Toni Braxton is a renowned American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her powerful contralto voice and emotional depth in her music. Born on October 7, 1967, in Severn, Maryland, Braxton gained fame in the early 1990s with her self-titled debut album, which included hit singles like “Another Sad Love Song” and “Breathe Again.” Her blend of R&B, pop, and soul, along with her distinctive voice, quickly garnered widespread acclaim and numerous awards.
Braxton’s second album, *Secrets* (1996), solidified her status as a music superstar, featuring chart-topping singles such as “You’re Makin’ Me High” and the iconic ballad “Un-Break My Heart.” The latter became one of her most successful songs, winning a Grammy Award and becoming a signature tune in her career.
Throughout her career, Toni Braxton has released several successful albums, earning multiple Grammy Awards and selling millions of records worldwide. She has also made significant contributions to television and Broadway, showcasing her versatility as a performer. Despite facing personal and health challenges, Braxton’s resilience and talent have kept her in the spotlight, making her an enduring figure in the music industry.
1. I Don’t Want To
“I Don’t Want To” is a song by Toni Braxton, released as a single from her second studio album, *Secrets* (1996). Written and produced by R. Kelly, the song is a poignant ballad that showcases Braxton’s rich, emotive contralto voice. The lyrics express the pain and reluctance of a woman trying to move on from a failed relationship, highlighting themes of love, loss, and longing.
The single was released in 1997 and became a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Its success further solidified Braxton’s reputation as a leading artist in the R&B genre during the 1990s. The music video for “I Don’t Want To” features Braxton performing the song in various dramatic and emotive settings, enhancing the song’s emotional impact.
“I Don’t Want To” remains one of Toni Braxton’s memorable hits, appreciated for its heartfelt lyrics and Braxton’s soulful delivery.
2. Seven Whole Days
“Seven Whole Days” is a song by Toni Braxton from her self-titled debut album, released in 1993. The track, written by Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Darryl Simmons, and Toni Braxton, is a soulful ballad that showcases Braxton’s powerful and emotive vocal range. The lyrics describe the pain and frustration of waiting for a lover who has been absent for a week, expressing a sense of heartache and longing. The song’s smooth, R&B-infused production, combined with Braxton’s heartfelt delivery, makes “Seven Whole Days” a standout track on the album, contributing to her rise as a prominent artist in the 1990s R&B scene.
3. Hit the Freeway
“Hit the Freeway” is a song by Toni Braxton, featuring rapper Loon, from her 2002 album “More Than a Woman.” Written by Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo of The Neptunes, the track has a distinctive blend of R&B and hip-hop influences, marked by its catchy, upbeat production and smooth melodies. The lyrics tell a story of empowerment and moving on from a relationship that isn’t working, with Braxton’s confident and expressive vocals leading the charge. Loon’s rap verses add a dynamic element to the song, enhancing its contemporary vibe. “Hit the Freeway” showcases Braxton’s versatility and ability to adapt to different musical styles.
4. Un-Break My Heart
“Un-Break My Heart” is one of Toni Braxton’s most iconic and successful songs. Released in 1996 as the second single from her second studio album, *Secrets*, the song was written by Diane Warren and produced by David Foster. It is a soulful ballad that captures the deep anguish and longing following a painful breakup, with Braxton’s powerful and emotive contralto voice delivering the heart-wrenching lyrics.
The song received widespread acclaim and became a massive commercial success. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for eleven consecutive weeks, making it one of the longest-running number-one singles in chart history. “Un-Break My Heart” also won a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1997 and remains one of the best-selling singles of all time.
The accompanying music video, directed by Bille Woodruff, further amplified the song’s emotional intensity, depicting Braxton mourning the end of a relationship. “Un-Break My Heart” is widely regarded as a signature song in Toni Braxton’s career and a classic in the R&B and pop music genres, continuing to resonate with audiences worldwide.
5. You’re Makin’ Me High
“You’re Makin’ Me High” is a song by Toni Braxton from her 1996 album “Secrets.” Written by Babyface and Bryce Wilson, the track is a sultry, mid-tempo R&B number that highlights Braxton’s rich, smoky vocals. The lyrics express intense romantic and physical attraction, capturing the euphoric feeling of being in love. The song’s smooth production features lush instrumentation and a memorable hook. “You’re Makin’ Me High” became one of Braxton’s biggest hits, reaching number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts. It is celebrated for its sensual vibe and remains one of her signature songs.
6. He Wasn’t Man Enough
“He Wasn’t Man Enough” is a hit single by Toni Braxton, released in 2000 as the lead track from her third studio album, *The Heat*. Written and produced by Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, the song features a contemporary R&B sound with a danceable beat, showcasing a different musical direction for Braxton.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a woman confronting her ex-boyfriend’s new partner, explaining that he was not good enough for her. Braxton’s assertive and confident vocal delivery, combined with the catchy melody and modern production, made “He Wasn’t Man Enough” a commercial success. It reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, reaffirming Braxton’s presence in the music industry at the turn of the millennium.
“He Wasn’t Man Enough” also earned Braxton a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 2001. The music video, directed by Bille Woodruff, features Braxton in a sleek, futuristic setting, adding to the song’s bold and empowered message. The track remains one of Toni Braxton’s most memorable and defining hits, reflecting her versatility and enduring appeal in the R&B genre.
7. Breathe Again
“Breathe Again” is a song by Toni Braxton from her 1993 self-titled debut album. Written by Babyface, the track is a heartfelt ballad that showcases Braxton’s emotive vocal range and ability to convey deep emotion. The lyrics describe the pain and longing associated with losing a loved one, with Braxton expressing a sense of desperation and sorrow at the thought of never being with them again. The song’s production features lush orchestration and a gentle, melancholic melody that enhances its emotional impact. “Breathe Again” became one of Braxton’s most successful singles, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning her widespread acclaim.
8. You Mean the World to Me
“You Mean the World to Me” is a song by Toni Braxton from her debut album, “Toni Braxton,” released in 1993. Written by Babyface and L.A. Reid, the track is a soulful R&B ballad that showcases Braxton’s powerful vocals and emotional depth. The lyrics express deep love and devotion, with Braxton singing about how much her partner means to her and how essential they are in her life. The song’s production features lush instrumentation, including piano and strings, which complement Braxton’s heartfelt delivery. “You Mean the World to Me” became a significant hit for Braxton, solidifying her as a prominent figure in contemporary R&B music.
9. Another Sad Love Song
“Another Sad Love Song” is one of Toni Braxton’s early hits from her debut self-titled album released in 1993. Written by Babyface and Daryl Simmons, the song is a poignant R&B ballad that showcases Braxton’s emotive vocals. The lyrics depict the pain and heartache of a failed relationship, with Braxton lamenting the repetition of sad love songs that remind her of her lost love. The track’s production features a blend of soulful melodies, smooth instrumentation, and a memorable chorus, making it a standout on the album. “Another Sad Love Song” helped establish Braxton as a rising star in the R&B genre, earning critical acclaim and commercial success.
10. I Belong to You
“I Belong to You” is a song by Toni Braxton from her 1996 album “Secrets.” Written by Toni Braxton, Babyface, and Diane Warren, the track is a romantic R&B ballad that showcases Braxton’s soulful vocals and vulnerability. The lyrics express deep love and commitment, with Braxton declaring her devotion to her partner and how they complete her. The song’s production features lush instrumentation, including piano and strings, which enhance its emotional intensity. “I Belong to You” became a popular single for Braxton, resonating with listeners for its heartfelt lyrics and passionate delivery, further solidifying her status as a prominent figure in contemporary R&B music.