“Borderline” is a song recorded by American recording artist Brandy for her seventh studio album B7. The song was written by Norwood along with DJ Camper, Kim Krysiuk, Al Sherrod Lambert and Charles McAllister, with production also handled by Camper. The dark, downtempo R&B ballad was released as the album’s second single on July 31, 2020.
“Borderline” sees Norwood confront her own insecurities and weaknesses within relationships, with her professing to be “the most jealous girl” and ultimately illustrating the darker, emotional loneliness that can take over a romantic relationship. In a June 25, 2020 interview with WCCG1045FM, Norwood revealed that the second single from the album would be “Borderline”, adding “if another artist were to have that song, were to sing that song, I would wish that song was my song.”
Like “Baby Mama”, the music video for B7’s second single “Borderline” was directed by Derek Blanks and Frank Gatson. The premiere of the video online coincided with the album’s release on July 31, 2020. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, the video was shot socially-distanced, with a doctor on-set regularly testing people’s temperatures.
The video sees Norwood performing “Borderline” in a nightclub, intercut by scenes in which she is forced into a straight-jacket and padded room, representing a psychiatric facility. Within these scenes, critics have suggested that Norwood has been stylised as Medusa, with her hair intended to depict the snakes for hair as is commonly portrayed within Greek mythology, illustrating the destructive power of jealousy and unhealthy thoughts as is consistent with the song’s lyrics. The clip ends with a message showing support for all who need assistance in the US with regards to mental health issues.
Watch the powerful music video here.
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