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"Borderline" is a song recorded by American recording artist Brandy for her seventh studio album B7 (2020). The song was written by Norwood along with DJ Camper, Kim Krysiuk, Al Sherrod Lambert and Charles McAllister, with production also handled by Camper. The dark, downtempo R&B ballad was released as the album's second single on July 31, 2020.

Background

"Borderline" sees Norwood confront her own insecurities and weaknesses within relationships, with her professing to be "the most jealous girl" and ultimately illustrating the darker, emotional loneliness that can take over a romantic relationship. In a June 25, 2020 interview with WCCG1045FM, Norwood revealed the second single from the album would be "Borderline", adding "if another artist were to have that song, were to sing that song, I would wish that song was my song." In an interview with the New York Post, Norwood shared the story behind the single, "I loved someone that was not available to be loved by me, and so that drove me crazy," adding, "I wanted to use my music as a way to start more conversations about mental health and how that’s something that we all need to work on every day." In an interview with The Grio, Norwood, "I’ve dealt with depression in the most severe … like severe depression. I’ve dealt with trauma. I’ve dealt with PTSD. I’ve gone through a lot and I had to overcome a lot, but I had to overcome everything that I’ve overcame by doing the work", turning to therapy, prayer, journaling and meditation.

Music video

Like "Baby Mama", the music video for B7's second single "Borderline" was directed by Derek Blanks and Frank Gatson. The premiere of the video online coincided with the album’s release on July 31, 2020. The video was shot socially-distanced, with a doctor on-set regularly testing people's temperatures.

Synopsis

The video sees Norwood performing "Borderline" in a nightclub, intercut by scenes in which she is forced into a straight-jacket and padded room, representing a psychiatric facility. The clip ends with a message showing support for all who need assistance in the US with regards to mental health issues.

Promotion

On August 19, 2020, Norwood released a behind-the-scenes video online about making the "Borderline" video. The four minute video showed Norwood as she prepared herself for the acting elements of the video, revealing that her friend Tasha Smith worked as her acting coach throughout the shoot. "I wanted to do a video that could show the change that I could make if I'm hurt or disturbed I overcame that. I'm in a better space now." It was also revealed that Norwood's nightclub scenes had been inspired by Diana Ross's portrayal of Billie Holliday in Lady Sings the Blues.

Critical reception

Joel Campbell from The Voice called the track "dark" and "edgy" and referred to the video as "haunting the darker, emotional loneliness that can take over a romantic relationship." Jennifer Gonsalves for MEA Worldwide wrote that the album felt "like an out-of-body experience, with Brandy's whispery vocals being the magic carpet that gently guides you through a journey from pain and loss to self-discovery and love", specifically picking out "Borderline" as "probably one of the best representations of this form of storytelling". Many called "Borderline" the "realest song in career". Urban Bridges praised the track, stating that Norwood was "showing her full vulnerability and truth on one track".

In a review for the album, Soul Bounce called "Borderline" a "standout", adding that the track would "definitely going to get many repeat spins." Quentin Harrison for Albumism described the song as one of “three vibrant performances that will go down as some of Brandy’s finest."

Chart performance

"Borderline" debuted at number 29 on Billboard's Adult R&B Songs chart week ending August 22, 2020.

Release history

References

1. "Brandy's new album "B7" is out now". The Voice. August 3, 2020. Retrieved August 4, 2020.
2. "The Exclusive SitDown w/ Brandy". WCCG1045FM. June 25, 2020. Retrieved July 19, 2020.
3. Arnold, Chuck (August 6, 2020). "Brandy talks Kanye, Whitney and her first album in eight years". New York Post. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
4. Gaynor, Gerren Keith (August 7, 2020). "Brandy talks new album 'B7' and overcoming 'severe' depression". Retrieved August 7, 2020.
5. "Brandy Goes Beyond the Brink in 'Borderline'". Soul Bounce. July 31, 2020. Retrieved August 1, 2020.
6. "Brandy - "Borderline" (Behind The Scenes)". August 19, 2020. Retrieved August 21, 2020.
7. Powell, Jon (July 31, 2020). "Brandy delivers new visual for "Borderline"". revolt.tv. Retrieved August 1, 2020.
8. Weiss, Mike (July 31, 2020). "Brandy Drops 'B7,' Rolls Out "Borderline" Video". Idolator. Retrieved August 1, 2020.
9. "Brandy - "Borderline" (Behind The Scenes)". YouTube. August 19, 2020. Retrieved August 21, 2020.
10. Campbell, Joel (August 3, 2020). "Brandy's new album 'B7' is out now". Retrieved August 5, 2020.
11. Gonsalves, Jennifer (July 30, 2020). "'B7' Review: Brandy cements herself as R&B royalty with first album in 8 years and 'Borderline' video". Retrieved August 5, 2020.
12. "Brandy Showcases Full Vulnerability and Truth in New Borderline Visual Single". Urban Bridgez. August 3, 2020. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
13. "Brandy Finds Herself On New Album 'B7'". Soul Bounce. July 30, 2020. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
14. "Brandy Goes Beyond The Brink In 'Borderline'". Soul Bounce. July 31, 2020. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
15. Harrison, Quentin (August 2, 2020). "Brandy Embraces Substance Over Artifice, Delivers Watershed Moment with 'B7'". Retrieved August 8, 2020.
16. "Chart History Brandy". Billboard. August 18, 2020. Retrieved August 18, 2020.
17. "Brandy Chart History (Adult R&B Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved August 18, 2020.
18. "Borderline – Single". iTunes (Apple). July 31, 2020. Retrieved August 5, 2020.

• 2020 singles
• Brandy Norwood songs
• Songs written by Brandy Norwood
• 2020 songs
• Entertainment One singles