In order to devise the plan for Brandy to have new found success, you must first look at the origins of her work and look at what gave her that significance. Certainly there are so many great voices in today’s music. Beyonce is a shining example of a true singer with great diction, soul and technique. Jennifer Hudson is another vocalist possessing sheer power and strength. Christina Aguilera is also a powerhouse singer with great range and plenty of unmatched dynamics. What works for Brandy is that her voice is distinctive, unique and unusual. On the first album the singing style was pretty transparent and precise. It was straight R&B with pop sensibilities. Brandy’s versatility in being vulnerable on a slow ballad or displaying her expansive vocal range on the up-tempo’s and mid-tempo’s as well was impressive. She was the kind of artist that could sing anything because she was born with the chops to do so.
What made Brandy even more interesting is when she matured and allowed her music to become more complex and experimental. It started with Never- Say – Never and evolved throughout her entire career. It was the wistful way that she breezed through her music that was so engaging. Her harmonies were tighter and her tones even warmer. There’s something organic about Brandy’s voice that you simply cannot duplicate. It packs in emotion, authenticity as well as a charismatic styling that has been mastered. That coupled with the ingenious music on that sophomore project allowed her to create a lane that would develop a signature sound that would influence the industry. Rihanna comes to mind when I think of finding an artist out at the moment to pair Brandy up with, that have their own sound and special abilities that are uncommon and rare in the industry (although she’s adding something natural that no one can effect, it’s perhaps not as silky or relaxed). What Rihanna brings to the table is more of a skill that’s used intentionally and in a blatantly dramatic way (some may even say it’s somewhat of a gimmick even - eh,eh,eh/O nana), where Brandy’s gifts are instinctive - however, the music is heartfelt - and still providing something that’s more of an earnest outer body experience.
Brandy’s peak in my opinion (with everything coming together vocals + musicality) was on her Full Moon album. It was perfection! It was the manifestation of all the things that are good – it was a well proportioned blend of attitude (edge), artistic expression, innovation and versatility. Brandy found great refreshing ways to say things we’ve heard a million times. That was what was so clever about her. Her phrasing was as striking as her talent. She wasn’t boring and predictable. You can also hear Brandy’s influence in so many artist that are winning with her style – Dawn (formerly of Danity Kane and currently in Dirty Money), Danity Kane (Damaged), Dirty Money (Ass on the Floor, I hate that you love me), Jojo (Too little, Too late), Mario (Let me love you), Cassie (Me and You), Mary J Blige (The One), Kelly Rowland (Like That), Keri Hilson (Energy), Shontelle (Impossible), Chris Brown(No BS). I can hear Brandy’s approach to singing being used in each of those songs and more.
So what’s the Key to her comeback? Well, Brandy only has to stay true to herself and remember to modernize what she’s already given us. Her sass, edginess, infectious harmonies, clever phrasing and innovation is simply who she is as an artist. That’s luckily all that her true fans want. We look forward to her new masterpiece as well as the impact she continues to leave on her legacy.
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