Toni Braxton is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to fame in the 1990s for her powerful and soulful voice. Born in Maryland in 1967, Braxton began her music career in the early 1990s as a member of the R&B group, The Braxtons, before launching a successful solo career.
Braxton’s music is characterized by her distinctive voice, which has been described as both deep and sultry, and her ability to convey emotion through her singing. She is known for her hits such as “Un-break My Heart,” “Breathe Again,” and “He Wasn’t Man Enough.” Her music videos, particularly those for “Un-break My Heart” and “You’re Makin’ Me High,” are also iconic.
Throughout her career, Braxton has released several studio albums and won numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards and induction into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. She is also known for her acting roles in films and television shows.
In addition to her music and acting career, Braxton has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, particularly those related to education and autism awareness.
Braxton’s music and legacy continue to be celebrated and admired by fans and musicians around the world. She remains one of the most respected and influential figures in the history of R&B and soul music, and her contributions to the genre will be felt for generations to come.
1. He Wasn’t Man Enough
This track, a hit in 2000, was one of Toni Braxton's most successful R&B songs. Delivering powerful notes against a bouncy thump, "He Wasn’t Man Enough" was co-written by Rodney Jerkins and featured background vocalists like Mary Mary and Keri Lewis. It deals with the theme of female empowerment with lyrics that accentuate the strong-willed woman who won't tolerate any mistreatment. From the sassy catchphrase ‘You're popping that dirty laundry on me’ to the driving hook ‘you can’t handle me’, this song is an anthem for women asserting their independence.
The single spent weeks at number two on Billboard's Hot 100 chart, though it could not quite push Madonna’s 'Music' out of peak position. Nevertheless, the Toni Braxton classic bagged her Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.
"He Wasn’t Man Enough" is widely remembered by millions of long-term lovers of contemporary soul/R&B music as signature work from Toni Braxton's discography. Its popularity even still continues today with more than 40 million streams on Spotify alone.
This song is a proven party-starter and suits excitable social settings or environments wherein women feel like they need to raise their spirits up. Alternatively, it makes a perfect jam to blast out while preparing for a big night out or when getting dressed up for an important event. Finally, if you're looking to wallow in heartbreak after breaking up with some undeserving man-opener over text message, "He Wasn’t Man Enough" could easily become your fresh bop!
Seven days may be a long time to wait, but Toni Braxton's sultry vocals make it worth every single whole day.
2. Seven Whole Days
This song from Toni Braxton's discography of hits is titled after a week-long duration, 'Seven Whole Days'. This soulful track from her debut album blends blues and jazz elements and showcases Braxton's unique vocal range. The lyrics capture the longing of someone who has been left alone for seven long days but still senses their lover's presence. The chorus builds on layered harmonies and a spirited arrangement to create an upbeat yet emotionally charged tune that is signature Braxton.
'Seven Whole Days' became an overnight hit among R&B audiences, earning Braxton a reputation for embodying the essence of the genre with her powerful delivery and sultry tone. The track quickly climbed the Billboard charts and cemented her status as one of the most promising stars in music during the 1990s. Its lasting popularity still ensures it remains a regular on playlists around the world.
The song features prominent backing vocals by Tamar Estine Braxton, Toni's younger sister, who would go on to become a successful musician herself. 'Seven Whole Days' was produced by L.A Reid and Babyface Edmonds, who were instrumental in establishing Toni's career at LaFace Records.
Overall, 'Seven Whole Days' showcases Toni Braxton's exceptional talent and highlights why she has remained one of R&B's most iconic artists today.
Listening to 'You're Making Me High' makes me wonder if Toni Braxton's secret superpower is turning oxygen into pure seduction.
3. You’re Making Me High
This Toni Braxton classic, with a Semantic NLP variation of 'You're heightening my emotions', is a standout track from her album 'Secrets.' With its catchy hooks and relatable lyrics about the thrill of infatuation, the song became an instant hit. The seductive music video further cemented its place in fans' hearts.
As we delve deeper into the track, listeners can appreciate Toni's powerful vocals and the underlying instrumentals that complement the song's overall feel. It has become a staple in many of her live performances and showcases her ability to connect with her audience.
What sets this track apart is its timeless appeal and sheer staying power. Decades later, it still resonates with new generations who have discovered it through streaming services or radio stations. It proves that great music never goes out of style.
For those looking to explore more of Toni Braxton's discography, it's worth checking out some of her other fan-favorites such as "Un-Break My Heart" and "Breathe Again." These tracks exhibit her range as an artist and are just as memorable as "You're Making Me High."
Listening to 'Breathe Again' is like being reunited with an ex who broke your heart – it hurts so good.
4. Breathe Again
This soulful classic marked a successful turn for the singer during the early '90s. The song, considered a fan favorite, received critical acclaim, and it's easy to hear why. With emotive lyrics about heartbreak, Braxton delivers heartfelt vocals over a smooth melody that manages to soothe even while conveying feelings of loss and despair.
"Breathe Again" showcased her powerhouse vocals and became an instant hit. The emotional ballad slowly builds as Braxton describes how she will survive after losing her love. She sings about finding courage amidst the pain and believing in herself again.
To this day, listeners still identify with "Breathe Again's" powerful message and relatable story. In fact, many claim it serves as their go-to breakup anthem. Its timeless appeal confirms it as one of Braxton's best songs ever.
Legend has it that Braxton was initially hesitant to record "Breathe Again" due to its personal and vulnerable subject matter. However, the song ultimately became a standout moment for her career and cemented her status as a top R&B artist.
Listening to 'You Mean the World To Me' is like getting a warm hug from Toni Braxton herself, except without the awkward body contact.
5. You Mean the World To Me
A heartfelt classic, this song showcases Toni's soulful voice with emotional lyrics dedicated to a special someone. With a perfect blend of R&B and pop, 'You Mean the World To Me' conveys the sentiment of appreciation through its beautiful melody and harmonies. The track marks one of her biggest hits from the debut self-titled album in 1993.
In this iconic song, Toni expresses her love for a particular person without holding back. The song's message is that the person is the center of her world and her life revolves around them. The powerful chorus, "You mean the world to me, you are my everything," emphasizes how significant that person is in her life.
Toni's vocal prowess shines through in 'You Mean the World To Me,' where she delivers each note with passion and conviction. The bridge section is especially noteworthy as it shifts from a slow tempo to a faster one brilliantly. This musical transition adds depth to the song and makes it even more impactful.
Overall, 'You Mean the World To Me' serves as an excellent representation of Toni Braxton's music career, which has always been about inspiring people with soulful ballads and authentic lyrics. If you need some musical inspiration about relationship appreciation or value expressing your emotions out loud, this song can be an ultimate choice for you!
It's like Toni Braxton is the official soundtrack for all our breakups.
6. Another Sad Love Song
The sixth entry on the list showcases Toni Braxton's prowess in capturing heartbreak through music in a soulful and vulnerable way. With lyrics that resonate with anyone who has experienced the pain of lost love, this song combines Braxton's signature soaring vocals with a haunting melody that stays with you long after the song is over. While it may not be her most well-known hit, 'Another Sad Love Song' is a standout track in Braxton's discography and cemented her status as one of the most talented voices of her generation. As she pours out the emotions that come with heartbreak, listeners can't help but be moved by her raw and honest performance. Don't miss out on experiencing this unforgettable song that continues to touch hearts today.
Braxton makes it clear she has no interest in settling for anything less than perfection in this powerful breakup anthem.
7. I Don’t Want To
The seventh entry on the list showcases Braxton's powerful vocal range in "I Don’t Want To". The 1996 hit single tells the story of a woman who struggles with the pain of breaking up with her lover, as she tries to fight off her lingering feelings. The song's emotional intensity is evident in Braxton's raw performance, making it a soulful classic that has stood the test of time.
Babyface and Toni Braxton's duet is so sweet, it's like a musical cavity waiting to happen.
8. Give U My Heart ft. Babyface
This Toni Braxton classic, featuring Babyface, is a soulful ballad and marks the beginning of their successful musical partnership. The lyrics are emotive, straight from the heart, and express deep affection for a loved one. With smooth vocals and gentle piano notes, "Give U My Heart" is a timeless love song that transcends generations. The duet won a Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Single – Group or Duo in 1993.
The track's music video features Toni Braxton singing with Babyface in a dimly lit recording studio while clips from the 1992 film "Boomerang" flash across the screen. "Give U My Heart" was also featured on the movie's soundtrack, which helped propel it to mainstream success.
Toni Braxton's soulful voice combined with Babyface's signature style is what made this particular track stand out among their other collaborations. It is widely regarded as one of Braxton's best songs and showcases her vocal range and capability.
With over 20 years since its release, "Give U My Heart" still remains an all-time fan favorite across generations. Its emotive lyrics and timeless melody are proof of Braxton's ability to create powerful music that resonates with listeners worldwide.
Listen to this song and you'll understand why your ex is still in your DMs at 2am.
9. Love Should Have Brought You Home
This particular song by the illustrious Toni Braxton is a soulful ballad about love and longing. Its lyrics and melody perfectly capture the heart-wrenching feeling of wanting someone who you know is not good for you. 'Love Should Have Brought You Home' explores the complexities of human emotions in a way that only an artist like Toni Braxton could. The song features her signature soulful voice, which brings the words to life with every note she hits.
As one of the best songs by Toni Braxton, 'Love Should Have Brought You Home' touches on themes of yearning and desire that are universal. This song exudes powerful emotions, and its melodies are soothing to the ear. It tells a story of a woman who is struggling to come to terms with her feelings for someone who doesn't reciprocate them. The artist paints vivid pictures that allow listeners to connect with each verse on an emotional level.
What sets this song apart from others on this list is its ability to transcend time. Fans still connect with it decades after its release just as much as they did when it first came out, making it an evergreen classic. There's no denying that 'Love Should Have Brought You Home' has stood the test of time and continues to inspire fans all over the world.
One fan shared their experience of hearing this song live at a concert years ago; they said that Toni Braxton's live performance was so powerful that they were completely immersed in the music and forgot everything else around them. They even confessed they shed tears because of how moving the entire experience was.
All in all, 'Love Should Have Brought You Home' remains one of Toni Braxton's most iconic songs, blending beautiful lyrics, haunting melodies, and soulful vocals into something truly special. It undoubtedly deserves its place among her top 10 songs, if not at the very top!
'Un-break My Heart', or as I like to call it, the national anthem for heartbroken millennials who just can't seem to move on.
10. Un-break My Heart
This chart-topping classic is a stunning ballad from the songstress Toni Braxton, expertly blending soulful R&B with pop sounds. It speaks of lost love and heartbreak, as Braxton achingly asks her former lover to take back their words and mend their shattered relationship. The powerful lyrics articulate an emotional journey, taking listeners through the ups and downs of love's travails in a way that only Braxton can provide.
The evocative melody is simple yet elegant, allowing Toni's voice to soar to new heights and deliver unforgettable moments that stay with listeners long after the music has stopped. The raw passion in each note conveys vulnerability, strength, regret, and hope all at once – an impressive feat that showcases why many consider this song as one of her finest works.
As if that weren't enough, Un-break My Heart broke records when it stayed at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for almost four months – making it one of the most iconic songs of its era. Thanks to Braxton's incredible talent and heartfelt storytelling abilities, this anthem continues to resonate with people across generations and remains a staple of romantic playlists worldwide.
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.
