Review
Brandy's fifth studio joyride, "Human," dropped on December 5, 2008, shining a light on a pivotal moment in her career. She made her way from Atlantic Records right back to the comforting arms of Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins. The reunion gives the album rich, profound themes, digging deep into love, self-reflection, and overcoming vulnerabilities. The title track, co-penned by Brandy herself, beautifully captures her journey as a woman assessing her growth, all the while sampling the flavors of an introspective R&B vibe throughout.
Untangling the silky threads of music through "Human," Brandy blesses us with a sprawling range of tracks. Upbeat jams like "The Definition" and "1st & Love" get your heart thumping, while ballads like "Warm It Up (With Love)" and "A Capella (Something's Missing)" pull you right into an emotional embrace. Combining technical finesse with heartfelt grace, songs like "Right Here (Departed)" and her masterful marathon work on "Long Distance" prove Brandy can flex some heartache without missing a beat. Each track breathes life, transporting you into real places plastered with feelings.
Back in the nook with Rodney Jerkins and the "Darkchild" squad, Brandy has another ace up her sleeve with a score composed by talents like Crystal Johnson, The Writing Camp, Midi Mafia, and Dapo Torimiro. They weave together a humble melding of new and authentic sounds—layered synthetics meet genuine instrumentation—that offer a playlist worth tilting your hat to. Even though the beloved "Human" may have stumbled commercially, fans show their devotion as they keep it spinning in their commitments. A brave testament standing as a ladder to the sky in Brandy's storied legacy, the emotive vulnerability of "Human" lowkey disrupts the rise against mainstream conventions. Since its release, it's earned a spot as a highly esteemed whisper between resilient R&B souls. - Cohen
