Toni Braxton is a highly acclaimed American singer, songwriter, actress, and television personality. Born on October 7, 1967, in Severn, Maryland, Braxton rose to fame in the early 1990s with her self-titled debut album, which showcased her powerful and emotive voice.
Braxton’s distinctive contralto voice, combined with her sultry and sophisticated style, quickly made her a standout in the R&B and pop music scenes. Her debut album, released in 1993, featured hits such as “Another Sad Love Song” and “Breathe Again,” earning her widespread acclaim and several Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist.
Throughout her career, Braxton has continued to release hit albums and singles, solidifying her status as one of the most successful R&B artists of her generation. Albums like “Secrets” (1996) and “The Heat” (2000) produced chart-topping singles such as “Un-Break My Heart” and “He Wasn’t Man Enough,” further establishing Braxton as a musical powerhouse.
In addition to her music career, Braxton has pursued acting, appearing in films and television shows, including the Lifetime movie “Twist of Faith” and the reality TV series “Braxton Family Values,” which follows the lives of her and her family members.
Despite facing personal and health challenges, including a highly publicized battle with lupus, Braxton has remained resilient and continues to captivate audiences with her soulful voice and undeniable talent. With numerous awards, multi-platinum albums, and sold-out performances to her name, Toni Braxton’s impact on the music industry is undeniable, and her legacy as an R&B icon continues to inspire generations of fans around the world.
1. Un-Break My Heart
“Un-Break My Heart” is a classic ballad performed by Toni Braxton, released in 1996 as the second single from her album “Secrets.” The song, written by Diane Warren, became one of Braxton’s signature songs and remains one of her biggest hits.
“Un-Break My Heart” is renowned for its emotionally charged lyrics and Braxton’s powerful and soulful delivery. The song tells the story of heartbreak and longing, with Braxton pleading for her former lover to return and mend her broken heart. The lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and raw emotion, striking a chord with listeners who have experienced the pain of lost love.
The song’s sweeping melody and lush orchestration, coupled with Braxton’s emotive vocals, create a hauntingly beautiful and unforgettable ballad. “Un-Break My Heart” topped the charts around the world, earning Braxton a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1997.
Beyond its commercial success, “Un-Break My Heart” has become a timeless classic, cherished for its timeless appeal and universal themes of love and heartache. Its enduring popularity has solidified its place as one of the standout tracks in Toni Braxton’s illustrious career and a beloved favorite among fans of R&B and soul music.
2. Breathe Again
“Breathe Again” is a song by American R&B singer Toni Braxton. It was released as the second single from her self-titled debut album, “Toni Braxton,” in 1993. The song was written by Babyface, who also produced the track.
“Breathe Again” is a soulful ballad that showcases Braxton’s emotive vocals and vulnerability. The lyrics speak of heartbreak and longing, as the narrator expresses a desire to move on from a past relationship and find love again. The song’s melody is melodic and atmospheric, with a memorable chorus that emphasizes the theme of renewal and healing.
Upon its release, “Breathe Again” became a major hit for Toni Braxton, reaching the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and topping the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The song’s success helped propel Braxton to stardom and established her as one of the leading R&B artists of the 1990s.
“Breathe Again” received critical acclaim for its powerful vocal performance and emotional resonance. It won the Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 1995, further solidifying its status as one of Toni Braxton’s signature songs.
3. You’re Makin’ Me High
“You’re Makin’ Me High” is a song by American R&B singer Toni Braxton. It was 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 uptempo R&B and hip hop-influenced track with a sensual vibe. The lyrics express the intoxicating feeling of being attracted to someone and the excitement of new love. Braxton’s sultry vocals complement the song’s seductive atmosphere, while the catchy melody and infectious groove helped propel it to commercial success.
Upon its release, “You’re Makin’ Me High” became a massive hit for Toni Braxton, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and staying there for one week. It also topped the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and received widespread acclaim from music critics.
The song’s success solidified Braxton’s status as one of the leading R&B artists of the 1990s and helped “Secrets” become one of the best-selling albums of the decade. “You’re Makin’ Me High” remains one of Braxton’s signature songs and is often cited as one of the standout tracks of her career.
4. He Wasn’t Man Enough
“He Wasn’t Man Enough” is a Grammy Award-winning song by Toni Braxton, released in 2000 as the lead single from her album “The Heat.” The song was written by Rodney Jerkins, Fred Jerkins III, LaShawn Daniels, and Harvey Mason Jr.
“He Wasn’t Man Enough” is an R&B and dance-pop track with a catchy hook and a sassy attitude. In the song, Braxton confronts a former lover who left her for another woman, suggesting that he wasn’t capable of handling her. The lyrics depict Braxton as a strong and confident woman who refuses to be taken advantage of by a man who couldn’t commit.
The song’s infectious groove, along with Braxton’s powerful vocals and assertive delivery, propelled it to the top of the charts worldwide. “He Wasn’t Man Enough” became one of Braxton’s biggest hits, earning her a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 2001.
The music video for “He Wasn’t Man Enough” features Braxton in various glamorous outfits, exuding confidence and attitude as she sings about empowerment and moving on from a failed relationship.
“He Wasn’t Man Enough” remains a standout track in Toni Braxton’s discography, celebrated for its catchy melody, bold lyrics, and infectious energy. It continues to be a favorite among fans of R&B and pop music, cementing Braxton’s status as one of the genre’s most iconic artists.
5. Another Sad Love Song
“Another Sad Love Song” is a song by American R&B singer Toni Braxton. It was released in 1993 as the lead single from her self-titled debut album, “Toni Braxton.” The song was written and produced by Babyface.
“Another Sad Love Song” is a mid-tempo R&B ballad that showcases Braxton’s emotive vocals. The lyrics speak of heartbreak and longing, as the narrator laments the end of a relationship and the pain of unrequited love. The song’s melody is soulful and melancholic, with a memorable chorus that emphasizes the theme of heartache.
Upon its release, “Another Sad Love Song” became a commercial success for Toni Braxton, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and topping the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The song’s success helped establish Braxton as a prominent new voice in R&B music and paved the way for her subsequent success.
“Another Sad Love Song” received critical acclaim for its powerful vocal performance and emotional resonance. It remains one of Toni Braxton’s signature songs and is often cited as one of the standout tracks of her career.
6. Just Be a Man About It
“Just Be a Man About It” is a song by American R&B singer Toni Braxton. It was released in 2000 as the lead single from her third studio album, “The Heat.” The song was written by Toni Braxton, Keri Lewis, and Tamar Braxton, with production handled by Keri Lewis.
“Just Be a Man About It” is a mid-tempo R&B track that features Braxton confronting her partner about his infidelity and asking him to take responsibility for his actions. The lyrics express frustration and disappointment with the situation, as Braxton asserts her independence and demands honesty and respect.
Upon its release, “Just Be a Man About It” received positive reviews from music critics, who praised Braxton’s vocal performance and the song’s mature and empowering message. The song achieved moderate commercial success, reaching the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the top 10 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
“Just Be a Man About It” remains a fan favorite and is often cited as one of Toni Braxton’s standout tracks. Its empowering lyrics and soulful melody have made it a timeless classic in the R&B genre.
7. Spanish Guitar
“Spanish Guitar” is a captivating ballad by Toni Braxton, featured on her third studio album, “The Heat,” released in 2000. The song was written by Diane Warren, who is renowned for her ability to craft emotionally resonant ballads.
“Spanish Guitar” showcases Braxton’s soulful vocals and lyrical prowess. The song’s lyrics depict a longing for a lost love, with Braxton comparing the experience to the romantic allure of a Spanish guitar. The imagery evoked by the lyrics, combined with Braxton’s heartfelt delivery, creates a deeply emotive and romantic atmosphere.
Musically, “Spanish Guitar” features lush instrumentation, including acoustic guitars and strings, that enhances the song’s romantic ambiance. The melody has a seductive quality that draws listeners in, perfectly complementing the heartfelt lyrics.
“Spanish Guitar” received critical acclaim upon its release and became a fan favorite, showcasing Braxton’s versatility as an artist and her ability to convey complex emotions through her music. The song remains a standout track in Braxton’s discography and continues to be cherished by fans for its beauty and emotional resonance.
8. Let It Flow
“Let It Flow” is a song by American R&B singer Toni Braxton. It was released in 1995 as the lead single from the soundtrack album for the film “Waiting to Exhale,” in which Braxton starred. The song was written and produced by Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds.
“Let It Flow” is a soulful R&B ballad with a mid-tempo groove. The lyrics speak of resilience and determination in the face of adversity, encouraging the listener to let go of their worries and allow life to unfold naturally. Braxton’s emotive vocals convey a sense of empowerment and inner strength, while the song’s melody is melodic and uplifting.
Upon its release, “Let It Flow” became a commercial success for Toni Braxton, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and topping the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The song’s success helped further solidify Braxton’s status as one of the leading R&B artists of the 1990s.
“Let It Flow” received critical acclaim for its powerful vocal performance and inspirational message. It remains one of Toni Braxton’s signature songs and is often cited as one of the standout tracks of her career.
9. You Mean the World to Me
“You Mean the World to Me” is a soulful R&B ballad by Toni Braxton, released in 1994 as the third single from her self-titled debut album, “Toni Braxton.” The song was written by Babyface, L.A. Reid, and Daryl Simmons.
In “You Mean the World to Me,” Braxton delivers a heartfelt vocal performance expressing deep love and devotion to her romantic partner. The lyrics convey the sentiment that the person she loves is the most important thing in her life, emphasizing their significance and impact on her happiness.
The song’s arrangement features a lush combination of piano, strings, and soulful melodies, creating an emotional backdrop that enhances Braxton’s poignant delivery. The production showcases Braxton’s signature velvety vocals, known for their richness and emotional depth.
“You Mean the World to Me” resonated with audiences and became one of Braxton’s early hits, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its success helped establish Braxton as a prominent R&B artist and earned her critical acclaim for her vocal performance and emotional delivery.
The song remains a fan favorite and a standout track in Toni Braxton’s discography, cherished for its timeless appeal and heartfelt expression of love and devotion.
10. How Could an Angel Break My Heart
“How Could an Angel Break My Heart” is a song by American singer 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 Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and his frequent collaborator Diane Warren.
“How Could an Angel Break My Heart” is a soulful R&B ballad that explores the pain and confusion of heartbreak. The lyrics describe the emotional devastation of being betrayed by someone the narrator trusted and loved deeply. Braxton’s emotive vocals convey a sense of vulnerability and heartache, while Babyface’s smooth harmonies complement her performance.
Upon its release, “How Could an Angel Break My Heart” achieved moderate commercial success, reaching the top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the top 10 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. The song’s emotional resonance and Braxton’s powerful vocal delivery garnered praise from music critics and fans alike.
“How Could an Angel Break My Heart” remains one of Toni Braxton’s most beloved songs and is often cited as one of the standout tracks from her “Secrets” album. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and soulful melody continue to resonate with listeners, making it a timeless classic in the R&B genre.
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.
