By Marcus A. Williams

Fresh off of a three hour flight from Nashville, Tenn. to Boston, Mass, former Pop/R&B superstar Brandy is prepping for yet another promo concert for her comeback album “Human.” Singer/actress Brandy says that she knew it was time to get back in the studio when her six-year-old daughter, Syrai Smith, came to her crying and asking why doesn’t she sing anymore.

A hectic night of traveling, interviews, and concerts has been the story of Brandy’s life since she first appeared on the scene with hits like “I Wanna Be Down” and “Best Friend” in 1994.
But four years ago it all came to a screeching halt as the former teen idol’s career and life spiraled out of control.

Cutting ties with Atlantic Records, the label that launched the superstar’s career, ending an engagement with New York Knicks swingman Quentin Richardson and being involved in a fetal car crash in December 2006 – rock-bottom seemed like the only destination for this Pop/R&B princess. However, the songbird says all she needed was a rejuvenation period.

“During my four years off I didn’t know what I wanted to do really, I was unsure of whether or not my connection with music was even solid enough to return. I just took the time to create a foundation within myself, spend time with my daughter and just do what I wanted to do,” says Brandy. “In that time I found a lot of different talents, I didn’t know I could write poetry or take really cool pictures – I needed that time to discover certain things about myself.”

The now 29-year-old, Brandy has been tockened as arguably one of the best vocalist and overall talents of her generation, so the issue too many isn’t if her connection with music is solid enough but rather if the industry’s connection with music is strong enough for quality, gimmick-free songs.

“I know a lot of people warned me about how much ‘the business has changed’ but I am real and I am true to music and I feel like there is a place for me, and I owe it to the people who love me and love my music to share my gift,” says Brandy. “The interesting thing is I can be just as commercial as anybody else – not so much of a gimmick but I can be commercial too man.”

This time around Brandy has stiff competition from heavy-hitters Beyonce, Brittney Spears and industry newcomer, Taylor Swift so with the help of her new record label, Epic Records, she has cranked her “commercial” side into high gear.“I am performing a lot this time around. I think performing your songs live is what people really want, it makes people like your songs more and want to see what else you have on your album,” says Brandy. “I think giving your all on stage is really important.”

Performing is an understatement, over the last few months Brandy has been amazing audiences from coast-to-coast, like she did on the “Tyra Banks Show” where she dropped down to her knees and sung to her heart’s content as she performed her lead single, “Right Here (Departed)”.

All of the love and heavy promotions is definitely deserved, not only will you fall in love with Brandy’s fifth studio album, “Human” but you will feel like the album has fallen in love with you too.But fair warning, before pressing play on the CD player or on the Ipod be prepared to go through 15 tracks of self reflection – a box of tissues and a candle or two might come in handy as well.

“I think there are songs that people my age can relate too and there are songs for young girls with self-esteem issues to connect with as well,” says Brandy. “The album is about being a human being. We’re going to go up and you’re going to go down but we all are created from the same hand, there is purity in all of us and as long as we keep that in mind we will be okay.”

Some stand out cuts on the album are, “Camouflage” where she boost about not changing who she is or giving half of herself just to be in love. “Fall,” where she shows her insecurities about life and love.
The title track, “Human” which is a powerful tear jerking ballad where she sings about being normal and asks for forgiveness for being full of flaws – I’m sure we all have been there before. The album concludes is a raw accepella salutation.

“These flaws I’ve got, they’re apart of who I am – take me or not, ‘cause I finally understand. I’m so done trying to be everything you want – I had to stop ‘cause baby it ain’t worth it if I gotta camouflage,” sings Brandy. “Human” gets a B+ grade for its depth and passion.  The album is in stores now.