Brandy, who has been on hiatus for four years, is finally releasing her new album, Human on Tuesday, December 9th via Epic Records.
Brandy has been a muse for two of the most amazing producers of our time, so when it was announced that she was making a splash back onto the scene with a new album, I was pleasantly surprised. Her first single, “♫ Right Here (Departed)” dropped in August and featured Brandy and her signature vocals, but I had to admit that I was a little concerned about the direction of the song and the overall album.
I was eager to hear more from the project, especially to find that Brandy was reuniting with long time friend and collaborator, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins. Their chemistry is absolutely undeniable, which is why he took the reigns on more than half of the album this time around (Brandy hadn’t worked with Rodney since Full Moon in 2002). Although a couple of tracks from Toby Gad (on the titled track, “Human”), and Surf Club’s Hit Boy (“1st & Love”) are sprinkled throughout the album, Brandy confidently shows her musical ear and the importance of cohesion on an album.
Human, Brandy’s fifth studio album, is full of mid-tempos that really display Brandy’s ability vocally. I think that most of the material was crafted for Brandy to flex her vocal muscles, and finds her at her most open and free. Coming from Afrodisiac, I was expecting some more up-tempo tracks, and admittedly, at first, Human dragged a bit for me, but the pace of the album has surely caught up with me after playing it a few more times. What really rings is the fact that Brandy recorded material that was really true for her. This album is a testament to all that she’s been through over the past few years, and I respect that about her.
Check out this video of the making of Human!
My favorite tracks include the beautiful “A Capella (Something’s Missing),” which is nothing short of a masterpiece (Brandy uses her voice as in instrument and is backed by no track, just her own pipes), the album’s opening cut, “The Definition,” as well as “Piano Man,” “Shattered Heart,” and of course, the album’s closing track, the Natasha Bedingfield-assisted “Fall.”
Brandy definitely marks a lot of points in my life that I can distinctly remember. I always loved Brandy’s first album – some of those first songs that Brandy recorded were classics. Then, with her second album, Never Say Never, I remember that being the first album my mom sent me while I was away at summer camp. 2002′s Full Moon has some of the most feel-good songs on it, and Afrodisiac brings me back to the summer when I moved into my first apartment. Brandy has one of the most amazing voices, vocal arrangements and adlibs of any artist of our time. Her voice just does something to me; it transcends barriers.
Make sure you pick up your copy of Human, tomorrow, December 9th, in stores and online everywhere!
I wish people would Realize that Bran is NOT trying 2 compete with the rest and especially not the likes of Rihanna and Chris Brown, cuz they’re not EVEN in the same Timezone. They need 2 realize that if Brandy wanted 2 make an album that would appeal to the Tasteless Listeners of 2day she COULD!!!, and It would Shyt all over their Existence
She marks my life too ! She’s the best in RNB the others are just coming and going but Brandy stays.
I HAVENT HEARD THE ENTIRE ALBUM YET, BUT I KNOW FOR A FACT I WONT BE DISAPPOINTED!
BRANDY DEF HAS ONE OF THE BEST VOICE OF THIS GENERATION.
NO OTHER R&B/POP ARTIST IS TOUCHING HER MUSICALLY.
THATS WHY SHE GETS SO MUCH PRAISED FROM HER PEERS.
THE GIRL IS A MUSICAL GENIUS AND THATS A FACT.
I CANNOT WAIT UNTIL I COP MY 4 COPIES TOMORROW.
EVERYONE WILL BE GETTING BRANDY “HUMAN” THIS XMAS! LOL
“Brandy has one of the most amazing voices, vocal arrangements and adlibs of any artist of our time. Her voice just does something to me; it transcends barriers.”
Couldn’t agree more. Brandy is definitely one of THE best vocalists of our time. I feel vocally she is the MOST creative singer out there.. yes..even over Beyonce or Christina.
She has vocal creativity like NO other.
I have always loved Brandy.. never been a stan, but I can definitely appreciate her undeniable talent.
Some of my best memories of music growing up have been with a lot of her music. “sittin up in my room” was one of the first songs I ever rememeber hearing as a child.
She didn’t intentionally kill the lady, it was an accident!
she is worth it 
I luv true artists, I love Brandy she has a great voice. I’ll get the album even tough it’s a recession
wish her the best but im not buyin that album at all
classic…will purchase tonight
beautiful, definition long distance and right here are my jams. i am so excited she is back
I MUST SAY HUMAN THE SONG HAS MADE ME CRY SOMETHING IS ON HERE FOR ALL OF YOU!!!! IT IS FULL MIDS AND LOVE MIDS AND REAL RNB!!! TO ME BRANDY DESERVES TO HAVE NUMBER 1 ALBUM NEXT!!! A DAY THAT REAL RNB WILL REBIRTHED!!!
MAYBE IT HAS POP HINTS AND COUNTRY!! BUT ITS SO SHE DOESNT SOUND DATED!! THE SUBSTANCE IS VERY RNB!!
GO BRANDY STRAIGHT TO # 1
I WILL BE COPING
Something is missin is off the freakin chain. u gotta be a real singer 2 pull off that 1. Brandy u did that!!
good work
No need to download this, I’ll buy this without even hearing it. Brandy has ALWAYS put out solid records.
Best album by a female this year….2008 wasnt a good year for albums.
But i feel like Brandy came right on time and delivered yet another classic album.
Vocally, OMG! she has really grown, its amazing. This woman is truely on of the best vocalist this genertaion, HANDS DOWN!
This album “HUMAN” is a very personal uplifting album…Something everyone can relate to, its just a real good feel record.
So if ur lookin to shake ur ass with pop, autu-tone, and useless ass lyrics. then this album problem is not for u.
Brandy did her thing with this album…..I will be getting my copy first thing in the morning.
Brandy has done it again! Another classic! I can’t wait until tomorrow to cop that album…I’ve waited 4 loooooong years! lol
I will be buying 3 copies on Dec 9th I love you Bran you have never failed me yet!!!!
I can’t wait to hear Brandy’s CD. I’ve been a huge fan since her first CD. I wish her the best of luck.
LOL @ HER PIC, THAT SMILE LOOKS SO FORCED
#5 SHE DID NOT KILL HER IT WAS AN ACCIDENT DUMB ASS!!
BUT ANYWAY…… GOOD LUCK BRANDY WE MISS YOU IN THE GAME GURL!!!
1. Nasty smile wrinkles. (Jennifer Aniston has the fab ones..lol..)
2. Fakest Smile I’ve ever seen.
3. FLOP! (In JSCENE’s perspective)
BRANDY DID IT ONCE AGAIN
Taking away her music would create a big black hole in so many lives … we need her msuic and all of us have so much memories that are connected to her and her music.
This is not anything facile, like we know it from the world of today. This is deep and you just have to love it … I even would suggest, that you can learn from this album.
This is not just music, this is what makes so much more of it.
Brandy, we love and support you – your Starz.
There are only a few R&B albums I can throw unanimous praise to by a female vocalist (Mary’s “My Life”, Aaliyah’s “Aaliyah” , Keyshia Cole’s “The Way It Is” come to mind) but I must say this one may be the next. I enjoyed Afrodisiac and thought it couldn’t get any personal but Brandy has surprised me with her latest effort. Hope it does well for her
Good review Brian. I know what you mean about some people’s music being that good you can remember the year and place it came out. lol
I co sign with #12 and #40 comments. They pretty much summed up what I was I gonna say.
I’ll be buying the mp3 version of the album on Amazon. That’s much more convenient for me, since I have my ipod with me all the time.
I have the album.. and its FIREEEE, worth the wait.. she definitly put her all in this project ive bought the album 2wce today.. cos i know the first cd gon get stratched.. its difficult to pick up a favourite..LOVE it.. show em Bran!!!
I will pick up the CD on my way to work in the am!
This album is amazing! I’ve pre-ordered it on itunes, and will be picking up a copy in the AM. I suggest you all do too!
This album is amazing! I’ve pre-ordered it on itunes, and will be picking up a copy in the AM. I suggest you all do too!
Brandy-Human Hair Weave
LOL
1 more day…i cant wait
she is bringing true r&b back to life, this is gonna be a hot album
Yeah. Im not tryin be mean but, brandy is so 1995.. Not feeling it. But best wishes.
brandy killed someone in a car aCCIDENT ND THE PPL THAT IS SUEING HER IS STUPID BKUZ DEY THINK MONEY IS GOING TO MAKE THEM HAPPY AGAIN WHICH ITS NOT
Just to add to the encouraging comments, Brandy is unique, versatile and motivating….ok BEYONCE….i like single ladies and if i was a boy……but thats it….lets be real., FAKE-ANA…this is her peak time….she will soon fade away just wait and see lol ………Brandy always shine when it comes to releasing a strong, cohesive album…..lets that for example: FULL MOON: album is tooooooooooooooo much…..Afrodisac…..she went all out…HUMAN……BRILLIANT..ok lets be real…the album should have had procelain doll on dere and drum life…….but when u listen to the album….u will understand y its not on dere……her next ALbum…..will be upbeat….i am so sure of that……………..BIG UP ALL THE BRANDY STANS! buying 5 2moro! London 08
THIS WOMAN IS REAL TALENT AND CAN MAKE NO MISTAKES IN MY EYES. SHE WILL HAVE ALL MY MONEY TOMORROW I WANT TO SEE HER IN THAT #! SPOT ON BILLBOARD.
AS FAR AS COMPARING HER TO BEYONCE THEY ARE APPLES AND ORANGES BRANDY MAKES MUSIC WITH REAL MEANING THAT YOU CAN LOOK BACK ON AND REFLECT. BEYONCE JUST OVER SINGS AND TRIES TO USE THE HOTTEST PRODUCERS AT THE TIME. ITS ONLY HOT FOR THAT LIL MINUTE NOTHING THAT HAS ANY SUBSTANCE. BRANDY BY FAR HAS THE BEST ALBUM BY ANY FEMALE ARTIST OF THIS YEAR!!!!
GOOD LUCK TO BRANDY BUT I FOUND THE SONGS IVE HEARD TO BE BORING AND TOO SIMILAR TO EACH OTHER, SO ILL PASS ON THIS ONE, NO IM NOT BUYING THIS TIME.
I t it, ITS GREAT, gettin the real deal 2mrw, LOVE U BRANDY!!!!
BRANDY FINISHED THE YEAR OFF WITH ONE OF THE BEST…..SHE KILLT THIS ALBUM…
I’m glad brandy made an album with substance and soul! I grew up listening to the Never Say Never album, in fact some of her songs are part of the soundtrack to my life. I wish her soo much luck with this album because she is soo talented and humble.
Looking back I would have thought Brandy, Monica and Aaliyah would be the R&B legends of our generation because back in the 90s they were the strongest young female r&b artists, tis a shame things change, but I guess thats how the industry is.
I think the “Human” album posseses a unique quality that most won’t understand. This album speaks to you if you’ve ever experienced any love loss, Insecurites, or any painful events in your life. I personally can say that everything is not perfect for me and the message that she’s conveying about being only Human really connects with me.
i really hope her album does well, she’s one of the classics.
IV LOVED BRANDY SINCE DAY 1 ILL BUY ANYTHING SHE COMES OUT WITH EVEN IF ITS NOT GOOD BUT THATS NEVER THE CASE
THIS ALBUM IS GREAT HER VOCALS ARE HOT
ALL HER ALBUMS ARE HOT
Brandy’s vocals, ad libs, all of her emotion that she puts into her music helps me make sense of this world. And as a deeply spiritual person, I can’t help but gravitate towards music and lyrics that strike a cord in me… I am already anticipating her next album, that is how much i love this artist. Keep on doing your thing Brandy, you’re still sitting on top of the world.
Brandy’s vocals, ad libs, all of her emotion that she puts into her music helps me make sense of this world. And as a deeply spiritual person, I can’t help but gravitate towards music and lyrics that strike a cord in me… I am already anticipating her next album, that is how much i love this artist. Keep on doing your thing Brandy, you’re still sitting on top of the world.
I LOVE BRANDY. LET’S SEE HOW MUCH HER ALBUM SELLS AND I WANT TO SEE IF THE SAME ONES CALLING 550,000 A FLOP, WILL BE CALLING HER SALES A FLOP.
I LIKED HER BETTER BACK IN THE ‘FULL MOON” DAYS BUT..I STILL LIKE HER NOW.
DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW MUCH BRITNEY SOLD?
transcends barriers brian?
I’m one of the co-writer on A Capella (Something’s Missing’s). I just want to thank Brian and Concrete Loop for there continuous support!!! I also wanna thank T.C., Le’Che D. Martin and Soundz for allowing me the opportunity to be apart of history. Myself, T.C. and Le’Che Martin are a writing team called “The Connect”. We hope to create more music that Concrete Loop and it’s subscribers enjoy!!! God Bless!!! THE CONNECT LOVES YA!!!!
#107
Is this the Same Le Che Martin from Making The Band? Are you guys based in Milwaukee?
this album is beautiful i love u brandy we kina have the same voice…lol beautiful tracks i gotta by this album u did very well on this album ..beautiful i wish u da best u know u was my beyonve back n da day i never missed an episode of moesha****
BRANDY DESERVES A GRAMMY OR TWO FOR THIS ALBUM. Acapella is BRILLIANT! Her voice is like no other. Go Cop Human Tomorrow!
that acapella is BLAZING HHHHOOOOOOTTTTT!!
Brandy did an incredible job with this album! She always delivers and I think this is her best yet. Hopefully she gets the credit she deserves at next year’s Grammy’s. Beautiful job, Brandy!
HOT ALBUM!
Long Distance Departed Camoflauge Fall Piano Man Warm It UP Definition are all my fave!
Nice Brocka! I think everyone should get it!
This album is a classic. Brandy has really matured. Her music is needed in a industry where people only sing about BS. Brandy is truly ahead of her time.
http://www.sgn.org/sgnnews36_49/page4.cfm
Damn!! She is such a treat to my ears!! great job brandy! WOW ! what a solid effort. WELCOME BACK!
best R AND B cd of the year along with JAZ SULLIVAN
FALL AND PIANO MAN are worth it alone
I can’t wait to pick this up!!! I luv Brandy.
BRANDY IS BACK WITH HER 5th ALBUM “HUMAN” OUT TODAY CHECK OUT HER NEW VIDEO 2 HER SECOND SINGLE LONG DISTANCE!!!!!!!
Got my two copies!!!!!!! Make sure you get yurn!!!! Make good xmas gifts.
After listening to the album once, now three times, I am totally in love with Human. I was the first in line to cop her last night at the Virgin Mega Store in NYC and I was wondering how many copies should I buy. I LOVE BRANDY. I know you all are fans too but, I LOVE HER. She pleases me sonically more than a many of the women out today. Camouflauge is mu STUFF. The album just flows like a river. PLEASE, buy Brandy. This album really deserves your purchases. It’s one of those cd’s that you love to learn the lyrics to, so you can sing along with all the notes and runs. Happy Holidays.