The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Brandy emerges from her cocoon, conquers her demons on ‘B7’
When Brandy began crafting her newest album nearly three years ago, her intent was both benevolent and selfish. She wanted to give R&B fans the timeless music she’s been synonymous with, while also gain liberation from emotional bondage.
She achieved her goal with “B7” — but she wasn’t prepared for the raw and emotional way the lyrics poured out of her during the creative process. It’s why, for the first time, the Grammy winner co-wrote every song on the album and co-produced the majority of the project.
“This is a heartbreak album, on top of me also finding my voice, finding my self-love,” the R&B star said. “My heart was just on blast … I’ve never been this creative in terms of music, just with writing and producing. It just seemed like I was going into a different part of myself, discovering things about myself I didn’t really hone (in on) before.”
“What’s the point of doing music if I can’t tell my story? If I can’t be honest within my own lyrics? If I can’t use music to heal my own life?” Brandy questioned as she became emotional. “So, I just took a chance. And I feel like my life is so much better.”
“B7,” released last month, marks a triumphant return for the singer whose previous album dropped eight years ago. “Saving All My Love” — a title referencing her mentor, the legend Whitney Houston — opens the album as Brandy explains her absence: “Sorry for my tardy/Long time/I was brokenhearted/ Heartache, I’m guarded.”
There’s pleasant familiarity on the seventh studio record from the woman who has influenced stars like India. Arie, Solange and H.E.R and is known as the “vocal bible.” With “B7,” Brandy aimed to create fresh, creative music without losing “what my fans know me to be.”
At 41, Brandy is also continuing to work on herself. She said being vulnerable and open in her music has gotten her close to truly feeling liberated.