This 2005 compilation, remastered and re-released in 2008, brings together 18 of Brandy's biggest hits under one cover. On the strength of her first two albums alone, Brandy became one of the top-selling R&B artists of the 1990s, and the sleek, sexy urban sound of those tracks dominates this set, including "Baby," "I Wanna Be Down," and her smash hit duet with Monica, "The Boy is Mine."

Only a handful of tracks from Brandy's next two albums, FULL MOON and the Timbaland-produced AFRODISIAC, are represented. Given that cuts like "Afrodisiac" and "Who is She 2 U" are among Brandy's best, it's a shame more tunes from these albums weren't included. Nonetheless, it's hard to argue with the quality and generous quantity of THE BEST OF BRANDY, making it the ideal starting point for anyone new to the urban diva's charms.

Uncut (p.116) - 3 stars out of 5 - "Brandy's kept her R&B career on track in the face of competition..."