Toni Braxton is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and television personality. She first gained fame in the early 1990s with her self-titled debut album, which included hits like “Another Sad Love Song” and “Breathe Again.” Born on October 7, 1967, in Severn, Maryland, Braxton grew up in a musical family and began performing at a young age.
Braxton’s distinctive contralto voice, combined with her emotive delivery and powerful stage presence, quickly established her as one of the leading voices in contemporary R&B music. She achieved widespread success with her second album, “Secrets,” released in 1996, which featured the international megahit “Un-Break My Heart.” The song earned Braxton multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.
Throughout her career, Braxton has released several successful albums, including “The Heat” (2000), “Libra” (2005), and “Pulse” (2010). She has also ventured into acting, starring in the Broadway musical “Beauty and the Beast” and appearing in various films and television shows.
Braxton’s contributions to music and entertainment have earned her numerous awards and accolades, including seven Grammy Awards, nine Billboard Music Awards, and several American Music Awards. She is celebrated for her soulful voice, heartfelt ballads, and enduring impact on the R&B genre.
1. “Un-Break My Heart”
“Un-Break My Heart” is a song by Toni Braxton, 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.
“Un-Break My Heart” is a powerful ballad that explores themes of heartbreak, longing, and regret. In the song, Braxton pleads with her former lover to return and undo the pain they have caused, expressing a desire to mend their broken relationship.
The song’s emotive lyrics, coupled with Braxton’s soulful vocals, resonated with audiences around the world, making it one of the biggest hits of Braxton’s career. “Un-Break My Heart” topped the charts in multiple countries, including the United States, where it spent 11 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also earned Braxton several awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
“Un-Break My Heart” remains one of Braxton’s signature songs and a classic of 1990s R&B music. Its haunting melody and heartfelt lyrics continue to captivate listeners and evoke strong emotions.
2. “Breathe Again”
“Breathe Again” is a song by American R&B singer Toni Braxton, released in 1993 as the second single from her self-titled debut album, “Toni Braxton.” The song was written by Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and produced by L.A. Reid and Babyface.
“Breathe Again” is a soulful ballad that showcases Braxton’s powerful vocals and emotive delivery. The lyrics describe the pain and longing of a woman who is trying to move on from a past relationship but finds herself still deeply attached to her former lover. Despite her efforts to let go and “breathe again,” she struggles to find closure and move forward.
The song’s lush instrumentation and melodic arrangement complement Braxton’s soulful performance, creating a poignant and heartfelt atmosphere. “Breathe Again” received widespread acclaim from music critics and became one of Braxton’s signature songs.
Upon its release, “Breathe Again” became a commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning Braxton her second Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. The song’s emotional resonance and universal themes of heartbreak and resilience resonated with audiences, making it a classic in Braxton’s discography and a staple of R&B music.
3. “Another Sad Love Song”
“Another Sad Love Song” is a song by Toni Braxton, released in 1993 as the lead single from her self-titled debut album. The song was written and produced by Babyface and Daryl Simmons.
“Another Sad Love Song” is a mid-tempo R&B track that showcases Braxton’s soulful vocals and emotive delivery. The song’s lyrics depict the pain of a failed relationship, with Braxton lamenting the familiar cycle of heartbreak and longing.
Upon its release, “Another Sad Love Song” became a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and topping the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The song’s success helped to establish Braxton as a rising star in the R&B music scene and garnered her widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike.
“Another Sad Love Song” remains one of Braxton’s most iconic songs and a classic of 1990s R&B music. Its memorable melody, heartfelt lyrics, and Braxton’s soulful vocals continue to resonate with listeners, making it a timeless favorite among fans of the genre.
4. “He Wasn’t Man Enough”
“He Wasn’t Man Enough” is a song by American R&B 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., with Darkchild also handling production.
“He Wasn’t Man Enough” is an uptempo R&B and dance-pop track with a catchy beat and infectious hook. The song’s lyrics confront a former lover who was unfaithful and deceptive, with Braxton asserting her strength and independence. She sings about realizing her worth and moving on from a toxic relationship, declaring that her ex-partner “wasn’t man enough” for her.
The song’s production features a prominent bassline, crisp percussion, and catchy synths, creating a dynamic and energetic sound that perfectly complements Braxton’s powerful vocals. “He Wasn’t Man Enough” received widespread acclaim from music critics, who praised its catchy melody, strong vocals, and empowering message.
Upon its release, “He Wasn’t Man Enough” became a commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning Braxton her sixth Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. The song’s bold lyrics and infectious rhythm resonated with audiences, making it one of Braxton’s biggest hits and a defining moment in her career.
5. “You’re Makin’ Me High”
“You’re Makin’ Me High” is a song by 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 an R&B and hip hop-influenced track that features a catchy beat and sultry vocals from Braxton. The song’s lyrics explore themes of desire and infatuation, with Braxton expressing the intoxicating effect that her love interest has on her.
Upon its release, “You’re Makin’ Me High” became a commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It also topped the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and received critical acclaim for its production and Braxton’s vocal performance.
The song’s music video, directed by Bille Woodruff, features Braxton in various provocative settings, further enhancing its sensual appeal. “You’re Makin’ Me High” remains one of Braxton’s signature songs and is often cited as a classic of 1990s R&B music.
6. “Spanish Guitar”
“Spanish Guitar” is a song by American R&B singer Toni Braxton, released in 2000 as the second single from her third studio album, “The Heat.” The song was written by Diane Warren and produced by David Foster.
“Spanish Guitar” is a romantic ballad that showcases Braxton’s sultry vocals and emotional delivery. The lyrics describe the passionate and intense feelings of love, comparing the experience to the enchanting sounds of a Spanish guitar. Braxton sings about the ecstasy and longing of being in love, using vivid imagery and poetic language to convey the depth of emotion.
The song’s instrumentation features lush strings, acoustic guitar, and gentle percussion, creating a sensual and atmospheric backdrop for Braxton’s vocals. The melody is evocative and melodic, drawing listeners in with its haunting beauty and emotional resonance.
“Spanish Guitar” received positive reviews from music critics, who praised Braxton’s vocal performance and the song’s romantic lyrics. While it did not achieve the same commercial success as some of Braxton’s other singles, “Spanish Guitar” remains a fan favorite and a standout track in her discography.
The song’s passionate lyrics and evocative melody make it a timeless ballad that continues to resonate with listeners, capturing the universal experience of love and longing.
7. “Let It Flow”
“Let It Flow” is a song by American R&B singer Toni Braxton, released in 1995 as the lead single from the soundtrack album for the film “Waiting to Exhale.” The song was written and produced by Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds.
“Let It Flow” is a soulful ballad that showcases Braxton’s powerful vocals and emotive delivery. The lyrics convey a message of resilience and strength, encouraging listeners to let go of their worries and fears and allow life to unfold naturally. Braxton sings about embracing change and facing challenges with courage and grace.
The song’s production features a lush arrangement with smooth instrumentation, including piano, strings, and gentle percussion. The melody is melodic and memorable, drawing listeners in with its soothing and uplifting sound.
“Let It Flow” received widespread acclaim from music critics and became one of Braxton’s most successful singles. It reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned Braxton her seventh Grammy Award nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.
The song’s empowering message and soulful delivery resonated with audiences, making it a timeless anthem of strength and resilience. “Let It Flow” remains a beloved classic in Braxton’s discography and a testament to her talent as a vocalist and performer.
8. “Love Shoulda Brought You Home”
“Love Shoulda Brought You Home” is a song by Toni Braxton, released in 1992 as the lead single from the soundtrack album of the film “Boomerang.” The song was written and produced by Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and Daryl Simmons.
“Love Shoulda Brought You Home” is a mid-tempo R&B ballad that showcases Braxton’s soulful vocals and emotive delivery. The song’s lyrics depict the frustration and disappointment of a woman who realizes that her lover is not as committed to their relationship as she had hoped. She reflects on the promises that were made and wonders why love wasn’t enough to keep them together.
Upon its release, “Love Shoulda Brought You Home” was well-received by critics and audiences alike. It became a top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The song helped to introduce Braxton to a wider audience and established her as a rising star in the R&B music scene.
“Love Shoulda Brought You Home” remains one of Braxton’s early hits and is often cited as a classic of 1990s R&B music. Its memorable melody, heartfelt lyrics, and Braxton’s powerful vocals continue to resonate with listeners, making it a timeless favorite among fans of the genre.
9. “Seven Whole Days”
“Seven Whole Days” is a song by American R&B singer Toni Braxton, released in 1993 as the fourth single from her self-titled debut album, “Toni Braxton.” The song was written and produced by Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and Antonio “L.A.” Reid.
“Seven Whole Days” is a soulful ballad that showcases Braxton’s emotive vocals and storytelling abilities. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who is longing for her lover to return after being away for a week. Braxton sings about the pain of missing her partner and the anticipation of being reunited with them.
The song’s production features a smooth and sensual R&B groove, with a slow tempo and lush instrumentation, including piano, strings, and gentle percussion. The melody is haunting and melodic, drawing listeners in with its emotional depth and intensity.
“Seven Whole Days” received positive reviews from music critics and became a moderate commercial success. It reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and received significant airplay on urban contemporary radio stations.
The song’s evocative lyrics and Braxton’s heartfelt delivery resonated with audiences, making it a fan favorite and a standout track in her early discography. “Seven Whole Days” remains a beloved classic in Braxton’s repertoire and a testament to her talent as a vocalist and interpreter of soulful R&B ballads.
10. “How Could an Angel Break My Heart”
“How Could an Angel Break My Heart” is a song by Toni Braxton featuring Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds. It was released in 1996 as the fourth single from Braxton’s second studio album, “Secrets.” The song was written by Babyface and Braxton herself and produced by Babyface.
“How Could an Angel Break My Heart” is a soulful ballad that explores themes of heartbreak and betrayal. In the song, Braxton sings about the pain of being deceived by someone she loved and trusted, comparing the experience to having her heart broken by an angel. Babyface provides backing vocals and contributes to the song’s emotional depth.
The song received positive reviews from critics and was a commercial success, reaching the top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the top 10 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The accompanying music video, directed by Iain Softley, features Braxton and Babyface performing the song in various settings, further enhancing its emotional impact.
“How Could an Angel Break My Heart” remains one of Braxton’s signature songs and is often cited as a standout track from the “Secrets” album. Its poignant lyrics, soulful melody, and Braxton’s powerful vocals continue to resonate with listeners, making it a timeless favorite among fans of R&B music.
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.
