Brandy Album: “Afrodisiac”

Brandy aka B-Rocka is one of the best female aritist around. She has always been my favorite R&B artist since her self-Titled debut album "Brandy" dropped in 1994. Nearly a decade later, her voice, her sound, her swagger has only improved. Her voice is like a treasure, once you've discover it, you'll never want to forget it. All of her albums (1994's Brandy, 1998's Never say Never, 2002's Full Moon & 2004's Afrodisac) are certified classics in my book, expecially Afrodisiac. Every song on the album is soulful, some great dance tracks and some really relaxing R&B slow cuts. Brandy does not get the credit she deserves, which is why Afrodisiac didn't get alot of radio play and/or press. This album should be 2x Platinum if it's not already.

My Favorite Tracks:

1. Who Is She 2 U?

2. How I Feel

3. Afrodisiac

4. Saddidy

5. Where I Wanna Be ft. T.I.

6. Come As You Are

7. Turn It Up

8. Talk About Our Love ft. Kanye West

After listening to "Afrodisiac", singer/actor Brandy's 4th studio effort, I can't help feeling sorry for her. This is one of many stellar R&B CDs that commercially make it nowhere due to lack of promotion or just flat-out neglect on most of the public's part. "Afrodisiac" is more than just an artistic statement - it is the sound of a maturer, stronger, vocally more powerful and emotional Brandy taking risks with her music while still remaining real with it. Once again, reigning super-producer Timbaland is the main person to thank for delivering with the production on 9 of the album's 15 tracks. Other producers include Kanye West, Organized Noise & others. Sean Garrett's pensive genius also blesses this record with spectacular results.

While Brandy may have only lent her actual helping hand to one of the album's 15 tracks in terms of songwriting, Brandy not only sings the material with a lived-in feel, but the material itself was obviously related to her in the 1st place. "Who I Am" is an emotional ballad where Brandy finds strength after a bad relationship with lyrics equally compelling as her actual voice. Album track favourite "I Tried" is a heavy-hearted ballad where heavy synthesizers, faint guitar strings & closing violins emphasize Brandy's emotional struggle with an unfaithful lover whose misdeeds she tries to neglect, but in the end, refuses to put up with (in other words, she eventually leaves). "Finally" is a ballad that, while lighter with the production, is equally passionate and emotional with the same purpose of making the right decisions & leaving a bad relationship. "Come As You Are" uses more revealing lyrics, Brandy's vulnerable vocals, Timbaland's bouncy production and breathy background vocals to create a song about her rough transition into womanhood, and how she searches for a man who's equally mature.

Considering how deep every track on this album is, highlights come down more to one's opinion on each track's quality. In this case, many of those highlights go to the actual singles. Lead single "Talk About Our Love" is a beautiful, slightly up-tempo ballad with a lush groove, courtesy of guest artist Kanye West. The song itself talks about not worrying about the gossip and rumours other people say about them, and to just keep on showing love to each other, despite everyone else's perceptions of it. Second single "Who Is She 2 U" is another slightly up-tempo ballad where Brandy begins to frustratingly question her man's intentions with another woman who caught his eye. Piano keys, flutes, violins strings, ethereal choir background vocals and catchy drum patterns provide a perfect sonic backdrop for Brandy's sultry vocals & the expectedly impressive lyrics. Timbaland's killer minimalist beat on the title track (which samples from Aaliyah's "Are You That Somebody") is equally infectious, while Brandy professes her drug-like love for another man with breathy sexuality. Other non-single highlights include the emotionally furious club banger "Saddity" and "Should I Go", a stellar ballad where Brandy contemplates all kinds of things -whether or not to leave the industry for her family, remembering the days when it just her, Monica & Aaliyah, etc.- with pensive lyrics & airy vocals over a well-chosen sample of Coldplay's song "Clocks".

Altogether, "Afrodisiac" is a wonderful studio effort that deserved more attention and success than it received. To this date, "Afrodisiac" remains the best album of her career, and is a testament to both her artistry and longevity in an endlessly fickle music industry. 5 stars!

5 Best Tracks:

"Talk About Our Love (feat. Kanye West)"

"Who Is She 2 U"

"Afrodisiac"

"Should I Go"

"Saddity"

Favourite Track:

"I Tried"

I have been a Brandy fan since Day one, and every album I'm expecting something better than the last, and I think this Cd is a good follow up to Full Moon. She has a mix of fast dancing beats, and slow beautiful ballads. The last song on the cd is taken from Coldplay's Clock melody, and one of the verses talks about Aaliyah and how great of a person she was, and how we all miss her. I felt it was a good thing for Brandy to do, especially since she was working with Aaliyahs producers. I really like the title song afrodisiac, it has a good beat, and it a good song to sing to. Saddity is a good fast song, and so are a couple of the other ones. All in all its a good CD, and everyone should buy it.

I would just like to begin by saying that I have been a Brandy fan for over a decade. Since her debut, I have always loved her. I love everything about her. Her voice, her presence, sense of style and aura. ...I grew up listening to her music and she has been a role model for me over the years. Okay enough of the sentimental stuff. On to her music. One of the things that amazes me about this multi-talented R&B star is not only her amazing voice but also her versatility and creativity. I can honestly say that this girl NEVER disappoints me. Just when you think she has reached her musical apex, she releases another album that surpasses the previous one. "Afrodisiac" in it's whole is ingenious!!! Powerful vocal delivery, passionate and moving lyrics, edgy and creative collaborations makes for Brandy's most accomplished set yet. Initially, when I heard that Brandy was working on a new album I never expected her to release an album this good, don't get me wrong I knew she could sing and was talented but she even exceeded my expectations having already been a die-hard fan!! Full Moon blew me away and I thought the girl couldn't possibly release material better than that!!! The album's first release "Talk About Our Love" produced by the talented Kanye West is brilliant. A mid-tempo, catchy R&B track with a 70's flava that was undoubtedly the best song of the summer. How could such a good song be so under-rated!!!??? People just don't have good taste in music anymore because that song should have been at the top of the billboard charts for several weeks. Anyway, the second release was the powerful and soulful "Who Is She To You?" produced by none other than the KING Mr. Tim Mosley aka Timbaland. A cool, and catchy R&B joint where Brandy questions her lover of a mistress. Her vocals are nothing short of spectacular in this song. Strangely, this song mysteriously disappeared off the charts!! I mean what gives??? Are people judging Brandy because of the mistakes she has made in the past??? What celebrity hasn't lied????? Or made mistakes?? It's called being a human and being imperfect. People are just ignorant and need to learn to let that petty stuff go. Anyway back to the album...The other day my friend asked me. What is your favorite track on the album????? I didn't know how to respond because I love them all. Literally.... But my ABSOLUTE favorites are in this order

1. I Tried 10/10...samples a song from Iron Maiden with lyrics from the Coldplay song "Sparks". A melancholy, sad track that is really special to me. I was near tears the first time I heard this song because I can RELATE to it. I've been in a similar situation so it's only natural that I would treasure this masterpiece. You can hear the struggle and pain in her voice. Definitely Grammy material and should have been the 2nd single..IMO

2.Finally 10/10- This song is also very special to me. "Finally I Walked Away, Never Would've Seen This Day" This amazing track is produced by Timbaland and co-written by Brandy. He samples music from the composer Hans Zimmerman and the result is yet another masterpiece that has a very inspirational message within it. Again the talented Ms Norwood sounds simply beautiful and changes up her tone. You can tell she's singing this one from the heart. and in some parts of the song it sounds like she wants to cry..not from hurt or pain..but because she's happy that she was brave enough to walk away from a relationship that was not healthy for her. Again, I can relate because I've been hurt before and found it difficult to let go of someone..but once I Finally walked away I was happy and realized that it was the best decision for me. Also Grammy material.

3. Where You Wanna Be Ft T.I 8/10- I love this song.. I listen to it CONSTANTLY. Produced by the guru Kanye West. Her vocals are just..man...Incredible on this track!!!!!She sings of the turmoil in her heart from her man not knowing where he wants to be. It's strange she changes her tone on this track she sings really low in the beginning and then she raised the roof at the end. She plays with the song somehow...she OWNS the song. The tonality of her vocals and her ad-libs on this track all paint a picture of the scenario she sings about. Again where Brandy shines is the EMOTION she puts behind each song..she delved into her struggles in the past and re-created each moment. I'm sure that it was difficult for her to do that, but in the final analysis I think it helped her...It was therapy for her. When she sings this song it is as if you are right there with her. You hear the frustration; you hear the pain, and her desire to be in love. The sexy T.I. lends his talent to this song and it adds flavor to the feel of this amazing track...I Love IT!!!

4. Should I Go- "Why didn't he rate this song"? You may ask..simply because I can't rate this song as a 10 rating would be an insult to this spectacular track. Brandy and Tim collaborate and the result is one of the most touching, beautiful, and moving ballads I have ever heard. ...Period. Timbaland samples music from the Coldplay song "Clocks" and in the lyrics Brandy contemplates whether or not she should leave the fake and superficial music industry. Brandy sounds particularly beautiful on this track. It sounds like she is crying throughout the song...but her voice remains steady and controlled. I also love her references to the late Aaliyah(Who I also happen to be a fan of.) Brandy please stay in the industry, but if you wanted to leave I wouldn't blame you.

Well that pretty much sums up my favorite tracks on the album..but the thing is I still LOVE all the other ones(With the exception of Saddidy..everything is wrong with that song) Other Nice Tracks: Focus7/10-I Love It, Afrodisiac-7/10 My Jam, Say U Will-8/10 So Beautiful How I Feel- 8/10 Classic!

All in All, Brandy has released an album that I will listen to for years to come. She has really upped her game and I am so happy that I bought this album. It's all I listen to really..when I go to work, on my way home from work and on the weekends too. You owe it to yourself to get "Afrodisiac" NOW!!! If you are stubborn and don't want to buy it..then it's your loss I could care less I have the album already..I'm trying to help you music lovers to find good music that was the purpose of me taking the time out to write this review, for you all. I mean I could be doing something else for Christ's sake.!!!!Before I go, I just wanted to clear up something. Contrary to what the average retard may choose to believe, Alicia Keys and Beyonce are NOT better than Brandy. They all are in different lanes and bring different gifts to the industry. Additionally, they all have different strengths and weaknesses. Alicia is more classical /old-school R&B, Beyonce's forte is more Pop music, whilst Brandy is strictly R&B and what I like to call "New Age" R&B with a hint of Pop. If Alicia or Beyonce were to dare venture into Brandy's realm.. she would stomp all over them because she is the best and what she does.

Brandy is just as talented as those girls if not MORE talented in some areas. A lot of people think Brandy is under-rated..um I don't. Brandy is a Legend. She's the Queen, she always has been and she always will be. She's my Queen in my world, and in my world my opinion is all that matters.... Have A Nice Day!!!

If you are looking for a solid R&B effort, check out Brandy's latest album. This album is a solid listen from beginning to end. Granted, some of her old fans may not like the new "raspy" sound she uses, but it adds more grit to the hard-hitting Timbaland productions and gives her more edge. She sounds more mature. With the laid-back songs full of soul-hitting lyrics and bass-thumping beats, you can't pass this up