Brenda Russell, the multi-Grammy nominated singer, songwriter, and Broadway composer, has been a trailblazer in the worlds of R&B, soul, and jazz for over four decades. With a career that spans across genres and generations, she continues to evolve as an artist, blending soulful romance with urban jazz and adult contemporary R&B. Her latest single, "You Know What It’s Like," marks a monumental moment in her career, not only because of its inherent sensuality and soul, but because it’s also a precursor to her highly anticipated album Songpainter—her first in two decades.The release of "You Know What It’s Like" is a reflection of Russell’s return to her roots while maintaining a forward-thinking vision in her music. The track captures the sophisticated blend of sensual romance and smooth melodies that have long been the hallmark of Russell’s sound. But the song also signifies more: it is an emotional tribute to her late friend, the legendary Roberta Flack, with whom she co-wrote the tune. Originally recorded by Flack on her Oasis album, Brenda decided to bring the song back into the spotlight and reimagine it with her own signature touch.
The Song's Inspiration and Sound
Produced by Brenda herself, alongside her long-time collaborator Stephan Oberhoff (whose credits include Burt Bacharach, Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, and Al Jarreau), "You Know What It’s Like" is a Brazilian-flavored, smooth jazz-infused ballad. Its lush, dreamy vibes create the perfect backdrop for Brenda’s deeply soulful voice, which delivers lyrics that convey both longing and intimacy. The song’s reflective lyrics express the kind of love that many can relate to—the yearning and connection between two people who are in perfect sync emotionally.
Brenda's passion for the track is evident as she sings, “Your smile is amazing / I miss you the moment that you’re gone from my arms / A fire I’ve waited for so long...But you know, you know what it’s like / When love feels, everything feels right, so right.” The lyrics resonate with her own sense of longing, while referencing the kind of love that transcends distance and time.
In an added nod to her own musical history, Brenda slyly inserts the phrase “So Good (So Right)” in the second verse of “You Know What It’s Like.” This phrase recalls the title of her 1979 debut single, which was also a Top 10 hit on the Adult Contemporary charts.
A Special Collaboration with Roberta Flack
Brenda Russell’s collaboration with Roberta Flack is a testament to their deep mutual respect and admiration. The two artists met during their respective careers, with Flack once dating a close friend of Brenda’s. Their bond grew stronger over time, culminating in a memorable performance together in Japan at the Earth Voice Concert, alongside Michael McDonald and James Ingram.
Recalling their time together, Brenda says, “We respected one another’s music so much, and Roberta simply reached out one day, asking me to write a song with her. She sent me a track of her musicians playing the music and chords, and I wrote the lyrics and melody.”
Though the song was originally recorded by Flack, Brenda felt a deep connection to it, and she knew it was the right fit for her upcoming album Songpainter. Her version not only honors Roberta’s legacy but also updates the song with a fresh, contemporary feel that still carries a vintage 80s R&B vibe. A music publisher who heard the track even compared it to the work of Donald Fagen of Steely Dan, a compliment that Brenda was thrilled to receive, as it underscores her ability to craft music that is both timeless and innovative.
The Role of Brian Alexander Morgan
One of the elements that elevate "You Know What It’s Like" is the backing vocal arrangement by Brian Alexander Morgan, a respected producer and songwriter known for his work with SWV, Usher, and Missy Elliott, among others. The collaboration began serendipitously when Brenda and Morgan crossed paths while picking up food at a local Thai restaurant. Brenda noticed Morgan’s Pink Floyd t-shirt and struck up a conversation, quickly realizing they shared a mutual respect for each other’s work.
Brenda gave Morgan a demo of the track, and he offered to create a dynamic, five-part vocal harmony arrangement that would complement Brenda’s lead vocals. Inspired by classic groups like Take 6, Morgan’s harmonies bring a new dimension to the song, transforming it into a stunning fusion of contemporary production and classic soul influences. According to Brenda, “Brian created a whole new piece of artistry with those vocal harmonies. I always liked the song, but when you combine what Brian did vocally with what we created in the production, it gave me exactly what I was looking for in my next single.”
The collaborative effort between Brenda, Morgan, and Stephan Oberhoff brought together a wealth of talent, resulting in a track that both honors the past and embraces the present. The combination of Brazilian jazz vibes, lush harmonies, and sophisticated production ensures that "You Know What It’s Like" is a standout addition to Brenda's extensive catalog.
A Career of Enduring Influence
Brenda Russell's career has been nothing short of legendary. Her deep, soulful voice and impeccable songwriting skills have earned her critical acclaim, numerous awards, and a devoted following. Over the course of four decades, she has released iconic albums and written songs that have shaped the sound of adult contemporary R&B and urban jazz. Songs like “Piano in the Dark” and “Get Here” have become timeless classics, solidifying her place in music history.
One of Brenda’s greatest accomplishments came in 1988 with her breakthrough album Get Here, which included the global hit “Get Here.” The song was later covered by Oleta Adams, whose 1991 version became a massive hit, reaching #5 on the U.S. charts and #4 in the UK. Brenda's version, along with her Grammy-nominated hit “Piano in the Dark,” helped to define her signature sound. But Brenda’s success extends beyond her own recordings. As a gifted songwriter, she has written songs that have been recorded by artists such as Luther Vandross, Donna Summer, Babyface, and Mary J. Blige, among many others.
In addition to her successful music career, Brenda Russell’s contributions to Broadway are equally noteworthy. In collaboration with Stephen Bray and the late Allee Willis, Brenda co-wrote the music for The Color Purple, the Tony Award-winning musical based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Brenda’s work on the musical earned her a Tony nomination for Best Original Score, and in 2016, she won her first Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album for the cast recording of the Broadway revival.
The musical’s influence extended beyond the stage, with a 2023 film adaptation directed by Blitz Bazawule, which included updated versions of Brenda’s co-writes, including “Shug Avery Coming To Down.” Brenda’s collaboration with Stephen Bray and Siedah Garrett on the updated score continued the legacy of The Color Purple, which remains one of the most important pieces of contemporary theater.
Legacy and Impact
Brenda Russell’s career is marked by a unique blend of musical genres, transcending traditional boundaries and setting trends. Her contributions to music, both as a performer and as a songwriter, have shaped the sound of contemporary R&B, jazz, and pop. Her songs have not only resonated with audiences but have also been embraced by the next generation of artists, with her work being sampled by everyone from Janet Jackson to Ariana Grande.
As a writer, Brenda has penned hits for a diverse array of artists, including Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, and Ramsey Lewis. Her collaborations with Brazilian artist Ivan Lins, such as “She Walks This Earth,” have earned international acclaim, with Sting recording a version of the song that won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Male Vocal Performance.
Beyond her music, Brenda’s influence on Broadway and her work with The Color Purple have left an indelible mark on theater. Through her music and storytelling, she has impacted the cultural landscape in ways that few artists can claim.
Looking Ahead
With the release of “You Know What It’s Like” and her upcoming album Songpainter, Brenda Russell is poised to continue her legacy of crafting music that transcends time and genre. At a time when the world is navigating uncertainty, Brenda's music offers a sense of comfort and inspiration. She explains, “At this time in history, music’s most important job is to inspire us to be better people. I put a lot of love into my music and appreciate the opportunity to lift their spirits through the power of song.”
Brenda’s ability to connect deeply with her listeners, her enduring musicality, and her undeniable influence on both R&B and Broadway ensure that her place in music history is secure. As she continues to evolve as an artist, Brenda Russell remains a force to be reckoned with—a true pioneer whose music will continue to inspire generations to come.
Her latest work, Songpainter, promises to be yet another exciting chapter in an already illustrious career. Whether performing sultry ballads like "You Know What It's Like" or writing songs that shape the cultural zeitgeist, Brenda Russell’s legacy is far from finished—it's only just beginning.
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