Customer Reviews

Brandy

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Brandy's self-titled debut album brings back good memories of the mid 90's.The album still sounds good after all these years."I wanna be down" was a hot track and it still is."Baby" is my all-time favourite song from Brandy,where she delivers an enthusiastic vocal performance."Best Friend" is all about having that one true friend in your life."Sunny Day" is a good mid-tempo song.The second half of the album is nothing but beautiful love songs.In the interlude,"I dedicate(Part 1)",she pays homage to artists who have inspired her musically,such as Whitney Houston, and she dedicates the album to her fans.The first part of "I dedicate" is fine,but she should'nt have recorded the other two interludes,because she said everything on the first part anyway.Overall this is a classic album from Brandy,and it showcases the phenomenal talent Brandy possesses.The songs are fun,emotional(Brokenhearted) and romantic(Give Me You).One of the best R&B debut albums of the 90's

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!!

LaMonica Stewart
12/02/03
English121
Fall 2003

Brandy

Brandy's first album Brandy was chosen because emotions grasp the younger audience. The song titles featured on the album are reflections of what occur in the real world. In comparison to other artists, on Brandy's first album she is very inspirational. Although this album was very successful in her early years, she was more mature in her later albums. Brandy writes songs that are very encouraging displaying, emotions from deep within.
Take for example the opening song from Brandy's Brandy. Her album begins with a song entitled "Moving On," reaching out to young an old who have their head on straight and know what they want out of life. She says repeatedly keep moving on if one is not prospering. If one is feeling down and needs a little boost of inspirations, one should turn on this and let it play through. She is unlike other artists who consistently speak about heartbreaks and turmoil. Brandy in this case would say, if someone were not treating you right "Move On." The lyrics are very touching. It talks about how she knows she has a purpose and she will not miss her blessing by forgetting who has brought her that far.
Brandy does not sing about the failure, bitterness, and mixed emotions that other artists do in sad love songs. She is not saying heartache does not exist, she is just well rounded person who can talk about everything, even the small things people look over. Traditional love songs consist of pains and misfortunes. In her early years she was focused on her future and what she could do to make the world better. In "Moving On" she says she is a leader, not a follower. This is showing she is strong willed. Young people can really relate because she was a positive role model for our generation.
The third track on this song album is entitled "Best Friend." This song is unique because who do you know that will dedicate an entire song to a sibling? If you have not heard the interview or read the CD cover, you probably thought she was talking about a friend. Usually when someone dedicates a song, they are dedicating it to a deceased or significant other. Brandy, on the other hand, expressed her love for her brother in a special way. Unlike some singers who can only think about them selves and their own personal benefits, she is an awesome person.
There is one song on the album that focuses on someone who is depressed; it is called "Brokenhearted." although the lyrics are about someone who has gotten their heart broken, it still can be viewed as an inspirational song. If one listens to the song thoroughly, one can hear her say how someone still can move on, in reference to the opening song on this album. This is a powerful song because it says despite someone's heartache and pain, one still can move on. While one is young, you have the opportunity and the rest of your life ahead, so let no one hinder you from your dreams and aspirations. In the near future listen to all advice. You do not have to agree, but simply listen.
The fifth track on this album one can see how she is appreciative because she reflects back to where she came from. Normally when people become famous, they forget about who helped them to be who they are today. She gives thanks to her family for being supportive of her. She also gives thanks to those who have inspired her.
Most importantly, she did not stop there with her musical career; she went on to her acting legacy. Interestingly enough, Brandy went into the entertainment field as a young aspiring actress. Not only was her music career and instant success, but she also was the star on two popular sitcoms. With all of this success, Brandy opened many doors for young female artists such as Monica and Brittany Spears. She is still admired by many. Through her music Brandy shows gratitude and appreciation to those who helped her launch her career such as her family. Brandy is motivational album that helps ease life struggle and reflect on positive thing people should value.

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.

Though she was so young when she came out(only15!) Brandy has proven to be superstar diva. She has a youthful, yet mature, wistfull voice that other young female artists can only hope to aspire to. She delivers gospel and soul through golden classics like her trademark"Baby" and "Broken hearted" "Best Friend" and "I wanna be down." You go Brandy!

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 really miss the mid 90's. Brandy's 1994 debut really helped start the trend of the young R&b divas. Back in the mid 1990's, she with the likes of TLC, Monica, Aaliyah, and SWV ruled both the pop and R&B charts. They helped pave the way for the less spectacular likes of Mya, Ashanti, and Beyonce.

This album had a nice handful of big hits. "Baby" and "I Wanna Be Down" are classics and were huge hits on both the R&B and pop cahrts. "Best Friend" was a big R&B hit too as was the cute and melancholy "Brokenhearted." Other stand out tracks include "I'm Yours", "As long As You're Here", and "Love Is On My Side."

I prefer "Never Say To Never" to this only because it has a better variety but this is still a very strong debut. Brandy lacks the rich vocals of contemporary Monica *who I strongly recommned* but her music still has a nice vibe.

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-

brandy is so pretty.brandy is nice.brandy is a good actress.brandy is so ful of good taste.

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!