Toni Braxton is an acclaimed American singer, songwriter, and actress, renowned for her rich contralto voice and emotive ballads. Rising to fame in the early 1990s, she achieved significant success with her self-titled debut album in 1993, featuring hits like “Another Sad Love Song” and “Breathe Again.” Her follow-up album, “Secrets” (1996), solidified her status with iconic tracks such as “Un-Break My Heart” and “You’re Makin’ Me High.” Over her career, Braxton has won multiple Grammy Awards and sold over 70 million records worldwide. She is celebrated for her contributions to R&B, pop, and soul music, and her enduring influence in the music industry.
1. I Don’t Want To
“I Don’t Want To” is a song by Toni Braxton from her 1996 album “Secrets.” Written and produced by R. Kelly, this soulful ballad showcases Braxton’s powerful and emotive vocal delivery. The song’s lyrics express a poignant plea to avoid the pain of ending a relationship, capturing a blend of vulnerability and strength. “I Don’t Want To” was released as a single in 1997 and became a hit, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the top 10 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The track is a testament to Braxton’s ability to convey deep emotional resonance through her music.
2. Seven Whole Days
“Seven Whole Days” is a song by Toni Braxton, featured on her self-titled debut album released in 1993. The track, produced by L.A. Reid and Babyface, is a soulful ballad that showcases Braxton’s powerful and emotive vocal range. The song’s lyrics detail the pain and frustration of a woman who has been neglected by her lover for an entire week, expressing a mix of longing and resolve. With its smooth melody and heartfelt delivery, “Seven Whole Days” exemplifies Braxton’s ability to convey deep emotion through her music, contributing to the album’s success and establishing her as a significant voice in the R&B genre.
3. Hit the Freeway
“Hit the Freeway” is a song by Toni Braxton from her 2002 album “More Than a Woman.” Featuring rapper Loon and produced by The Neptunes, the track marks a departure from Braxton’s signature ballads, embracing a more upbeat and contemporary R&B sound. The song’s lyrics discuss moving on from a failed relationship with confidence and independence. Released as the album’s lead single, “Hit the Freeway” received moderate chart success and showcased Braxton’s versatility and willingness to experiment with different musical styles. The track is notable for its catchy melody, sleek production, and the seamless blend of Braxton’s soulful vocals with Loon’s rap verses.
4. Un-Break My Heart
“Un-Break My Heart” is one of Toni Braxton’s most iconic songs, released in 1996 as the second single from her second studio album, “Secrets.” Written by Diane Warren and produced by David Foster, the song is a poignant ballad that explores themes of heartbreak and longing. Braxton’s powerful and emotive vocal performance, combined with the song’s lush orchestration and memorable melody, made it a massive hit. “Un-Break My Heart” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for 11 consecutive weeks and won a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. It remains one of Braxton’s signature songs and a classic in the R&B and pop genres.
5. You’re Makin’ Me High
“You’re Makin’ Me High” is a hit single by Toni Braxton from her second studio album, “Secrets,” released in 1996. Co-written by Babyface and Bryce Wilson, the song features a sultry R&B groove and showcases Braxton’s rich, emotive vocal range. Lyrically, it explores themes of desire and sensual attraction. “You’re Makin’ Me High” became Braxton’s first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100 and also topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The song’s seductive melody, combined with Braxton’s powerful performance, helped solidify her status as a leading artist in the 1990s R&B scene. The accompanying music video, directed by Bille Woodruff, further emphasized its sensual tone and contributed to its widespread acclaim and popularity.
6. He Wasn’t Man Enough
“He Wasn’t Man Enough” is a hit song by Toni Braxton, released in 2000 as the lead single from her third studio album, “The Heat.” Written and produced by Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, the song is an uptempo R&B track with a strong, confident message. In the lyrics, Braxton addresses a woman whose ex-boyfriend is now trying to get back with her, asserting that he wasn’t good enough for her in the first place. The song features a catchy beat, sharp lyrics, and Braxton’s distinctive, powerful vocals. “He Wasn’t Man Enough” was a commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Braxton a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.
7. Breathe Again
“Breathe Again” is a song by Toni Braxton, released in 1993 as the second single from her self-titled debut album. Written by Babyface and produced by L.A. Reid and Babyface, the song is a heartfelt ballad that showcases Braxton’s rich, emotive vocals. The lyrics express the deep pain and longing of a love lost, with the protagonist lamenting that she can’t imagine living without her lover. The song’s haunting melody and poignant delivery helped it become a major hit, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Braxton a Grammy Award nomination. “Breathe Again” remains one of her most beloved and enduring tracks.
8. You Mean the World to Me
“You Mean the World to Me” is a song by Toni Braxton from her self-titled debut album, released in 1993. Written by Babyface, L.A. Reid, and Daryl Simmons, the track is a heartfelt ballad that highlights Braxton’s emotive and powerful vocal delivery. The lyrics express deep love and gratitude, conveying a message of how much a significant other means to the singer. Released as the album’s fourth single in 1994, “You Mean the World to Me” became a commercial success, peaking at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching the top ten on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The song’s lush production, combined with Braxton’s soulful performance, makes it one of her enduring classics.
9. 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. Written and produced by Babyface, the song is a mid-tempo R&B track that features Braxton’s soulful vocals. In the lyrics, Braxton sings about the pain of experiencing yet another sad love song on the radio, highlighting the relatable theme of heartbreak. The song’s catchy melody and Braxton’s emotive delivery helped it become a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Another Sad Love Song” was praised for its production and Braxton’s vocal performance, establishing her as a rising star in the R&B music scene.
10. I Belong to You
“I Belong to You” is a song by Toni Braxton from her second studio album, “Secrets,” released in 1996. Written and produced by Toni Braxton and R. Kelly, the song is a soulful ballad that showcases Braxton’s emotive vocal delivery and vulnerability. Lyrically, it expresses deep love and devotion to a romantic partner, conveying a sense of surrender and commitment. “I Belong to You” features lush instrumentation, including smooth R&B grooves and atmospheric production elements. Although not released as a single, the song remains a fan favorite and a standout track on the “Secrets” album, praised for its heartfelt lyrics and Braxton’s stirring performance.