There is no better way to kick off 2011’s From The Vault series than with a song from Brandy. Coincidentally, ‘What About Us?’ was released as the 1st single from the R&B singer’s ‘Full Moon’ LP on January 1st 2002 – New Year’s day.
The track, which was co-written by Brandy herself and produced by her longtime collaborator Rodney Jerkins, peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and at #3 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. ‘What About Us?’ performed even better in the UK, climbing to #4 on the Official UK Singles Chart.
At the time of its release, this video was one of the best of Brandy’s career. Edgy and artistic, the visual distanced the singer from the relatively safe and innocent appeal of her earlier projects, demonstrating an artist who was ready to take the next step in her career.
The entire ‘Full Moon’ album illustrated Brandy’s continued growth as a vocalist as she continued to explore the full extent of her brilliant contralto. Hopefully, she can once again make music like this because if she wants to return to prominence in 2011 she has to deliver nothing but the best.