Written by Phil Galdston & Gordon Chambers

Brandy Norwood, a.k.a. Brandy, was a R&B singing star and actress who scored big on the music charts of the nineties. Brandy’s songs included “Baby,” “Brokenhearted,” “Sitting Up In My Room, “The Boy Is Mine” with Monica and “Have You Ever.” The last two ditties were international #1s and both were part of her 5x platinum album, Never Say Never.

For that cd, David Foster produced the Diane Warren penned ballad, “Have You Ever” plus another couple of valuable album tracks. One was a cover of Bryan Adams’ hit, “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You,” and the other was the original song, “One Voice.” Both “Have You Ever” and “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” were already analyzed on this website and can be found in the archives.

“One Voice” is this week’s Song of the Week.

Composed by noted songwriters Phil Galdston and Gordon Chambers, “One Voice” was an evocative anthem loaded with gospel-tinged feels and optimistic lyrics. Brandy’s vocal was an impressive combination of finesse and passion. The young songbird shone on this number with the guidance of Foster’s studio greatness and his unique ear for superior vocal performances. Foster’s arrangement built an impressive landscape with an intense and powerful progression, a gorgeous gospel vocal ensemble and lush strings that fuel warmth to the atmosphere. Arranged by the incomparable Mervyn Warren of Take 6 fame, the all-star choir included the great Bebe Winans who added some tasteful vocal ad-libs together with other amazing vocalists like Carmen Twillie, Kristle Murden, Oren Waters and Bridgette Bryant. “One Voice” eventually became the official UNICEF theme song during their 50th anniversary celebration. 

As always, the Hitman was kind enough to add a few words about his work with Brandy: 

“I do remember thinking how remarkable she was. I had heard her on the Waiting To Exhale soundtrack, so I called Kenny [“Babyface” Edmonds] and asked him: ‘does she really sing that good?’ He said: ‘absolutely yes.’ I really can tell he was right cause her vocals were so perfect, so in tune and she could lay down harmonies in real time without ever stopping. You all know that I love those traits in a singer. It was a real joy to work with Brandy. 

One detail about “One Voice” was that I asked Mervyn Warren to arrange the choir and I absolutely loved his work. Mervyn is amazing! Hands down one of the best vocal arrangers ever.”

Listen

• Lead Vocals: Brandy
• Keyboards: David Foster
• Guitar: Michael Thompson
• Drum Programming: Chuckii Booker
• Synthesizer Programming: Felipe Elgueta
• Backing Vocals: Alex Brown, Alfie Silas, BeBe Winans, Bobette Jamison, Bridgette Bryant, Carmen Carter, Carmen Twillie, Donyle Jones, Dorian Holley, James McCrary, Kayla Parker, Kristle Murden, LaTonya Holman, Maxine Waters, Meri Thomas, Mervyn Warren, Mona Lisa Young, Nikisha Grier, Oren Waters, Richard Jackson, Ricky Nelson, Vatrena King, Willie R. Norwood Sr., Yvonne Williams

• Choir Arranged by Mervyn Warren
• Strings Arranged by David Foster and William Ross
• Produced & Arranged by David Foster

Lyrics

I had a dream, a crazy vision
It may sound strange, this intuition
But it was true beyond description
And somehow I knew that it was real
When I saw

One sky above, there is just one source of love
If I’ve got one chance, one choice
I’ll sing it from the heart
One song, one voice

I’ve seen the fires of deep division
The hearts of stone, the cold ambition
But I have found my sacred mission
To live in this world and still believe
That there is

One sky above, there is just one source of love
If I’ve got one chance, one choice
I’ll sing it from the heart
One song, one voice

A song that heals
A melody of reason and freedom
With words that will speak for the weak
The hopeful and the strong
Sing is for everyone

Cause there is one sky above
There is just one source of love
If I’ve got one chance, one choice
I’ll sing it from the heart
One song, one voice

Yes there is only one sky above
One source of love
If I got one chance, one choice
So sing it from the heart
One song, one voice

Sing it with one song
One voice

written by Bryan Adams, Michael Kamen & Robert John “Mutt” Lange

Bryan Adams’ “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” was one of the most successful power ballads of the nineties. It topped the charts selling over eight million copies worldwide. The ballad was co-written by the Canadian rocker with the late composer Michael Kamen and noted producer “Mutt” Lange.

Although it has been covered by many singers, one of the best renditions was recorded in 1998 by R&B diva Brandy under David Foster’s expert production. Around those days, the young singer was red-hot. Her five-time platinum album, “Never Say Never,” made a steady step into stardom. “Never Say Never” included Brandy’s very successful duet with Monica on “The Boy Is Mine.” Another #1 hit was “Have You Ever,” a Diane Warren ballad with a solid gold Foster’s production.

Brandy’s rendition of “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” was the final single released from the album. Foster’s clever arrangement was based on synths, piano and programmed drums which gave the song a different flavor, changing the original power ballad into an R&B hit. It was slower, tailor-made for Brandy’s style. The singer evidently took benefit from Foster’s immense experience with the best singers on the planet and her top-notch, flawless vocals proved he was right.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/i_do_it_for_you.mp3|titles=I Do It For You|artists=Brandy]

Lead Vocals: Brandy
Acoustic Piano & Keyboards: David Foster
Acoustic Guitar: Dean Parks
Electric Guitar: Michael Thompson
Synth Programming: Felipe Elgueta

Produced & Arranged by David Foster

Lyrics

Look in to my eyes
You will see what you mean to me
Search your heart, search your soul
Oh, when you find me there you’ll search no more

Don’t tell me it’s not worth tryin’ for
You can’t tell me it’s not worth dyin’ for
You know it’s true, everything I do, I do it for you

Look in to your heart, you will find
There is nothin’ there to hide
Take me as I am, take my life
I would give it all, I would sacrifice

Don’t tell me it’s not worth fightin’ for
I can’t help it, there’s nothin’ I want more
You know it’s true, everything I do, I do it for you

There is no love, like your love
An’ no other could give me more love
There’s nowhere, unless your there
All the time, all the way

Everything I do

You can’t tell me it’s not worth tryin’ for
I just can’t help it, there’s nothin’ in the world I want more
Oh, I would fight for you, yeah, I’d lie for you
Walk the wire for you, yeah, I’d die for you
You know it’s true, everything I do, I do it for you

written by Diane Warren

Brandy’s “Have You Ever” is a catchy pop/R&B ballad that was the third single released from young diva’s 1998, sophomore album, “Never Say Never.” Written by hit-maker, Diane Warren and produced by David Foster, “Have You Ever” reached the top of Billboard’s Hot 100 and #2 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The single was also certified platinum and became one of the year’s best sellers.

Musically is the typical Foster/Warren affair with an impeccable production, a memorable hook and a superior vocal performance by the young singer who hits some remarkably high notes as the songs develops to its climax.
“Never Say Never” was also a huge best seller thanks to Brandy’s noteworthy skills but also for the all star cast of superproducers who supported her on the project. Big names like Foster, Rodney Jerkins and Dallas Austin helped her deliver perfect tracks like the aforementioned “Have You Ever” and the top dance hit, “The Boy Is Mine” that was also a Grammy winner.
Foster produced two other good songs for the album. One is a solid cover of Bryan Adams’ “Everything I Do I Do It For You” while the second is an inspirational tune with a strong gospel flavor entitled “One Voice.” “Never Say Never” was certified five times platinum and remains Brandy’s most successful record to date.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/have_you_ever.mp3|titles=Have You Ever|artists=Brandy]

Lead Vocals: Brandy
Keyboards: David Foster
Guitars: Michael Thompson
Synclavier Programming: Simon Franglen

Produced & Arranged by David Foster

Lyrics

Have you ever loved somebody so much
It makes you cry
Have you ever needed something so bad
You can’t sleep at night
Have you ever tried to find the words
But they don’t come out right
Have you ever, have you ever

Have you ever been in love
Been in love so bad
You’d do anything to make them understand
Have you ever had someone steal your heart away
You’d give anything to make them feel the same
Have you ever searched for words to get you in their heart
But you don’t know what to say
And you don’t know where to start
[Chorus]

Have you ever found the one
You’ve dreamed of all of your life
You’d do just about anything to look into their eyes
Have you finally found the one you’ve given your heart to
Only to find that one won’t give their heart to you
Have you ever closed your eyes and
Dreamed that they were there
And all you can do is wait for the day when they will care
[Chorus]

What do I gotta do to get you in my arms baby
What do I gotta say to get to your heart
To make you understand how I need you next to me
Gotta get you in my world
‘Cuz baby I can’t sleep
[Chorus]