Album Review - Reclamation by Baddie Brooks
Prior to the release of this album, Detroit-based artist Baddie Brooks called Reclamation “Her most meaningful project,” saying her album “Centers around uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community.”
Having performed throughout the Michigan music scene, Baddie Brooks has become a buzzworthy name, one that makes others question the ceiling of the multifaceted artist. However, with her debut album Reclamation, she uses this project as a testament to her abundance of talent.
Reclamation, in its essence, is a brilliant mash of euphoric production and angelic harmonies over songwriting that straddles the line between fun, uplifting, and for-better-or-for-worse, LGBTQ+ community honesty. The album's recurring themes ooze out of every note as Baddie Brooks’ ability to fuse house, pop, and R&B deliver substance-driven songwriting to create an album that feels less like an LGBTQ+ act of defiance and more like the apotheosis of the community and the daily truths of Brooks’ experience.
Whether its songs about wanting the attention of your crush (“Telepath”), having a fun night out with the Gworlz and Gayz (“Buss Down Wig”), or dealing with the personally invasive issues that trans-people are subjected to on a daily basis (“Bathroom”), Brooks, throughout this album crafts song of Black-trans sincerity, not needing to explore the range of curiosity and consequence plotted against her identity, instead finding a way to showcase her kaleidoscope of artistry to tell her experience in a way that’s captivating and truly worth praise.
Production-wise, Reclamation is a well-dressed project. From the melodious introduction of “Telepath” and its interlude or the near-hauntingly crafted “Manipulator,” this project finds a way to remain eclectic, elegant, and serious when the time calls.
The production is a genuine highlight of this album, as it constantly finds a way to match Brooks’ energy while keeping you on your toes regarding the subject matter or the pure depth of its sheer calculated instrumentation.
If this is your first introduction to the multi-talented singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist, you will be pleasantly surprised at the album's range, execution, and quality of the 16-song album. I highly recommend giving this album several listens and finding your favorite track.
