(July 10, 2019) In the beginning, love was so simple: he was into you, you were crazy about him. Embraces were effortless, kisses were constant and if you weren’t face-to-face, both of you were texting and making plans about Happily Ever After. But eventually, life happens, feelings can fade and neither of you know what’s next, and that affectionate-fueled doubt is what Daniel Caesar and Brandy are ruminating in their first-ever co-written collaboration, “Love Again.”
Mutual yearnings vs. shared mistrust: their vocals are both tender, yet tentative, as if Ms. Norwood and Mr. Caesar want to reunite but have to plod through the wavering walls that have been erected around their hearts: “You never know when to chill, always talk ’bout keep it real…. I guess that’s what happens when two fools be falling in love, mixing some pain and some passion / nothing is ever enough.” It’s an evocative and silky listen mood-wise, with Daniel’s cool cadence and Brandy’s depth and vocal agility mimicking the eternal ebb and flow that relationships tend to create.
The first single from Caesar’s new Case Study 101, “Love Again” reminds listeners of two truths: Daniel’s gifts are still revealing themselves and Brandy’s prowess never left. “Love Again” is an instantly appealing listen, even if the “what if?” remains unresolved (for now).
By Melody Charles
Daniel Caesar feat. Brandy
“Love Again”
