucy. "I've dropped all that baggage, let go out of that habit, the pain you can have it, 'cause now I'm content with me," she sings on Human's first proper song. Recurring themes on the album, which feels strikingly personal even though Brandy has songwriting credits on just two tracks, include self-acceptance, self-improvement and the healing power of love.
It's also unsurprising that Brandy never tries anything particularly innovative here - after so long away from the charts, she seems content just to sound up-to-date. Though the album features contributions from a palette of producers - including Brandy's longtime collaborator Rodney Jerkins, Toby Gad (Beyoncé, Fergie) and RedOne (New Kids, Lady GaGa) - there isn't much in the way of variety. In fact, almost every track here is a bombastic slice of 'Umbrella'-esque midtempo R&B.
However, this isn't to say that Human lacks the odd standout moment. An overdubbed Brandy sounds almost celestial delivering a message of mutual support and love on 'Right Here (Departed)', while the skittering synths of 'Piano Man' house a fitting tribute to her musical partnership with Jerkins. Best of all is the giddy '1st & Love', whose near-industrial beats capture all the giddy excitement of love at first sight.
Human isn't the album to come for if you're looking for bootylicious club bangers, and there's probably nothing here to have Rihanna or Beyoncé tossing in their Egyptian cotton-clad four posters, but this is a solid collection of thoroughly dignified modern R&B. Given the turbulent time she's had of it lately, solid and dignified is probably exactly what Brandy was going for.
Your Views
4 Comments
Your Responses
I don't mean to judge but it seems as though Brandy does not even have the time to promote her album as she going throug a lot of issues right now. The original courtcase has not been settled and another driver involved in the accident has brought another lawsuit against her. She needs to concentrate and resolve these matters. Maybe then she can get back making the music that made her the sweetheard ot R'n'B. She shouldn't try to compete with Rihanna who sounds like a screaming cat or Beyonce who has a good voice, but just takes her clothes off for every video. Brandy has been around before both of them. In fact, she helped black artists make the breakthrough into mainstream charts. If it weren't for her, B and Rihanna would only be catering for the black audience. Brandy is a classy lady who just needs to sort herself out.
Tee, Milton Keynes, on December 22nd, 2008
Rhi and Bee are on top now because they give more than just music, they give soft porn - if you know what I mean - Watch the videos and Bee's album sleeve is full of nudity. The industry wants that, but Brandy is a mother and not all that pretty and does not do sexy. She tried it once on Afrodisiac video and it did not work. On the album itself, it is better than I am Sasha Fierce, but won't sell as much. May be not so hot as Good firl gone bad, but a better singer any day in comparison to Rhianna who can't sing LIVE
Rhi and Bee are on top now because they give more than just music, they give soft porn - if you know what I mean - Watch the videos and Bee's album sleeve is full of nudity. The industry wants that, but Brandy is a mother and not all that pretty and does not do sexy. She tried it once on Afrodisiac video and it did not work. On the album itself, it is better than I am Sasha Fierce, but won't sell as much. May be not so hot as Good firl gone bad, but a better singer any day in comparison to Rhianna who can't sing LIVE
I wouldnt say Brandy is that big in the uk. But in my opinion her music is 10 times better than singers like Rihanna. Ok this album isnt full of upbeat songs like her previous album but from what she's been through wouldnt be right for her to include loads of club bangers. This is a great album.
Brandy is my favourite singer ever! Her new album is amazin' and is somethin' everyone can relate 2. She is THEE most underrated artist out there. She is a million times better than all these so called "R&B" hoes out @ the moment. She has real talent and I'd say her looks were also highly underrated i think shes an exotic and unconventional beauty