B7
by Brandy
  • Record Label: eOne
  • Release Date: Jul 31, 2020
User Score
6.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 85 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 85
  2. Mixed: 31 out of 85
  3. Negative: 14 out of 85

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  1. bloveslife
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    This album from start to finish is an alternative R&B masterpiece, from fun up-tempo songs like "Baby Mama" and "Say Something" to more personal mid-tempo ballads like "Borderline" and "Bye Bipolar" this album has a little bit of everything. Even if you aren't a fan of R&B, give this album a stream and let your ears bask in a rather wonderful experience
  2. HarvestMusic
    Apr 8, 2021
    10
    A truly inspired album which features vocals, lyrics, and production that push the genre of R&B. There is a poetic, unique quality to every track that sparks introspection in the listener. B7 is by far one of the best R&B records of recent memory and is a stark reminder that independently released and produced music wherein the artist is involved in every process of the music making mayA truly inspired album which features vocals, lyrics, and production that push the genre of R&B. There is a poetic, unique quality to every track that sparks introspection in the listener. B7 is by far one of the best R&B records of recent memory and is a stark reminder that independently released and produced music wherein the artist is involved in every process of the music making may lead to wondrous, unbelievable music… Expand
  3. ckm
    Aug 5, 2020
    10
    A masterpiece. The 8 year wait was worth it - an album that subtly shows Brandy's prowess as the vocal bible, and with DJ Camper's production softly melding in to her honey-like vocals, it will give you shivers!
  4. clockwork01
    Oct 8, 2020
    5
    Massively overproduced on some tracks, so much so that one can hardly make out what it is Brandy is actually singing. Highlights on this LP are current single "Borderline", "Say Something" and "No Tomorrow".
  5. MarcusMason
    Sep 8, 2020
    10
    Brandy has taken the best aspects of Never Say Never, Full Moon, and Afrodisiac to create this artistic masterpiece. b7 has pushed Brandy's creative boundaries, and she's showing us what it really means to sing. The nuances of these vocal placements represents the themes of the songs, and I cannot recall any other artist to have done such. I've been listening to this body of work since itsBrandy has taken the best aspects of Never Say Never, Full Moon, and Afrodisiac to create this artistic masterpiece. b7 has pushed Brandy's creative boundaries, and she's showing us what it really means to sing. The nuances of these vocal placements represents the themes of the songs, and I cannot recall any other artist to have done such. I've been listening to this body of work since its release, and I am still discovering sounds I never heard on my initial listen. Miss Norwood has truly released one of the most ambitious and exciting projects of the year, and I couldn't be prouder of her.… Expand
  6. JeremySpears
    Sep 3, 2020
    9
    It’s been 8 years since Brandy released her seventh studio album "Two Eleven". Now the Vocal Bible is finally back and she delivered a masterpiece.

    The album's highlight has to be pointed out first: "Borderline". Brandy's favorite song on the album and rightfully so. The song is a beautiful mid-tempo track about confronting your own weaknesses and insecurities within a relationship. In    It’s been 8 years since Brandy released her seventh studio album "Two Eleven". Now the Vocal Bible is finally back and she delivered a masterpiece.

    The album's highlight has to be pointed out first: "Borderline". Brandy's favorite song on the album and rightfully so. The song is a beautiful mid-tempo track about confronting your own weaknesses and insecurities within a relationship. In the album's opening track "Saving All My Love", Brandy apologizes for the long period between "B7" and "Two Eleven". The song has a chill hip-hop influenced production and features a shoutout to Brandy's mentor and idol, the late legend Whitney Houston, to whom she also pays tribute to with the album's (gorgeous) artwork. "Unconditional Oceans" is the most interesting song on the album. I've never heard anything like it. I would describe it as experimental R&B. At first I didn’t get it but it grew on me and now it’s one of my favorites on the album. "I Am More" is also a very interesting track. It features an electric guitar and lyrically it talks about knowing your own worth. It’s a very empowering song.
    "High Heels" features Brandy's daughter Sy'rai. It has a very unique production as you can hear violins over a hip-hop beat. Brandy's rap was kinda unnecessary but it’s still a great song.
    Its lead single "Baby Mama" featuring Chance the Rapper is probably the most upbeat song on the record. It’s a tribute to hardworking mothers and combines influences of R&B, Hip-Hop and trap music. The horns in the background are everything. "Say Something" is a chill song that is solely based on a piano melody and a nice beat. I think I can hear jazz influences in this song. "Rather Be" is another one of those chill R&B songs on the album. Very nice tune. The album's three "All My Life" interludes should’ve just been included as a whole song because it sounds like it could be a great track. In "Lucid Dreams" she seems to be addressing her fatal car crash as she sings about feeling guilty and wanting to die. Its lyrics are very emotional and are sung over water sounds. It’s a very calm but deep track. The album's closing track "Bye BiPolar" is the most vulnerable track on the record. It's a piano ballad that addresses Brandy's struggles with mental health. An emotional way to end this album. Brandy came back with a masterpiece. Not only is this album extremely experimental and unique but it’s also very personal as she works through trauma, talks about her mental health but also sings about love and motherhood. I think many people don’t give this album a chance. Even I was confused by parts of it at first but the more you listen to it the more you realize how brilliant it is. Brandy came to save R&B in a time where most R&B albums sound like boring, monotonous podcasts. Thank you Queen and please don’t make us wait too long for B8. Favorites: Borderline & Unconditional Oceans    … Expand
  7. AnthonyTammayo
    Aug 28, 2020
    6
    Me gustó pero no me encantó como para que tenga tan alta calificación de los usuarios.
  8. TheOne4Me
    Aug 8, 2020
    10
    Brandy is back like she never left! She no longer has anything to prove because she's done it all! B7 is her freedom album, she's finally been let loose by the shackles that had her bound...major labels. B7 is not for the average listener because it's so abstract & different from what we hear today, which makes it all the more special.
  9. Ashsid
    Aug 8, 2020
    10
    After a long wait Brandy finally blessed our ear buds with amazing soulful music. Each song is a masterpiece in its own right. Each song takes me away in a time where I felt each feeling, each word, each sound and I get so lost that I don't even know that the music has ended. This is truly one of her best albums.
  10. Goodmusic_Tone
    Aug 8, 2020
    9
    This album is a work of art. A vocal masterpiece. It’s not for the average listener. Brandy once again shows us she can’t be duplicated.
  11. Justinesky
    Aug 8, 2020
    10
    Lyrics that mean something, music that moves you, and a voice that is beyond amazing. This was a good purchase!
  12. TheToxicMartian
    Aug 8, 2020
    10
    Eight years after her last effort, this album is no doubt long overdue, and her fans have been waiting, pregnant with anticipation. And Brandy delivers, and exceeds expectations, especially for those who were hoping for a vocal layering masterpiece. It is no doubt that this is one of her most cohesive projects, with a clear driving force being a focus on her famous vocal layerings. ‘B7’ isEight years after her last effort, this album is no doubt long overdue, and her fans have been waiting, pregnant with anticipation. And Brandy delivers, and exceeds expectations, especially for those who were hoping for a vocal layering masterpiece. It is no doubt that this is one of her most cohesive projects, with a clear driving force being a focus on her famous vocal layerings. ‘B7’ is the album we have all been waiting for, and potentially a positive turning point for 2020. The control that Brandy had on this album is evident and makes for a beautifully intimate collection of tracks that makes this a contender for one of the best R&B albums of 2020, especially given its use of 2000s production as opposed to employing the same Trap influences that has been ever popularised in the last couple years, given the album further nostalgia and individuality.

    Beginning the album with the most perfect representation of what Brandy does best — vocal layering, 'Saving All My Love' is hands down one of the most magical first tracks in representation of R&B in this new decade, there is simply no way not to be swept up in the smooth instrumentalisation and vocals. 'Unconditional Oceans' showcases a sonically uplighting tracks, following with the beautiful soundscape manufactured previously, while not showcasing too much of a differentiation from the previous track. 'Rather Be' shows Brandy in her element, narrating an effortless display of love. The chorus is captivating, featuring some of the most heartwarming vocal layerings, transporting one to a land of endless loving. The next track takes us to the first interlude, with vocal layers that create what feels like a sea of tranquility, which features one of the most beautiful transitions into the next track.

    'Lucid Dreams', sounds exactly as the title suggests, and even more given what you can expect from Brandy. The track places you in a trance, comparable to an audio representation of becoming lost in time. The following track, ‘Borderline’, is probably the most hyped track by Brandy prior to the album’s release, and it definitely lives up to it. Lyrically, it feels like a representation of the crossroads between needing love, and finding the maturity to need to find stability within oneself. Brandy’s vocals here encourages a peaceful acceptance of a difficult situation, with some of the most beautiful belted notes throughout the track’s backing vocals. Clocking at 05:13, the longest track of the album feels much shorter than it really is. ‘No Tomorrow’ is a track that begins to infuse a little bit of a slightly more interesting, faster paced vibes, and no doubt features some of my favourite vocal layerings from Brandy, with the entire track featuring an entrancing melody that feels both haunting, but romantic.

    ‘Say Something’ begins to feature a more audacious sound, a departure from the romance that featured in most of the first half of the album, and while the track ends way too early and is way too short, is no doubt one of the more fun tracks on the album. The following track, ‘I Am More’ follows in the more upbeat vibes, with a fun beat and vocals that lay over with a strong presence, featuring a rap bridge, the mood is immediately brought right up, a beautiful transitional track to a more brazen narrative. The next track features Sy’rai Smith, Brandy’s daughter, and this mother-daughter production of 'High Heels', firstly showcases how talent runs in the family. While no doubt a beautiful context, is no doubt a low point of the album that feels sonically similar to the previous two tracks and is quite honestly, the most boring track on the album.

    ‘Baby Mama’, the first official single from this album, has some of the best lyrical content in 2020, with so much genuine positivity exuding from the track, and no doubt the best choice of a first single from the album. The feature of Chance the Rapper, is definitely one of the best decisions Brandy has made in terms of collaborations, and only adds to the song’s power. ‘Love Again’, a track which we have been blessed with, and was nominated for Best R&B Performance at the 62nd Grammy Awards, has been a fan favourite for a long time, and is kind of a perfect addition to this album as the penultimate track, bringing back the sweet and sultry blend of Daniel Caesar and Brandy’s vocals, the proof of a simple, but impactful track that sticks with you over time. The final track on the album, ‘Bye Bipolar’, ends the album with one incredibly beautiful piano ballad that reckons back to ‘Tomorrow’ from Brandy’s 1997 album ‘Never Say Never’. This is one of the most impactful lyrical moments on the album. Vocally, this is a reminder that decades into the game, Brandy still has one of the most powerful, impactful voices of all time.    … Expand
  13. Micdh
    Aug 7, 2020
    10
    BRANDY VOCAL BIBLE. I love you and this album Brandy. I can sense vulnerability which is so organic.
  14. Jjstrong15
    Aug 6, 2020
    10
    Beautifully flowing album, that challenges notions of melody and music. If you want to experience an deeply resonating album, brandy offers it. Just don’t go listening with expectations!
  15. Tjackko
    Aug 6, 2020
    10
    An amazing piece of work! Brandys ability to single handily change the direction and sound of r&b is crazy! Her music is always ahead of time and this is no different
  16. KRL
    Aug 6, 2020
    10
    This is a really interesting album from the poetic and deeply personal lyrics to the unique melodies. Brandy’s insanely good vocals bring everything to life. This album requires multiple plays as it’s not catchy pop junk. Great album!!!
  17. Zalman
    Aug 5, 2020
    10
    O arranjo do álbum é impecável, os acordes e melodias idem. Brandy fez uma pausa de 8 anos e seu retorno , em termos de qualidade musical é nada menos que triunfal. As letras bastantes pessoais nos leva a entender um pouco dos problemas que ela passou ao longo dos anos.
  18. ariaarah
    Aug 5, 2020
    10
    A legit R&B album from a music royalty... This album is full of vocal layering for years and years!!! Brandy at her best! This album proves why she is The Vocal Bible. Her raspy, velvety riffs and runs, plus her signature nuances shows why she is such a great icon.
  19. Mvsimpson
    Aug 4, 2020
    10
    The melodies, harmonies, runs, stacking & storytelling are all quintessentially Brandy. True R&B at its finest. Nobody is singing like this! She has shown so much growth and each album is an evolution. Every song has so much meaning and I'm so grateful that her flowers are really starting to be given. 30yrs in the business!
  20. Blackwoman
    Aug 4, 2020
    10
    This is easily one of her best albums and the highlight of the year. A good album opener with the track "Saving all my love for you" in which Brandy explains ther 8 years hiatus. B-Rocka excels in her silky voice. "Rather be", "NO tomorrow", "Lucid dreams, "say something" enhance the album by showcasing Norwood silky voice. Lastly, "Bordeline" is probably the best song of the album andThis is easily one of her best albums and the highlight of the year. A good album opener with the track "Saving all my love for you" in which Brandy explains ther 8 years hiatus. B-Rocka excels in her silky voice. "Rather be", "NO tomorrow", "Lucid dreams, "say something" enhance the album by showcasing Norwood silky voice. Lastly, "Bordeline" is probably the best song of the album and the song of the year.… Expand
  21. Tim12365
    Aug 3, 2020
    10
    The R&B singer is such an icon that when you google the phrase “the vocal bible” her picture comes up, all thanks to the supremacy and range of her voice. Such a wonderful listen.
  22. garyscoco
    Aug 3, 2020
    10
    her best album since full moon! this a cohesive body of work which tells a story of overcoming emotional triumph. brandy is so underrated!
  23. Srl2
    Aug 3, 2020
    10
    Vocal masterpiece! Brandy has pushed limits in the R&B genre and continues to be the standard..
  24. Gemyny1985
    Aug 3, 2020
    10
    Angelic Vocals, Amazing Production. Brandy never disappoints she is the #VocalBible

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. AllMusic
    Aug 20, 2020
    90
    She and her fellow writers and producers have put together the type of album that drowns out the world and keeps giving with each play.
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  2. Pitchfork
    Aug 5, 2020
    68
    Though Brandy’s voice remains a beautiful, resonant instrument, her songwriting here is so often functional and humdrum, and her performances rarely sparkle with personality or feeling. It’s obvious she has many stories to tell; what’s less clear is what compels her to tell them, what makes her want to sing.
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  3. The Observer (UK)
    Aug 3, 2020
    80
    B7 isn’t exclusively a trip down memory lane, but it does cruise past a few old haunts. Brandy’s trademark raspy vocals and sublime harmonies on Rather Be and Lucid Dreams are nostalgia-inducing for anyone who grew up listening to her acrobatic riffs and runs.
    Read full review
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