Brandy's Album Review: HUMAN

Im Perfectly HUMAN

Im An ANGEL In DISGUISE...

[$ELLS To The Heavens Above!]

As its been four years since I was last infected by the heart-wrenching odes of Love Lost and Emotional Healing that comprised Brandy's 2004 Fan-Favorite, AFRODISIAC, One of My All-Time FAVORITE R&B songstress' is BACK on the Music Scene.

HONESTLY, I have not been giving Brandy's fifth studio LP, HUMAN, the personal time and attention that it deserves. The fact that the lead single, RIGHT HERE [Departed], didnt pleasure my principle listening ear, I began to doubt the solidarity of the album's direction. As some of my Friends and fellow Music Lovers have employed me to truly dig into the essence of Brandy's latest compilation, I have spent the past three hours listening to every track, repeatedly.

Now signed to Epic Records and standing on the dawn of a new day void of legal issues and her brother's Sex Video Antics, Brandy has delivered an album that illuminates the signature, Airy-Soul sound that has framed her fourteen year career in the music industry.

Produced primarily by mega-producer and industry friend, Rodney 'DarkChild' Jerkins, collectively, Human is an album filled with PowerBallad's that echo the emotional sensibilities of Brandy's trials, tribulations and triumphs of womanhood. She polishes each track with a rich, honey-coated prowess that is indicative of the albums that have made her a household name. The majority of Brandy's songs on this compilation are complete with a dynamic blend of addilibs and piano chords which illustrate a trance of authenticity. While many may argue that the mid-tempo tracks lack a sense of contemporary rarity, I am impressed with Brandy's ability to showcase her vocal afflictions. While Afrodisiac was drenched in PowerBeats that often times drowned Brandy's voice, Human is saturated in a richer illustration of Brandy's ability to use her voice as an instrument.

Clearly, A CAPELLA stands supreme as one of this years most innovative and electrifying songs to polish an R&B or POP album. Brandy negates the cliche' of studio infused rhythms, and uses her voice as the template for the song's creation. Its a masterpiece of artistic creation. On the album's title track, HUMAN, produced by none other than Toby Gad, Brandy's lyrics pay homage to the raw vulnerability and strength that creates our physical and emotional existence. Toby Gad is the producer who is responsible for a LOT of the European Hits made famous by one of my FAVORITE artists of ALL-TIME; Esthero.

As Brandy also worked alongside producers, Kara DioGuardi, Chad Roper, Midi Mafia and Dapo Torimiro, its her BONUS TRACKS, 2nd THOUGH and DRUM LIFE, which truly sell Brandy as a veteran Ingenue of the Music Industry. She presents her airy, infectious voice amongst the background of an array of Infectious Hand Claps and Electric, Snazzy Keyboards on quite a few of her stand-out singles. WARM IT UP WITH LOVE, 1ST & LOVE, TORN DOWN and THE DEFINITION, rise as records that will further define Brandy's, HUMAN compilation as a catalogue of innovative, keynote indications; baring her longevity. What Brandy is able to do vocally and melodically, with the endings of such tracks that include, FALL ft. Natasha Bedingfield, as well as PIANO MAN and SHATTERED HEART, is a pulse of flow and silent promise, amongst other female vocalists who rely heavily on Big Notes and Distinct Runs.

Though HUMAN is Not, by far, my favorite Brandy album, it does posess the quintessential elements of Brandy's Style, Poise and Musical Decorum.

Im NOT expecting the album to sell millions of units. Im also not expecting the album to deliver any Top 10 Hits during its run. However, I do expect that the album will allow her Fans and the Listening Public to Respect and Honor her ability to paint a lyrical portrait of Truth and humbled Vulnerability. I am IN-LOVE with A CAPELLA, and hail it as the Essence of Brandy's Musical Growth.

I Rate HUMAN, 3 Stars out of 5.

I Think Im being Honest and Fair.