Brandy Norwood, known mononymously as Brandy, is a Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and actress from the United States. She was born in McComb, Mississippi, in 1979, and raised in Carson, California. Brandy rose to fame in the early 1990s as a teen pop sensation with her self-titled debut album, which spawned the hit single “I Wanna Be Down” and earned her critical acclaim.
Throughout her career, Brandy has released a total of seven studio albums and sold over 40 million records worldwide. She has been recognized for her soulful vocals, songwriting skills, and her ability to blend R&B, pop, and hip-hop into her music. Brandy has also had success as an actress, starring in various television shows and movies, including the hit TV series Moesha and the film adaptation of the Broadway musical Chicago.
Some of Brandy’s most notable hits include “The Boy Is Mine” (with Monica), “Have You Ever,” and “Full Moon.” She has collaborated with a number of prominent artists throughout her career, including Whitney Houston, Kanye West, and Timbaland. In addition to her music and acting career, Brandy is also a mother, a philanthropist, and an advocate for mental health awareness. She has been recognized for her contributions to music and entertainment with numerous awards and nominations, including a Grammy Award, seven Billboard Music Awards, and a BET Lifetime Achievement Award.
1. The Boy Is Mine
“The Boy Is Mine” is a classic R&B duet by Brandy and Monica, released in 1998. The song tells the story of two women fighting over a man who is cheating on both of them. The lyrics are filled with witty comebacks and sassy one-liners as Brandy and Monica try to prove who the man really belongs to. The track’s catchy hook, smooth production, and powerful vocals from both artists made it a huge hit, staying at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for 13 weeks. “The Boy Is Mine” remains a timeless anthem of female empowerment and a staple of ’90s R&B.
2. I Wanna Be Down
“I Wanna Be Down” is a classic R&B song by American singer Brandy, released in 1994. The upbeat tempo and catchy hook make it a timeless hit, and Brandy’s smooth vocals shine through as she sings about wanting to be closer to someone she’s interested in. The song’s message of vulnerability and longing resonates with many listeners, and it has become a beloved staple of ’90s music. With its memorable chorus and infectious energy, “I Wanna Be Down” continues to be a beloved track that represents the best of ’90s R&B.
3. Have You Ever
“Have You Ever” is a powerful ballad by Brandy that showcases her exceptional vocal range and emotive delivery. The song explores the pain of heartbreak and the feeling of not being able to move on from a past love. With its soulful melody and heartfelt lyrics, “Have You Ever” resonates with anyone who has experienced the ache of lost love. The song was a massive hit for Brandy, reaching the top of the charts and earning her critical acclaim for her emotional performance. With its timeless appeal, “Have You Ever” remains a beloved classic and a testament to Brandy’s talent as a vocalist and songwriter.
4. Full Moon
“Full Moon” is a sultry R&B track by Brandy, released in 2002 as the lead single from her fourth studio album of the same name. The song is a sensual ode to the power of the full moon, with Brandy’s smooth vocals gliding over a mesmerizing beat. The lyrics speak of love and passion, with Brandy expressing her desire to be swept away by a lover under the light of the full moon. The track’s dreamy atmosphere, hypnotic production, and Brandy’s seductive delivery make “Full Moon” a standout in her discography and a beloved classic in the R&B genre.
5. Almost Doesn’t Count
“Almost Doesn’t Count” is a soulful ballad by Brandy, released in 1999. The song’s emotional lyrics and Brandy’s powerful vocals convey the pain of a love that almost worked out, but ultimately fell apart. The slow tempo and haunting melody create a somber atmosphere that perfectly matches the song’s bittersweet message. The track became an instant classic, resonating with audiences who have experienced the heartache of a relationship that fell short of their hopes and expectations. Brandy’s heartfelt performance in “Almost Doesn’t Count” cements her status as one of the most talented R&B singers of her generation.
6. Sittin’ Up In My Room
“Sittin’ Up In My Room” is a 1995 hit song by Brandy, released as a part of the soundtrack for the film “Waiting to Exhale.” The song was written and produced by Babyface and features Brandy’s signature smooth and sultry vocals over a catchy R&B beat. The lyrics of the song explore the feeling of infatuation and the excitement of a new love interest. With its infectious chorus and catchy melody, “Sittin’ Up In My Room” became an instant hit and remains a classic R&B staple to this day. Brandy’s impeccable vocal control and range are on full display in this timeless track that helped solidify her as one of the leading voices of the 90s R&B scene.
7. Brokenhearted
“Brokenhearted” is a pop and R&B ballad by Brandy, featuring Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men, released in 1995. The song is a heartbreaking tale of a relationship gone sour, with Brandy lamenting her heartache and Morris offering comforting words of support. The track showcases Brandy’s emotive vocals and Morris’s smooth harmonies over a lush, piano-driven instrumental. The music video features a teenage Brandy in a high school setting, pining over a crush who eventually breaks her heart. “Brokenhearted” became a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidifying Brandy as a rising star in the music industry.
8. Baby
“Baby” is a sultry R&B song by Brandy, released in 1995. The track features a laid-back groove and Brandy’s smooth vocals as she sings about her desire for physical intimacy with her lover. The lyrics are intimate and suggestive, with Brandy expressing her longing in a way that’s both playful and sincere. The song’s mellow tone and Brandy’s impeccable vocal delivery make it an instant classic of ’90s R&B, and it remains a favorite among fans of the genre. “Baby” showcases Brandy’s talent as a singer and her ability to convey a range of emotions with her voice.
9. What About Us?
“What About Us?” is a soulful R&B song by Brandy from her 2002 album “Full Moon”. The song was produced by Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins and is known for its catchy beat and strong vocals. It tells the story of a woman who is tired of being in a one-sided relationship and wants to know what her partner is willing to do to make things work. The lyrics are raw and emotional, and Brandy’s delivery is powerful, conveying the frustration and disappointment of the situation. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and the top 10 on the US R&B chart.
10. Wildest Dreams
“Wildest Dreams” is a song by Brandy from her fifth studio album “Human”. The song is a slow, mid-tempo R&B ballad that showcases Brandy’s vocal range and emotive delivery. Lyrically, the song speaks about the struggle to move on from a past relationship and the hope of rekindling a lost love. The production is minimalistic, with the focus on Brandy’s powerful vocals and the soulful instrumentation, including piano and strings. “Wildest Dreams” received critical acclaim for Brandy’s vocal performance and emotional depth, and it remains a fan favorite and one of her most beloved ballads. The song also charted well on several music charts and is often cited as a highlight of Brandy’s extensive discography.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
