Disco de Brandy: “Brandy”

Im listening to the samples provided here as a I write this and I cant help but to reminisce to a time when young pop singers such as Brandy, Aaliyah and Monica actually proved that youth does not equal immaturity..Case in point, Im still feeling the songs on here..Granted, Im a few years younger than they are now, but at that time, I would rock all of their albums till I couldnt recognize the voices anymore..But to get back to Brandy's album, even though the songs sound dated now, at that time, my fave songs were Baby, Broken hearted, Best Friend, Sunny Day, Love is on my side, pretty much the whole album..She is a good singer and I love how her voice is deep like it is.. She works with good producers to make an album worthy enough to listen to..Thank God that she is still around to make good music!!

It's so obvious that Brandy Norwood is very talented. What new female could just come out and sale 4 million copies of a debut album, especially for and urban artist. On this album entitled Brandy, Brandy shows us that beats don't make and album for her, she does. Brandy singing each and every song as though she had wrote it herself. Each song is very versatile, she a sprectrum from a Bohemian Rap feel, to Hip-Hop, to R&B and even some Rock Ballads. Her voice is definatley unique, being one of the only few altos, with an 3.5 octave span, she bring the feel of the 90's to life. So when you first hear this album, the first thing you will think is, "what was I first doing when I heard Brandy". This album is truly amazing.

I discovered this CD at the bottom of a box of CDs I had received as a gift three years ago. This is an incredible debut album. It has improved the way I look at Brandy as a vocalist. On this album, you can feel the ambitious young voice of an artist untainted by the need to outshine her contemporaries or her critics. Her production on this album was more versatile than on "Never Say Never" and the strength behind her voice definitely hinted at what she possessed the potential to become. Unfortunately, due to a case of stage fright and an obvious loss of confidence, that potential has yet to be achieved. Hopefully on Brandy's third album, which I hope she does have planned, Brandy will return with the mature vocal skills that she developed on her second album and the self-confidence that she possessed on her first.

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-

I try to find my 7 year old daughter music that I feel is okay for her to listen to and it is quite difficult. This old CD of Brandy is just what I needed. She loves it and I can relax and let her enjoy singing and dancing to the music without a discussion about what this and that means.

It is perfect! Thanks to Amazon for still keeping it around after all these years!