Toni Braxton is an American singer, songwriter, and actress, known for her deep, sultry voice and emotive delivery. Born on October 7, 1967, in Severn, Maryland, she rose to fame in the early 1990s with her self-titled debut album, which included hits like “Another Sad Love Song” and “Breathe Again.” Braxton’s music blends R&B, soul, and pop, and her powerful ballads often explore themes of love, heartbreak, and resilience. Her 1996 album *Secrets* featured the iconic track “Un-Break My Heart,” which became one of her biggest hits. Throughout her career, Braxton has won multiple Grammy Awards and sold over 70 million records worldwide. She is also known for her work in television and Broadway, further cementing her status as an influential and versatile artist in the music industry.
1. I Don’t Want To
“I Don’t Want To” is a soulful ballad by Toni Braxton, released in 1997 as a single from her second studio album, *Secrets* (1996). Written by R. Kelly, the song showcases Braxton’s rich, emotive vocals as she expresses the pain of a love that’s ending. The lyrics convey a deep sense of vulnerability and reluctance to let go, with Braxton singing about the heartbreak of not wanting to hurt, cry, or live without her partner. The song became a moderate hit, further solidifying Braxton’s reputation for delivering powerful, emotionally resonant ballads. Its smooth, R&B production complements Braxton’s voice, making it a standout track in her discography.
2. Seven Whole Days
“Seven Whole Days” is a soulful ballad by Toni Braxton, featured on her 1993 self-titled debut album. The song is a powerful expression of heartache and frustration, capturing the emotions of a woman who feels neglected by her partner. Braxton’s rich, emotive vocals convey the pain of waiting for love and attention, with the refrain “Seven whole days and not a word from you” becoming a poignant anthem of longing. The track’s smooth R&B production, with its gentle piano and subtle backing vocals, complements the intensity of Braxton’s delivery. “Seven Whole Days” stands as a testament to Braxton’s ability to blend vulnerability with strength, making it one of the standout tracks on her breakthrough album.
3. Hit the Freeway
“Hit the Freeway” is an upbeat R&B track by Toni Braxton, released in 2002 as the lead single from her album *More Than a Woman*. Featuring rapper Loon, the song blends Braxton’s signature smooth vocals with a contemporary, hip-hop-influenced production. The track, produced by The Neptunes, has an infectious, driving rhythm, with crisp beats and catchy melodies that reflect early 2000s urban music trends. Lyrically, “Hit the Freeway” is about moving on from a relationship that’s no longer working, with Braxton confidently telling her ex to “hit the freeway” and leave her life. The song showcases Braxton’s versatility, fusing her classic soulful style with a modern edge.
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 album *Secrets*. Written by Diane Warren and produced by David Foster, the song is a powerful ballad that became a massive hit worldwide. In it, Braxton pleads for a lost love to return, expressing deep sorrow and heartache. Her soulful, emotive vocal performance, combined with the song’s orchestral arrangement, resonated with listeners, helping it top the Billboard Hot 100 for 11 consecutive weeks. “Un-Break My Heart” won a Grammy Award and remains one of the best-selling singles of all time, cementing Braxton’s place as an R&B legend.
5. You’re Makin’ Me High
“**You’re Makin’ Me High**” is a hit single by Toni Braxton from her 1996 album *Secrets*. Written by Kenneth Pratt, Kevin “She’kspere” Briggs, and Toni Braxton, the song blends R&B with a sultry, upbeat groove. It features Braxton’s signature deep, smooth vocals, expressing the euphoric sensations of a new romantic relationship. The track became a major success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning acclaim for its catchy melody and Braxton’s powerful performance. “You’re Makin’ Me High” showcased her versatility as an artist, further establishing her prominence in the R&B genre during the 1990s.
6. He Wasn’t Man Enough
“He Wasn’t Man Enough” is a fiery R&B anthem by Toni Braxton, released in 2000 as the lead single from her album *The Heat*. Written and produced by Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, the song features a bold and assertive Braxton confronting a woman about a past relationship. With its infectious beat, sharp lyrics, and Braxton’s powerhouse vocals, the track became an instant hit, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s message of empowerment, telling the other woman that her ex “wasn’t man enough” to handle her, resonated widely. The track’s catchy chorus and sleek production made it one of Braxton’s most iconic songs, earning her a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.
7. Breathe Again
“Breathe Again” is a heartfelt ballad by Toni Braxton, released in 1993 as the second single from her self-titled debut album. Written by Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, the song showcases Braxton’s rich, emotive voice as she sings about the deep pain of losing a lover. The lyrics express a longing so intense that she feels she can hardly “breathe again” without the person she loves. The lush, orchestral production, combined with Braxton’s soulful delivery, creates a powerful sense of melancholy and yearning. “Breathe Again” became one of Braxton’s biggest hits, reaching the top 10 in multiple countries and earning her widespread acclaim as a leading voice in R&B.
8. You Mean the World to Me
“You Mean the World to Me” is a soulful ballad by Toni Braxton, released in 1993 as the lead single from her self-titled debut album. Written by David L. Johnson and produced by Antonio “L.A.” Reid and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, the song highlights Braxton’s rich, emotive voice as she sings about deep, unconditional love and devotion. The track became a significant hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and solidifying Braxton’s presence in the music industry. Its heartfelt lyrics and Braxton’s powerful delivery resonated with audiences, contributing to the success of her debut album and establishing her as a major R&B artist.
9. Another Sad Love Song
“Another Sad Love Song” is Toni Braxton’s debut single, released in 1993 from her self-titled album. Written by Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and Antonio “L.A.” Reid, the song features Braxton’s distinctive, deep voice expressing the pain of heartbreak and unrequited love. The track’s smooth, soulful melody and heartfelt lyrics helped it resonate with listeners, leading it to become a major hit. It topped the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Another Sad Love Song” marked Braxton’s entrance into the music industry and set the stage for her successful career, showcasing her talent for delivering emotionally charged performances.
10. I Belong to You
“I Belong to You” is a smooth and romantic track by Toni Braxton, featured on her 1993 debut album *Toni Braxton*. The song is a tender expression of love and devotion, with Braxton’s sultry vocals conveying deep affection and commitment to her partner. The production is understated, allowing Braxton’s voice to take center stage, supported by gentle instrumentation and a soothing melody. “I Belong to You” showcases Braxton’s ability to convey emotion with subtlety and grace, making it a standout ballad on the album. The song was released as a double A-side single with “How Many Ways” and earned Braxton a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 1995.
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.
