"Wildest Dreams" | ||||
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Single by Brandy | ||||
from the album Two Eleven | ||||
Released | August 28, 2012 | |||
Genre | R&B | |||
Length | 4:28 | |||
Label |
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Songwriter(s) |
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Producer(s) |
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Brandy singles chronology | ||||
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"Wildest Dreams" is a song recorded by American recording artist Brandy for her sixth studio album, Two Eleven (2012). It was written by Sean Garrett, Justin Henderson and Christopher Whitacre, with production helmed by Henderson and Whitacre under their production moniker Tha Bizness. "Wildest Dreams" is a mid-tempo R&B ballad which was inspired by R&B music from the 1990s and has lyrics which speak about the disbelief for finding love again. It was inspired by Norwood finding love with music executive Ryan Press. Garrett, who wrote nine songs for Two Eleven, noticed the Norwood and Press's connection and adapted the lyrics for "Wildest Dreams".
The song was released for digital download on August 28, 2012, serving as the second single from the album. It managed to peak at number 68 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart but failed to enter the Billboard Hot 100 and reached the top twenty of the South Korean Gaon Chart. An accompanying music video for "Wildest Dreams", directed by American photographer Matthew Rolston, was filmed in Los Angeles, California in October 2012 and released to a positive reception by reviewers the following month.
In early 2009 songwriter Amanda Ghost was appointed president of Norwood's record label Epic Records. [1] and after much restructuring Norwood's future with the label seemed uncertain. An interview with producer Tricky Stewart in November 2011 would reveal that Norwood's contract had been terminated with Epic Records and much of the material she had recorded for sixth album Two Eleven would remain at Epic, some of which was assigned to other artists. [2] [3] Norwood's joint record deal with RCA and producer Breyon Prescott's Chameleon Records was finalized in late 2010, however, it was not announced to the public until August 2011, when it was also confirmed that Norwood's sixth studio album would be released in 2012. After Norwood was signed in late 2010, professional recording and submissions for the album began. [4]
One of nine songs that Sean Garrett wrote or co-wrote for the album, [5] "Wildest Dreams" was confirmed to be the album's second single on August 20, 2012 during an album listening party at Germano Studios, New York City. [6] Previously Norwood had advocated for a song called "Without You" to be the second single while the label had initially wanted "So Sick" to be the second single. [7] The song made its world premiere on August 21, 2012. [8] It was released for digital download from August 28, 2012. [9]
"Wildest Dreams" is a mid-tempo R&B song written by Sean Garrett, Justin Henderson and Christoper Whitacre, with production helmed by the latter two under the production company moniker Tha Bizness. [10] Described by Norwood as a "90s 2012 record", "Wildest Dream" contains strong themes about love. Speaking on the song's content Norwood said, "It's about love. It's about falling in love with someone and it's almost like it's too good to be true. It's a mid-tempo." [11] The song focuses on falling in love and it feeling better than one could have imagined. [12] MTV Buzzworthy described the song as a throwback to "classic R&B" with a "laidback" tone. [13] Steven J. Horrowitz from Rolling Stone described the base of the song was described as "thawacking percussion" and melodic production. [14]
"I reconnected with [Ryan] because I had met him before, we kinda fell in love. Basically the song is just about me feeling like, "Wow. I can't believe this is really happening." He loves me for every personality I have. He loves me for every flaw. He accepts me as who I am and he can see me for who I am. He's dope for that. I see him too. So, never in my wildest dreams..."
The title of the song is built around the recurring lines: "And now I'm receiving abundance of love/ And I get it/ But never could imagine it/ Never in my wildest dreams, no, no, no/ Did I think someone could care about me, oh/ Not just the way you love me". [13] A introspective ballad, "Wildest Dreams" includes the lyrics "Never in my wildest dreams did I think someone could care 'bout me/ Not just the way you love me, but you know I'm emotional (sometimes)." [14] During the course of the song, Norwood mentions herself several times, [6] with lines like "It's hard to hold back tears whenever you hold me close, I think about the years and been saying this is all I want, Just wanted someone real to love me for me, me, just Brandy." [12] MTV Buzzworthy compared the songs to Norwood's previous singles "Full Moon" (2002) and "Right Here (Departed)" (2008). [13] Norwood said that the song was inspired by her newfound love with music executive Ryan Press. [15]
The song received critical acclaim. Mark Edward Nero from About.com called the song "one of the album's highlights". He felt that it "manages to be both strong and vulnerable at the same time, something that could also be said about the album as a whole." [16] Andrew Chan, writing for Slant Magazine, found that "kicking off with a hard-knocking throwback beat, the opening seconds pit two familiar Brandys against each other—an ethereal flurry of stacked harmonies against a robotic delivery reminiscent of her style on 2002's futuristic-sounding Full Moon ." He felt it were the verses "that bring the surprise: a raw, almost abrasive rasp in her tone, complemented by a needle-on-vinyl crackle looped in the background." [17] Jenna Hally Rubenstein from MTV News 'Buzzworthy blog was impressed with "Wildest Dreams", praising Norwood's "lush vocals", the song's melodic production and the strong sentiments of love in the lyrics. [13] Billboard 's Andrew Hampp declared "Wildest Dreams" "arguably its strongest moment" on the album, and wrote: "[It] is a return to the beat-driven ballads upon which Brandy built her name in the 90s, with warm layers of piano and even jazz flute that recall 1995's "Best Friend." [18] Allmusic, Rap-Up and USA Today ranked the song among their favorite tracks on the album. [19] [20] [21]
The music video for "Wildest Dreams" was directed by American photographer Matthew Rolston, marking his third collaboration with Norwood following their work on the videos for her singles "Best Friend" (1995) and "Afrodisiac" (2004). [22] As confirmed by Norwood via Twitter, the clip was filmed in Los Angeles, California on October 11, 2012, featuring choreography by Frank Gatson Jr. [23] [24] A 30-second preview of the music video was shown on BET's 106 & Park on October 16, 2012. [23] The full video premiered on November 2, 2012 on the music video countdown format. Since the premiere the video has reached the top spot on the countdown, which is the second of her videos to do so this year. [25]
A stylized performance video, "Wildest Dreams" features Norwood performing the song onstage in front of cheering fans inside a warehouse, flanked by three back-up singers. [26] Intercut with black-and-white solo shots, Norwood wears skimp blue-jean shorts with red boots in the visuals. [26]
The video garnered a generally positive reception by reviewers. Keenan Higgins from Vibe magazine wrote that the clip felt like a celebration of the success of the Two Eleven album and commented "it's definitely great to see Brandy back at it, and killing it like it's 1998 all over again." [25] Melinda Newman, writing for HitFix , found that Norwood was bringing it "old school with the new video." Though she questioned why "there's no room in the video for anything other than Brandy's legs", she declared it as "sexy without ever crossing a line." [26] Sam Lansky of Idolator remarked that Norwood was "keeping it simple in the video," and complimented "how effectively Brandy works out that choreography: Wearing high-waisted shorts and looking like she's about 80% legs, Brandy shows she can still pop with the best of 'em. It's clean and elegant. Even with crazy competition, Brandy still does R&B better than the rest." [27] Juicy magazine writer Shirea L. Carroll stated the clip was "filled with Beyoncé-esque choreography," which was proving that Norwood "knows how to make 90s R&B current." [28] Blogging website Perezhilton.com called the video "dandy and will make you do the opposite facial expression of the frowny." [29]
Credits adapted from the liner notes of Two Eleven. [10]
The song debuted on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart at number 93 during the week of September 21, 2012. It peaked at number 68 during the week of October 13, 2012.
Chart (2012) | Peak position |
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South Korean Gaon International Chart [30] | 19 |
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard ) [31] | 68 |
US R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay ( Billboard ) [32] | 44 |
Region | Date | Format(s) | Label | Ref. |
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Various | August 21, 2012 | Premiere | Chameleon, RCA Records | [9] |
United States | August 28, 2012 | Digital download | [33] | |
Germany | August 31, 2012 | Sony Music Entertainment | [34] | |
United States | September 11, 2012 | Urban AC | Chameleon, RCA | [35] |
Brandy Rayana Norwood, better known mononymously as Brandy, is an American singer, songwriter and actress. Her sound is characterized by heavy voice-layering and melisma. As of 2024, she has sold over 40 million records worldwide, with approximately 8.62 million albums sold in the United States. Her work has earned her numerous awards and accolades, including a Grammy Award and an American Music Award.
Brandy is the debut studio album by American singer Brandy. It was released on September 27, 1994, by Atlantic Records. Chiefly produced by Keith Crouch, the album contains a range of contemporary genres, including hip-hop, pop-soul, and R&B. Aside from Crouch, Norwood worked with a range of other writers and producers, including R&B group Somethin' for the People, Arvel McClinton, and Damon Thomas.
Afrodisiac is the fourth studio album by American singer Brandy. It was released on June 25, 2004, by Atlantic Records. The album was recorded primarily in Los Angeles between spring 2003 and early 2004, following several major changes in Brandy's personal and professional life. After giving birth to her daughter and the demise of her relationship with Big Bert, Brandy's team was given an overhaul, including changes in production, management, and A&R. The album marked a departure from her previous work, with Brandy collaborating with producer Timbaland and songwriter Candice Nelson on the majority of the album's composition.
Full Moon is the third studio album by American singer Brandy. It was released by Atlantic Records on March 5, 2002 in the United States. The album was recorded primarily during the summer and fall of 2001 at the Hit Factory Criteria in Miami, amid a three-year musical hiatus following the success of her multi-platinum previous studio album Never Say Never (1998) and the finale of her highly successful television sitcom Moesha in May 2001. As with Never Say Never, Brandy collaborated with producer Rodney Jerkins and his Darkchild production and songwriting team on the majority of the album's composition, while Mike City, Warryn Campbell, and Keith Crouch contributed additional production.
"Talk About Our Love" is a song recorded by American singer Brandy for her fourth studio album Afrodisiac (2004). It was written by Kanye West, who also appears as a featured artist on it, and Harold Lilly, while production was handled by the former. Due to the song's use of a sample of Mandrill's 1978 song "Gilly Hines", band members Claude Cave II, and Carlos, Louis, and Ricardo Wilson are also credited as writers. Lyrically, "Talk About Our Love" is about a relationship lacking support from family and friends.
"Afrodisiac" is a song by American recording artist Brandy. It was written by Isaac Phillips, Kenisha Pratt, Kenneth Pratt and Timbaland for her same-titled fourth studio album (2004), with production was handled by the latter. One of the first songs Norwood and Timbaland collaborated on, the record is an uptempo–offbeat contemporary R&B song with pop and dance-pop elements, built along on a flute, Afro-Caribbean music influences and 1980s electro sounds. Considered by Norwood as one of her favorites on the album, the track expresses a female's addictive passion for a special person, whom she declares her very own aphrodisiac.
"Angel in Disguise" is a song recorded by American singer Brandy for her second studio album Never Say Never (1998). It was written by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Fred Jerkins III, LaShawn Daniels, Traci Hale, and Tye-V Turman, and was produced by Jerkins along with Brandy. The song was recorded and mixed by audio engineer Dave Way at the Pacifique Recording Studios in North Hollywood, California and features prominent backing vocals by singer Joe.
American singer Brandy Norwood entered the music business as a backing vocalist for R&B boy bands such as Immature, prior to launching her own career in 1994. Her discography, as a solo artist, includes eight studio albums, one compilation album, one extended play, 42 singles, 46 album appearances and 26 soundtrack appearances. Norwood has sold over 8.6 million albums in the United States, and more than 40 million records worldwide. Additionally, she has won over 100 awards as a recording artist. In 1999, Billboard ranked Norwood among the top 20 of the Top Pop Artists of the 1990s.
"I Wanna Be Down" is the debut single of American recording artist Brandy from her self-titled debut album (1994). It was written by musicians Keith Crouch and Kipper Jones, with production helmed by the former, it was released on September 5, 1994, by the Atlantic Recording Corporation. The song is a mid-tempo track that features a thunderous beat and light synth riffs. Lyrically, "I Wanna Be Down" describes a flirt with a boy, who Norwood tries to convince of her loveliness.
Brandy Norwood, an American singer, songwriter and actress, has released various music videos. She first appeared in the music video for her debut single "I Wanna Be Down (1994). The Keith Ward-directed clip won the Billboard Music Award for Best New Clip, R&B/Urban. A second version, shot alongside female rappers MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, and Yo-Yo for the Human Rhythm Hip Hop Remix of "I Wanna Be Down", earned Norwood her first MTV Video Music Award nomination in the Best Rap Video at the 1995 ceremony, and received Billboard Music Award and Billboard Music Video Award nods. Norwood's video for follow-up "Baby", a collaboration with director Hype Williams, garnered a Best Choreography nomination at the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards. Other videos from the album included for the singles "Best Friend", and "Brokenhearted".
"Right Here (Departed)" is a song by American recording artist Brandy Norwood. It was written by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins and The Writing Camp members Evan "Kidd" Bogart, Victoria Horn, Erika Nuri, and David "DQ" Quiñones and produced by Jerkins for her fifth studio album, Human (2008). Not recorded until late into the production of the album, it set much of the tone for the final Human track listing as it was the first out of several new songs Norwood and Jerkins recorded together following his absence on her previous album Afrodisiac (2004). Its lyrics chronicle a woman's talks about mutual support with loved ones.
Human is the fifth studio album by American singer Brandy. It was released on December 5, 2008 by Epic Records, Knockout Entertainment and Koch Records. The album was Norwood's debut Epic Records release, following her split with Atlantic Records in 2005, and her reunion with longtime collaborator and mentor Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, who executively produced and wrote most of the album with his songwriting collective.
"Long Distance" is a song by American recording artist Brandy Norwood. It was written by Bruno Mars, Philip Lawrence, Jeff Bhasker, and Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, and was co-produced by Jerkins and Mars for her fifth studio album Human (2008) based on a demo by Mars. It appears as the seventh track on the album on which it is interluded by a telephone conversation between two lovers. The lyrics of the piano–led power ballad describe the protagonist's emotional state towards an ongoing long-distance relationship, which leaves her in depression.
Two Eleven is the sixth studio album by American recording artist Brandy. Released on October 16, 2012, it served as the singer's debut release with Chameleon Entertainment and RCA Records after departing from Epic Records soon after releasing her previous album, Human (2008). The album's title is taken from Norwood's birthday; it is also the day on which her idol and friend, entertainer Whitney Houston died eight months before Two Eleven's release.
"Put It Down" is a song by American singer Brandy featuring Chris Brown. Taken from her sixth studio album Two Eleven (2012), it was written and produced by Sean Garrett, Shondrae "Bangladesh" Crawford and Dwayne "Dem Jointz" Abernathy along with Brown, telling the story of Norwood complimenting a prospective beau on his swag. The bass-heavy, R&B up-tempo track served as Norwood's first release under RCA Records, since signing to Chameleon Records under the label, and was released to US digital outlets on May 4, 2012.
"Scared of Beautiful" is a song by American recording artist Brandy Norwood from her sixth studio album, Two Eleven (2012). It was written by Frank Ocean, Warryn Campbell and Breyon Prescott while production was handled by Campbell and Prescott. Not specifically written for Norwood, the song was one out of several songs Ocean crafted with production duo Midi Mafia. It was later submitted to her team, with whom she recorded a new version with a widely different instrumental for her album, consisting essentially of synthesizers and electric guitars. A mid-tempo R&B ballad, "Scared of Beautiful" finds Norwood, as the protagonist, thinking about self and self-growth and being fearless.
"Beggin & Pleadin" is song by American recording artist Brandy. It was written by Ronald Colson, Warren "Oak" Felder, Kirby Lauryen, Steve Mostyn, Andrew "Pop" Wansel, and Brandy, while production was helmed by Pop & Oak, Mostyn, and Colson. "Beggin & Pleadin'" is influenced by 1950s blues, particularly the music of Ray Charles. The song is unconventionally built on a modern trap beat, and samples John Lee Hooker's song "Boom Boom". Autobiographical in nature, the lyrics are a point of view account of a female protagonist, who sings cathartically about her mercurial temperament, following an inflammatory argument with her fiancé.
"Baby Mama" is a song recorded by American singer Brandy, featuring rapper Chance the Rapper. It was written by Norwood, Chance, Akil King, and Kimberly "Kaydence" Krysiuk for her seventh studio album B7 (2020), while production was helmed by Hit Boy and Norwood along with LaShawn Daniels. Built upon a bass-heavy, horn-led beat and a joyful melody, the R&B track is a Mother's Day anthem that pays homage to single mothers, while also celebrating Norwood's love for daughter Sy'rai.
B7 is the seventh studio album by American singer Brandy. It was released on July 31, 2020, through her own label Brand Nu, Inc. and eOne Music. Her first studio album since Two Eleven (2012), the album features production from Darhyl Camper, Jr. and LaShawn Daniels, among others. B7 is an R&B album exploring themes such as self-love, tumultuous romantic relationships, mental health and single motherhood.
"Borderline" is a song by American singer Brandy Norwood. It was written by Norwood along with Darhyl "DJ" Camper, Kimberly "Kaydence" Krysiuk, Al Sherrod Lambert and Charles McAllister for her seventh studio album B7 (2020), with production handled by Norwood, Camper and LaShawn Daniels. Norwood's favorite song on the album, "Borderline" channels the song "Angel in Disguise" from her 1998 album Never Say Never. A dark and moody downtempo R&B ballad, it features Norwood voice over a ticking hi-hat. Lyrically, the song addresses borderline personality disorder at its emotional brink, examining the mental-health side effects of an unrequited love.
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