Second Listen Sunday : Brandy, "Never Say Never"

As fans eagerly await Brandy and Monica to kick off The Boy Is Mine tour, I wanted to take a moment to highlight the singer’s sophomore album, “Never Say Never.” Released on June 9, 1998, “Never Say Never” was a significant part of what made Brandy a formidable force in the music industry.

At the time, her sitcom “Moesha” was entering its third season, and she had secured a role as the second female lead in the sequel to “I Know What You Did Last Summer.” Additionally, her performance as Cinderella was very well received. Naturally, a new album was the next step in her career.

Having just turned nineteen, Brandy's label enlisted the legendary David Foster for the pop side of the album, while rising producer Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins took charge of the R&B side, marking the beginning of a successful collaboration. The album opens with the intro, leading into the moody standout track “Angel in Disguise.” Brandy’s soft, smoky tone glides over the sleek production, where she doesn’t oversell heartbreak; instead, she allows the groove to do the heavy lifting. This theme of subtlety resonates throughout the project.

As we know, she teamed up with fellow teen star Monica for the lead single “The Boy Is Mine.” I still remember how inescapable that song was in 1998, and it’s easy to see why. Jerkin co-produced the track alongside Brandy and Dallas Austin, avoiding a full-on vocal showdown. Instead, the two young stars deliver a subdued, almost whispered exchange. It feels less like a competition between Mariah and Whitney and more like two friends having a heated argument at a sleepover—intense, personal, and hushed. This approach works precisely because it doesn’t overdo it.

The following single, “Top of the World,” featuring the in-demand rapper Mase, showcases Brandy's swagger, balancing confidence with humility. The next single, “Have You Ever,” was aimed at pop audiences. Written by Diane Warren and produced by David Foster, it highlights her maturing vocal abilities, bringing a soft vulnerability that never slips into melodrama.

Next up was “Almost Doesn’t Count,” another ballad that serves as the perfect follow-up to “Have You Ever.” Album cuts like “Happy,” “Almost Doesn’t Count,” and the title track “Never Say Never” reinforce the album’s emotional themes of love, doubt, and growth—Brandy seamlessly rides the beat rather than overpowering it.

“Never Say Never” is not just a product of its time; it serves as a blueprint for future artists. Brandy wasn’t trying to prove she could belt out high notes like the best; instead, she showcased a new kind of strength—calm, confident, and cool. Nearly three decades later, this choice still resonates today.

Final Grade: A

“Never Say Never” is available on all streaming platforms.