In the 172^nd edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Almost Doesn’t Count” by Grammy-winning R&B singer Brandy.

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 172^nd edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Almost Doesn’t Count” performed by Brandy.

Almost is the keyword for Grammy-winning R&B singer Brandy (Brandy Norwood, b. 1979) on “Almost Doesn’t Count”. Anytime that the word almost is used, that means you didn’t quite reach the expectation, goal, or the mountaintop. Moral victories aren’t true victories, which is the point that Brandy makes loud and clear on the single and fifth track from her 1998 album, Never Say Never.  “Almost” was a hit on the pop charts, reaching number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1999. Impressive. Shelly Peiken and Guy Roche penned it, while Roche and Fred Jerkins III produced it.

“Almost Doesn’t Count” is a stunning, rhythmic R&B ballad.  Brandy is the star of the show, expectedly.  Her voice is buttery smooth and distinct.  She brings the striking, tuneful melodies and memorable, thought-provoking lyrics to life.  At the end of the first verse, excerpted earlier, she asserts, “But you can’t get to heaven half off the ground / Everybody knows, almost doesn’t count.” In the second verse, there is plenty of almost happening, but it’s not good enough regarding love.  Looking for a “no doubt, be there kind of man,” Brandy sings, “You came real close / But every time you built me up, you only let me down.” The sentiment is similar in the third verse. The chorus is the crowning achievement:

“I can’t keep on lovin’ you one foot outside the door

I hear a funny hesitation of a heart that’s never really sure

Can’t keep on tryin’ if you’re looking for more

Than all that I could give you, than what you came here for.”

Beyond top-notch musicianship showcased by Brandy and stellar songwriting, the musical backdrop is elite.  “Almost” is quintessential contemporary R&B of the late ‘90s, with ample soulfulness added to the mix.  All in all, this is another gem from the Brandy catalog. Yes, “The Boy Is Mine” and “Have You Ever” were bigger, but “Almost Doesn’t Count” is an epic gem, too!

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Brandy » Never Say Never » Atlantic Recording Corporation » 1998

Brandy, Almost Doesn’t Count: Throwback Vibez No. 172 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atlantic Recording Corporation; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]

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