12 OF BRANDY’S BEST ALBUM TRACKS

Posted on January 28, 2013 by Soul

A few weeks ago, Solange criticized music critics who unjustly score R&B albums without knowledge of the genre itself. She said, verbatim: “Like you really should know about deep Brandy album cuts before you are giving a “grade” or a “score” to any R&B artist.” Then I thought hmm, maybe there are more that are unfamiliar with Brandy’s best material (non-critics of course).

While any fan of Ms. Norwood knows her albums are sheer works of art that single-handedly place her in her own league in terms of vocals, production, and harmonies, she is still underrated after nearly 20 years in the music industry. Brandy is indeed a singer’s singer and her unknown songs are just as good, if not better than her more popular material. Indulge in our favorite “deep” album cuts by Brandy. We went all the way back to the beginning, from 1994 to now. This is R&B at its finest…

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VIDEO | Brandy – “Scared Of Beautiful” [Rehearsal Footage]

Posted on January 7, 2013 by Soul

It’s often said that the role of a writer is to illustrate truth through words. So with this post, I am going to speak my truth. Brandy’s music touches me deeper than any surface level of fondness or appreciation. When she sings, she connects with the purest and fearless part of her being which in turn, does that for me. Her music places me in a deep sea of emotions; the highs and lows, love and hate, and all that encompasses the life experience. It’s just that real for me.

When I saw the video footage of her rehearsing “Scared Of Beautiful,” I was immediately hit with the “Brandy effect” (any Brandy fan knows what that is). As my jaw began to drop and eyes watched in amazement, I was nearly rendered speechless. The brief but flawless showing only exemplifies all that Brandy is as a vocalist—a true rarity. Leaving no voids and feelings unturned, it would be almost impossible to watch this and not have a strong reaction. Bold, beautiful, and abundantly soulful, this is Brandy at her best. As I often say, she is a treasure. Experience greatness below.

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LIVE | Brandy Performs “Scared Of Beautiful”

Posted on November 14, 2012 by Soul

When I first heard Two Eleven, there was one song I could not escape. It’s as if it was made especially for me, “Scared of Beautiful” speaks to me in every way a song can. From its piercing lyrics to its haunting vocals, this is one of Brandy’s most inimitable recordings to date. Not only do I listen to it daily, it’s somewhat of an affirmation for me. As being scared of self is one of life’s hardest obstacles to tackle, hearing a song with such depth and heart is another message that it’s not only attainable but necessary.

At a recent concert in Baltimore, Brandy performed “Scared of Beautiful” for the first time. Before I pressed play I prepared to be taken deeper into my thoughts and have my day turned inside-out. As I watched the fan footage, I was completely in awe of Brandy’s gifts and her raw passion. She surrendered herself to the stage and the outcome was quite riveting. If ever a doubt as to why Brandy is heralded as a vocal treasure, then this performance is for you. Get Lifted.

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BRANDY’S “TWO ELEVEN” | A Few More Thoughts

Posted on October 25, 2012 by amir jamar

Last week, I posted a review on Brandy‘s much-anticipated Two Eleven. While I expressed (and maintain) my lukewarm feelings toward the album, after giving it a few more spins, I felt compelled to declare my growing love for it’s shining moments.

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REVIEW | Brandy – “Two Eleven”

Posted on October 19, 2012 by amir jamar

It’s no secret that the past couple of years haven’t been too kind to Brandy. It’s almost hard to believe that there once was a time when the singer was conquering the charts, landing major endorsements, and starring in her own successful TV show and a collection of feature films. Undeniably, she was once America’s Sweetheart, commanding the pop throne—before the world met a Britney Spears, a Beyoncé, or a Rihanna.

After a series of personal and professional struggles, we have seen Brandy’s control of the top spot slowly slip away from her. After her last project, Human, failed to reintroduce the singer to the success that she accumulated earlier in her career, naysayers were quick to count her out.

And then came Two Eleven, the unapologetically bold sixth studio album that seems to be more of a reinvention than a comeback. Much like it’s hit first single, “Put It Down” (featuring Chris Brown), the album features a side of Brandy that had yet to be discovered in previous efforts; an invigorated woman full of strength, confidence and courage. Boasting with production credits from hitmakers Sean Garrett, Bangladesh and Rico Love, Two Eleven is not just a testament to her personal make-over, it also aims at proving that Brandy still has her R&B golden touch, the unique flare that birthed modern classics like Never Say Never, Full Moon and ridiculously underrated Afrodisiac. In all aspects, Two Eleven was crafted with the belief in illuminating Brandy’s impact and restoring her presence in contemporary music.

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BRANDY | Exhibit A

Posted on October 12, 2012 by amir jamar

As we rapidly approach the long awaited release of Brandy‘s Two Eleven, it has been such a pleasure to see the R&B world finally welcome the veteran back with open arms.

Earlier this week, That Grape Juice uploaded a video of the Vocal Bible rehearsing for her stellar tribute performance to the legendary Whitney Houston during this year’s BET Awards. Even while practicing, the raw brilliance of Brandy’s voice is ever present; with nearly 20 years in the industry, Brandy never ceases to stun our ears with her undeniable gift. While I am enjoying all of the pure confidence and sassy choreography that have crept their way into Brandy’s stage presence as of late, she is one of those rare artists that needs to do nothing more than just stand and sing to mesmerize. Effortlessly, her talent is incomparable.

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COUNTING DOWN TO TWO ELEVEN.

Posted on October 8, 2012 by Soul

There is a new Brandy.When I look at her, I see an artist refreshed in self confidence and belief, an area she publicly struggled for years. It seems as if Brandy got lost in the sea of Beyonce’s, Rihanna’s and Gaga’s (an area she never fit). I’ve always centered Brandy in world of elevated R&B, where she undeniably excels.

Though Two Eleven marks Brandy’s sixth studio effort, it feels like her most triumphant thus far. With just as much to loose as she has to gain, Brandy’s new music has a sense of urgency and hope. Its written all over her face, heard in her flawless runs, and evident by her return to the stage, Brandy want to return to her golden days when she was the one at the top (during the beloved 90’s).

While I wish the same for Brandy, she should know it’s a new pinnacle and it’s a place only she can reach. There are no artists that can do what Brandy does and the same vice versa. She always shines brightest when she is just herself and lets that golden voice pour out, raw and true. I’m counting down to Two Eleven for so many reasons. This was just to express my shear joy for B-Rocka.

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LIVE | Brandy at the Global Fusion Festival

Posted on July 24, 2012 by Soul

This past Saturday, SOM had the pleasure of attending the Global Fusion Festival in our beloved hometown of Philly. As Brandy was tapped as the event’s headliner, this was an obvious no-brainer for us. As most 90′s R&B/pop lovers know, Brandy is a seminal figure amongst her generation’s talent. After a few, but major career setbacks (Behind The Music explains all), she is back with a new lease on life and even more, a new record titled Two Eleven.

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FLASHBACK | Brandy – “Tomorrow”

Posted on May 6, 2012 by Soul

It was the 90′s. R&B ruled. There was a young lady who created a piece of art so timeless and iconic that she was by far ahead of her time in terms of breaking the confinements of R&B by experimenting with different sounds and textures. The voice belonged to Brandy, the album was Never Say Never.

You can’t think of 90′s R&B and overlook Never Say Never . Yes, it spawned hit after hit and then some, however I wanted look at “Tomorrow”. So pure and emotive, the vulnerability expressed through Brandy’s vocal performance is still remarkable to this day. This song envelopes you with its heartbreaking lyrics and for any who have experienced such, it may even be hard to get through without shedding a tear. Sappiness aside, this is just one example of why Brandy is one of the most important R&B artists of the last 25 years.

Though her latest single “Put It Down” let me down, Brandy will always be a special artist for me, thus have my support.

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REVIEW | Brandy – “Put It Down” (feat. Chris Brown)

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Soul

Just as Brandy’s Behind The Music ended, I was left in shear admiration. Not just for her vocal gifts, but for her truly humble spirit and candor as well. As it has been four years since she has had significant presence on the music front, amir jamar and I were anxiously anticipating the next single from her sixth studio effort, Two Eleven, “Put It Down.”

By every measure possible, this track is underwhelming. From its lackluster production by Bangledesh, mediocre lyrics by Sean Garret, and an extremely random feature from Chris Brown, “Put It Down” is simply puzzling. Brandy has never recorded a song so ill-fitting, unexpected, and inadequate to the talent and artistry she has been synonymous with for her nearly 20 year career. With such a disappointing single, her forthcoming album has gotten a weak start.

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BRANDY | Freedom Fighter

Posted on April 4, 2012 by Soul

Artist are special individuals. They open the inner-layers of their core for the worlds consumption. Often subject to heavy criticism, negativity, and experiences that have the potential to harden one beyond compare, these creative souls live in a more fragile state of being. Essentially all artist are fighting, for their passion, understanding, and liberation.

From Prince, to Lauryn Hill , to even Brandy, yes I said Brandy, all singers who have publicly fought for their creativity and freedom. Brandy is a R&B veteran whom many consider an icon and a legend in the making. Often celebrated for her artistic depth and unmatched vocal abilities, Ms. Norwood is indeed a force.

Any true fan is very familiar with her heavy catalog of unreleased tracks. Among the best “Freedom”, taken from her Human era. Definitely personal, sonically impressive, and showing Brandy at one of her most vulnerable moments, “Freedom” is a cry, a plea for her independence. After listening to this song repeatedly for the past four years, it hit me. Brandy is a freedom fighter, all artists are.

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MOMENT | Brandy – “Afrodisiac”

Posted on February 29, 2012 by amir jamar

For more than a decade, Brandy has consistently proven herself as a staple to the generation of R&B from which she emerged. From the sweet sounds of her undeniably 90s-flavored debut, to the impassioned cry for redemption of Human, the quality of Bran’s music has always soared above her competition.

Standing out from all of her beloved works, Afrodisiac represents the moment that Brandy abandoned the naive child star and reinvented herself as a sexy, confident and empowered grown woman.

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NEW MUSIC | Brandy + Monica- “It All Belongs To Me”

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Soul

Before I begin, let me say the following. Here at Sound On Mars, we take our time with everything—unless its earth shattering news (Prince,Prince, Prince, Meshell, Meshell, Meshell, right). We like to fully absorb the music to fully discuss such. Case in point, the new collaboration between R&B veterans Brandy & Monica, “It All Belongs To Me.” To say this song was saturated with over-hype thus, met with overly high expectations would be an understatement.

It was the combination of Brandy’s unique tone and Monica’s vocal prowess that created “The Boy Is Mine” – one of the best duet’s/songs music has ever seen. Above all, it was a definitive moment for R&B and both artists respectively. Fast forward to 2012, 14 years later, we have “It All Belongs To Me” (produced by the very unqualified and unequipped Rico Love), the said-to-be sequel to “The Boy Is Mine.

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FOREVER BRANDY

Posted on December 12, 2011 by amir jamar

The other day, I found myself in another lengthy conversation with Soul about the incredible, rare treasure that is Brandy. We couldn’t help but lament on the troubles that she has suffered from over the years, consequently leading to a younger generation’s lack of exposure to her legendary impact.With a voice that is truly one-of-a-kind, artistry that spoke to millions, and a career that opened doors for a new class of superstars, Brandy is the definition of a precious gem. As she prepares to bless our ears with a new album in the upcoming months, I only hope that this will be a real comeback. There are far too many that need to be reminded that Brandy is not an irrelevant has-been; she is true music royalty.

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