Never Say Never

Released in 1998, Never Say Never is Brandy's second studio album and the project that solidified her status as the 'Vocal Bible.' Following the success of her debut, Brandy partnered with producer Rodney Jerkins to create a sound that was more mature, dark, and rhythmically sophisticated. The album is most famous for 'The Boy Is Mine,' a duet with Monica that spent 13 weeks at number one, but the record's true legacy lies in its technical innovation. Brandy's use of dense vocal stacking and intricate harmony arrangements influenced a generation of singers, from Frank Ocean to SZA. The album also features a notable cover of Bryan Adams' '(Everything I Do) I Do It for You,' reimagined as a soulful R&B ballad. Critically, it was praised for its polished production and Brandy's vocal growth, marking a pivotal moment where teen pop evolved into sophisticated adult contemporary R&B.