Afrodisiac

Afrodisiac is sensuous, soulful, even a little gritty, an album that showcases Brandy's passionate voice and announces in no uncertain terms that she's all grown up and knows what she wants. The hot first single, "Talk About Our Love," was produced by and features Kanye West.

After a breakup, childbirth, and a reality show, the one-time teen star finds herself growing up a little more on Afrodisiac. While this isn't a concept album--the songs aren't ordered as such--it's filled with the frustrations and pleasures of Brandy's past few years. At the same time, her vocals are richer than ever, reaching a Blige-like level of expression on "I Tried" and "Who is She 2 U." Timbaland's production on nine cuts anchors the disc; he even makes the title track's sampled baby, a link to his classic work on Aaliyah's "Are You That Somebody," belong. The biggest triumph, though, is "Talk About Our Love," pop-soul from Kanye West that could come straight from the summer of '74, even including his rap. Further release comes with Timba's "Sadiddy," an anthemic celebration of being out on the town with a carload of friends. The girl may be older, but she still knows how to have fun. --Rickey Wright