Album Review- Brandy: b7
The most surefire way to discover the growth of an artist is by going back and absorbing their catalog, in its entirety, from beginning to end.
There is no musical project in 2020 that is a truer reflection of that than Brandy’s latest effort, b7.
Released after an 8-year hiatus, b7 has proved to be the comeback of “The Vocal Bible” herself. To further add fuel to the comeback was an epic Verzuz battle for the ages between herself, and longtime rival, Monica last week on IG Live.
For starters, I’ll go on record and fully admit, prior to say, 2002’s Full Moon, I never really thought that Brandy was all that deserving of the “Vocal Bible” title. Don’t get me wrong, I was definitely a fan, but I always thought her voice and image were one in the same- “very syrupy, and sugary sweet.” She had this whole “America’s Sweetheart” package-thing going for her, and that certainly reflected in her music. Don’t get me wrong, as a teenager/young woman, she bops for days, but her slow songs were defined by power ballads that reach its zenith in “the big note” (ala, the Diane Warren penned-tune, “Have You Ever”). After all, it was the 90’s. Just a sign of the times, I guess. Despite that, I could always tell vocally, she could go so many other places- if given the opportunity.
She has certainly proved my theory right.
As a grown woman, whose overcome obstacles to get where she is, she uses her rich, lower register to explore her different moods- no matter how complex or vulnerable they may be. And what a beautiful result it turns out to be.
On b7, it’s obvious that she’s about making music that feels good to her. The whole album- each track flowing directly into the next- is a whole vibe, in itself. It’s an honest, pure reflection of what life was like during her hiatus- the high and lows; the trials and tribulations. What we’re hearing on each track is the maturity and growth of a woman, a mother, and artist. In the album’s opener, “Saving All My Love,” her voice soars like swirling colors all over the track. She speaks of being unguarded, laying her burdens down, and taking the time off needed for the sake of her own mental clarity. In tracks like “Unconditional Love,” and “Lucid Dreams,” she speaks of her struggles with guilt, depression, self-sabotage, and the contemplation of suicide.
“Borderline,” the album’s clear-cut stand-out track, goes into the depths of her jealousy and insecurities when it comes to getting her heart broken again. As proven time and time again, it’s her backgrounds and vocal arrangements that set her apart from that of her contemporaries. The melodic line, mixed with her delivery are executed flawlessly, making it hard to resist singing along with.
In the 2nd half of the album, it’s clear that she’s doing the work required to pick up the pieces and move forward, stronger and more resilient than ever. In “I Am More,” she’s acknowledging her power by valuing her worth- stating that “she can’t be a sidepiece, because she needs more, and in fact, IS more.” The beauty of Black Girl Magic is joyously celebrated in “High Heels,” where she shares the mic with her 18-year old daughter, Sy’rai. Additionally, “Baby Mama” serves as a homage to hardworking single mothers around the world. Meanwhile, the album closes with “Bye BiPolar,” a poignant, heartfelt letter to the condition that she has struggled with, but has worked so hard to overcome.
It’s clear that beauty of b7 lies in its journey, both musically, personally, and professionally. In listening to the album in its entirety, you’re experiencing a phoenix that has risen through the ashes. An artist who has been through hell and back, and has used the power of music to see her way through to the other side.
It’s brave. It’s powerful. And most importantly, it’s as real as real gets. The good, the bad, and the ugly…
