Brandy - Brandy

Brandy

Excellent debut from another vocally mature young lady. Brandy debuted at a time when there was a bit of a vacuum for really young singers in the r&b music field. Initially a lot of people wrote her off or chose not to view her as a serious artist because she was so young at the time but once they got to listen to the music without prejudice towards her age, they realized that she was a very talented artist who was going to be around for a long time.

I loved everything about Brandy - her sultry vocals, her sweet persona & how involved her parents were in her imaging (they carefully avoided the over-sexualized "Lolita-esque" image which helped Brandy grow up with her fans).

I also love that although this album debuted in 1994, it doesn't sound dated to me. My favorite tracks are: BABY, BEST FRIEND, I WANNA BE DOWN, SUNNY DAY, ALWAYS ON MY MIND, LOVE IS ON MY SIDE & GIVE ME YOU.

Although I enjoyed her rendition of BROKEN HEARTED - I prefer the version with Wanya Morris so couldn't add the track to my list of faves.

I'd highly recommend this disc to Brandy fans, r&b fans and to those who are just curious about what music in this era sounded like. January 6, 2008

My Jams R Brokenhearted and Baby.

Movin' On - Pop/R&B on its better days. 4/5
Baby - Classic Pop/R&B. Miss the video. 5/5
Best Friend - Wonderful song, with meaning behind it. 4.5/5
I Wanna Be Down - Awesome and then some. 5.25/5
I Dedicate Part 1 - Sweet, but bores you after 3 of them play. 3.75/5
Brokenhearted - The first true ballad of the album. Also, the Best. 6/5
I'm Yours - Tried and true love song. Is it a ballad? I'm unsure. But it features pleasant, soothing vocals. 4.25/5
Sunny Day - Bright and bouncy. You could never be Down, with this playing. 3.75/5
As Long As You're Here - Smooth, with a jazzy vibe. The sax is where it's at. 4/5
Always On My Mind - Beautiful organ. Irresistable, really. 4.5/5
I Dedicate Part 2 - Acapella and very charming. Gets annoying by the 3rd one. 3.5/5
Love Is On My Side - Decent. 4.25/5
Give Me You - Sweet, sweet closer. 5.5/5
I Dedicate Part 3 - Ugh. 3/5

4.26785714285714 = 4.27 stars.


November 3, 2007

Singing so pure

This was when the singing was so pure and innocent. Great CD. I still listen to it often. July 27, 2007

The legacy of Brandy begins! (4.5 Stars)

I agree with another reviewer in stating that the mid 90's was the best time for urban music. With the likes of solo artists (Brandy, Monica, Aaliyah) and groups (TLC, Silk, Boyz II Men) ruling the r&b AND pop charts, who could argue? Brandy's debut is the epitome of that glorious time for urban music.

Spawning no less than FOUR huge hits ("Baby", "Best Friend", "I Wanna Be Down", "Brokenhearted"), Brandy became an instant bestseller, selling 4 million copies and still counting. Who could resist the irresistible grooves, the sultry-driven vocals, and most importantly, Brandy's sweet innocence? She was the entire package and the public responded warmly to her.

But enough about Brandy and the public response. What really sells this album, IMO, is the album tracks. And there are plenty to name. My personal favorite is "I'm Yours". This is quite possibly the best track on the album (even though "Brokenhearted" is a very close second). Brandy displays so much power and conviction into this song. It's a wonder it wasn't release as a single. Other highlights include "As Long As You're Here" (a smoky, midtempo tune reminiscent of jazzy rap), "Love Is On My Side" (a syrupy ballad also as charming as "Brokenhearted"), and "Give Me You" (a great closer to an otherwise stellar album).

In sum, Brandy turned out an very impressive debut album. Sometimes, you forget that she was only 14 at the time of release. Amazing huh? But believe it or not, better records would turn up for Brandy as her career took off (Never Say Never anyone?). However, this one has always been my personal favorite so I am biased in my review:). You know it. You love it. Get it if you don't have it.

Grade: A- June 29, 2007

Classic

I love this album cause it brings me back to the same period in my life everytime i listen to it. Great melodies simple easy to listen to lyrics. December 6, 2006

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