Brandy: Sometimes, Honey & Risk It All
Stephanie on March 23, 2008 at 3:52 pm (3 months, 2 weeks ago)
Singer Brandy Norwood is currently in the studio recording her fifth studio album and a host of a-list writers and producers have been brought in to help stage her comeback. Rodney Jerkins, who produced Feedback for Janet Jackson, is said to be the executive producer of the as yet untitled CD. However, Polow da Don, Scott Storch, and The Neptunes are also expected to contribute tracks and production work as well. And though the new CD isn’t expected to drop until much later this year, supposed new singles from that CD have been steadily leaking to the net over the last few weeks.
Below are just three of the latest tracks to be leaked and they are all worth a listen.
1. Risk It All
2. Sometimes
3. Honey
Raven said,
I don’t think Brandy can stage a comeback because her fan base was never that strong to begin with and the industry has simply moved on. Ciara, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Beyonce and Keyshia Cole are to todays music what Brandy, Monica, Ashanti and Toni Braxton were to nineties music. The times have simply changed and no amount of hot production work can change that. Brandy would be smarter to concentrate on her acting career which I believe can still be salvaged. She could easily star in a television show tomorrow and it be a hit. Television is far more forgiving than radio is.
As for the singles, none of them are that great and Honey is such a immature song and not worthy of a grown *** woman like Brandy
Briana said,
I totally disagree with Raven. Brandy had and STILL HAS a big fanbase. All she needs is the right material, a couple of hot singles, and she could have a huge comeback album. I love her, and i’ll support her when she finally comes out. I can’t wait!
and I’m pretty sure these songs won’t end up on the album…they are just teasers
Raven said,
Sometimes it takes more than a nice single. Once radio has pushed out a singer in favor of a new singer or singers, it is very hard to get back in and that is why Brandy’s last 2 albums didn’t do so well. Asahnti and Toni Braxton are going through the same thing. It’s not the material. It’s the politics of radio and the music business overall.
Kanyade said,
I agree Briana, Brandy yet has a fanbase. But I have to wonder why she.s waited to put out new music? Cant wait to hear more. :brownsista:
Lola said,
I’m still a fan…but Raven did bring up some good points. These singles are disappointing and she will definitely need a banger
tooblessed said,
Some record execs pay the radio stations to play certain songs from certain artist. That is why you will hear one song over and over again.
mo'star said,
Thats funny because I could’nt sleep last night, so I watched Double Platinum on Lifetime Movie Network. (Brandy and Dianna Ross) I had gotten tired during the movie but I forced myself to stay up until the End.
I can’t say I’m in love with the tunes… but I must admit I miss the sound of her voice. All the best to her.
Monica Raparo said,
Things change when time fly.We have to admit that.
But no matter what the result of her new album is going to be,as a fan of her, I wish her the best and make a come back.
TERENCE said,
I must say that Raven is definitely on point. As I stated on another post times have definitely changed and not for the better. The 80`s were a golden time in music with the 90`s not being bad either, but the 80`s is priceless. I thank God that I was born at the right time because I wouldn`t trade places with today`s generation for nothing in the world. Back in the day music was real music and artists had to be talented and bring something to the table, otherwise they were exposed and weeded out quicker than you could say one hit wonder.
Today you don`t need talent or substance; just a gimmick and you`re the next big thing. For this reason you have a lot of mediocre music with no substance.(i.e. Hip-Hop) Today it`s all about the beat at the sacrifice of real good R&B and music in general. The record company execs and the radio station managers definitely play a large role in this. They both decide what we`re going to hear so in effect the good music that may be out there never sees the light of day.
Real music is something that touches the soul and connects with the human spirit. Listening to the radio in today`s time I am truly frustrated in the worst way, realizing just how good we had it in the 80`s. I often find myself on YouTube going back and listening to the classics, and they`re just as fresh today as they were yesterday. Last night I went back and searched The Mary Jane Girls as I listened to their hits “Candyman”, “All Night Long” “In My House”, etc. Now I am on my way to try and find their CD so I can blast it and really jam….
You even have today`s generation liking the music of my generation and saying how great it is; so what does that tell you? I may not be able to turn back the hands of time and go back physically but mentally I can always take a trip down memory lane; If only I had a “TIME MACHINE”…..
P.S.Love The 80`s…..
nia said,
I love love love Brandy’s voice! I been down since “I Wanna Be Down”! I absolutely think she can make a comeback. But I do agree that the industry has changed, even since she first came out, which really wasn’t that long ago. But with the right promotion, she could be on “Top of the World” again!
But she is gonna have to come a little better than lyrics like..”If you got no money, you will get no honey from me.” Hmmm…
Nesh Nesh said,
@Terrence…PREACH ON! I LOVE (AND MISS) THE 80′S!!
Brandy has always been a “descent” vocalist in my opinion. However, fans are more critical of artists these days. If you don’t LOOK the part, then you ain’t the part; which I find to be a bit superficial. But like Terrence pointed out, these artists lack substance. I think Brandy is beyond this. She has proven that she takes her music seriously and has what it takes to really move her audience.
I wish her all the best and much success with comeback!!
Real Talk said,
@ Terrance I agree 150% very well said. I love the 80’s and 70’s too.
@ Nesh Nesh, “However, fans are more critical of artists these days. If you don’t LOOK the part, then you ain’t the part; which I find to be a bit superficial”. AMEN!
Raven you made some very good points too. However, I think that Brandy still has a chance. Since a lot of artists have gimmicks to make them appear to be more interesting. She is going to have to find her edge or spot where she can get in and then really get back on top. She definitely has the vocal ability and she has proven that she can make very good music of substance. If Brandy approaches this right way she may just have the opportunity to change this music industry into a direction where we can gain some of the momentum to start back staging real talented singers that touch the heart and soul. Like it’s been stated before on this blog the notion of appearance and looks is far too overrated verses a great artist that can really sing.
S. Dot said,
I hate all the songs as well as she’s been away too long. No I’m sorry Brandy No!
Liyah said,
I haven’t listened to them. I want to be surprised. I love Brandy, and I too disagree that her fan base wasn’t that big. It was, she was holding it down around the time Monica, Aaliyah and some other young chick was out. I look forward to her comeback.
TERENCE said,
@RealTalk: Yes the 70`s were great too, with groups like The Stylistics and Heatwave among others. In fact I have some Stylistics and next I`m going to get some Heatwave, nothing but Ol`School.
O yes I did find my Mary Jane Girls and I as well purchased some Gladys Knights & The Pips. Am I “JAMMIN”, YOU KNOW IT…..
P.S. Good luck to Brandy.
Cinthia said,
I aint going to make an essai i’m tell you three little word:
Diana ross-Beyonce-rihanna
Over the years bey took diana crown and now rihanna is takign that crown away
as the time went by,the talent stop speaking for itself and the style and beauty took it away!
to each its own you can sit there and deny jumping up and down but i’ll ask you this:
why does keyshia cole sells more cds than fantasia?
Why does kelly doesnt get as much light and atention as she deserves?
why did destiny’s child sold more cds than TLC?
Why did tina turner sell more than patti labelle?
Its all about the sex you can sell
poor brandy won’t go far unless she strip down naked and shows off her coochies
The artist that are hot right now don’t even like the art of music itself.. they like the feedback they can get from it
it’s more a job now a day than a talent or a passion its sad .. because rihanna’s and cassie’s will be forced down our throat for you can believe beyoncé is the last “hot chick” that can sing after her people will do what she kept on doing for 15 years now… shaking ***!
Pearlsrevealed said,
I agree with many of the points made. She needs a song with lyrics that have the sass and timelessness of “umbrella”. I am a fan and I will be checkin for her to come back sweeter and stronger. Best wishes to my girl Brandy.
rockin 70’s soul & 80’s hot jams til I die!
Pearlsrevealed said,
Just listened to the tracks. “Sometimes” is ok and reminds me of her past work but would need a hot re-mix. “Honey” sucks like a sack of lemons. I am beyond tired of references to the borderline- materialistic-hooker mental lyrics.
Real Talk said,
@ Terrance oh lawd don’t get me started on the 70’s. I go to you tube a lot too and watch the oldies. I really like Lionel Richie & the Commodore’s. I am sitting here now watching his videos as well as, Donnie Hathaway and Michael Jackson, Eddie Kendricks, and of course Whitney Houston on you tube. “Truly” was sung at my wedding and tears come to my eyes when I listen to some of Lionel Richie songs. And Truly is simply amazing and we danced to Luther Vandross’s “Amazing Love”. But yes good luck and blessings to Brandy. There is a way to make this entertainment industry better. Like Barack Obama says, “It’s time for change”.
TERENCE said,
@Real Talk: Now don`t you get me started on Michael Jackson, he`s my FAVORITE artist. I remember “Motown 25 Yesterday And Forever” as if it was yesterday. Yeah I`m always on YouTube watching Michael when he was in his prime. He`s simply the greatest performer ever; I never grow tired of watching him dance. To see him dance and perform is simply watching the MASTER at his craft, he`s truly tamed showmanship. Webster should simply define showmanship as “MICHAEL JACKSON”.
Yeah Lionel Richie has penned some classic, timeless songs. He`s one of the best songwriters of our time. Songs like “Sail On”, “Three Times A Lady”, “Easy”, “Truly”, “Still”, etc. Simple songs and lyrics and yet they conveyed so much. That`s what The Recording Industry has got to get back to, period….
Love said,
Why is everyone judging Bran based on some unreleased music? We all know she always come correct on her albums. These songs have leaked for a reason….they are obviously not going to make her album. And honestly, they sound better than half the stuff on the radio. Every artist has throw away songs. And Brandy’s camp is really good about not letting her official music leak. So I’m sure she’ll come hard. Enough producers have been singing her praises about her upcoming album (Pharrell, Diddy, Neyo, etc) Diddy even said Brandy can release a 5 track album that’ll shut the industry down.
Raven said,
How do you take away someone’s crown? Who gave Diana Ross a crown? Diana Ross never had any so called cownn. What she had was a music and film career that every Black woman after her would try and emulate but never come even close to. So if you are asserting that Beyonce’s accomplishments have somehow diminished Diana’s, you are wrong.
No one can take away from Diana what she did and the doors she opened for countless other Black women in the industry, much less Beyonce who hasn’t as of yet in her short career elevated her game to anywhere near that of Diana’s. Beyonce is hardly an actress and she damn sure isn’t a great actress. She is just another sista trying to do it all for the sake of saying she has done it all. Beyonce hasn’t created anything or brought anything to the music or film world that wasn’t already here when she came on the scene. I take nothing from her, but girlfriend is no Diana.
As for Rihanna, she too takes nothing from Beyonce. Rihanna hasn’t elevated her music or performance style. She has simply shed her hair and clothing. She is hardly at Beyonce’s level because she can’t even sell records. Good Girl Gone Bad took almost a year to go platinum and that was with the release of five singles. Like Beyonce, I take nothing from her, but she sure as hell takes nothing from Beyonce and definitely not Diana.
You kids have to fix your way of thinking. Once someone has accomplished something it cannot be taken away nor diminished. Diana Ross paved the way for Black women in music and film and every Black female since her owes her a debt of gratitude. Diana could sing, perform her *** off and act. Diana could really act. Not that mess Whitney, Janet and Beyonce did. Diana Ross was a true actress who could sing and a singer who could act.
Teeda said,
I agree with Love. I don’t even think these songs are going on the album. Artists record lots of songs that never make it on the album, and sometimes they release things to see how listners react to it. If they get a lot of negative responses, they shelf the song. Her album will be just fine. She hasn’t had a bad album yet in my opinion, and I won’t write her off until I hear the real thing.
Nesh Nesh said,
LOL @ Terence and Real Talk
Nesh Nesh said,
2 snaps!! @ Raven
Reatl Talk said,
That’s true the way you broke it down Raven. I agree Diana paved the way for a lot of the black artists of today.
myopinion said,
LOL. To say that Rihanna is now carrying Ms. Ross’s crown is an insult. And why does everybody treat Beyonce like she is the creator of the heavens and earth.
TERENCE said,
@Nesh Nesh & Real Talk: Speaking of MJ if you want to watch vintage Michael Jackson just go to YouTube and search “Michael Jackson-Rock With You”(1981) You have CLASSIC Michael in a white suit, white bow tie, black shoes & socks with a black shirt with glitter on the front as well as on the socks. VINTAGE Michael doing his thang as only he can do it on some T.V.special with Diana Ross. It`s definitely worth checking out..
Majesa said,
Finally listened to them. They could be worse, but none of them make me want to buy her album or listen to them again.
I’m sure every generation thinks at some point they had the best music. In the 80s, people probably said “This crap today…the 60s was where the real music was!” and so on. I’m part of the now generation, and we’ve got some good, some bad. Too much fake, though.
lady said,
Hello everybody my song by brandy was SITTING IN MY ROOM of waiting exhale track. That whole cd was fly still be listening to it. Where is the good music at these day.
Bri said,
There are a lot of good artist out there struggling to get their music heard from this new generation. But it is up to the music companies to promote them. Thanks to Britney Spears, the pop boy bands from 1999, Beyonce Knowles and Rihanna, the music scene has changed. It is all about sex, having a cute face and a catchy tune. While real talent and artist with music that has substance the public can relate to is just shoved in the closet. Nobody has to have real talent anymore, not even in Hollywood. Paris Hilton anyone?
Liyah said,
Ok I couldn’t resist, I listened, I know I said I wouldn’t. So far I only like Rish it all, it kind of sounds like “Sadidy” from her last album Aprhodisiac. I’m not feeling the other two. BRANDY? YOUR MY GIRL WHAT ARE YOU DOING??!!! REACH DOWN AND GIVE US THE REST OF THAT TALENT.
mo'star said,
I understand what most of you are saying about the industry today,but in all fairness,as someone who was an 80’s child and was there when hip-hop was born, I hated when my parents used to say that salt n pepa and Heavy D wasn’t real music. Let these children have there music. I ‘ve tried already and it dosen’t work. ex: my daughter and I went on for about 20 min. in a Janet/Ciara battle.
mo'star said,
“their” music (it’s been a long day for me)
Cinthia said,
Like i said yell push and deny i will not spend a second entertaining an internet debate about who is better than who ,all i know is that i have to get ready for rihanna to be pushed down my throat and open a door to a millions of other lolitas .Selling cds my foot!!!!!the prettiest ,the youngest and the freshest will win nobody can change that neither do they want to! get a reality check
Ya'll Silly said,
LOL. Brandy>your favorite artist
LOL@Raven. You know nothing, shut up. Brandy is being heavily anticipated.
The material is years old and is no indication of how her album will sound
You-Are-Dreaming said,
Brandy’s album is not being heavily anticipated by anyone, not even her own fans.
caramelsurgarberry38 said,
I have to agree with Raven. I grew up listening to Diana Ross. I know her career and music catalog like the back of my hand.
Beyonce is good, Rihanna will not make it that long and neither one can stretch their fingers long enough to even touch the hem on any one of Diana’s Bob Mackie dresses any day! To say that they took her crown is an embarassment. You show your age and naivity to the Queen’s of music.
That’s like trying to say someone has stolen Tina Turner’s crown or Areth Franklin. You just can’t touch these women. Their icons, legends. You can try to emulate them….but trust me…NEVER REPLICATE!
In the music industry the keys to success is to find your own individuality and capitalize on it. That’s what makes you unique and memorable. Not b/c you sounded like someone else.
As for Brandy, I listened to all three and I really like Sometimes. I’m going to put it up on my blog. It’s her “sound” She should stick with it.
GOOD LUCK BRANDY!
caramelsurgarberry38 said,
I forgot to add…the other two songs were okay, but Honey just wasn’t up to par.
Nix-Nay on that one - girls need something else besides another TLC rendition of “No Scrubs.”
Blank said,
Its funny how everyone is saying Rihanna is takin over yet, she has yet to go Double Platinum, her singles are cool but her album aint movin. Herr tours aint sellin like that nor are they gettin good reviews but On blogs she’s the ****! But off blogs, her stats aint poppin that much.
Serena said,
I’ll buy the new brandy!
As for the “grannies” and “kids”
We all grew up listening to patty labelle, diana ross,lenny williams,luther vandross,Aretha Franklin,Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Solomon Burke and more …
But it will be foolish and ignorant to sit there and act like those people will outsell the new generation of talentless brat out there it hurt my feelings to admit but good soul music is done and over they call us the “oldies”
Those times are gone beyonce rihanna fergie ciara them people won multiple grammies do you remenber how prestigious a grammy used to be ? it was a consecration now a day its just its name a grammy
It will be a dream come true if all these singers take a break and let the “oldies” come back and do one more album
try to explain to a 15 years old in a miniskirt and high heels “getting bodied” ” under her umbrella” wishing she could be more”like a boy ” that her idols haven’t done anything that is worth the praise
Instead of fighting on the web you best hit youtube ,or your cds collection and relive the good old days that’s what i do when i get frustrated with what they call music this days!
Its all about look this days point blank
mo'star said,
I’m nobody’s granny, I am 34 and look better than women in their 20’s (I am grateful to the most high power for that blessing)And I’m just curious;should attractive women go and crawl under a rock? or should we beg forgiveness to “everyone else” who can’t see the beauty in themselves and want to take it out on the beautiful. If you think it’s easy being pretty you are wrong. People hate us for no reason, my favorite. “I don’t know….it’s just something about her that I don’t like”.
Serena said,
Miss lady when something is put in quotation marks it means that the words are borrowed they aren’t from whoever wrote them
now trust me the real pretty girls? i’m sorry the gorgeous ladies inside and out don’t need to advertise it much less brag about it ….
sad butt
voice said,
It takes a teenager to jump up and down calling everyone haters and jealous but it takes a grown woman to be confident enough to accept that everyone will not be in awe in front of her ,live with that and be happy no matter what!
I love brandy i will be buying the new album,as for the whole diana beyonce rihanna it’s simple none of them has nothing on the other
beyonce cant sing or act or perfom like diana
rihanna can’t sing or dance like beyonce
beyonce is not as pretty as rihanna
if it wasnt for the destiny’s child fanbase i don’t think beyoncé would have been so distant with rihanna when it comes to sales
if we were to put beyoncé and rihanna at the same start beyoncé would not have outsold rihanna its about who is the prettiest when it comes to pop sugar music don’t be mad just go with the flow
and stop the comparison because rihanna aint going nowhere rather we want it or not she is here to stay and in couple of years we will all be screaming “take a break” and then people will call us haters and such and such
“You leave the same way you came!”
blast every one out with that bootyshake the next bootyshaker will take your place simple
its an unbreakable cycle
dark sista said,
I love brandy and i love “sometimes” the rest i’m torn but i think she can bring something to the scene either way i will get her cd and support her she.. she is a good girl
“the real pretty girls? i’m sorry the gorgeous ladies inside and out don’t need to advertise it much less brag about it” Exactly
you took the words out of my mouth ;)it’s sad that in 2008 some women are still confuse when it comes to what is real beauty and sex appeal
i mean there is nothing wrong with being sexy ,i’m nowhere attracted to women but when i see a sister down the street with a royal walk on her head up and a killer smile i’m like “yeah work it girl”?
You don’t need to try to convince no one that you’re sexy unless you don’t believe it yourself
“It takes a teenager to jump up and down calling everyone haters and jealous but it takes a grown woman to be confident enough to accept that everyone will not be in awe in front of her ,live with that and be happy no matter what!”
Yep Its really hard to be confident and at the same time look inside yourself and acknowledge your strenghs,weaknesses,qualities and flaws
So people throw the “you a hater” and feel better about themselves…how sad
(rolling my eyes)
i wish lenny williams, the spinners and all the others will come back i miss the good music
(it takes a fool..to learn..that love don’t love nobody)
mo'star said,
It also takes a grown woman not to hate on a stranger. And If I want to say I am pretty that’s my choice and there’s nothing anyone can do about it. It is also immature to make it your bussiness to advertise how much you HATE a celebriity that you dont even know. Get a life.
mo'star said,
I’m sorry your DNA didn’t work out for you.
mo'star said,
If people can come on here and flex their intellectulal muscle and think that everyone is beneath them starting arguments with people you don’t know. then I can flex my beauty. Swallow that ish and live with it.
mo'star said,
intellectual
S. Paradise said,
The sad truth is it’s over…Brandy knows it’s more about looks now than about music… After Moesha was cancelled, she should have gone into something else… Maybe taken some acting classes, maybe even designed a line of clothes, or maybe gotten heavily into charity… I say that because she has that childstar mentality…still looking for fame, when everyone knows popstars fizzle out…it’s a fleeting sort of fame and music now is in the 80s phase (remember all the “singers” who basically talked wall dancing around in tight dresses? Paula, Pebbles, Vanity, Sheila E…remember them?)…Anyway, Brandy should do something else…
S. Paradise said,
“while” not “wall” and I didn’t mean at all to say Brandy isn’t attractive, she’s a very pretty girl but you know how people are… If you don’t look white or close to it, they act as if your mere presence is an imposition… People act like Fantasia shouldn’t take pictures or something…SMH ignorant flakes…
voice said,
S.paradise: I agree
Supreme said,
SOME people here need to get a life
yall so gorgeous you need to convince a bunch of virtual people…
Brandi Storm said,
Brandy was one of the original R&B divas. I believe she’s trying to find the right time and the right material to come back on the music scene. Brandy has a huge fan base from music to tv. Brandy is a very good artist and I can’t wait for her new album. I’m a big Brndy fan and always have been. Let’s be positive people because if you were walking in her shoe you would want people to be fair.
Peace and Love
Brandi Storm said,
oops sorry about the mispelled word