Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Surprise Album of the Year?, December 9, 2008
Back in 1998, Brandy was sittin' on top of the world, with multi-platinum albums, starring roles in movies, and her own sitcom. Much has changed over the course of that time, but Brandy has remained relatively active on the music scene, but she was unable to match the success of that 1998 album "Never Say Never." Part of tha has been due to the long gap between her albums, and true to form, it has been several long years since her previous album dropped. So here we are all of a sudden, a full decade later, and Brandy sounding more accomplished and seasoned than ever; her music never had embraced the foolishness of the boy and girl band era, nor did her style fit that of those who thought it wise to record ballad after ballad featuring some gangsta rapper doing background vocals. Rather, Brandy has perservered, actually coming up with a set of hooks that not only equal but exceed those of "Never Say Never."
The smooth balladry of "True" and the title track "Human" give only a glimpse of what she can do; the fantastic lead-off single "Right Here (Departed)" and the closing track "Fall" are the highlights of the set, showcasing a wide display of melodic range, with dead-on vocals, including the harmony. Perhaps she has even made Darkchild a better songwriter by delivering such empassioned performances - he has not come up with a set of hooks like this in a long time (maybe not ever before now).
In closing, with the shelf-life of a female pop star being as short as it is (J.Lo and Hilary Duff have already come and gone in the time since Brandy's debut), it is truly refreshing to see an artist mature to the point at which everything comes together in one career-defining moment (or in this case, almost a full hour of music). One listen to the stunning a capella portion of "Something's Missing" is enough to convince me that there is a long term future ahead of this bright and somehow still unbelievably young talent. For all those critics who have said that Brandy has had difficulty finding her own sound in the past, take note of the fact that Brandy has responded by taking on about three different types of sounds, and mastered them all. She has finally arrived!
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20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I'm only Human, December 9, 2008
This album is absolutely amazing! Brandy's vocals soar to new heights as she pours her heart into the music. It's so great to have her back on the scene! "Human" is just another example of why so many people in the industry - legends, producers, writers, peers - respect Brandy and have publicly declared their admiration of her talent. Now, on to this review!
1. Intro - A spoken definition of what being human means to Brandy. I would have preferred a musical intro, but a simple spoken intro fits with Brandy's personality as well.
2. The Definition - CLASSIC Brandy & Darkchild collabo! A thumping, mid-tempo anthem where Brandy proclaims that she's made the greatest discovery of mankind. Indeed! It's one of my favorites.
3. Warm It Up (With Love) - A heart-felt mid-tempo. This song really puts you in a good, hopeful mood. As the song progresses, more drums and bass are added. Album Highlight for me.
4. Right Here (Departed) - The first single. This song was an instant classic for me. Another song that has inspirational undertones as Brandy's voice conveys so much emotion!
5. Piano Man - YESSS!!! This is definitely one of my favorites on the album. The beat is amazing; it pulsates along with a piano as Brandy pays homage to her and Rodney Jerkins' chemistry and ability to create meaningful music. I hope this is a single.
6. LD Interlude - Brandy chats with her long distance beau. The conversation ends rather abruptly and it just breaks my heart!
7. Long Distance - The second single. This is a classic ballad that one could see the likes of Whitney Houston singing. Brandy's voice sounds immaculate here.
8. Camouflage - A definite highlight! This song really hits home for a lot of people. Brandy's voice shines over this pop gem. The end of the song includes a "choir" of Brandy's vocals as she shows off her superior runs/rifts. I feel it should be a single!
9. Torn Down - a laid back mid-tempo. The song speaks of a love that can't be torn down by the naysayers!
10. Human - This is the title track. This ballad displays Brandy's voice at center stage. This is absolutely one of the best vocals on the album! Brandy truly sings this from the heart. We're only human, we all make mistakes.
11. Shattered Heart - This is a Darkchild production that would have fit in on the "Afrodisiac" album. The beat thumps and shifts throughout as Brandy's haunting vocals plead to not have her heart shattered.
12. True - A beautiful ballad that could have fit in with Never Say Never or Full Moon. Brandy's vocals are very clear here as she hits some amazing falsetto notes!
13. A Capella - WOOOWWW.. There is nothing on this track but Brandy's vocals. Even the guitar sounds are her vocals with an effect on them. This is artistry at it's finest as Brandy declares that something is missing from her life. She sings true baritone notes and sounds like a group all by herself. Props to rising singer/songwriter/producer TC for this gem.
14. 1st and Love - This is a very radio friendly, pretty uptempo joint. has a summery feel to it.
15. Fall - This is a wonderful way to close the album. A piano laced ballad with a thumping beat that is, once again, classic Brandy. She rips the ending with her powerful ad-libs. Another favorite.
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Just Phenominal, Beyond Perfectness!, December 9, 2008
I waited paitently. I've been a fan of Brandy since the day she came out with "I Wanna Be Down". I'm so glad to have this album in my hands right now. Brandy is amazing ya'll!
Now, I'm not gonna review every song, because they are far too good. Your voice is extremely remarkable! She has that voice that music missed all these years. Everytime I hear her voice, gives me good chills! I can't even discribe it! I'm loosing my focus (right now) to even explain how great the songs are on this album. But dammnnnn, Brandy tored it up (meaning she aced the vocals) in every friggin' single track on this album. Four year long wait was surly worth a wait.
Let me just say that the first intro track, "Human Intro", alone will get people soo interested into Brandy's album. What Brandy said on that track is soo true and really hope a lot of people listen to this album because it's a phenominal album.
She puts soo much effort in her music. Every song will reach to the top of the charts. I can't even tell Brandy how proud I am with her. I can't even pick a song that I love the most. If I must pick then it would be "The Defination", "Piano Man", "1rst & Love" and damn, "Human" is a hot track. "Human" is a champion track that should be released! It's the theme!! "A Cappella - (Something's Missing)" is incredible! Love it! Oh my gosh - "Camouflage" is hot! I love "True" sooo much!!I love it. Brandy you are doing it big!!! I'm so glad she's back omg... Brandy is back!! Finally, music matters to me now. The "Long Distance" intro.. had me going into tears!! omg.. it's soo damn good. When she goes, "hello? hello?" omg.. I just felt that pain, I wonder if Brandy actually cried in the studio while making that track because it felt sooo real and I could feel that emotion at the moment.
Welcome back Brandy! I can't wait to hear so many singles off the HUMAN album on the radio stations across the globe. "Right Here Departed" was an excellent way to start off and "Long Distance" is such a beautiful song. Your album is going to be a shooting star on the Billboard Charts. Congrats with your 5th "Human" album, Brandy!! We love you. I love you!!
Ya'll don't wanna turn you back on this album. Keep this CD in your cars right there with you. Don't be fooled by the fools. Get this album!!! She's back baby! :)
Congrats with your 5th "Human" album, Brandy!!
We love you. I love you!!
-Z
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