Toni Braxton is an 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, “Toni Braxton.” The album, which featured hits like “Another Sad Love Song” and “Breathe Again,” garnered widespread acclaim and earned Braxton several Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist.
Throughout her career, Braxton has become known for her soulful voice, emotive delivery, and ability to blend R&B, soul, and pop genres. She released several successful albums in the 1990s, including “Secrets” (1996), which featured the iconic single “Un-Break My Heart,” one of her biggest hits.
In addition to her music career, Braxton has ventured into acting, appearing in films such as “Kingdom Come” (2001) and “Twist of Faith” (2013), as well as television shows like “Braxton Family Values,” which follows her and her family’s personal and professional lives.
Despite facing personal challenges, including health issues and financial difficulties, Braxton has continued to release music and maintain a successful career. She is celebrated as one of the most talented and influential artists in contemporary R&B and soul music, with a legacy that spans decades.
1. I Don’t Want To
“I Don’t Want To” is a song by Toni Braxton from her self-titled debut album, “Toni Braxton,” released in 1993. The song was written by R. Kelly, who also produced it. “I Don’t Want To” was released as the album’s third single and became a hit, reaching the top ten on various music charts.
The song’s lyrics explore the theme of a tumultuous relationship and the conflicting emotions that arise when trying to let go of someone who is no longer good for you. Braxton’s soulful vocals bring depth and emotion to the song, capturing the pain and frustration of being stuck in a loveless situation.
“I Don’t Want To” showcases Braxton’s vocal range and her ability to convey raw emotion through her music. The song’s smooth R&B groove and catchy melody helped solidify Braxton’s status as a rising star in the music industry.
Over the years, “I Don’t Want To” has remained a fan favorite and is often regarded as one of Toni Braxton’s signature songs. Its relatable lyrics and powerful vocals continue to resonate with listeners, making it a timeless classic in the realm of R&B music.
2. Seven Whole Days
“Seven Whole Days” is a song by American R&B singer Toni Braxton. It was released in 1993 as the fourth single from her self-titled debut album, “Toni Braxton.” The song was written and produced by Babyface, one of Braxton’s frequent collaborators.
“Seven Whole Days” is a soulful ballad with a slow tempo, characterized by its smooth melody and Braxton’s emotive vocals. The lyrics depict the narrator longing for her lover’s return after being apart for seven days. The song’s sensual and heartfelt delivery contributed to its popularity, particularly among fans of contemporary R&B music.
The track received positive reviews from music critics and achieved moderate commercial success, peaking at number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It also reached the top ten on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
“Seven Whole Days” remains a fan favorite and is often cited as one of Toni Braxton’s standout tracks from her debut album. Its enduring appeal has solidified its place in Braxton’s discography as a classic R&B ballad.
3. Hit the Freeway
“Hit the Freeway” is a song by American singer Toni Braxton featuring rapper Loon. It was released in 2002 as the lead single from her fourth studio album, “More Than a Woman.” The song was written by Toni Braxton, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, Fred Jerkins III, LaShawn Daniels, and Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, among others.
“Hit the Freeway” is an R&B and hip hop-infused track with a catchy beat and infectious melody. The lyrics depict Braxton as a strong and independent woman who is ready to move on from a failing relationship and hit the open road to freedom. Loon’s rap verse adds a dynamic element to the song, complementing Braxton’s smooth vocals.
The track received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its production and Braxton’s vocal delivery. “Hit the Freeway” achieved moderate commercial success, peaking within the top 40 on various music charts worldwide.
The accompanying music video for “Hit the Freeway” features Braxton and Loon driving through the desert in a convertible, embodying the song’s theme of liberation and empowerment.
Overall, “Hit the Freeway” is a standout track in Toni Braxton’s discography, showcasing her versatility as an artist and her ability to create memorable R&B hits.
4. Un-Break My Heart
“Un-Break My Heart” is a song by Toni Braxton from her second studio album, “Secrets,” released in 1996. The song was written by Diane Warren and produced by David Foster. It became one of Braxton’s most successful and iconic songs, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and achieving international acclaim.
The lyrics of “Un-Break My Heart” express the pain and longing of a person who is pleading with their former lover to come back and undo the heartbreak they caused. Braxton’s emotive vocals and the song’s melancholic melody convey a sense of vulnerability and raw emotion, resonating with listeners who have experienced the anguish of lost love.
“Un-Break My Heart” earned Braxton several awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. The song’s music video, directed by Bille Woodruff, further heightened its impact, featuring cinematic visuals and Braxton’s captivating performance.
With its soul-stirring lyrics and powerful vocals, “Un-Break My Heart” remains one of Toni Braxton’s signature songs and a timeless classic in the realm of R&B and pop music. Its enduring popularity has solidified its status as one of the most memorable and emotionally resonant ballads of the 1990s.
5. 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, along with Bryce Wilson.
“You’re Makin’ Me High” is a sultry R&B track with elements of hip hop and funk. It features a catchy groove, smooth melodies, and Braxton’s sensual vocals. Lyrically, the song explores themes of desire, attraction, and the intoxicating effects of love.
The track was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, making it Braxton’s first song to top the chart. It also reached the top ten in several other countries. “You’re Makin’ Me High” received critical acclaim for its production, Braxton’s vocal performance, and its infectious hook.
The accompanying music video for “You’re Makin’ Me High” features Braxton in various sensual and glamorous settings, further emphasizing the song’s themes of passion and desire.
Overall, “You’re Makin’ Me High” is one of Toni Braxton’s signature songs and remains a classic in the R&B genre, beloved by fans for its infectious groove and Braxton’s mesmerizing vocals.
6. He Wasn’t Man Enough
“He Wasn’t Man Enough” is a song by Toni Braxton from her third studio album, “The Heat,” released in 2000. The song was written by Rodney Jerkins, Fred Jerkins III, LaShawn Daniels, and Harvey Mason Jr., and it was produced by Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins.
“He Wasn’t Man Enough” is an R&B and dance-pop song with a catchy hook and a strong beat. Lyrically, the song explores themes of empowerment and independence, with Braxton confronting an ex-lover who underestimated her strength and resilience. The lyrics convey a sense of confidence and self-assurance as Braxton asserts her worth and moves on from a failed relationship.
The song was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on various music charts worldwide. It also earned Braxton a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 2001. The accompanying music video, directed by Bille Woodruff, features Braxton in glamorous settings, exuding confidence and attitude as she delivers the song’s empowering message.
“He Wasn’t Man Enough” became one of Toni Braxton’s signature songs and remains a fan favorite. Its infectious groove, memorable lyrics, and Braxton’s powerhouse vocals continue to resonate with audiences, making it a standout track in her discography.
7. Breathe Again
“Breathe Again” is a song by American 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 Babyface.
“Breathe Again” is a soulful R&B ballad that showcases Braxton’s powerful vocals and emotional delivery. The song’s lyrics depict the narrator longing for the return of a lost love and the hope of finding solace in their arms once again.
The track was a commercial success, reaching the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and topping the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. “Breathe Again” also achieved success internationally, reaching the top ten in several countries.
The accompanying music video for “Breathe Again” features Braxton in various settings, including a dramatic scene of her standing in the rain, conveying the song’s themes of heartache and longing.
Overall, “Breathe Again” is one of Toni Braxton’s signature songs and remains a classic in the R&B genre, beloved by fans for its emotional resonance and Braxton’s soul-stirring performance.
8. You Mean the World to Me
“You Mean the World to Me” is a song by American singer Toni Braxton, released in 1994 as the third single from her self-titled debut album, “Toni Braxton.” The song was written by Diane Warren and produced by David Foster.
“You Mean the World to Me” is a soulful R&B ballad that showcases Braxton’s emotive vocals and heartfelt delivery. The lyrics express gratitude and devotion to a romantic partner, conveying the depth of love and appreciation felt towards them.
The track was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and topping the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It also achieved success internationally, reaching the top ten in several countries.
The accompanying music video for “You Mean the World to Me” features Braxton in various settings, including a dramatic scene of her singing in the rain, emphasizing the song’s themes of love and longing.
Overall, “You Mean the World to Me” is one of Toni Braxton’s standout songs from her debut album, cherished by fans for its emotional resonance and Braxton’s powerful vocal performance.
9. Another Sad Love Song
“Another Sad Love Song” is a song by Toni Braxton, released as the lead single from her self-titled debut album “Toni Braxton” in 1993. The song was written and produced by Babyface and Daryl Simmons.
“Another Sad Love Song” is an R&B ballad that showcases Braxton’s soulful vocals and emotive delivery. Lyrically, the song depicts the pain and heartache of experiencing yet another failed relationship. Braxton’s vocals convey a sense of vulnerability and longing as she sings about the cycle of heartbreak.
The song was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on various music charts, including the Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at number seven. It also earned Braxton her first Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female, in 1994.
“Another Sad Love Song” helped establish Toni Braxton as a prominent R&B artist and set the stage for the success of her debut album. Its powerful vocals, poignant lyrics, and smooth production continue to resonate with listeners, making it one of Braxton’s signature songs.
10. I Belong to You
“I Belong to You” is a song by Toni Braxton from her third studio album, “The Heat,” released in 2000. The song features the rapper Brian McKnight and was written by Braxton, McKnight, and Anthony “Shep” Crawford.
“I Belong to You” is a romantic R&B ballad that explores themes of love and devotion. Braxton’s soulful vocals and McKnight’s smooth delivery complement each other as they express their feelings of affection and commitment to each other. The song’s melody is lush and melodic, with a memorable chorus that highlights Braxton’s vocal range.
“I Belong to You” was released as a single and achieved moderate success on the music charts. It received positive reviews from critics, who praised Braxton and McKnight’s vocal performances and the song’s heartfelt lyrics.
The accompanying music video for “I Belong to You” features Braxton and McKnight in romantic settings, further enhancing the song’s message of love and intimacy.
Overall, “I Belong to You” is a standout track on Toni Braxton’s “The Heat” album, showcasing her talent as a vocalist and her ability to convey emotion through her 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.
