Toni Braxton, the sultry songstress with a voice as deep and rich as velvet, has been captivating audiences for decades. With a career that spans over 30 years, Braxton has consistently delivered hits that not only define the sound of R&B but also leave an indelible mark on the hearts of her listeners. Whether it’s the raw emotion in “Un-Break My Heart,” the seductive allure of “You’re Makin’ Me High,” or the poignant storytelling in “Breathe Again,” Braxton’s music resonates with a timeless quality that continues to inspire and move generations.
In this article, we’ll take a journey through the top 10 most popular Toni Braxton songs of all time. These tracks showcase her unparalleled vocal prowess, her ability to convey deep emotion, and her undeniable influence on the music industry. From chart-topping anthems to soulful ballads, get ready to dive into the sounds that have made Toni Braxton a living legend. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering her magic for the first time, these songs are sure to remind you why Toni Braxton remains one of the most beloved voices in music history.
1. “Un-Break My Heart” (1996)
Arguably Toni Braxton’s most iconic song, “Un-Break My Heart,” released in 1996, is a timeless ballad that showcases her extraordinary vocal range and emotional depth. Written by Diane Warren and produced by David Foster, the song’s heart-wrenching lyrics and stirring melody struck a chord with listeners worldwide. The track topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 11 consecutive weeks and won Braxton a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. The accompanying music video, where Toni grieves the loss of a lover, added to the song’s emotional impact, making it one of the most memorable moments of the 90s. To this day, “Un-Break My Heart” remains a definitive anthem of heartbreak, a song that continues to resonate with anyone who has ever loved and lost.
2. “Breathe Again” (1993)
Released in 1993 as the second single from her self-titled debut album, “Breathe Again” is one of Toni Braxton’s earliest hits, solidifying her status as a rising star in the R&B world. The song’s haunting melody and poetic lyrics, penned by Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, tell the story of longing and desperation after a breakup. With its memorable chorus and Toni’s emotive delivery, “Breathe Again” quickly climbed the charts, reaching the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. The accompanying music video, which features Braxton wandering through a misty forest in a flowing gown, became a staple on MTV. This song remains a fan favorite and a testament to Toni’s ability to convey deep emotion through her music.
3. “You’re Makin’ Me High” (1996)
“You’re Makin’ Me High,” released in 1996, marked a bold and sultry turn for Toni Braxton, showcasing her versatility as an artist. This track, the lead single from her second album Secrets, is a steamy, mid-tempo groove that perfectly blends R&B with a hint of funk. Written by Babyface and Bryce Wilson, the song’s lyrics explore the intoxicating feelings of desire and attraction. “You’re Makin’ Me High” became Braxton’s first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100, proving her ability to dominate both pop and R&B charts. The song’s success was further amplified by its flirtatious music video, where Toni and her friends rate potential dates using a “man-o-meter.” This track remains a 90s classic, celebrated for its catchy hook and Braxton’s sultry vocal delivery.
4. “He Wasn’t Man Enough” (2000)
Toni Braxton kicked off the new millennium with a bang when she released “He Wasn’t Man Enough” in March 2000. This sassy, up-tempo track, produced by Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, is a departure from her usual ballads, showcasing a more confident and assertive side of Braxton. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a woman confronting her ex-lover’s new partner, declaring that he wasn’t good enough for her. With its infectious beat and Toni’s powerful vocals, “He Wasn’t Man Enough” quickly became a commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Braxton a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. The song’s accompanying video, with its cinematic plot and choreography, further cemented its status as a fan favorite.
5. “Another Sad Love Song” (1993)
“Another Sad Love Song,” released in 1993, was Toni Braxton’s debut single and the song that introduced her to the world. Written by Babyface and Daryl Simmons, this mid-tempo track is a quintessential 90s R&B ballad, blending smooth melodies with heartfelt lyrics about the lingering pain of a breakup. The song’s relatable theme and Braxton’s deep, soulful voice made it an instant hit, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning her a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. The music video, featuring Toni in various glamorous settings, further showcased her star power. “Another Sad Love Song” remains a beloved track, marking the beginning of Braxton’s illustrious career.
6. “You Mean the World to Me” (1994)
Released in 1994, “You Mean the World to Me” is a heartfelt ballad that highlights Toni Braxton’s ability to convey deep emotion through her music. Written by Babyface, Antonio “L.A.” Reid, and Daryl Simmons, the song is a declaration of love and devotion, with Braxton’s rich, velvety vocals taking center stage. The track was the fourth single from her debut album and became another commercial success, peaking at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100. The accompanying music video, which features Braxton in elegant settings, further added to the song’s romantic appeal. “You Mean the World to Me” remains a fan favorite, celebrated for its timeless lyrics and Toni’s soulful performance.
7. “Let It Flow” (1996)
“Let It Flow,” released in 1996, is one of Toni Braxton’s most enduring hits, known for its smooth melody and empowering message. The song was featured on the soundtrack of the hit film Waiting to Exhale and later included on her Secrets album. Written by Babyface, “Let It Flow” is a soulful ballad that encourages letting go of past hurts and embracing new beginnings. The song’s laid-back groove and Braxton’s soothing, yet powerful, vocals resonated with listeners, making it a standout track in her discography. Although it was never released as a single in the US, it still managed to gain significant radio play and remains a beloved track, particularly among fans who appreciate its message of resilience and self-love.
8. “I Don’t Want To” (1997)
“I Don’t Want To,” released in 1997, is a tender ballad that showcases Toni Braxton’s ability to convey vulnerability and heartache. Written by R. Kelly, the song was the fourth single from her Secrets album and tells the story of a woman who is struggling to move on from a relationship, despite knowing it’s the best thing to do. Braxton’s emotive delivery perfectly captures the song’s bittersweet tone, making it resonate deeply with listeners. The track became another hit for Braxton, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. The accompanying music video, which features scenes of Toni reflecting on her lost love, further adds to the song’s emotional impact. “I Don’t Want To” remains a poignant ballad that continues to connect with fans.
9. “How Could an Angel Break My Heart” (1997)
Released in 1997, “How Could an Angel Break My Heart” is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that pairs Toni Braxton’s soulful voice with the smooth saxophone of Kenny G. Written by Braxton and Babyface, the song is a heartbreaking tale of love and betrayal, with lyrics that speak to the pain of discovering that someone you love isn’t who you thought they were. The track was the fourth single from her Secrets album and, while it didn’t achieve the same commercial success as some of her other hits, it remains a fan favorite due to its emotional depth and Braxton’s powerful performance. The music video, which features a storyline of love and loss, perfectly complements the song’s melancholic tone. “How Could an Angel Break My Heart” is a testament to Braxton’s ability to convey complex emotions through her music.
10. “Just Be a Man About It” (2000)
“Just Be a Man About It,” released in 2000, is a bold and assertive track that showcases Toni Braxton’s no-nonsense attitude towards relationships. The song, which features a spoken-word intro by Dr. Dre, tells the story of a woman confronting her partner about his lack of commitment and his inability to be honest about his feelings. With its mid-tempo beat and Braxton’s confident delivery, “Just Be a Man About It” became a hit, reaching the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100. The accompanying music video, which features Braxton confronting her partner in various dramatic scenes, further emphasizes the song’s message of self-respect and empowerment. “Just Be a Man About It” remains a standout track in Braxton’s catalog, celebrated for its empowering lyrics and Toni’s commanding performance.
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.
