Toni Braxton, the timeless R&B icon, has captivated audiences for decades with her sultry voice and soul-stirring ballads. With a career spanning over 30 years, Braxton’s music has transcended generations, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music. From heart-wrenching love songs to empowering anthems of resilience, her unique blend of emotion and artistry has earned her multiple Grammy Awards and countless chart-topping hits.
But which songs stand above the rest? In this article, we’re diving into the top 10 most popular Toni Braxton songs of all time — a collection of her most iconic tracks that have defined both her career and the R&B genre as a whole. Whether you’re reminiscing about the ’90s or discovering her music for the first time, these songs represent the very best of Braxton’s timeless appeal. From the sensual “You’re Makin’ Me High” to the unforgettable heartbreak of “Un-Break My Heart,” get ready to relive the magic of one of music’s most beloved voices. So, turn up the volume, sit back, and take a journey through the unforgettable hits that made Toni Braxton a global superstar!
1. Un-Break My Heart (1996)
Released in 1996, Un-Break My Heart became one of Toni Braxton’s most iconic ballads and is arguably her signature song. Written by Diane Warren, this heartbreaking track showcases Braxton’s deep, soulful voice as she pleads for a lover to return and undo the pain of a broken relationship. The song’s blend of sorrowful lyrics and Braxton’s emotive delivery resonated with audiences worldwide, earning it the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for 11 consecutive weeks. Its stunning music video, featuring Braxton in moments of grief and despair, further cemented the song’s emotional impact. To this day, Un-Break My Heart remains a timeless anthem of heartache and longing.
2. Breathe Again (1993)
In 1993, Toni Braxton’s Breathe Again took the world by storm as one of her earliest hits from her self-titled debut album. Written by Babyface, the song is a strikingly emotional ballad that speaks to the fear of losing a love so deep that the thought of living without it becomes unbearable. Braxton’s powerful yet tender vocal performance made this song an instant classic, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its lush orchestration and haunting melody have made Breathe Again a fan favorite and a staple in Braxton’s live performances.
3. You’re Makin’ Me High (1996)
You’re Makin’ Me High, released in 1996, marked a sultry shift in Toni Braxton’s musical style. This steamy track was a departure from her usual ballads, introducing a more seductive, upbeat R&B vibe. Produced by Babyface, the song’s mesmerizing groove and suggestive lyrics helped it become Braxton’s first No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. You’re Makin’ Me High was praised for its boldness and sex appeal, and its accompanying music video, featuring Braxton in a luxurious setting, became an iconic visual moment in 90s music.
4. He Wasn’t Man Enough (2000)
In 2000, Braxton delivered one of her most empowered anthems with He Wasn’t Man Enough. The song, written and produced by Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, became an instant hit, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Braxton a Grammy Award. With its edgy, upbeat tempo and sass-filled lyrics, the track tells the story of a woman unapologetically confronting a past lover’s new flame, warning her that he wasn’t good enough. Braxton’s confidence and swagger in this song made it an anthem of independence and strength, and it remains one of her most beloved tracks.
5. Another Sad Love Song (1993)
Another Sad Love Song, released in 1993, was Toni Braxton’s breakout hit from her debut album. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and Braxton’s rich, throaty vocals captured the pain and frustration of heartbreak, resonating with listeners instantly. Peaking at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, the song solidified Braxton as a rising star in the R&B world. Its blend of soulful melodies and smooth production by Babyface and L.A. Reid helped set the tone for Braxton’s future hits, making Another Sad Love Song a classic in her discography.
6. How Could An Angel Break My Heart (1997)
In 1997, Braxton released the hauntingly beautiful ballad How Could An Angel Break My Heart, featuring legendary jazz saxophonist Kenny G. The song, co-written by Braxton and Babyface, tells the story of a heart shattered by betrayal. Braxton’s emotive delivery, combined with Kenny G’s poignant saxophone solo, made the song a standout on her Secrets album. Though it wasn’t as commercially successful as some of her other tracks, its emotional depth and powerful arrangement have made it a fan favorite over the years.
7. I Don’t Want To (1997)
Another gem from her Secrets album, I Don’t Want To was released in 1997 and became a top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Written by R. Kelly, the song is a tender ballad that expresses the difficulty of letting go of a relationship, despite knowing that it’s the right thing to do. Braxton’s delicate yet powerful vocal performance captures the internal struggle of love and heartbreak. Its simplicity and raw emotion made it a standout among her many ballads.
8. Love Shoulda Brought You Home (1992)
Love Shoulda Brought You Home was Toni Braxton’s first solo single, released in 1992 as part of the Boomerang movie soundtrack. Written by Babyface, this mid-tempo track was an empowering anthem about standing up to a neglectful lover. Braxton’s sultry delivery and the song’s smooth production helped it become an instant R&B classic, setting the stage for her explosive career. The song also marked Braxton’s first significant collaboration with Babyface, a partnership that would define much of her early success.
9. Just Be A Man About It (2000)
Just Be A Man About It, released in 2000, is a fiery R&B track from Braxton’s The Heat album. The song sees Braxton confronting a lover who is trying to end their relationship without taking responsibility for his actions. Featuring a spoken-word intro by Dr. Dre, the track’s assertive tone and Braxton’s no-nonsense vocal delivery made it a standout on the album. Though it didn’t achieve the same chart success as some of her other singles, its message of self-respect and empowerment resonated with fans.
10. Let It Flow (1995)
Let It Flow was included on the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack in 1995 and became one of Braxton’s most beloved tracks. The song’s smooth and laid-back production, combined with Braxton’s soulful vocals, created a mellow yet powerful anthem about letting go and trusting life’s natural course. Though it was never officially released as a single, it still managed to top the R&B charts due to its popularity and airplay. Let It Flow remains a fan favorite, embodying the effortless grace that Braxton brings to her music.