Today we celebrate a one-of-a-kind talent. This week’s From The Vault comes courtesy of birthday belle Brandy. Today’s pick is ‘Long Distance.’
Issued as the second and final single from ‘Human,’ her fifth studio album and long-awaited reunion with music mastermind Rodney ‘Darkchild’ Jerkins. ‘Distance’ was the work of a then-unknown Bruno Mars alongside his Smeezingtons partner Philip Lawrence. Darkchild delivered additional production.
Unfortunately, the track didn’t propel B-Rocka to the top of the charts and failed to enter the US Hot 100. Still it managed to reach the 38th position of the Hip-Hop/R&B tally.
Lyrically, the song touches upon the strenuous nature conditions of long-distance relationships. As the singer herself explained, it could be about a lover as much it could be about a sibling or a friend.
Chris Robinson directed the track’s melancholia visual. A seemingly sad Brandy can be seen singing in front of her mirror, reminiscing about her time with her absent lover and performing in a jazz club. Squint closely and you’ll also spot Bruno and Philip playing the piano behind Ms. Norwood.
During the song’s break, the video makes a dramatic transition from black and white to color as the rain pours on a lovelorn Brandy.
Simple, yet cinematic.
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We can’t wait for this gifted songbird to once again take flight and pick up where she left off. We’re salivating for this new music she’s about to hatch. Will she embark on an adult-contemporary journey? Dabble with the R&B-trap that’s all the rage? Or will she return with something totally different?
While the answer remains a mystery, what is a certain is that our hopes are high after the 24 years of consistent brilliance Brandy has delivered over the last 24 years.
Happy Birthday to the vocal bible!
This song is blah. I like Brandy – Full Moon ever since the first time I heard it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgZz4L1UmxE
Can’t believe it’s almost been 10 years. I discovered ThatGrapejuice in 2008 while searching for a free link to Right Here (Departed). This site was also the first to premiere Long Distance. Thanks Sam & Co for your enduring support of Queen Brandy!
One of her many flops from the vocal pamphlet.
I loved this song, Human was a great album.
I love Brandy to death. But this is probably her weakest single.
I love brandy and this album was great but why in the right mind was this released as a single???
Fall would’ve been the better choice for pop radio while Piano Man should’ve been serviced to urban. Although the Pop Remix of Long Distance would’ve done well had Amanda Ghost not shut the project down.
How can you not mentioned First and Love? Hell, The Definition was a bop too!
I wasn’t a big fan of First and Love. But The Definition would’ve been a good 3rd or 4th single
First and love is amazing. I loved this album. Long distance had so much potential. Around that time, ballads were working for Alicia keys and even Jazmine Sullivans “in love with another man.” Not sure why this never caught on. But where they really dropped the ball was not making “gonna find my love” a single instead of a bonus track.
Yea, 1st and Love is definitely one of my favs from ‘Human’! I love ‘Fall’ too!
Omg @Credits, that song did slay a bit! I forgot about ‘Gonna Find My Love’! When I heard that I was like WTF, why a bonus???? It’s one of the best songs on the album!
B-Rocka is a HORRENDOUS nickname, ijs
Out of all of Brandy albums, ‘Human’ is the only one that just doesn’t move me! It can’t sit with the others! I didn’t like ‘Right Here (Departed)’ or ‘Long Distance’! The only singles that should have be chosen are: (#1) A capella (Something is Missing), (#2) Torn Down (#3) Fall …. 1st Love and Camouflage (round out the best top 5 songs on the album).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IG5UsNwGls
This song is everything to me which made my purchase of “Human” to be phenomenal!!
Definitely a poor single choice…but can we talk about her remake of the song Optimistic by Sounds of Blackness…..she sounds amazing and it gives me all kinds of feels and nostalgia for the 90s.