Toni Braxton is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and television personality who rose to fame in the early 1990s. With a career spanning over three decades, Braxton has sold over 70 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling female artists of all time. Known for her soulful and emotive voice, Braxton has earned numerous accolades, including seven Grammy Awards and nine Billboard Music Awards. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 best Toni Braxton songs of all time, showcasing her talent and versatility as an artist.
From her breakthrough hit “Un-Break My Heart” to her collaboration with Babyface on “Hurt You,” this list will feature some of Braxton’s most beloved and iconic tracks. We will explore the stories behind the songs and discuss their impact on both Braxton’s career and the music industry as a whole. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to Braxton’s music, this article will provide a comprehensive overview of her greatest hits, highlighting the depth and breadth of her talent as a singer and songwriter.
1. Let It Flow
“Let It Flow” is a soulful R&B ballad performed by Toni Braxton. The song was released in 1996 as a soundtrack single for the film “Waiting to Exhale,” which starred Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, and Loretta Devine. The track was written and produced by Babyface, a frequent collaborator of Braxton’s. “Let It Flow” features Braxton’s trademark emotive vocals, which perfectly capture the song’s themes of letting go and moving on. The melody is driven by a steady beat and features lush instrumentation, including strings, piano, and guitar. The song’s lyrics offer a message of hope and resilience, encouraging listeners to release their fears and trust in the journey of life. “Let It Flow” became a top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Braxton a Grammy nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. It remains one of Braxton’s most beloved and enduring tracks, showcasing her talent as a singer and her ability to connect with audiences on a deep and emotional level.
2. Take This Ring
“Take This Ring” is a romantic ballad performed by Toni Braxton, featured on her 2005 album “Libra.” The song was written and produced by Keri Lewis, Braxton’s husband at the time. “Take This Ring” showcases Braxton’s soulful vocals and tells the story of a woman who is ready to commit to a lifelong partnership with her lover. The song’s gentle melody is driven by a simple guitar riff and features soft percussion and strings that build to a powerful crescendo. Braxton’s performance is emotive and heartfelt, conveying the song’s message of love and devotion. “Take This Ring” received critical acclaim for its intimate and personal lyrics, as well as its understated production. It remains a fan favorite and a testament to Braxton’s ability to connect with audiences through her music.
3. Un-Break My Heart
“Un-Break My Heart” is a timeless classic ballad performed by Toni Braxton, released in 1996 as the second single from her sophomore album, “Secrets.” The song was written by Diane Warren and produced by David Foster. It became Braxton’s signature song and a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning her a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. The song’s poignant lyrics tell the story of a woman begging her lover to return and mend her broken heart. The melody is driven by a melancholy piano riff and features orchestral strings that heighten the emotional impact of Braxton’s performance. Her powerful and soulful voice perfectly captures the song’s themes of heartbreak and vulnerability. “Un-Break My Heart” has become a beloved classic, one that showcases Braxton’s artistry and cemented her status as one of the most iconic voices of her generation.
4. He Wasn’t Man Enough
“He Wasn’t Man Enough” is an R&B-pop crossover hit performed 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. It became Braxton’s highest-charting single on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number two and earning her a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. “He Wasn’t Man Enough” features a catchy, upbeat melody and a pulsing beat that perfectly complement Braxton’s sultry vocals. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a woman warning her former lover’s new girlfriend that he’s not the man she thinks he is. The track showcases Braxton’s versatility as an artist, blending her soulful R&B roots with elements of pop and dance music. “He Wasn’t Man Enough” remains one of Braxton’s most iconic and memorable hits, showcasing her as a true superstar of the music industry.
5. Long As I Live
“Long As I Live” is a modern R&B track performed by Toni Braxton, released in 2018 as the lead single from her album “Sex & Cigarettes.” The song was written by Braxton herself, along with Paul Boutin and Antonio Dixon, and features a smooth and sultry production. Braxton’s vocals are powerful and emotive, conveying the song’s themes of heartbreak and resilience. “Long As I Live” tells the story of a woman who has moved on from a past relationship but still struggles with the memories and pain associated with it. The track features a catchy hook and a modern, radio-friendly sound that showcases Braxton’s continued relevance as a contemporary R&B artist. “Long As I Live” was met with critical acclaim and has become a fan favorite, cementing Braxton’s status as a timeless and iconic performer in the genre.
6. Breathe Again
“Breathe Again” is a soulful R&B ballad performed by Toni Braxton, released in 1993 as the second single from her debut album “Toni Braxton.” The song was written by Babyface and produced by L.A. Reid and Babyface. It became one of Braxton’s biggest hits, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning her a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. “Breathe Again” features a haunting piano melody and Braxton’s trademark emotive vocals, conveying the pain and longing of a woman who is still in love with her ex-partner. The song’s chorus is a powerful anthem of resilience, as Braxton sings about finding the strength to move on from a broken relationship. “Breathe Again” remains a beloved classic, one that showcases Braxton’s incredible voice and her ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level.
7. I Love Me Some Him
“I Love Me Some Him” is a romantic R&B ballad performed by Toni Braxton, released in 1999 as the third single from her album “The Heat.” The song was written and produced by Rodney Jerkins and LaShawn Daniels. “I Love Me Some Him” showcases Braxton’s soulful vocals and tells the story of a woman who is devoted to her lover and willing to do anything to make their relationship work. The melody is driven by a slow, sensual groove and features understated instrumentation that allows Braxton’s voice to take center stage. The song’s lyrics are intimate and personal, conveying the passion and tenderness of a deeply committed relationship. “I Love Me Some Him” became a fan favorite and remains one of Braxton’s most beloved tracks, showcasing her ability to convey raw emotion and vulnerability through her music.
8. Another Sad Love Song
“Another Sad Love Song” is a soulful R&B ballad performed by Toni Braxton, released in 1993 as the lead single from her debut album “Toni Braxton.” The song was written and produced by Babyface and Daryl Simmons. It features Braxton’s signature emotive vocals, which perfectly capture the heartbreak and pain of a woman who is still in love with her ex-partner. The track’s melody is driven by a steady beat and features lush instrumentation, including piano, guitar, and saxophone. The song’s lyrics are a poignant and relatable depiction of the aftermath of a breakup, with Braxton singing about the struggle to move on from a past love. “Another Sad Love Song” became a top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Braxton her first Grammy nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. The track remains a beloved classic, showcasing Braxton’s incredible talent as a singer and her ability to convey raw emotion through her music.
9. I Belong to You
“I Belong to You” is a romantic R&B ballad performed by Toni Braxton, released in 1994 as the second single from her self-titled debut album. The song was written and produced by Daryl Simmons and features Braxton’s signature soulful vocals. The melody is driven by a slow, sensual groove and features understated instrumentation that allows Braxton’s voice to shine. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a woman who is deeply in love with her partner and willing to do anything to make their relationship work. “I Belong to You” became a fan favorite and showcases Braxton’s talent for conveying raw emotion and vulnerability through her music. The song’s smooth and romantic sound made it a popular choice for weddings and other romantic occasions, cementing its status as a classic R&B love ballad.
10. Hands Tied
“Hands Tied” is an R&B-pop track performed by Toni Braxton, released in 2010 as the second single from her album “Pulse.” The song was written by Daryl Simmons and Antonio Dixon and features a modern, radio-friendly sound. “Hands Tied” showcases Braxton’s sultry vocals and tells the story of a woman who is trapped in a complicated relationship but unable to resist the passion and chemistry she shares with her partner. The melody is driven by a pulsing beat and features electronic elements that give the track a contemporary sound. The song’s lyrics are intimate and personal, conveying the complexity and nuances of modern relationships. “Hands Tied” received critical acclaim for its catchy hook and modern sound, and remains a fan favorite, showcasing Braxton’s continued relevance and talent as a contemporary R&B artist.
Darren Jamison 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.
