Rising R&B singer Alex Vaughn has released a cover of Brandy’s 1998 favorite “Almost Doesn’t Count” as part of Spotify Singles.
The remake comes on the day of the 25th anniversary of Brandy’s album, Never Say Never, which features the original track. (Never Say Never was released in the U.S. on June 9, 1998, via Atlantic Records.)
Bryan-Michael Cox, LVRN’s new senior vice president of A&R and executive producer, helped helm Vaughn’s strong rendition. In this remake, Vaughn’s voice is reminiscent of Brandy’s original version, possessing that warm rasp, but with a new arrangement featuring a prominent piano.
“‘Almost Doesn’t Count’ is easily one of my favorite records on the Never Say Never album. It’s such a timeless ballad where the emphasis is placed on lyrics & riding the beat. I’m still in awe of being asked to cover any song by Brandy,” shares Vaughn.
She adds, “I was a little anxious recording because Brandy is such a vocal icon, and I wanted to make sure I took the best care of the song, while still adding my own twist to it. The legendary B. Cox did the reproduction and was very supportive in and out of the studio, making sure I was comfortable and ultimately having fun with it. As I started getting through the session the lyrics started hitting differently than all the years I used to listen to it, and that helped me better dive into the song.”
Vaughn has not only released a new cover but has also given her song “Do You Ever” a lively and upbeat ’90s-inspired upgrade.
The original version of “Do You Ever” appears on Vaughn’s The Hurtbook, released in 2022.
“The project started off as a compilation of thoughts from an old relationship but grew into a quilted map of patterns and events that applied to more than just romance,” Vaughn stated. “It’s about being honest with yourself and how you feel about those changes that are happening. Most importantly it’s a reminder that though these series of events may have hurt you, you are not broken.”
Earlier this year, Vaughn dropped The Hurtbook (Homegirl Pack). It consists of two new remixes of songs from the standard version and features appearances from Ari Lennox, Muni Long and Summer Walker.
In a May interview with Cox, he teased plans for another edition of Vaughn’s The Hurtbook. “We are in discussions and figuring out what the Homeboy pack will look like. Hopefully, we can get that particular concept off the ground,” he told Rated R&B.
In other news, Cox was recently spotted with Grammy winner Muni Long in the studio.
Listen to Alex Vaughn’s cover of Brandy’s “Almost Doesn’t Count” below.