“Full Moon” was the second single from Brandy’s third studio album with the same title, released in 2002. Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins produced most of the album, but Mike City was responsible for writing “Full Moon,” and he co-produced it with Brandy. The song about finding instant love in a club started with an ambient synth and a piano phrase built for jazz before Brandy’s smoothly controlled vocals take over. She starts flexing her innate ability to hold the notes with her special timing as the muddy bass, synthesizer, and steady snare taps create a cosmic vibe. Brandy has said that the main influence for the album was Timbaland and Aaliyah. The song acknowledged the power of a full moon, including the chance to experience love at first sight. Mike City took on the challenge of completing Brandy’s vision for the song and completed the whole thing within a few weeks.
He entered a new creative territory, departing from the sound he crafted for people like Carl Thomas, Dave Hollister, and Sunshine Anderson in the past. Brandy got even more creative with the hook that had feathery staircase runs and infrared harmony. Her sensual performance and inventive vocalisms have made fans and critics agree that “Full Moon” is one of her best singles. Full Moon, the album, is considered part of Brandy’s sacred trinity of essential albums, including her sophomore album, Never Say Never, and Aphrodisiac, which came after Full Moon. In 2025, Brandy is referred to as the Vocal Bible, and her far-reaching influence on contemporary singers is still underrated. She will release her first memoir in October of 2025.
