Toni Braxton is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to fame in the 1990s with her powerful vocals, sultry image, and heartfelt ballads. Born on October 7, 1967, in Severn, Maryland, Braxton began her music career singing in church choirs before pursuing a professional career in the entertainment industry.
Braxton’s breakthrough came with her self-titled debut album, released in 1993, which spawned the mega-hit singles “Another Sad Love Song” and “Breathe Again.” Her distinctive voice, often described as deep and husky, combined with her emotive delivery and R&B sensibility, quickly established her as a leading figure in contemporary R&B music.
Braxton’s second album, “Secrets” (1996), further solidified her status as a superstar with the chart-topping singles “You’re Makin’ Me High” and “Un-Break My Heart,” which earned her multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Throughout her career, Braxton has continued to release successful albums and singles, exploring various musical styles and collaborating with other artists.
In addition to her music career, Braxton has also pursued acting, appearing in films and television shows, including the reality TV series “Braxton Family Values” alongside her sisters. Despite facing personal and health challenges, Braxton’s talent, resilience, and enduring appeal have made her one of the most iconic and beloved voices in contemporary R&B music.
1. Un-Break My Heart
“Un-Break My Heart” is a timeless ballad by Toni Braxton, released in 1996 as the second single from her second studio album, “Secrets.” The song, written by Diane Warren, became one of Braxton’s most iconic hits and remains one of the best-selling singles of all time.
“Un-Break My Heart” is renowned for its emotive lyrics and Braxton’s powerful vocal performance, which perfectly captures the heartache and longing expressed in the song. The lyrics chronicle the pain of a breakup and the desperate plea to undo the emotional damage caused by lost love.
The song’s melody, characterized by its haunting piano riff and sweeping orchestration, adds to the emotional depth and resonance of the lyrics. Braxton’s soulful delivery, marked by her trademark husky tone and emotive phrasing, further enhances the song’s impact, earning her critical acclaim and numerous awards, including a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
“Un-Break My Heart” achieved commercial success worldwide, topping the charts in multiple countries and earning platinum certifications. Its enduring popularity has cemented its status as one of the greatest ballads in modern music history, and it continues to resonate with listeners who have experienced the pain of lost love.
With its timeless appeal and universal themes of heartbreak and longing, “Un-Break My Heart” remains a signature song in Toni Braxton’s illustrious career, showcasing her exceptional talent as a vocalist and her ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level.
2. You’re Makin’ Me High
“You’re Makin’ Me High” is a song by American singer Toni Braxton, released in 1996 as the lead single from her second studio album, “Secrets.” The song was written and produced by Babyface and Bryce Wilson.
“You’re Makin’ Me High” is a sultry R&B track that explores themes of desire and infatuation. The lyrics express the intoxicating feeling of being swept away by passion, with Braxton’s smoky vocals conveying a sense of longing and vulnerability. The song’s seductive melody and infectious groove create an atmosphere of sensuality and allure, making it a favorite among fans of 1990s R&B.
Musically, “You’re Makin’ Me High” features a smooth and atmospheric production, with laid-back beats, lush instrumentation, and subtle guitar riffs. Braxton’s soulful delivery and emotive vocal performance add depth and emotion to the song, capturing the intensity of the romantic experience.
“You’re Makin’ Me High” was a commercial success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning Braxton a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. It remains one of her signature songs and a classic of 1990s R&B, cherished by fans for its timeless appeal and evocative lyrics.
3. He Wasn’t Man Enough
“He Wasn’t Man Enough” is a song by American singer Toni Braxton, released in 2000 as the lead single from her third studio album, “The Heat.” The song was written by Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, Fred Jerkins III, LaShawn Daniels, and Harvey Mason Jr., and produced by Rodney Jerkins.
“He Wasn’t Man Enough” is an uptempo R&B track with elements of dance-pop and funk. The lyrics confront a former lover who was unfaithful and dishonest in their relationship. Braxton’s powerful vocals convey a sense of empowerment and confidence as she asserts her independence and moves on from the past. The song’s catchy hook and infectious groove make it a standout track on the album.
Musically, “He Wasn’t Man Enough” features a slick and contemporary production, with a funky bassline, crisp percussion, and layered vocal harmonies. The song’s dynamic arrangement and energetic tempo create a vibrant and engaging listening experience, perfect for the dance floor or the radio.
“He Wasn’t Man Enough” was a commercial success, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and topping the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It earned Braxton a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and remains one of her most iconic and beloved songs, celebrated for its empowering message and infectious energy.
4. Breathe Again
“Breathe Again” is a soulful ballad by Toni Braxton, released in 1993 as the second single from her self-titled debut album. Written by Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, the song became one of Braxton’s breakthrough hits, earning her widespread acclaim and commercial success.
“Breathe Again” is characterized by its lush instrumentation, emotive lyrics, and Braxton’s powerful vocal performance. The song’s lyrics explore themes of heartbreak and longing, with Braxton expressing a desire to move on from a past relationship and find healing and renewal.
The song’s melody, driven by a gentle piano riff and understated percussion, creates a soothing and evocative atmosphere that perfectly complements the emotional depth of the lyrics. Braxton’s soulful delivery, marked by her distinctive husky tone and impeccable phrasing, further enhances the song’s impact, drawing listeners in with its raw honesty and vulnerability.
Upon its release, “Breathe Again” quickly ascended the charts, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Braxton her first Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. Its commercial success solidified Braxton’s status as a rising star in the R&B music scene and paved the way for her subsequent achievements in the industry.
With its timeless appeal and universal themes of love and heartache, “Breathe Again” remains a beloved classic in Toni Braxton’s discography, showcasing her exceptional talent as a vocalist and her ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level.
5. You Mean the World to Me
“You Mean the World to Me” is a classic R&B song by American singer Toni Braxton. Released in 1994 as the third single from her self-titled debut album, the song was written by Babyface, Daryl Simmons, and Toni Braxton herself.
“You Mean the World to Me” is a heartfelt ballad that explores themes of love, devotion, and heartbreak. The lyrics express the depth of the narrator’s feelings for their partner, conveying a sense of gratitude and appreciation for their presence in their life. With lines like “You mean the world to me / You are my everything,” the song captures the intensity of romantic love and the impact it has on one’s life.
Musically, “You Mean the World to Me” features a soulful melody and lush instrumentation, with Braxton’s powerful vocals taking center stage. The song’s emotional delivery and heartfelt lyrics resonate deeply with listeners, evoking a sense of empathy and connection.
“You Mean the World to Me” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning Braxton a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. It remains one of her most beloved and enduring songs, cherished by fans for its timeless appeal and universal message of love and devotion.
6. Another Sad Love Song
“Another Sad Love Song” is a soulful track by Toni Braxton, released in 1993 as the lead single from her self-titled debut album. Written by Babyface and Daryl Simmons, the song became Braxton’s first major hit, introducing her distinctive voice and emotive style to audiences worldwide.
“Another Sad Love Song” is characterized by its smooth R&B groove, lush instrumentation, and Braxton’s powerful vocal performance. The song’s lyrics depict the pain of heartbreak and longing, with Braxton lamenting the end of a relationship and the inability to escape the memories of lost love.
The track’s melody, driven by a catchy bassline and infectious rhythm, perfectly complements the emotional depth of the lyrics. Braxton’s soulful delivery, marked by her rich and husky tone, adds a raw honesty and vulnerability to the song, resonating with listeners who have experienced similar feelings of heartache and despair.
Upon its release, “Another Sad Love Song” topped the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and reached the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100, earning Braxton widespread acclaim and establishing her as a rising star in the R&B music scene. Its success paved the way for Braxton’s subsequent achievements in the industry, including multiple Grammy Awards and multi-platinum album sales.
With its infectious groove and heartfelt lyrics, “Another Sad Love Song” remains a beloved classic in Toni Braxton’s discography, showcasing her exceptional talent as a vocalist and her ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level.
7. I Belong to You
“I Belong to You” is a soulful R&B song by American singer-songwriter Toni Braxton. Released in 1994 as the fourth single from her self-titled debut album, the song was written by Toni Braxton along with Vassal Benford and Ronald Spearman.
“I Belong to You” is a passionate ballad that delves into the complexities of romantic relationships. The lyrics express the narrator’s deep love and devotion to their partner, conveying a sense of surrender and vulnerability. With lines like “Every time I breathe, I think of you / You know you’re the air I breathe, oh yes you are,” the song captures the intensity of romantic love and the desire to be completely consumed by it.
Musically, “I Belong to You” features a soulful melody and lush instrumentation, with Braxton’s emotive vocals taking center stage. The song’s smooth groove and romantic atmosphere create an intimate and sensual mood, drawing listeners in and evoking a sense of longing and desire.
“I Belong to You” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning Braxton critical acclaim for her vocal performance. It remains one of her most beloved and enduring songs, cherished by fans for its timeless appeal and heartfelt lyrics.
8. Seven Whole Days
“Seven Whole Days” is a soulful R&B ballad by Toni Braxton, released in 1993 as the fourth single from her self-titled debut album. The song, written by Antonio “L.A.” Reid, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, and Daryl Simmons, showcases Braxton’s emotive vocals and storytelling prowess.
In “Seven Whole Days,” Braxton sings about the anguish and heartache of waiting for her lover to return. The lyrics depict the pain of longing and the passage of time, with Braxton lamenting the loneliness she feels in her partner’s absence. The song’s narrative unfolds over the course of a week, as Braxton counts down the days until her lover’s return, each one feeling like an eternity.
Musically, “Seven Whole Days” features a smooth and sultry R&B groove, characterized by its slow tempo, seductive bassline, and soulful instrumentation. Braxton’s vocals are the centerpiece of the song, conveying a range of emotions from longing and vulnerability to strength and determination.
Upon its release, “Seven Whole Days” received widespread acclaim from music critics and became a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Its success further solidified Braxton’s status as one of the leading voices in contemporary R&B music and helped establish her as a bona fide star in the industry.
With its heartfelt lyrics, soulful melody, and Braxton’s powerhouse vocals, “Seven Whole Days” remains a standout track in Toni Braxton’s discography, beloved by fans for its emotional resonance and timeless appeal.
9. I Don’t Want To
“I Don’t Want To” is a song by American R&B singer Toni Braxton. It was released in 1996 as the third single from her second studio album, “Secrets.” The song was written and produced by R&B duo Soulshock & Karlin.
“I Don’t Want To” is a mid-tempo R&B ballad that explores the theme of heartbreak and moving on from a failed relationship. The lyrics express the narrator’s determination to let go of a toxic love and regain control of their life. Lines like “I don’t want to have to leave you, baby / But you give me no choice” convey a sense of resignation and empowerment, as the protagonist chooses self-respect and independence over heartache.
Musically, “I Don’t Want To” features a soulful melody with a catchy groove, highlighted by Braxton’s emotive vocals and the song’s lush production. The smooth rhythm and melodic hooks create an intimate and compelling listening experience, drawing listeners in and resonating with those who have experienced similar struggles in love.
“I Don’t Want To” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning Braxton critical acclaim for her vocal performance. It remains one of her signature songs, beloved by fans for its empowering message and soulful delivery.
10. Hit the Freeway
“Hit the Freeway” is a high-energy R&B track by Toni Braxton, featuring rapper Loon. Released in 2002 as the lead single from her fourth studio album, “More Than a Woman,” the song showcases Braxton’s versatility as an artist as she ventures into a more urban and contemporary sound.
“Hit the Freeway” is characterized by its infectious beat, catchy hooks, and Braxton’s sultry vocals. The song’s lyrics depict a woman who is ready to break free from a suffocating relationship and hit the open road to independence and freedom. Loon’s rap verse adds a dynamic element to the track, complementing Braxton’s smooth and soulful delivery.
Musically, “Hit the Freeway” incorporates elements of hip-hop and R&B, with its pulsating rhythm, funky bassline, and slick production. The song’s upbeat tempo and energetic vibe make it a perfect anthem for anyone looking to escape their troubles and embark on a new adventure.
Upon its release, “Hit the Freeway” received positive reviews from music critics and became a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The song’s accompanying music video, featuring Braxton and Loon cruising down the highway in a convertible, further added to its appeal and helped solidify its status as a fan favorite.
With its catchy melody, infectious rhythm, and empowering lyrics, “Hit the Freeway” remains a standout track in Toni Braxton’s discography, showcasing her ability to evolve with the times while staying true to her signature style.
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.
