Brandy got personal, but still hasn't changed a damn thing.
Written: Jan 11 '09 (Updated Jan 11 '09)
Product Rating:
Pros: Brandy's vocals are just as strong as they ever were.
Cons: It's a definite grower, and Brandy's style hasn't changed.
The Bottom Line: If you hated any of Brandy's other work, this won't make you a fan, because it's the same sound she's produced since the 90s. For Brandy fans only.
Brandy's just so damn cute. Throughout her musical career, she's always remained a pretty bubbly performer, but perhaps that bubbliness comes at a price. It's no doubt that Ms. Norwood has vocal talent. Even through the overloaded computer effects and vocal layering present on her 2008 "comeback" album, it's apparent she's got the chops. That's never really been an issue. The issue, instead, with Brandy's music is that it has not changed since she first hit the scene. The same generic sound has seemed to follow her, and there's usually nothing special about that Brandy sound. It's just..."oh-so-Brandy." When I heard the lead-off single from Human, I was torn. The song was definitely catchy and fun, but at the same time, it was just another Brandy song. It didn't feel like the new Brandy song.
And if Brandy is so human, then why does she sound a little like a robot?
I'm not usually a huge fan of introductions and interludes, especially after Janet decided to run that motif into the ground, but Brandy has taken the cake here with the awkward introduction (something about it's wonderful to be a human and whatnot) and the interlude stuck before Long Distance, which is one of the better songs on the album. (How's that for a run-on?) Luckily, those are the only two, and the rest of the album is comprised of downtempo tracks and ballads, so don't expect the scorching hot dance tracks from Full Moon. This album starts off on a really boring note with The Definition, a song that has a nice beat, but Brandy almost sounds like she's about to cry. For a Brandy song, it's got a nice production that sounds a little less early 2000s and little more current. It's a hit and miss, and it's a good song, but I just have to be in the mood for it.
Warm It Up (With Love) is just a giant trainwreck of potential. The melody is obnoxious and the lyrics can barely be understand because of the strange speed. It's one of the more upbeat songs, so it bothers me that it's so subpar. The hollow production sounds like a demo and there's this awkward echo-effect placed on Brandy's voice that turns what could have been interesting into a bad Michelle Williams song. Had this song been a lot slower and without the awkward background track, it might be on repeat a little more. But the high point comes soon after with leading single Right Here (Departed), a song that, though it sounds exactly like the work she has done in the past, is stellar. It's a throwback to the Full Moon album with Darkchild's slick production and Brandy's powerful vocals. Beware that it wasn't mastered the way it should have been, and the volume and it sounds a little muddled. For as incredible as that song may be, Piano Man is disgraceful. I don't know who the hell Brandy thinks she is, but where does she get off recording such crap? The two-bit-Party-Like-A-Rockstar production is where migraines come from, and the lyrics are downright stupid. The vocals are awkward here, as well. It's like someone nudged her vocal track over so that it wouldn't sync well with what could be called the instrumentation.
As previously stated, the album is more or less a collection of downtempo tracks, all with an uplifting message attached to it. The point of Human is supposed to be that it's okay to be flawed, to doubt yourself, to make mistakes, etc. What's at the heart and core of this record is nothing short of beautiful, and it's outlined on tracks like A Capella (Something's Missing), Camouflage, and Shattered Heart. Something's Missing is another one of the highest points of the record, as it showcases how gorgeous Brandy's voice truly is. Beyonce should be tacking notes and learn that screeching does not make for a pleasurable listening experience. As Brandy did not contribute to the writing of Human, it's nice to know that what she lacks in that department is more than compensated with her impressive and sultry vocals.
1st and Love has the best production of any Brandy song in the last 10 years as it's experimental while still keeping the introspective feel of the record. And we get straight up ballads like Human and Fall that would make Mariah Carey stomp her foot in jealousy (though Fall is one of the most obnoxious songs on the record with its against-the-grain production and vocals). The first time letting this album play few, very little of the record stuck out to me. After a few listens, most of the record has grown on me, even if it's still just another Brandy record. Most of the songs can sound similar to each other, but it doesn't make them enjoyable-- except Piano Man; I'll never forgive Ms. Norwood for that travesty.
I don't think many people were anticipating or expecting much from Brandy's 2008 project (myself in included). I wasn't disappointed, but I also wasn't surprised. I hope Brandy decides to change it up a little bit on her next album, but I'm tired of hearing the same old thing over and over again. But when you feel you're heart guarded, and you see the break started, and when the clouds have all departed, take out Brandy's Human, because she'll be right there with you.
Rating: 3.5 stars (4 stars)
TRACKLIST Human Intro The Definition Warm It Up (With Love) Right Here (Departed) Piano Man Long Distance Interlude Long Distance Camouflage Torn Down Human Shattered Heart True A Capella (Something's Missing) 1st and Love Fall
Repeat: Right Here (Departed) and A Capella (Something's Missing) Skip: Fall, Piano Man
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