♫ ALBUM REVIEW: BRANDY - HUMAN ♫
Monday, December 8, 2008

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!








148 Comments
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76.
Virginia Slimm
Monday, December 8, 2008 /
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.
77.
BORED AT WORK
Monday, December 8, 2008 /
LOL @ HER PIC, THAT SMILE LOOKS SO FORCED
78.
QUEEN TEE
Monday, December 8, 2008 /
#5 SHE DID NOT KILL HER IT WAS AN ACCIDENT DUMB ASS!!
79.
QUEEN TEE
Monday, December 8, 2008 /
BUT ANYWAY…… GOOD LUCK BRANDY WE MISS YOU IN THE GAME GURL!!!
80.
Don't Be Churlish....
Monday, December 8, 2008 /
1. Nasty smile wrinkles. (Jennifer Aniston has the fab ones..lol..)
2. Fakest Smile I’ve ever seen.
3. FLOP! (In JSCENE’s perspective)
81.
Brandyfan4lyfe
Monday, December 8, 2008 /
BRANDY DID IT ONCE AGAIN
82.
cHaZ
Monday, December 8, 2008 /
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.
83.
kmniles
Monday, December 8, 2008 /
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
84.
Focused1
Monday, December 8, 2008 /
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.
85.
StayAfro
Monday, December 8, 2008 /
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!!!
86.
DC_1
Monday, December 8, 2008 /
I will pick up the CD on my way to work in the am!
87.
TAUR3AN
Monday, December 8, 2008 /
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!
88.
TAUR3AN
Monday, December 8, 2008 /
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!
89.
lise lise
Monday, December 8, 2008 /
Brandy-Human Hair Weave
LOL
90.
kiyana
Monday, December 8, 2008 /
1 more day…i cant wait
91.
leah
Monday, December 8, 2008 /
she is bringing true r&b back to life, this is gonna be a hot album
92.
Morning Wood
Monday, December 8, 2008 /
Yeah. Im not tryin be mean but, brandy is so 1995.. Not feeling it. But best wishes.
93.
shanta
Monday, December 8, 2008 /
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
94.
Michology
Monday, December 8, 2008 /
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
95.
JuS'SKe FResH
Monday, December 8, 2008 /
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!!!!
96.
BROWNANDLOVELY
Monday, December 8, 2008 /
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.
97.
Nick
Monday, December 8, 2008 /
I t it, ITS GREAT, gettin the real deal 2mrw, LOVE U BRANDY!!!!
98.
me
Monday, December 8, 2008 /
BRANDY FINISHED THE YEAR OFF WITH ONE OF THE BEST…..SHE KILLT THIS ALBUM…
99.
Wagawagamamma
Monday, December 8, 2008 /
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.
100.
Khris
Monday, December 8, 2008 /
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.
101.
Dree
Monday, December 8, 2008 /
i really hope her album does well, she’s one of the classics.
102.
Ben
Monday, December 8, 2008 /
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
103.
Adabbers
Monday, December 8, 2008 /
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.
104.
Adabbers
Monday, December 8, 2008 /
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.
105.
Rihanna looks like a fetus and has anger management issues - ashanti is ghetto and is 1 meal away from borrowing clothes from Mo'Nique
Monday, December 8, 2008 /
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?
106.
hmmm
Monday, December 8, 2008 /
transcends barriers brian?
107.
Chad C. Roper
Monday, December 8, 2008 /
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!!!!
108.
kmniles
Tuesday, December 9, 2008 /
#107
Is this the Same Le Che Martin from Making The Band? Are you guys based in Milwaukee?
109.
beyonces true fan
Tuesday, December 9, 2008 /
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****
110.
Human
Tuesday, December 9, 2008 /
BRANDY DESERVES A GRAMMY OR TWO FOR THIS ALBUM. Acapella is BRILLIANT! Her voice is like no other. Go Cop Human Tomorrow!
111.
MIKE T
Tuesday, December 9, 2008 /
that acapella is BLAZING HHHHOOOOOOTTTTT!!
112.
dob
Tuesday, December 9, 2008 /
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!
113.
CICI RULE!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008 /
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!
114.
Mr. Gay Seattle XXXIII
Tuesday, December 9, 2008 /
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
115.
music lover
Tuesday, December 9, 2008 /
Damn!! She is such a treat to my ears!! great job brandy! WOW ! what a solid effort. WELCOME BACK!
116.
pat
Tuesday, December 9, 2008 /
best R AND B cd of the year along with JAZ SULLIVAN
FALL AND PIANO MAN are worth it alone
117.
Sunshine25
Tuesday, December 9, 2008 /
I can’t wait to pick this up!!! I luv Brandy.
118.
rone1
Tuesday, December 9, 2008 /
BRANDY IS BACK WITH HER 5th ALBUM “HUMAN” OUT TODAY CHECK OUT HER NEW VIDEO 2 HER SECOND SINGLE LONG DISTANCE!!!!!!!
119.
Ez
Tuesday, December 9, 2008 /
Got my two copies!!!!!!! Make sure you get yurn!!!! Make good xmas gifts.
120.
www.MethodAtelier.com
Tuesday, December 9, 2008 /
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.
121.
Wendell
Tuesday, December 9, 2008 /
The album is great, every song.
People take notice — this is what happens when an artist actually cares about what they put on the market. This is what happens when you have a talented young woman who wants to sing about meaningful things. And I pray that this is why people will go out and BUY this album.
122.
Wendell
Tuesday, December 9, 2008 /
The album is great, every song.
People take notice — this is what happens when an artist actually cares about what they put on the market. This is what happens when you have a talented young woman who wants to sing about meaningful things. And I pray that this is why people will go out and BUY this album.
123.
LAYLA
Tuesday, December 9, 2008 /
WHY DOES HER ALBUM COVER LOOK LIKE A PROMOTION FOR HER OWN HAIR BRAND OF WEAVE LOL!.. WELL MAYBE ITS JUST ME..:)
124.
Bee
Tuesday, December 9, 2008 /
Brandy’s FULL MOON, was one of the BEST ALBUMS EVER! She wrote that album for me especially. Full Moon is THE BREAK UP ALBUM OF THE DECADE! This girl took my exact emotions and put them on top of a track! Brandy could sing about giraffe’s she’ll have a fan in me. period.
125.
Michology
Tuesday, December 9, 2008 /
124# toooo funnnnnnnnnnnnny!
126.
Matt
Tuesday, December 9, 2008 /
this album is of full of substance!
WHEN I tell you brandy took her time with this album, and every song captures the explantation on HUMAN. Her voice is so powerful!
THE LONG DISTANCE VIDEO ADDS TO THE ALBUM BEING SO GREAT!
I BOUGHT HER ALBUM TODAY FROM CIRCUIT CITY!
THEY ARE SELLING FAST!!
YAY BRANDY!
YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE MY SUPPORT BABES!!
127.
Nikki
Tuesday, December 9, 2008 /
124: LMAO
I knew something looked funny about the album cover. I listened to it today (first cd I brought since Usher Confessions) and It’s fantastic! I enjoy Brandy’s voice, always have. She reps the alto singers (such as myself) I have every cd except full moon but I’m thinking about coping that just to complete my Brandy stash. I love her songs she brought it back with Darkchild! Oh my god Weew I was excited. I’m about to go listen to it again.
My fav album of hers will always be Never say Never.
1. Never say Never
2. Brandy
3. Afrodisac
4. Human
I haven’t listened to full moon yet so I don’t know were it stand. I have to listen to Human again to see can it get the number three spot, Never say Never and Brandy are locked positions.
128.
kaprisha
Tuesday, December 9, 2008 /
i thought this day would never get here….im loving every minute of it
129.
B-RYAN the Producer
Tuesday, December 9, 2008 /
B-RYAN gives it a 9 outta 10 Ive listened to Brandy’s album 4 times from beginning to end and I must say Brandy never left thats for sure. Her sultry and raspy yet smooth soulful vocals cant even be put in the same catagory as the yelling and screaming and t-paining. Some say its not R and B , explain what R and B is now days cuz I dont know other than neyo… otherwise Brandy is creating a definitiion of her own and thats VETEREN. Her emotional verses with trills and libs on every track makes you wanna rewind it and try to mimick. Her harmonys are sooo profound its “take 6″ calibre and takes quite a few listens to process all the music that is happening on each track. But i forgot this generation wants it simple, they want single ladys, voguing, oh and SEX layed out right on the kitchen table. Dont get me wrong everyone should have a place in music. but her album may be too HUMAN for some Posers. tell me what you think?
130.
Carrie
Tuesday, December 9, 2008 /
Did anybody watch 106 and park today?
131.
Jade
Tuesday, December 9, 2008 /
This album is wonderful I haven’t bought an album since Keyshia Cole’s last one and I have to say it was worth the wait Brandy was playing no games with this one and I pray that she gets her well deserved recognition. I love every single song on ‘Human’ but my favorite track right now is “Torn Down” Brandy did the damn thing.
132.
True
Wednesday, December 10, 2008 /
I purchased my copy of Human today. I had already heard it in full and I can honestly say that Brandy “ain’t never going nowhere”. This album just does something for me everytime I listen to it. Brandy was right when she said that this album is for everybody. This is an album that parents can let their children listen to and know that they are getting a positive message out of it.
It never seems to fail that Brandy makes an album for me right when I need it. I completely relate to “Right Here (Departed)” because I have lost a few loved ones over the past 3 years and most recently my mother. Whenever I start feeling down, I listen to that song and it helps to get me through. Human is the album that Brandy meant it to be. There is no other artist right now that is making music to these standards and because of this Brandy will forever have my love, support and admiration.
I just want to encourage everyone to go out and buy the album and I guarantee that there is something on there for you. When you listen to it just close your eyes and “feel” what Brandy is singing to you!
133.
D-bates
Wednesday, December 10, 2008 /
I bought 3 copies I am in Luv!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
134.
FRENCH GYAL
Wednesday, December 10, 2008 /
are u kinding me?????
WHERE IS porcelain doll, drum life,throw it all away???
this album IS THE WORST BRANDY HAS EVER DONE im sorry, iit wont be a classic
im extremely disapointed!!
how come no one tell her to put the 3 joint on her CD as soon as possible???
135.
Khris
Wednesday, December 10, 2008 /
WoW Brandy I’m So glad that you did this album, because you really captured my attention, and I don’t think people realize just how HARD brandy goes. This album was well thought and THANK YOU so much 4 not just choosing songs for DANCEABLE BEATS. Brandy is like one of Music’s Best Kept Secrets.
136.
Sharifa
Wednesday, December 10, 2008 /
A Capella is beyond amazing….it’s quite powerful the way she uses only her vocals and the guitar…I’m going to love this new album…
137.
ctalmadge
Wednesday, December 10, 2008 /
This album is outstanding. Brandy Delivers everytime. I hope everyone can now see that Beyonce and Rhianna are all bout image and that is It. Diva is the worse song EVER!!!!! Beyonce has to semi-decent songs on her album Radio and Halo. Brandy’s album is a classic. I have truly been waiting for this. This album may not due 500K first week. But, It will be a huge success in the end and as more singles are release. Thank God she is on Epic now who will support her. TO all you people that say BRandy killed someone check your facts before speaking. THe car the women was in who has now passesd on was hit by another car first and killed on impact BRandy hit the car second!!! Check your facts before speaking you sound really ignorant
138.
Fatima
Thursday, December 11, 2008 /
I love brandy soooooooooooooooooooo much ever since i was little i called her my sister…it’s weird cuz it’s something I’m use to saying ever since i was like 8yrs old lol..I LOVE the new album and TRUE is my favorite song in the album but then again any song from brandy is the best.
I LOVE YOU B-ROCKA you’re the best and you are my sister and can’t wait to meet you one day.
THE ALBUM WILL BE A SUCCESS:)
with love from your #1 fan/sis Fatima 4rm Alaska:)
139.
MWNY
Thursday, December 11, 2008 /
Loved it!!!!!!!!!!!!!
140.
B-Ryan
Thursday, December 11, 2008 /
REMEMBER EVERYONE… Brandy is 30 yrs old, its bout time to grow up , unlike some artist who are still wearing little to nothing boody boppin showing there pelvic bones when they drop it too the floor. C mon now It looks like many of the critic here may not really have listened This album is spectacular, you can start the CD and let it ride all the way through. You dont get those impulses to skip to next song. Its almost a completed thougt project, you know the ones that hit every part of a persons life and makes you say thats so true. her melodic raspy high’s yet soulfully smooth mid and lows provide a full spectrum of tone and timbr, no vocalist can adlib so crazy and feeling ful on a track and that a fact. thats refreshing these days of either all this raspy (fantansia, to forceful *beyonce,aguilara).or dry mariah tyring to be 17. I know i affended alot of ppl when i say this but its prolly the ones that need it nice and simple ….you know like, all my single ladies, and voguing and boody poppy showing pelvic bones in leotards. you dont have to sing full voice to prove you can sing. but hey if you want a good CD of RELEVENT not FANTASY songs then Brandy is the CD to get. BUT.. Human may just be too Human for a lot of Posers out there living beyond there means , So far I igive Brandy and Jennifer Hudson best female release this year.
141.
flygyrldev
Friday, December 12, 2008 /
I am so happy to see people appreciate Brandy’s vocal talents. It always seemed that she never got the appreciation I felt she deserved. Not to mention that Brandy was the blueprint for all these other singers branching into film, tv and endorsements. Does anyone remember Brandy’s first seventeen magazine cover?
142.
z_87
Friday, December 12, 2008 /
This is an exeptional album, Brandy delivered …it may not be club bangers but the industry does not need anymore of those!!!!!
I have a new respect for Brandy…any one saying she can’t sing needs to youtube her tyra and bet performances of ‘Right Here’….in terms of female vocalists who can perform she is one of the BEST.
GET RIGHT OR GET LEFT…
143.
Christopher
Tuesday, December 16, 2008 /
First things first, the jokes about her accident is NOT necessary or anywhere close to appropriate! It was proven not to be her fault so let that be the end of it!
Anywho, the album is nothing short of phenomenal! Brandy never disappoints me. I bought one copy but will definitely be going back for maybe 2 more copies!
Also, STOP hating on Beyonce! I Am…Sasha Fierce is a solid album! If you want more tracks, get the damn deluxe edition and stop your bellyaching! That’s all I’m saying! GO BRANDY!
144.
WOW
Tuesday, December 16, 2008 /
I love this album. Brandy is classic, you can always count on her for true RnB music. I love how she can take a break for years and come back HOTT! Human is a great album.
145.
Benaiah
Tuesday, December 16, 2008 /
@ LET’S BE REAL
You were probably trying to be funny, but she did actually dedicate this album to the memory of the Awatef Aboudihaj in her thank you section.
This is a great album…can’t stop listening to it! I love Brandy.
146.
comedyman21
Wednesday, December 17, 2008 /
I herd brandy watches snoop’s fatherhood show.
http://www.eonline.com/on...shows/snoopdogg/index.jsp
147.
LaCreshia
Thursday, December 18, 2008 /
I absolutely love Brand’s voice.. It is absolutely amazing and she knows how to use it. The emotion she gives off through her voice isn’t seen today with all these newbies… I can only take it for so long, but Brandy is great and I am so glad that she is back!!! She is definitely a true R&B artist and I support her all the way.. She is definitely my idol til the end!!
148.
Michelle
Monday, December 22, 2008 /
Maybe I need to listen to it a few more times because I wasn’t feelin it & I have all Brandy’s cd’s. I got this one because she hadn’t disappointed me in the past.
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