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!
Your thoughts?
