International Superstar “Brandy” is back with her latest album “Two Eleven.” The album was released earlier this week and quickly reached the #2 spot on the Itunes charts. “Two Eleven” is Brandy’s sixth studio album and will mark her return from her four year hiatus.
The albums first single, “Put It Down” featuring Chris Brown, was released to radio stations, quickly gaining popularity for its hard hip hop beat, and catchy lyrics. It is one of thirteen songs that make up the diverse, R&B -inclined album.
The album layers Brandy’s signature vocals onto unique R&B and hip hop beats, featuring everything from her signature ballads to more upbeat records for which artist like Frank Ocean co-wrote for. Here are a few records that stood out:
“Wildest Dreams”
“Two Eleven”’s second single, a classic ballad-feel that Brandy is known for, speaks on a love she never expected. “It seemed I had it all, that’s what they thought. But I was peeling like paint on a wall; I had to cover up the hurt. I was told by many that they loved me but it wasn’t love like this.”
“No Such Thing As Too Late”
A song produced by Rico Love is a slow, vocally-driven track. “So take your time, ‘cause love ain’t got nowhere to go. It will be way better if we wait. ‘Cause there’s No Such Thing As Too Late.”
“Let Me Go”
This upbeat track, which samples Lykke Li’s “Tonight” on the intro, will be sure to find itself playing in clubs and parties. It is one of the most upbeat tracks on the album, and with its dance-feel, is rumored to be one of the albums next singles.
“Hardly Breathing”
One of my favorite tracks on the album, “Hardly Breathing” is another ballad which showcases Brandy’s famous vocals along with powerful lyrics that express the difficulty of having to walk away from a relationship to save yourself from further heartbreak.
The title of the album was developed with reference to the date of her birthday as well as the date that her idol and mentor, Whitney Houston, passed away.
The album has been well received, creating some talk in the entertainment industry resulting in Brandy’s musical peers to praise and support the album.
Brandy states in an interview with ThatGrapJuice.com that this may very well be her last chance. Brandy’s last album “Human” was her least successful album and failed to top any of the charts. Despite her last album being underappreciated, Brandy is back and stronger than ever.
Entertainment Weekly reviewed and stated, “Brandy scores when her raspy-sweet voice soars during ballads and slow jams, and that’s what stands out on this intimate, often ethereal collection. B+”
With her latest single hitting radio stations all over, and an estimated 70,000 records expected to be sold within the first week, the album is sure to bring Brandy back on top and into the spotlight.
Brandy’s second single, “ Wildest Dreams,” is hitting radio stations now.
Pick up your copy of “Two Eleven” at a music retailer near you.
