Plans -
I didn’t know the cards were stacked.
In the wake of Brandon’s first solo single in 11 years, I give you the must listens from his first two albums (as if they aren’t all musts), along with an anecdote for each one.
FLAMINGO (released in 2010, an ode to Las Vegas)
Only The Young - Great music video, fun Vegas vibes, and Brandon does a dance move that he will usually include in live shows.
Was It Something I Said? - He sings about Valentina!
Magdalena - He did a great performance of this song on one of the late night shows. I tried looking for it, but I can’t find it. There is a really nice key change as well. We love a key change.
Crossfire - Brandon’s very first solo single. The music video has Charlize Theron!!
On The Floor - Here he sings about his mom teaching him how to pray. Really beautiful.
Swallow It - It sounds like a letter to his sons but it is actually a letter to his young self. We love the line “Be an advocate of joy!”
THE DESIRED EFFECT (released in 2015, an absolute pop mastery)
Dreams Come True - Just a larger than life JAM that kicks off the album.
Can’t Deny My Love - The first single from this album. The music video is based off a short story by Nathaniel Hawthorne and has Evan Rachel Wood in it! It’s fun and weird.
I Can Change - The harmonies are delicious. Features a voice note from Pet Shop Boy Neil Tennant.
Still Want You - We love everything about this song and music video.
Between Me And You - A really beautiful song about life and expectations and vulnerability.
Lonely Town - This is Brandon’s take on the song Every Breath You Take by The Police. The music video gives us shivers!
Like I said, why am I even telling you to skip songs. Don’t do it! Listen to the whole of each album like God and Brandon intended.
welcome back