Brandy, b7 | Album Review 💿

Following an eight-year hiatus, Grammy-winning R&B artist Brandy makes a strong comeback with her seventh album, b7.

Everybody has their own distinct voice. That said, some voices are much more distinct than others. There are some singers that you hear the song and because their instrument is so distinct, you just know exactly who you are listening to.  That is the case with Brandy who I’d argue truly sounds like nobody else. For eight years, that dynamic, unique voice has been missing from R&B.  Thankfully, 2020 saw the release of the chanteuse’s seventh studio album, b7. After penning a review for The Urban Music Scene, I decided to dive deeper, track by track, into b7 here on The Musical Hype. 

“Saving All My Love”

There is plenty to like about opener ✓ “Saving All My Love.” First and foremost, it’s the vocals, which remain as potent as ever.  Brandy serves up those classic raspy, yet smooth pipes.  Furthermore, the vocal layering creates an incredible vibe.  Worth noting, she addresses her absence from the game – eight years – where basically, she’s been through some adversity.  Arguably, “Saving All My Love” runs a bit long but give it a couple of listens and you’ll fully appreciate the magic.

“There’s just something about you that keeps me floating / You see what’s inside, broken, restored it.” Love definitely has the power to assuage on the second track from b7, “Unconditional Oceans.” Broken and getting in her own way, this ‘unconditional love’ has helped Brandy become a changed woman. I wouldn’t characterize the sound as game changing, but the message itself is incredibly strong. ✓ “Rather Be” ranks among the crème de la crème, hearkening back to her 90s sound while still sounding fresh in 2020.  Like the duo that precedes, love is front and center, where she asserts, “I’d rather be kissing you, baby /… I don’t need your extras, just give you to me.”

“Lucid Dreams” 

“All My Life, Pt. 1” is one of three interludes that appear at different points of b7.  The first one precedes “Lucid Dreams,” another song where issues have deeply affected Brandy.  In this particular case, it’s heartbreak, with B “Chasin’ sleep /…Lucid dream, lucid dream, abusin’ Ambien.” The relationship is done, but the struggle is clearly still ripe. Clearly, those lucid dreams have helped construct some serious tension on ✓ “Borderline.”

Clearly in the top tier of b7, on the five-minute-plus “Borderline,” listeners are treated to more of those gorgeous, lush, harmonized vocals.  Perhaps more notably, listeners easily perceive the love pain experienced by the R&B singer.  “Heart drops to the floor / ‘Cause there’s no you and I,” she sings on the fourth verse, continuing, “Maybe in another lifetime (Right place) / Caught me at the wrong time (Wrong time).” If nothing else, one must appreciate the authenticity and personal nature of the lyricism throughout b7.

“No Tomorrow”

“No Tomorrow” is more than two minutes shorter than “Borderline,” which more tempo and slightly more contemporary production.  That said, there’s still that classic ‘urban’ sound (for lack of a better word) that characterized Brandy’s music from the past.  The vocals continue to be fire (particularly her sultry lower register), while love continues to successfully fuel the fire.  I adore the assertiveness of ✓ “Say Something,” where the vocals pack a serious punch, particularly on the verses.  B is chocked-full of that attitude, and it translates into another surefire gem.

“I’m on defense cause of how you react
Been on the fence and I ain’t looking back
You question my shit, never picked up your slack
You did some things but I’m over all that.”

Oh snap! Another awesome moment regarding this particular song is the chorus.  After “Say Something,” we move onto “All My Life, Pt. 2,” the 40 second preface to the next section of b7.

“I Am More”

“I Am More” kicks off a spunkier pod of b7 you might say.  Like so many records from the album, “I Am More” has one foot in the past yet sounds refreshing in 2020.  Is it those background vocals that make you feel some type of way?  The bridge is certainly ear-catching and quite assertive. “I Am More” is respectable through and through, but ✓ “High Heels” flies even higher.  It’s special moment firstly because Brandy collaborates with her daughter Sy’Rai. Parent-child collaborations always bring something extra to the table, and that is the case with “High Heels.” Sy’Rai sings beautifully, handing the first verse and the chorus.  B takes the second verse, while the third verse comes courtesy of her rap alter-ego Bran’Nu, definitely an about face from the two sung verses.  

The ‘expensive’ single from b7 follows in ✓ “Baby Mama” featuring Chance the Rapper.  As you’d expect, this record was intended to give Brandy that boost after such a lengthy hiatus.  As far as the sound and vibe, it accomplishes that task, even if it didn’t ignite the charts. Hit-Boy gives B a colorful, ear-catching backdrop (those horns, drums), B continues to ‘sing her face off,’ and Chance the Rapper – well – he’s true to self with his distinct flow.  The final “All My Life, Pt. 3” (39 seconds), follows, preceding the final two songs.

 “Love Again”

Depending on how much of a R&B enthusiast you are, there’s a strong chance you’ve heard ✓ “Love Again” with Daniel Caesar prior to its appearance on b7.  The penultimate track first appeared on Caesar’s 2019 album, CASE STUDY 01.  Regardless of its age, it’s a terrific duet, one that just happened to be nominated for a Grammy. In the context of the single, the relationship has ended, yet both parties seem to be willing to find reconciliation.  Both offer their perspective on where things fell short, offering up a seemingly simple solution: “If you can take my hand / I promise we’ll find love again.” 

She concludes b7 with the fine ✓ “Bye Bipolar.” Here, Brandy looks toward self-improvement and expunging the mess that has brought her down.  Give her ample credit for addressing mental health, a topic that thankfully has become a more prevalent theme in popular music.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, b7 is a strong, well-rounded comeback album from one of R&B’s best voices.  Brandy definitely doesn’t sound as if she’s been gone for eight years as she doesn’t miss a beat.  Something I picked up on revisiting the album after initially reviewing it is there’s some substantial depth (at times) where the songwriting is concerned.  This may not translate as well with a casual listen, but if you dig in, there’s so much more you’ll hear.  If you haven’t already, check out b7.

✓ Gems: “Saving All My Love,” “Rather Be,” “Borderline,” “Say Something,” “High Heels,” “Baby Mama,” “Love Again” & “Bye Bipolar”

Brandy • b7 • Brand Nu, Inc. / Entertainment One U.S., LP • Release: 7.31.20

Photo Credits: Brand Nu, Inc. / Entertainment One U.S., LP