There was still some of the busyness that detracted from Full Moon, but this album is nevertheless a significant improvement.  Brandy shows a great deal of conviction and believable emotion.  Brandy acted as vocal producer on the entire album, and taking greater creative control paid off.

When I heard Timbaland was doing the instrumentals, I feared he might have gotten carried away, being so good at making very dominant beats.  He did show off a bit, but usually not too much.

Timbaland is very talented in his own right.  It shouldn't be any surprise that there are some really dope beats on this album.  This time around, Bran did do a better job of keeping on top of the showy instrumentals.

I'd have liked to hear the vocals more ‘unplugged.’  While Brandy did do a very good job on vocals, the heavy use of layering tended to take focus away from them.  Still, a good number of songs on the album are particularly impressive.

“Who I Am” suggests a blunt look at Brandy's former relationship with producer Robert Smith.  The vocals are very well delivered.  The beat and vocals work well together.  In reaction to her apology to anyone disappointed:  Brandy, your true fans are not disappointed in you for being human and making mistakes, but instead are proud of you for the strength and maturity you've shown in overcoming.

The title track, “Afrodisiac,” is a catchy, playful number.  (And, if you want an “afrodisiac,” check out the video!)

On the more serious side, “Who Is She 2 U” demands a lying cheater to confess.  Brandy does a good job of imparting the hurt and frustration of being betrayed so.

“Talk About Our Love” is a strong performance from both Brandy and Kanye West.  This time, the rapper Brandy had appear on her album has skillz.

On the softer side, “Say You Will” is a very pretty song.  The gentle, sincere vocals in the verses are particularly beautiful, especially in the beginning where they're not layered.  Brandy also gives a strong performance in the upper range.  Now, you know I have to mention: if the guy knows just how lucky he is, he shouldn't even make her have to ask!

“Come As You Are” is also very nice.  The really thick beat and the vocals work together quite well, as opposed to clashing.  “Finally” is very effective both vocally and instrumentally; and again, the beat and vocals actually work together very well.

“How I Feel” has really beautiful vocals.  Brandy's got a very sweet, soft voice that works soo good in songs like this.

Same with “Should I Go.”  That song has really pretty and heartfelt vocals, and also a haunting instrumental that flows elegantly with the song.  (It's a Coldplay sample; Brandy's a fan of theirs, and mentions them elsewhere in the album.)  The layering that often bothers me is actually very effective in this song.

Brandy's performance on this album is not only skillful, but also personal, genuine, and beautiful; although I miss the vocal clarity that made Never Say Never my all-time favourite.  You will definitely want both in your music collection.