Post by Toy Toy's Boy on Jan 8, 2009 16:20:37 GMT 1
Brandy - 'Human'
It had been four long years that Brandy had been away from the music industry. Selling over 25 million albums and with worldwide hits such as ‘The Boy is Mine’, ‘Have You Ever?’ and ‘What About Us’ to name but a few, Brandy was one of the leading names in her genre. However, a tragic accidental car crash claiming the life of one man, changed Brandy’s life forever. She had to leave her flourishing TV and music career behind to focus on legal battles. Now she’s back and with what is, in my opinion, simply one of the best albums released in 2008. Her turbulent personal life, no matter how tragic, has affected her music but in the best way possible. It’s rare to find an album full of unskippable tracks that range from full-blown ballads to hip-hop infused bangers yet do it so convincingly. Every song has meaningful lyrics and real emotion, without ever being too preachy. Produced predominantly by Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, I would say this is a return to form but I’d be lying… because this is simply her best work yet.
The album begins with a brief spoken-word introduction by Brandy, where she talks about the significance of the word ‘Human’ and what it means to her. It’s a bit out-of-place but once listening to the entire album, you realise how wonderfully it sets the tone. Unlike a lot of pop and r’n’b albums these days, this album has a heart and has a message to give to listeners.
The first proper tack is ‘The Definition’, a thumping classic Brandy-Darkchild collaboration. It’s an uptempo and is a great way to kick off the album with Brandy declaring she’s made the greatest discovery in the history of mankind. It makes you want to move and the lyrics are nothing short of inspirational.
It’s followed up by ‘Warm it Up (With Love)’, a title which I thought sounded a little dubious. It has turned out to be a song that while didn’t click with me at first, is now one of my favourites. It’s a hopeful song that is guaranteed to put you in a good mood.
The album’s first single – ‘Right Here (Departed)’, was an instant classic for me and probably one of my favourite tracks released last year. It didn’t make much of an impact on the UK charts but this is no indication of quality. The production is flawless. The frantic piano, followed by the pounding beat and strong, emotional vocals makes for an impeccable song.
Another of my favourites is ‘Piano Man’, that has a pulsating beat that reminds me of Usher’s ‘Love in this Club’. The infusions of piano and the great hook make this a smash. Brandy pays homage to Rodney Jerkin’s music and lyrics as she sings the lyrics “Give me a song about heartbreak/I promise I can sing every word/Play me a song about love lost/That’s another one everyone’s heard”. The vocals are fantastic but this is a real banger that would set the club alight.
The interlude features Brandy on the phone to her long distance beau. It’s a nice way of transitioning the urban club sounds of ‘Piano Man’ into the big, almost orchestral ballad.
‘Long Distance’ is the second single that is on the level of what the greats should be singing – Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey etc. Brandy’s voice sounds phenomenal and so full of emotion. The production moves away from the synthetic urban sounds heard previously to a piano and orchestra, as the song builds momentum and hits an incredible climax. Just flawless.
“I won’t camouflage for love” Brandy sings on the next track. ‘Camouflage’ is a definite highlight that I think a lot of people can relate to. It’s all about self-acceptance and waiting to find someone who will love you unconditionally. I feel repetitive for saying this but I’ll say it for the millionth time in this review – fantastic vocals, fantastic lyrics and fantastic production.
The title track is one of the most moving moments on the album. This poignant song was written by Brandy and you can really tell she’s singing this from her heart. I encourage everyone to listen to it because the lyrics are beautiful. This was written about her car crash and is about how we are all human and we all make mistakes. It's a good lesson to learn - particularly in our celebrity obsessed society where we are so quick to judge and condemn public figures. A sad truth that Brandy has had to experience.
‘Shattered Heart’ has an interesting beat that wouldn’t have sound out of place on her Afrodisiac album. It’s yet another stunning Darkchild production along with haunting and expressive vocals.
‘True’ and ‘Torn Down’ are the album’s most laid back and quiter moments. ‘True’ has Brandy hit some incredible falsetto notes.
‘A Capella (Something’s Missing)’ – INCREDIBLE! Trying something complete different, there is nothing on this song but Brandy’s vocals. This is nothing short of a masterpiece and is wonderfully creative as Brandy sings about how there is something absent in her life. The looping of vocals and the layering in the chorus sounds really good.
The album ends on a song that was actually co written with Natasha Bedingfield. ‘Fall’ features only piano and vocals in the verses, then heavy beats and production in the chorus. It’s inspirational and has a great message for procrastinators like myself as she sings: “Just fall, don’t be afraid/Fall, cause I’m on my way/Fall with all of my faith”. She sings some really powerful adlibs towards the end of the song and the chorus is incredibly addictive. A fantastic way to end the album.
Wow, I really hope I haven’t bored anyone with this review. I’m sure it would be much more interesting if I had something to criticise but this is simply an incredible album that I can’t find fault with. Every song is unique, yet equally as strong as the last. For people who love music with meaning but also appreciate a fantastic voice, then this is for you. Dare I say it, but I prefer her voice to anyone else out there releasing music at the moment. Listen to Leona Lewis’ voice, then listen to Brandy’s, and it’s quite clear who is the one singing straight from the heart.
I urge everyone to go out and buy this album to support this hugely talented artist. 'Human' is everything an album should be - consistent, creative, mood-lifting and above all, touching.
Overall: 10/10
Highlights: The Definition, Right Here (Departed), Piano Man, Long Distance, Camouflage, Human, Fall
