The Jacksons, The Sylvers, and The Winans are some of the names that come to mind when you use family names in black music. In 2008, Def Jam was hopeful that Harrell, another family name, would transition to success. Grady, Anthony, Jared, Cheyenne, and Jacob were Collectively known as Brutha, and their self-titled debut is this week’s pick for Second Listen Sunday.
Before releasing the album, the group appeared on a reality show BET titled Brothers to Brutha, highlighting their debut album’s making. The group had been grinding for years, with Anthony being the most active, providing the singing voice for a young Michael Jackson in The Jacksons: An American Dream and acting stints on Saved By The Bell: The New Class and Kids. He incorporated both of which displayed his singing talent.
The album’s debut single is an up-tempo track titled “I Can’t Hear The Music” featuring a Hot 16 by Fabolous. The song’s lyrics are straightforward, expressing the feeling of being so captivated by a dance partner’s beauty that you don’t hear the music you’re dancing to. It celebrates the joy of love and togetherness. The song’s catchy hook and dynamic performance make it an outstanding debut single that still resonates with listeners today.
For the second single, the group went the ballad route in the form of “She’s Gone.” Here the group explores the aftermath of a failed relationship, with lead vocalist Anthony crooning of the regret of his partner leaving. The lyrics convey a sense of heartbreak and self-reflection that we can all relate to when lacking back on why a good relationship failed.
Due to the album’s underperformance, there wasn’t a third single. However, there were a few potential winners on the album. One of the modern R&B songwriting greats, Ne-Yo, blessed the group with a fire slow jam in the form of “Set It Off,” which sets the mood. The smooth production, layered with lush synths and subtle percussion, creates an atmospheric backdrop that perfectly complements the seductive lyrics.
While I give Brutha credit for their ability to switch between heartfelt ballads and more upbeat tracks, the album basks in consistent quality. Like many group debuts, a slight drawback is the occasional lack of lyrical depth, often relying on tried and tested topics of love. However, the sibling’s compelling performances and genuine emotion infused into their vocals compensate for this minor limitation.
To date, this album is the group’s only mainstream release as the members decided to focus on solo projects. Nevertheless, this was a solid debut for a group that had potential.
Final Grade: B
Brutha is available on all streaming platforms
For their second single, the group presented a ballad entitled “Feels Like The First Time.” Once again, Greene handles the lyrics, while Neville Hodge is responsible for production duties. Greene begins the song with robust energy, proclaiming his love for the lady. Greene’s group members provide stellar work on the background vocals, and the songs eschew nineties R&B without going into crass vulgarity.
The ballad was composed by Michael Masser and lyricist Gerry Goffin, and it was first recorded by Dionne Warwick in 1981. Eight years later, Natalie Cole covered the song, shortening the title. It became the fourth single from her twelfth album, “Good to Be Back.”
Braxton’s vocal talent is perfect on the standards “Christmas Time Is Here,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “The Christmas Song.” However, like any good R&B Christmas album, it is the soulful yuletide bops where Braxton truly shines. The album’s first single, “Snowflakes of Love,” is instrumental of Earl Klugh’s “Now We’re One”. Braxton’s lush vocals encapsulate the warmth and joy of romantic love amidst a wintery backdrop.