The exception to the rule!
author: The Riverfront Times
With a velveteen alto that's both natural and pristine -- something like a rose petal dipped in wax -- Johnson sounds almost otherworldly. She has a penchant for slow-moving songs with delicate instrumentation, but she shines when performing faster-paced songs, such as "It's Over," which showcase her sense of humor and vocal range. Johnson's latest album, worried/well, is a distinctive blend of evocative lyrics and enchanting sonic textures... Her lyrics and her music transcend the formulaic trappings typically imposed on girls with guitars. Johnson clearly understands the singer/songwriter rules, and she has no problem being the exception to them.
Read more...
A Stradivarius in the hands of a genius
author: www.indie-music.com
If it's possible to wear out a CD, then I'll be the first one to do it. "Worried/Well" is a swirl of musical styles, moody modern rock, happy pop, and jazz -- Natalie Merchant, Sarah McLachlan, or Tori Amos without all the weird. And although she's assembled a stellar cast of musicians, Johnson's voice still remains the focal point of the album. Her voice is as clear and evocative as a Stradivarius in the hands of a genius. It's what draws me in and holds me until the very end, or until the Repeat function kicks in again.
Read more...
Not just another Female Singer/Songwriter!
author: Innocent Words
What a long-needed relief it was to spin Brandy Johnson's CD! Expectations of "another female sing/songwriter" violently crashed through the window as the experimental sounds of a backward guitar part entered the room. With the vocal range of Sarah McLachlan mixed with a Garbage rock vibe. Brandy's voice never wears thin or becomes tiresome; not to mention that her lyrics are some of the best ever uttered from a female perspective. Her versatility is more than impressive, and her album is more than a joy to experience.
Read more...
Truly deserving of the term artist
author: Flush
Brandy excels at a style of songwriting that is equally cerebral and emotional, with interesting compositional quriks, layered arrangements and an overall sound that is memorably melancholy without ever being morose...Brandy is truly deserving of the term artist. Her musical brush strokes are broad and bright, and sometimes painted in slightly unfamiliar colors, shades (usually of blue) that you have to concentrate on to fully see the picture.
Read more...