Toni Braxton is an American singer, songwriter, pianist, record producer, and actress, who rose to fame in the 1990s as one of the most prominent and successful R&B artists. Born on October 7, 1967, in Severn, Maryland, Toni Michele Braxton gained widespread recognition for her powerful and sultry voice, as well as her emotive delivery of ballads.
Braxton’s career reached new heights with the release of her self-titled debut album, “Toni Braxton,” in 1993. The album featured the hit singles “Another Sad Love Song,” “Breathe Again,” and the Grammy-winning “Un-Break My Heart.” The latter became one of her signature songs and remains one of the best-selling singles of all time.
Throughout her career, Toni Braxton has released several successful albums, including “Secrets” (1996), which included the hit “You’re Makin’ Me High,” and “The Heat” (2000), which featured “He Wasn’t Man Enough.” Braxton’s work has earned her numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards.
Apart from her music career, Toni Braxton has ventured into acting. She starred in the Broadway musical “Beauty and the Beast” and appeared in films like “Kingdom Come” (2001) and “The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure” (2012).
Despite facing personal and financial challenges, Toni Braxton has maintained her status as a beloved and influential figure in the music industry. Her distinctive voice, emotional depth, and timeless hits have solidified her legacy as one of the premier R&B artists of her generation.
1. Un-Break My Heart
“Un-Break My Heart” is a classic R&B ballad by Toni Braxton, released in 1996 as the second single from her second studio album, “Secrets.” The song became one of Braxton’s signature tracks and is often considered one of the greatest love songs in contemporary R&B.
Written by Diane Warren, “Un-Break My Heart” features emotive lyrics that express the pain and heartbreak of a failed relationship. Braxton’s powerful and soulful vocals enhance the emotional impact of the song, capturing the intensity of love lost. The melody is complemented by a sweeping arrangement that includes strings and a haunting guitar riff.
The success of “Un-Break My Heart” was immense. The song topped the charts in multiple countries, including the United States, and earned Toni Braxton a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1997. The music video, directed by Bille Woodruff, also contributed to the song’s popularity.
“Un-Break My Heart” remains a timeless classic, and Toni Braxton’s rendition has become synonymous with heart-wrenching love ballads. The song’s enduring popularity has solidified its place in the pantheon of iconic R&B ballads.
2. You’re Makin’ Me High
“You’re Makin’ Me High” is a song by American R&B singer Toni Braxton. It was released as a single from her second studio album, “Secrets,” in 1996. The song became a major hit and is one of Toni Braxton’s signature tracks.
“You’re Makin’ Me High” is known for its sultry and seductive vibe, with Braxton’s smooth and soulful vocals. The lyrics explore themes of desire and the intoxicating effects of love. The song’s production incorporates elements of R&B and hip-hop, and it features a prominent saxophone riff.
The track received critical acclaim and commercial success, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. Its success was further solidified by winning a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 1997.
The accompanying music video for “You’re Makin’ Me High” also garnered attention for its sensual and steamy visuals, complementing the song’s themes. Overall, the song remains a standout in Toni Braxton’s discography and a notable example of ’90s R&B.
3. He Wasn’t Man Enough
“He Wasn’t Man Enough” is a song by American R&B singer Toni Braxton. It was released as the lead single from her third studio album, “The Heat,” in 2000. The song is known for its catchy chorus, assertive lyrics, and the strength of Braxton’s vocals.
In “He Wasn’t Man Enough,” Toni Braxton addresses a romantic relationship and a former partner who has moved on with someone else. The lyrics convey a sense of confidence and empowerment, with Braxton asserting that the new woman is welcome to the man who couldn’t live up to her expectations.
The song incorporates elements of R&B, with a catchy melody and a memorable chorus. The production features a sample from the disco classic “Love Hangover” by Diana Ross, adding a touch of nostalgia to the contemporary R&B sound.
“He Wasn’t Man Enough” was both a critical and commercial success for Toni Braxton, earning her a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 2001. The song remains one of her well-known and impactful singles, showcasing her vocal prowess and ability to convey powerful emotions through her music.
4. Breathe Again
“Breathe Again” is a soulful R&B ballad by Toni Braxton, released in 1993 as the second single from her self-titled debut album, “Toni Braxton.” The song, written by Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, became one of Braxton’s early hits and contributed to her rise to prominence in the music industry.
“Breathe Again” explores themes of heartache and longing in the aftermath of a failed relationship. Toni Braxton’s emotive and powerful vocals convey the depth of the emotional struggle depicted in the lyrics. The song features a melodic and lush arrangement, with a prominent piano line and Braxton’s soul-stirring delivery at the forefront.
The success of “Breathe Again” was significant, earning Toni Braxton a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 1994. The single reached high positions on various charts, showcasing Braxton’s ability to connect with audiences through her soulful balladry.
The music video for “Breathe Again” also contributed to its popularity, featuring Toni Braxton in elegant settings that complemented the song’s romantic atmosphere.
“Breathe Again” remains one of Toni Braxton’s standout songs and is celebrated for its emotional resonance and timeless appeal within the R&B genre.
5. You Mean the World to Me
“You Mean the World to Me” is a ballad by American R&B singer Toni Braxton. The song was released as the third single from her self-titled debut album, “Toni Braxton,” in 1994. The ballad, written by Diane Warren, became one of Toni Braxton’s signature songs.
The lyrics of “You Mean the World to Me” convey a sense of heartache and vulnerability as Braxton expresses the pain of being in a troubled relationship. The emotional depth of the lyrics is complemented by Braxton’s soulful and powerful vocal delivery.
The song’s arrangement features a lush orchestration, with Braxton’s voice taking center stage. The soulful melody and poignant lyrics resonated with audiences, contributing to the song’s success on the charts.
“You Mean the World to Me” received critical acclaim and commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It became one of Toni Braxton’s most well-known and beloved songs, showcasing her ability to convey raw emotion and vulnerability in her music.
6. Another Sad Love Song
“Another Sad Love Song” is a song by Toni Braxton, released in 1993 as the debut single from her self-titled debut album, “Toni Braxton.” The song marked the beginning of Braxton’s successful career as a prominent R&B artist.
Written and produced by Babyface, the song is a classic R&B ballad that explores the pain of heartbreak and unrequited love. Toni Braxton’s distinctive and emotive vocals, combined with the soulful melody and poignant lyrics, made “Another Sad Love Song” an instant hit.
The single achieved commercial success, reaching high positions on the Billboard charts, including the Hot 100 and the R&B charts. The success of “Another Sad Love Song” contributed to Toni Braxton’s breakthrough and set the stage for the release of her debut album.
The accompanying music video featured Toni Braxton in various scenes, expressing the emotional depth of the song’s theme. “Another Sad Love Song” remains a standout track in Braxton’s discography and is often remembered as one of her early hits that helped establish her as a leading figure in the R&B genre.
7. I Belong to You
“I Belong to You” is a song by American singer Toni Braxton. It was released as a single from her second studio album, “Secrets,” in 1996. The song was written by Toni Braxton, Vassal Benford, and Daryl Simmons, and it showcases Braxton’s soulful vocals over a smooth R&B melody.
In “I Belong to You,” Braxton expresses feelings of love and devotion to her romantic partner. The lyrics convey a deep emotional connection, and Braxton’s performance adds a sense of sincerity and passion to the song.
The track was well-received by both critics and audiences, contributing to the success of the “Secrets” album. While not as commercially successful as some of Braxton’s other hits, “I Belong to You” remains a fan favorite and is appreciated for its soulful delivery and romantic themes.
Toni Braxton’s ability to convey emotion through her powerful and distinctive voice is evident in “I Belong to You,” adding another layer to her catalog of memorable R&B ballads.
8. Seven Whole Days
“Seven Whole Days” is a song by Toni Braxton, featured on her second studio album, “Secrets,” released in 1996. The track, co-written by Babyface and Antonio “L.A.” Reid, showcases Braxton’s soulful vocals and is known for its smooth and sultry R&B sound.
The lyrics of “Seven Whole Days” tell the story of a tumultuous relationship and the emotional turmoil experienced during the course of a week. The song’s narrative unfolds as Toni Braxton reflects on the ups and downs of love, capturing the intensity of passion and heartache.
“Seven Whole Days” was released as the fourth single from the “Secrets” album. While it didn’t reach the same level of commercial success as some of Braxton’s earlier hits, the song received positive critical acclaim for its emotional depth and the vocal prowess demonstrated by Braxton.
The music video for “Seven Whole Days” features Toni Braxton in various stylish settings, further enhancing the song’s sensuous and sophisticated vibe. Despite not becoming as iconic as some of her other singles, “Seven Whole Days” remains a fan favorite and a testament to Toni Braxton’s ability to convey complex emotions through her music.
9. I Don’t Want To
“I Don’t Want To” is a song by American R&B singer Toni Braxton. It was released as the third single from her self-titled debut album, “Toni Braxton,” in 1997. The song was written and produced by R. Kelly.
“I Don’t Want To” is a mid-tempo R&B ballad that explores the theme of heartbreak and the decision to end a relationship. In the song, Toni Braxton expresses her reluctance to continue a romantic involvement that has brought her pain and disappointment. The lyrics convey a mix of vulnerability and strength as Braxton asserts her independence and self-worth.
The song received positive reviews for its soulful delivery, and Toni Braxton’s emotive vocals added depth to the poignant lyrics. “I Don’t Want To” achieved commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart and performing well on other charts.
The accompanying music video, directed by Bille Woodruff, features Braxton in various glamorous settings, emphasizing the emotional tone of the song.
“I Don’t Want To” remains a notable entry in Toni Braxton’s discography, showcasing her ability to deliver emotionally resonant performances in the realm of contemporary R&B.
10. Hit the Freeway
“Hit the Freeway” is a song by Toni Braxton featuring rapper Loon, released in 2002 as a single from her fourth studio album, “More Than a Woman.” The track is known for its contemporary R&B and hip-hop influences, showcasing Braxton’s versatility as an artist.
The lyrics of “Hit the Freeway” tell the story of a woman who is ready to move on and leave a relationship that is no longer fulfilling. The metaphor of hitting the freeway suggests embarking on a journey of independence and freedom. The addition of Loon’s rap verses adds a hip-hop flavor to the track, contributing to its modern sound.
The song received positive reviews for its catchy chorus, dynamic production, and the chemistry between Toni Braxton’s soulful vocals and Loon’s rap contributions. While “Hit the Freeway” may not have achieved the same level of commercial success as some of Braxton’s earlier hits, it showcased her ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes.
The music video for “Hit the Freeway” features Toni Braxton in various stylish and dramatic settings, visually complementing the song’s themes of empowerment and moving forward. The track remains a notable entry in Braxton’s catalog, representing a phase in her career where she explored different musical styles.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
