Brandy

What a difference three years makes. Brandy, then age 20, emerged as a star with her last disc, Never Say Never. She shines again on Full Moon by steering away from formulaic R&B/pop. The result is an edgy, eclectic offering of 17 heartfelt and mature songs, among them the Madonna-esque title track. Although an accomplished songwriter and producer herself, she was smart enough to hook up with producer Rodney Jerkins, who adds his distinctive flavor to nine songs, including the raw and stylish first single “What About Us?” and the club-ready, remix-friendly “It’s Not Worth It.” While Jerkins’ sonic wizardry is unmistakable throughout, it’s Brandy’s self-assured vocals that really make it soar. Whether singing about the joy of finally finding the perfect lover on “Wow” and “He Is,” or about carnal cravings with the lusty ballads “When You Touch Me” and “Like This,” Brandy is at her bittersweet best.