Borderline (Brandy song)
| Company type | Record label |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founder | Brandy Norwood (implied) |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Music distribution |
| Owner | Brandy Norwood (implied) |
Borderline is a track performed by American vocalist Brandy Norwood, co-written by Norwood alongside Darhyl "DJ" Camper, Kimberly "Kaydence" Krysiuk, Al Sherrod Lambert, and Charles McAllister for her seventh studio project, B7 (2020). The production credits include Norwood, Camper, and LaShawn Daniels. Regarded by Norwood as her preferred selection on the album, "Borderline" draws stylistic influence from "Angel in Disguise" off her 1998 release Never Say Never. This brooding, slow-tempo R&B ballad is marked by Norwood’s vocal delivery layered over a persistent ticking hi-hat. The lyrics delve into the emotional turmoil associated with borderline personality disorder and the psychological impact stemming from unreciprocated love.
The track received acclaim from critics who highlighted its minimalistic production and intimate tone, recognizing it as one of Norwood’s most compelling vocal showcases and a highlight of the album. Distributed by Brand Nu, Inc and eOne as the album’s second single on July 31, 2020, "Borderline" reached number 30 on the US R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart and climbed to number seven on the Adult R&B Songs chart. For the accompanying music video, Norwood reunited with director Derek Blanks and choreographer Frank Gatson, featuring visuals of her confined in a straitjacket. The song was part of her live set at both the Billboard Music Awards and the Soul Train Awards during 2020.
Background
The creation of "Borderline" involved songwriting contributions from Norwood, producer Darhyl "DJ" Camper, along with Kimberly "Kaydence" Krysiuk, Al Sherrod Lambert, and Charles McAllister. Production duties were shared among Norwood, Camper, and LaShawn Daniels. Central to the track is a ticking hi-hat rhythm that Norwood described as a “magical, kind of a dark beat” crafted specifically for B7. Drawing inspiration from an experience of unreturned affection, Norwood penned lyrics that confront insecurities within romantic relationships, expressing themes of emotional solitude and jealousy.
In an interview with the New York Post, she revealed, “I loved someone that was not available to be loved by me, and so that drove me crazy,” emphasizing her intention to initiate dialogue about mental health through her artistry. Speaking candidly about her battles with depression and PTSD in The Grio, Norwood shared that she managed these difficulties through therapy, prayer, journaling, and meditation. By June 2020, she expressed that if another artist were to perform "Borderline," she would hope it was her own song.
Critical reception
"Borderline" was met with extensive praise. Antwane Folk of Rated R&B described it as an "unavoidable track and the album's most prominent song," emphasizing Brandy's intricate vocal technique alongside the late LaShawn Daniels' detailed production work. Jennifer Gonsalves from MEA Worldwide characterized the album as an "out-of-body journey," with "Borderline" serving as a prime example of its narrative richness. Urban Bridgez commended Norwood for revealing her complete emotional openness on the song.
Joel Campbell of The Voice admired its "mesmerizing, slow-tempo rhythm," while Soul Bounce identified it as a highlight destined for numerous replays. Quentin Harrison of Albumism recognized it as one of three dynamic performances showcasing some of Brandy's finest artistry. On the other hand, Robin Murray, editor at Clash, found "Borderline" agreeable but less striking compared to other tracks on the album. AllMusic editor Andy Kellman listed the song among the essential cuts from B7, alongside "Rather Be," "Lucid Dreams," "Say Something," and "Baby Mama."
Music video
For the visual representation of "Borderline," Norwood reunited with Derek Blanks and Frank Gatson, shooting the video in July 2020 at the vintage-themed Parlour Room bar located on Yucca Street in Hollywood. The production adhered to social distancing measures and health protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Actress and Norwood’s friend Tasha Smith provided coaching during filming. The nightclub sequences drew creative influence from Diana Ross’s depiction of Billie Holiday in the 1972 film Lady Sings the Blues. The video debuted online simultaneously with the release of B7 on July 31, 2020.
The clip portrays Norwood performing "Borderline" inside a nightclub, intercut with imagery of her confined in a straight-jacket within a padded cell, symbolizing a mental health institution. Observers noted Norwood’s styling evoked Medusa, with serpent-like hair reflecting themes of jealousy and psychological turmoil aligned with the song’s content. The video ends by promoting mental health support resources available in the United States. Norwood explained that it symbolizes triumph over pain and inner conflict, illustrating her progression toward healing.
Live performances
Norwood delivered a rendition of "Borderline" during her Verzuz showdown against fellow R&B artist Monica on August 31, 2020, at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. On October 14, 2020, she debuted a live performance of "Borderline" as part of a medley including her 1999 hit "Almost Doesn't Count" and "No Tomorrow (Part 2)" featuring rapper Ty Dolla Sign, at the Billboard Music Awards. This appearance marked Norwood’s first Billboard Awards performance since 1995; she performed without an audience due to COVID-19 restrictions, wearing black trousers paired with a lace white top and a long jacket critics compared to a "straightjacket." The performance was well-received, with Stephen Daw from Billboard calling it "a breathtaking medley," and Andy Swift from TVLine describing it as a "victorious comeback." On November 29, 2020, Norwood presented "Borderline" within a medley at the 2020 Soul Train Music Awards, alongside her track "Say Something." This marked her first Soul Train appearance since earning the Lady of Soul Award in 2016.
Credits and personnel
Information adapted from the liner notes of B7.
- Andy Barnes – engineering
- DJ Camper – production, songwriting
- LaShawn Daniels – production
- Kimberly "Kaydence" Krysiuk – songwriting
- Al Sherrod Lambert – songwriting
- Jaycen Joshua – mixing, mastering
- Charles McAllister – songwriting
- Brandy Norwood – production, vocals, songwriting
- Earl "Ejay" Washington – engineering
Weekly charts
Template:Singlechart| Chart (2020) | Highest position |
|---|
Year-end charts
| Chart (2020) | Rank |
|---|---|
| US Adult R&B Songs (Billboard) | 43 |
| Chart (2021) | Rank |
|---|---|
| US Adult R&B Songs (Billboard) | 41 |
Release history
| Region | Release date | Format | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Various locations | July 31, 2020 | Digital download, streaming | Brand Nu, Inc., eOne |