Afrodisiac

by Brandy

Product Description:

Personnel include: Brandy (vocals); Kanye West, T.I. (vocals); Baby Dubb (various instruments, programming); Glenn S. Jeffrey (guitar); Ervin A. Pope (keyboards); Thaddeus Tribbett (bass guitar).

Recording information: 2004.

Personal turmoil has always proved to be a creative elixir for musicians, so it's not surprising that Brandy Norwood would dip into that well for inspiration on her fourth album, AFRODISIAC. In addition to her transformation from a teenage pop/TV star to an international music sensation, the 25-year-old vocalist followed motherhood with a divorce and also stepped away from longtime production partner Rodney Jerkins. In the process, Brandy cast herself in a much sexier and more mature light, which is reflected throughout these 15 songs.

Brandy's wisest moves were enlisting hip-hop guru Timbaland behind the boards and bringing Kanye West along for the ride as well. The Timbaland-produced songs, particularly the snappy title cut (with its intricately layered vocal tracks) and the slow-rolling funk of "Focus," gurgle with the Virginia-based maestro's trademark staccato beats and rich production style. Chicago native West is equally impressive, dueting with Brandy amid sweet, Gamble & Huff-flavored string arrangements in the autobiographical "Talk about Our Love." With its engaging and expressive tracks, AFRODISIAC proves to be another victory for the old adage about great art emerging from emotional pain.