New Song: Brandy – ‘Magic’

Published: Sunday 13th Jul 2014 by Sam
brandy-magic-coldplay

For many, Brandy‘s talent is ‘Magic’. It’s fitting, then, that The Vocal Bible has released a cover of Coldplay‘s song of the same name.

Unwrapped without much fanfare on Twitter this weekend, the cut has quickly gained traction and is even being hailed as better than the original – which served as the lead single from the group’s latest album ‘Ghost Stories’.

With B-Rocka currently working on the follow-up to 2012’s ‘Two Eleven’, we’re almost certain this was rolled out to gage what the masses are thirsty for from her with this hotly anticipated project.

Take a listen and, as ever, let us know what you think below…

Amazing. The haunting production paired with Ms. Norwood’s dynamic delivery results in a winner of a track.

That said, as much as we love the slower, more Soulful offerings from Brandy, we also recognise the importance of maintaining commercial clout when it comes to club and radio play – two very important factors in this “iTunes generation”.

As such, we’re eager for the new LP to boast songs like this, yet also hard-hitters such as ‘Put It Down’ and ‘Let Me Go’ — in equal measure.

In random retrospect, perhaps it was its skew towards a slower tempo that didn’t allow ‘Two Eleven’ to reach the mass audience it could have. Indeed, beyond arguably needing more uptempo’s (to capitalize on the buzz of ‘Put It Down’), the decision to drastically dial down the tempo by releasing ‘Wildest Dreams’ was -from our vantage point- a mistake.

Team Brandy would have been better off looking to the handling of Destiny’s Child’s ‘Destiny Fulfilled’ to see how best to “work” a predominately slow album for mass consumption in the millennial age . As the two sole club tracks on the LP, ‘Lose My Breath’ and ‘Soldier’ were rolled out as the first and second singles respectively to “hook” the audience in to buying an album (a great one) that was essentially comprised of mid-tempos and ballads. The end result? Multi-Platinum status and critical acclaim for the project as a “body of work”.

Of course, it’s a fiercely different climate to when the DC record dropped and Brandy is a different artist. Still, food for thought, right?

Anyway, enough of our random rambling…

Your thoughts?

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  1. Nope July 13, 2014

    This FLOP is still putting out albums?

    • A. July 13, 2014

      would you stop doing what u like the most even if you are the flop on here?

      No, so… why would talented people stop doing what they do best?

    • Magic slays July 13, 2014

      Brandy’s your favorite singer’s favorite singer. Show some respect peasant :/

  2. Hur July 13, 2014

    I’ve always loved Brandy! I need a new album!!!

  3. Dustin July 13, 2014

    Must you wax poetic on every post? I know this is an opinion based blog but sometimes nobody gives a damn about your opinion. Sometime it’s okay to just report news.

    That said, this was good. I don’t like the original song but brandy is nicer to my ears than Chris Martin so I’m cool with it. I haven’t done any research; who is brandy working with on this new album?

  4. Thabo South Africa July 13, 2014

    Wow flop?.Someone who already moved more than 30 million albums.I knw that we all have opinions but the hate ppl put out there for talent is just weak.Brandy mite not be the biggest selling artist to day like the beautiful Beyonce or fierce Rihanna but Brandy is talented and she’s still well respected.We all entitled to opinions but don’t be hating on people who are doing all that u only wish to do.keep it classy.Well I’m liking this cover better than the original.Love all them female artsit but till today only Brandy moves with them layered vocals.Pity tanlent is seen as “flop”.Such sad ppl in this world.Well Brandy South Afrcia can’t wait on that album

    • Proud-Arianator July 13, 2014

      South Africa can’t wait for Brandy’s new album yet y’all let her preform to an empty stadium?

      • Interesting July 13, 2014

        Pls keep your ignrance to yourself fool, South Africans did not KNOW that she’d be performinG. What are you? 13 yrs old? No wonder you’re an Arianna fan….Go and keep listening to that along with Justin Beiber and the rest of those kids.

      • credits July 13, 2014

        Didn’t Ariana list Brandy as one of her favorite singers???

      • NAPE South Africa July 14, 2014

        BRANDY THE QUEEN! Her vocals are the best in the game!

      • Proud-Arianator July 14, 2014

        @Interesting
        DEATH at the lame excuse explains why there’s no progress going on in your little country
        BYE

    • Don e July 14, 2014

      People are so ignorant. Ugh! Brandy’s voice is so beautiful and she can sing her a#% off. She is a LEGEND!! so keep it real cute. Just because you favor someone else does not mean you have to say cruel things about her. Stop being closed minded and listen other artist besides the ones who are “more popular” I love Brandy she is very humble and a kind spirit. I love her cover of “Magic” it’s a beautiful song that she made even more amazing!! I’m sure Coldplay love it as well.

  5. Music lover July 13, 2014

    Sam, why are you always stuck on commercial success? Good music is good music.

    • Sean July 14, 2014

      Crazy thing is, a song like has a better chance of breaking big than some club banger. People are craving something different.

      I think this is gorgeous. Hoping for a record more like this!

  6. Love July 13, 2014

    Amazing!!!! It’s such a beautiful song anyway, only Brandy could cover this and do it Justic, i love it!!! and buy the way 2/11 was PERFECTION, the only reason it didn’t reach the masses was because of no label support, the stopped promoting it as soon as it was released!

  7. Two Eleven July 13, 2014

    Good Job Sam, Brandy’s vocals are unmatched

  8. MC!! July 13, 2014

    Umm the destiny fulfilled album got bad reviews by critics!! I like the song and r&b is not selling anymore if brandy want to venture out and try indie and new genres let her!! Beyoncé and destinys child don’t even make the best music. This shows how bland tgj music tastes is. Go listen to an underground artist or someone who just got signed! In today’s generation there’s no reason for you to be ignorant about music when you can look it up in seconds!

    • Proud-Arianator July 13, 2014

      Jessie Ware .. But most if these online clowns stan for chart sales and not pure talent

  9. Thabo South Africa July 13, 2014

    Forgive the mispellings

  10. eric July 13, 2014

    This doesn’t really interest me. The best I’ve ever seen and heard Brandy was her BET performance of “Without You”.

  11. knock on norwood July 13, 2014

    Brandy has a true talent that has sustained her all these years.
    Her voice is literally “magic”. I love how she never sounds the
    Same on a single song. Love her! #summer2014

  12. REALTARD July 13, 2014

    @sam…its not really her song, just a cover of coldplay’s song.

  13. tits mcgee July 13, 2014

    It’s a really good track. Brandy delivers a flawless and moving performance!

    P.s. Brandy, Janet, and Kate Bush are my top 3 for layered vocals. They are all mesmerizing!!

    #StunningAndStuntin

    • Rihboy July 13, 2014

      Janet?

      • tits mcgee July 13, 2014

        Yes Janet. She is maestra at harmonizing with her own voice. Layering.

    • Royalkev July 13, 2014

      @Mcgee

      Yesss! Great ear! I <3 Janet's harmonies! Jan, Bey & Bran's are my favorite when it comes to vocal layering!

    • Avi July 13, 2014

      Janet? Comedy!

      • tits mcgee July 13, 2014

        Bye Felicia… #YourTheJoke #JanetisLegend #FuckOff

  14. Royalkev July 13, 2014

    This song is lovely. Brandy’s always adding a touch of “magic” to everything she sings. I really like what I’m hearing and it will be on repeat. I also agree with the write-up, Bran benefits most when she maintains a balance of commercial/personal music on albums. She’s capable of delivering these kinds of albums because Bran’s extremely versatile. I would love to hear songs like Magic on the upcoming project (although releases like “Put It Down” allow her to go further in today’s industry). That said, Bran’s work should indeed be received/sold as a body of work, her music as a whole is an experience that you don’t want to enjoy in doses!

    • tits mcgee July 13, 2014

      I agree, I liked Sam write. I thought it was well written and he made some points.

      • tits mcgee July 13, 2014

        *up

  15. sleazy July 13, 2014

    brandy vocals are just okay Yall make to much of it

    • beautifuldisaster89 July 13, 2014

      Just like you get excited for your favorite artist we should be able to get excited too dear

    • Interesting July 13, 2014

      Her vocals are not just “okay” you’re just extremely stupid or hard of hearing

  16. Antonio July 13, 2014

    I can’t with an Ariana stan trying to throw shade when that rip off doesn’t even have an certified album yet. How do the f*** does Ariana have over 10 million IG followers and 15 million Twitter followers yet her album hasn’t even sold 750k WW yet.. girl bye. Anyway, Brandy’s cover was great imo. It proves how versatile of vocalist Brandy truly is. Hopefully om her next album, she experiments with different producers and sounds like she did on Full Moon and Afrodisiac

  17. HOWYOULIKEIT July 13, 2014

    Brandy you are forever FLAWLESS

  18. Knight July 13, 2014

    I love it. Brandy does the mellow ethereal music so flawlessly. Her vocals, harmonies and runs are always so great and well placed. She has a great ear. I’m loving this version better than Coldplays. No shade to them because I’m a fan of Chris martins….

  19. Dossome July 13, 2014

    I love this woman.

  20. tits mcgee July 13, 2014

    @RoyalKev

    Thanks! Bey is in the top 5 for me! She does them beautifully, as well!

  21. Beysus July 13, 2014

    FLAWLESS

  22. Cookie Chanel July 13, 2014

    I hope her new album is more creative along the likes of Full Moon. I still listen to the album 12 years later. As far as this song, it’s a hot cover. It was ill how she went from a deep breathy tone to a full on belt then back down. Brandy is a true vocalist.

  23. LOL July 13, 2014

    LOL VOCAL BIBLE? LMAO

    MUST BE WHY ALOT OF PEOPLE ARE BECOMING ATHIEST LOL

    • Kenny July 13, 2014

      LOL..Smh tell me about it. And yet the VOCAL BIBLE has yet to grace any top VOCALIST LIST.

      • Knock on Norwood July 13, 2014

        Why don’t you shut up with your hating ass worry about what who’s hyping up who, and focus on your own daily struggles?

    • Kenny July 13, 2014

      LOL..Smh tell me about it. And yet the VOCAL BIBLE has yet to grace any top VOCALIST LIST. I mean come on, and I have seen top 100 vocalist list every where..and yet she is ABSENT.

    • beautifuldisaster89 July 13, 2014

      This isn’t a dig or anything because I’m a huge fan of Beyonce BUT she is not the vocal bible she’s a great entertainer…..She has a nice voice but her voice can be duplicated you can find plenty of girls that sing exactly like beyonce if not better they just lack her drive….brandy has a tone that is unmatched brandy has been in the game for over 20 years and no one has yet been able to master her signature vocal stacks, harmonies and runs most of the popular artist our including beyonce have cited her as a musical influence…#someoneneedstodotherehomeworkmistersister

      • Dev July 13, 2014

        Thank you! I also like Beyonce but there are many girls on youtube that give you Beyonce not for note, Beyonce is very much a visual artist but there there are a few singers that will not be matched regardless of commerciality or sparkly suits. Brandy, KeKe, Fantasia to name a few. These are the new Diva’s

        This Brandy cover is giving me summer! This is going on my summer mixtape. Maybe she should hook up with chris Martin to give her the adult contemporary sound, and also hook up with John Legend again. She could easily do this vibe and sell well.

    • Bran Star July 13, 2014

      Don’t be greedy. Beyonce already has a title. No one comes for y’all when y’all or the media refers to her as “Da Queen Bey” or “King B”. No one should feel threatened or intimidated because someone refers to Brandy as the Vocal Bible. That is a fitting title that she’s worked for, and it’s well deserved for her. Let the woman have her own crown, dammit!

      • Kenny July 13, 2014

        But yet, the VOCAL BIBLE has NEVER BEEN ON ANY TOP VOCALIST LIST. She’s as basic and dull as dish water. All in all though, Brandy really has the most delusional Stans ever

    • Joey July 13, 2014

      Has anyone else heard jazmine Sullivan sing the hell outta this song? Has anyone else heard Victoria Beckham sing this song also? All before Beyonce

  24. HYpered July 13, 2014

    YES Brandy, Do your Thing- Id love this musical Direction from her next album. She is really in her Zone on this one!!! YESss

  25. beautifuldisaster89 July 13, 2014

    I do think she should explore different genres …I still want the r&b from her because the contribution but I think in order for her to reach the masses she needs to do more variety and I think she needs to be a bit more aggressive if she really wants to be on top again

    • beautifuldisaster89 July 13, 2014

      #contribution is much needed

  26. Realest July 13, 2014

    I’m actually glad brandy has went the route she has. If not I would not have hundreds of SUPERB unreleased songs of splendor and “wonderment” that I can enjoy. Brandys is brandy because she doesn’t really care too much about anything but making the music that she wants. Had she went the route Beyonce went with her last album and did a non vocal driven album a la Rihanna’s whole existence, I would lose interest in the album extremely quick like I did bey’s because, as with both divas I look to them for SUPERB, SAAAAAANGIN vocals! Love this song gives me chills!!!

  27. Miss Keri Representer July 13, 2014

    Brandy always gives ice cold vocals and haunting harmonies. I’ve never heard the original version of this song, but I’m sure this one >> the original. I will always love Brandy and her music.

  28. B**** I Can’t Even Spell Welfare July 13, 2014

    I’m LOVING this!!!!! Love her so much.

  29. Dollie July 13, 2014

    Is this on iTunes or is it a free thing? I want to download ASAP! Brandys voice sounds best on these type of songs!

  30. Mark111 July 13, 2014

    I like it. Brandy is so beautiful to me, I love her eyes. She can’t pull off the s*** look, but she mastered the elegant and sweet look. She will forever be 1 of the 3 R&B princesses.

  31. Kenny July 13, 2014

    She must really have the WORST FANS, all this hype for this basic chick..but when her album drops, you guys let her FLOP harder than a fish out of water. FYI, the vocal bible..LOL.has YET TO BE SEEN ON ANY TOP VOCALS LIST..the delusion of grandeur, is TOO REAL.

    • beautifuldisaster89 July 13, 2014

      You are incredibly silly for posting nonsense like this you are the prime example of what I talk about when I say people spend more time worrying about stats versus someone’s artistry….but since you want to go there brandy has many accomplishments under her belt from being the first black Cinderella to being a covergirl model to singing with legends such as Whitney Houston Patti labelle Diana Ross who have recognized her for vocal abilities to having her own television show movies and multiple top ten hits on billboard hot one 100 as well the r&b charts brandy has nothing to prove …do yourself favor and think before you speak I’m for certain it’ll payoff in the future

    • Knock on Norwood July 13, 2014

      Shut the hell up already, dumbass. Why you so worried about what her fans are doing? For someone so mediocre, you sure have a lot to say about her, and what you THINK her fans should be saying/thinking about her. You haters are so pathetic, following her every move, as well as ours. Give it up!

      • Kenny July 13, 2014

        LOL like I said..and i’ll ask again, WHERE is the vocal bible on those TOP VOCALIST LIST? And as usually..ABSENT..lol

    • Bran Star July 13, 2014

      Who f****** cares about a f****** top vocals list? Brandy doesn’t make music for fickle ass folks MUCH like yourself. She makes the music that SHE wants to make. Her peers, industry insiders, as well as her fans admire her for that. Her voice and music is a gift for people who pay attention to nuances and even the smallest musical details. These washed up old white men writing these whack as “best singers” list don’t know s*** to say anything about Brandy, much like yourself.

      Now have a f****** seat and be silent like a mime.

      • Kenny July 13, 2014

        LOL the delusion of grandeur is SO REAL. Keep telling yourself that.

    • Bran Star July 13, 2014

      I’ll keep saying it, as long as you’re STEADY checking for new Brandy updates just like the rest of us. Hater, don’t quit your day job. You’ve already lost this one. #moveon

      • beautifuldisaster89 July 13, 2014

        The truth doesn’t need support my dear 😉

      • Kenny July 13, 2014

        LOL like I said, and i’ll continue saying it for you tone deaf Brandy stan’s, the delusion of grandeur is as thick and wide as Brandys eyes and face..lol You stan’s are HILARIOUS.

    • knock on norwood July 14, 2014

      The tone deaf one is you, sir.
      We don’t need to be checked by
      The likes of you. If we are
      Delusional, then so are many
      Industry insiders. You don’t have
      To like her, she has the right
      Support. Instead of judging her and
      Us, research why people go up for her.
      The info is out there. Like I said.
      Keep coming back to view a post for
      An artist you claim not to like.
      That is true delusion of grandeur.

    • Jalen July 14, 2014

      Lets just keep saying Vocal Bible, maybe you will hang yourself eventually. Kenny, how many times are you gonna say the same thing? what top vocal vocalist list are you talking about?? IF EVEN one exist? Shes has been on numerous high charting list so please be specific. The mere mention of someone calling brandy a “vocal bible” must drive you insane doesn’t it? You seem like a delusional hater, copy & pasting the same response.

      Who gave Beyonce the title queen beside her fans?

  32. ASIPOFBRANDY July 13, 2014

    I was one of the first to hear it in its entirety last night and I immediately downloaded it cause the s*** is the s***! I love that Magic she puts on it! Bran can even slay a Coldplay cover ! #VOCALBIBLE #BEATSLAYER #QUEENOFRB #QUEENBEE

  33. Brian310 July 13, 2014

    I’m surprised her label hasn’t made her venture out into other genres so she could appeal to a bigger more supporting audience…She has the talked and versatility to pull off the adult contemporary sound that’s coming back on radio

    • Brian310 July 13, 2014

      *talent

  34. MUSICHEAD July 13, 2014

    I’ve always said releasing Wildest Dreams was a HUGE MISTAKE! The song was not radio friendly and therefore killed the album. Hope she makes smarter single choices this time around. Slower or Do You Know would have been perfect 2nd singles for Two Eleven.

  35. Taylor July 13, 2014

    This is the only site that i’ve been on that praises Brandys voice. I just don’t get the hype at all. We’re all entitled to our own taste and opinion’s..different strokes for different folks

    • crowns360 July 14, 2014

      I really don’t understand how someone who isn’t a fan babysits a Brandy post just to be shadey. If I don’t like someone or don’t like their art I’m not even going to post.

      With that said…there is a great video on youtube call Brandy (Vocal BiBle)! If you watch that video and still feel the same then your delusional.

      Whitney Houston the greatest vocalist of the pass generation adored Brandy. Rihanna only listened to Brandy when recording one her albums. Arianna Grande list her as one of her biggest inspiration. Beyonce sister Solo praise Brandys voice more than her sisters. The proof is there you just need to do the research. Even Erykah Badu first album was inspired by Brandy.

      No reason why Kanye, Diana Ross, Jennifer Hudson, Chris Brown, Red Hot Chilli Peppers are all delusional.

  36. Del July 15, 2014

    People always try to downplay Brandy’s talent but if you ask the individuals who continues to make that mistake how many songs they know from her they can only name a good 3-4 smh. Do NOT speak about something you have very little knowledge about, especially with confidence. Brnady delivers so much range and vocal agility if you actually took time to listen to her albums with an unbiased ear you’d know that.

  37. Del July 15, 2014

    excuse the typos i was feeling it…lol

  38. Rez July 17, 2014

    I’m digging this song, but I think she should go a little darker for her next album. Cause nowadays, music is all about partying, clubbing. Nobody make love or heart break songs anymore. And Brandy going down that path can get things popping. The way the song exploded to #1 on Trend Music show that people are digging this sound from her.. Either way she goes, Brandy always kill and sound good regardless!! I know her next album is gonna be FIRE like Two Eleven was!!

  39. Eclectech July 17, 2014

    This is beautiful. Wow…I’m so looking forward to a new album from Brandy. She’s one of the few artists whose album I would purchase without hearing a single track.

  40. JujU July 22, 2014

    Absolutely LOVEEEEEEE THIS SONG!!!!!!!

  41. Mr. Cee July 23, 2014

    VOCAL BIBLE…that.is.all.

  42. Tiffany August 9, 2014

    I have been a Brandy fan since I was a little kid. I like this song, but I hope it is not indicative of the next album. Bran is 35+ now, it would be cool to see her do some grown indie R&B, similar to the track she put out with Esthero a few years back. Stop chasing pop success and forge a new path where your vocals and artistry can truly shine. I doubt she will read this, but just giving my opinion.

  43. poplin jacket black tahari December 15, 2014

    Wow, that’s what I was exploring for, what a stuff! existing here at
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