Afrodisiac

Brandy

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 29, 2004)
• Original Release Date: June 29, 2004
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Atlantic / Wea
• ASIN: B0001Z4P32
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (445 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #13,809 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
After a breakup, childbirth, and a reality show, the one-time teen star finds herself growing up a little more on Afrodisiac. While this isn't a concept album--the songs aren't ordered as such--it's filled with the frustrations and pleasures of Brandy's past few years. At the same time, her vocals are richer than ever, reaching a Blige-like level of expression on "I Tried" and "Who is She 2 U." Timbaland's production on nine cuts anchors the disc; he even makes the title track's sampled baby, a link to his classic work on Aaliyah's "Are You That Somebody," belong. The biggest triumph, though, is "Talk About Our Love," pop-soul from Kanye West that could come straight from the summer of '74, even including his rap. Further release comes with Timba's "Sadiddy," an anthemic celebration of being out on the town with a carload of friends. The girl may be older, but she still knows how to have fun. --Rickey Wright

Product Description
Afrodisiac is sensuous, soulful, even a little gritty, an album that showcases Brandy's passionate voice and announces in no uncertain terms that she's all grown up and knows what she wants. The hot first single, "Talk About Our Love," was produced by and features Kanye West.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Brandy Knows What Works..., August 21, 2004

By	Rudy Palma "The Writing Fiend" (NJ) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

A decade into her career, Brandy shows she still has what it takes to entertain fans and casual listeners alike on her latest album "Afrodisiac" which debuted at #3 on Billboard's album chart in July.

Although she only co-wrote one of the album's fifteen tracks; the eye-opening "Finally," it is certain that most of the material on this album was written with the singer specifically in mind. Take for instance the defiant opening track "Who I Am."

"Just for the sake of my daughter/I tried to stick to the plan/But I had to get rid of the weight/On my fourth finger, left hand/To everybody listening/Sorry if you're disappointed/See the life I chose was only what/I thought I wanted/Nothing's picture perfect/Looks can be deceiving."

Even though a great deal of the subject matter is deep and reflects the burdens of the singer's life from the past few years, this does not prevent "Afrodisiac" from being stuffed with potential hit singles. Although the lead single "Talk About Our Love" featuring Kanye West failed to become a smash hit despite a catchy chorus and delightfully retro vibe, "Who Is To U," could easily become the disc's first smash hit. If the original does not ignite at radio it is almost guaranteed that the forthcoming remix planned featuring the ever-overrated Usher most certainly will.

In addition, the mellow romanticism of "Say You Will" is as catchy as it is charming, and "Turn It Up," where Brandy tips her hat to Timbaland, who produced the majority of the disc, are both the kinds of songs that should find themselves getting overplayed at radio. The title track, where Timbaland samples his own production of the late Aaliyah's "Are You That Somebody" and "Necessary" are also worthy of honorable mention.

The closing track "Should I Go," which cleverly samples Coldplay's incredible hit "Clocks," references Aaliyah and finds Brandy pondering if the music industry is all that important to her at this stage in her life. It makes an excellent conclusion to the disc.

"Just to be in the presence/Of the people that you affected/The personal level/Just makes me stop for a second/You were such a blessing/You helped answer all my questions/Should I go/Should I stay/I'm in control/Either way."

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Solid effort, November 7, 2005

By	Jake Z "holden84" (Canada) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

Brandy's fourth album AFRODISIAC is in my opinion her best cd. The grooves are tight, and it definately feels like her most personal. She got away from working with Darkchild and brought in some new producers for a new sound. While vocally she hasn't always been the strongest, she always sounds nice regardless. This album shows us a more mature Brandy. Some highlights include "Who I Am", "Turn It Up", "Come As You Are", "Talk About Our Love", "Who Is She 2 U" and more. An underrated R&B album.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars B-Rocka is still the Best to me!, June 6, 2006

By	DKnight "David K." (Pgh, Pa USA) - See all my reviews

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