Borderline (Brandy song)

"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.[1] 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."[2] In an interview with the New York Post, Norwood shared the story behind the single, "I loved someone that was not available to be loved by me, and so that drove me crazy," adding, "I wanted to use my music as a way to start more conversations about mental health and how that’s something that we all need to work on every day."[3] In an interview with The Grio, Norwood discussed her struggles with mental health, "I’ve dealt with depression in the most severe…like severe depression. I’ve dealt with trauma. I’ve dealt with PTSD. I’ve gone through a lot and I had to overcome a lot, but I had to overcome everything that I’ve overcame by doing the work", revealing that she had turned to therapy, prayer, journaling and meditation.[4]

Joel Campbell from The Voice called the track "dark" and "edgy" and referred to the video as "haunting [...] [illustrating] the darker, emotional loneliness that can take over a romantic relationship."[5] Jennifer Gonsalves for MEA Worldwide wrote that the album felt "like an out-of-body experience, with Brandy's whispery vocals being the magic carpet that gently guides you through a journey from pain and loss to self-discovery and love", specifically picking out "Borderline" as "probably one of the best representations of this form of storytelling".[6] Many called "Borderline" the "realest song in [Norwood’s] career". Urban Bridges praised the track, stating that Norwood was "showing her full vulnerability and truth on one track".[7]

In a review for the album, Soul Bounce called "Borderline" a "standout", adding that the track would "definitely [be] going to get many repeat spins."[8][9] Quentin Harrison for Albumism described the song as one of “three vibrant performances that will go down as some of Brandy’s finest."[10]

On August 19, 2020, Norwood released a behind-the-scenes video online about making the "Borderline" video. The four minute video showed Norwood as she prepared herself for the acting elements of the video, revealing that her friend Tasha Smith worked as her acting coach throughout the shoot. "I wanted to do a video that could show the change that I could make if I'm hurt or disturbed [...] I overcame that. I'm in a better space now." It was also revealed that Norwood's nightclub scenes had been inspired by Diana Ross's portrayal of Billie Holiday in Lady Sings the Blues.[11]

Norwood sang along when the track was played as part of her Verzuz battle against fellow R&B singer Monica on August 31, 2020 at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia.[12] On October 14, 2020, Brandy performed "Borderline" live for the first time as part of a medley at the Billboard Music Awards. She performed "Borderline", 1999 single "Almost Doesn't Count" and premiered new single "No Tomorrow Pt.2" featuring Ty Dolla Sign.[13] It was Norwood's first performance at the Billboard Music Award since 1995.

On November 29, 2020, Norwood performed "Borderline" as a part of a medley at the 2020 Soul Train Music Awards, accompanied by "Say Something" from her seventh studio album. It was her first performance at the Soul Train Music Awards since she received the Lady of Soul Award in 2016.

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.[14] 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.[15]

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,[16] illustrating the destructive power of jealousy and unhealthy thoughts[17] as is consistent with the song’s lyrics.[18] The clip ends with a message showing support for all who need assistance in the US with regards to mental health issues.[19][20]