The 10 best Toni Braxton songs of all time

Toni Braxton is a popular American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her powerful contralto voice and the emotional depth of her music. Born on October 7, 1967 in Severn, Maryland, Braxton rose to fame in the early 1990s with her eponymous debut album, which included hit singles such as “Another Sad Love Song” and “Breathe Again.” Her blend of R&B, pop, and soul, as well as her distinctive voice, quickly earned her widespread recognition and numerous awards.

Braxton’s second album, Secrets (1996), cemented her status as a music superstar and included chart-topping singles such as “You’re Makin’ Me High” and the iconic ballad “Un-Break My Heart.” The latter became one of her most successful songs, winning a Grammy Award and becoming a signature song of her career.

Throughout her career, Toni Braxton has released several successful albums, won multiple Grammy Awards, and sold millions of records worldwide. She has also made significant contributions to television and Broadway, proving her versatility as an artist. Despite personal and health challenges, Braxton’s resilience and talent have kept her in the spotlight and made her an enduring figure in the music industry.

1. I don’t want

“I Don’t Want To” is a song by Toni Braxton, released as a single from her second studio album *Secrets* (1996). Written and produced by R. Kelly, the song is a poignant ballad that showcases Braxton’s rich, soulful contralto voice. The lyrics express the pain and resentment of a woman trying to move on from a failed relationship, and deal with themes of love, loss, and longing.

The single was released in 1997 and was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Its success further cemented Braxton’s reputation as a leading artist in the R&B genre during the 1990s. In the music video for “I Don’t Want To”, Braxton sings the song in various dramatic and emotional settings, which heightens the emotional impact of the song.

“I Don’t Want To” remains one of Toni Braxton’s unforgettable hits, appreciated for its soulful lyrics and Braxton’s soulful delivery.

2. Seven whole days

“Seven Whole Days” is a song by Toni Braxton from her debut album of the same name, released in 1993. Written by Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Darryl Simmons, and Toni Braxton, the track is a soulful ballad that showcases Braxton’s powerful and soulful vocal range. The lyrics describe the pain and frustration felt when waiting for a lover who has been gone for a week, and express a feeling of heartbreak and longing. The song’s smooth, R&B-inflected production, combined with Braxton’s heartfelt performance, makes “Seven Whole Days” a standout track on the album and contributed to her rise as a prominent artist in the 1990s R&B scene.

3. On the highway

“Hit the Freeway” is a song by Toni Braxton featuring rapper Loon from her 2002 album More Than a Woman. Written by Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo of The Neptunes, the track has a distinctive blend of R&B and hip hop influences and features catchy, upbeat production and smooth melodies. The lyrics tell a story of self-empowerment and walking away from a relationship that isn’t working out, with Braxton’s confident and expressive vocals taking the lead. Loon’s rap verses add a dynamic element to the song, enhancing its contemporary vibe. “Hit the Freeway” showcases Braxton’s versatility and ability to adapt to different musical styles.

4. Break my heart again

“Un-Break My Heart” is one of Toni Braxton’s most popular and successful songs. The song was released in 1996 as the second single from her second studio album, Secrets. It was written by Diane Warren and produced by David Foster. It is a soulful ballad that captures the deep anguish and longing after a painful breakup, with Braxton’s powerful and soulful alto voice delivering the heartbreaking lyrics.

The song was well received and became a huge commercial success, staying at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart for eleven consecutive weeks, making it one of the longest-running number-one singles in chart history. “Un-Break My Heart” also won a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1997 and remains one of the best-selling singles of all time.

The accompanying music video, directed by Bille Woodruff, further enhanced the emotional intensity of the song, showing Braxton mourning the end of a relationship. “Un-Break My Heart” is widely regarded as a defining feature of Toni Braxton’s career and an R&B and pop classic that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.

5. You make me high

“You’re Makin’ Me High” is a song by Toni Braxton from her 1996 album Secrets. Written by Babyface and Bryce Wilson, the track is a sensual, mid-tempo R&B number that highlights Braxton’s rich, smoky vocals. The lyrics express intense romantic and physical attraction, capturing the euphoric feeling of being in love. The song’s smooth production features lush instrumentation and a catchy hook. “You’re Makin’ Me High” became one of Braxton’s biggest hits, peaking at number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts. Celebrated for its sensual mood, it remains one of her best known songs.

6. He wasn’t man enough

“He Wasn’t Man Enough” is a hit single by Toni Braxton, released in 2000 as the title track from her third studio album *The Heat*. Written and produced by Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, the song features a contemporary R&B sound with a danceable beat, introducing a different musical direction for Braxton.

The song’s lyrics tell the story of a woman confronting her ex-boyfriend’s new partner, declaring that he is not good enough for her. Braxton’s assertive and confident vocals, combined with the catchy melody and modern production, made “He Wasn’t Man Enough” a commercial success. It peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, reaffirming Braxton’s presence in the music industry at the turn of the millennium.

“He Wasn’t Man Enough” also earned Braxton a Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 2001. The music video, directed by Bille Woodruff, features Braxton in a sleek, futuristic setting, underscoring the song’s bold and powerful message. The song remains one of Toni Braxton’s most memorable and defining hits, reflecting her versatility and enduring appeal in the R&B genre.

7. Breathe again

“Breathe Again” is a song by Toni Braxton from her 1993 debut album of the same name. Written by Babyface, the track is a soulful ballad that showcases Braxton’s soulful vocal range and ability to convey deep emotions. The lyrics describe the pain and longing that comes with losing a loved one, with Braxton expressing a sense of despair and sadness at the thought of never being with them again. The song’s production features lush orchestration and a soft, melancholy melody that enhances its emotional impact. “Breathe Again” became one of Braxton’s most successful singles, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning her widespread acclaim.

8. You mean the world to me

“You Mean the World to Me” is a song by Toni Braxton from her 1993 debut album, Toni Braxton. Written by Babyface and LA Reid, the track is a soulful R&B ballad that showcases Braxton’s powerful vocals and emotional depth. The lyrics express deep love and devotion, with Braxton singing about how much her partner means to her and how important he is in her life. The song’s production features lush instrumentation, including piano and strings, which complement Braxton’s heartfelt delivery. “You Mean the World to Me” became a major hit for Braxton, cementing her status as a prominent figure in contemporary R&B music.

9. Another sad love song

“Another Sad Love Song” is one of Toni Braxton’s early hits from her 1993 debut album of the same name. Written by Babyface and Daryl Simmons, the song is a poignant R&B ballad that showcases Braxton’s soulful vocals. The lyrics describe the pain and heartache of a failed relationship, with Braxton lamenting the repetition of sad love songs that remind her of her lost love. The track’s production features a mix of soulful melodies, smooth instrumentation, and a catchy chorus, making it a standout track on the album. “Another Sad Love Song” helped establish Braxton as a rising star in the R&B genre, garnering critical acclaim and commercial success.

10. I belong to you

“I Belong to You” is a song by Toni Braxton from her 1996 album Secrets. Written by Toni Braxton, Babyface, and Diane Warren, the track is a romantic R&B ballad that showcases Braxton’s soulful vocals and vulnerability. The lyrics express deep love and devotion, with Braxton declaring her devotion to her partner and how he completes her. The song’s production features lush instrumentation, including piano and strings, which enhance its emotional intensity. “I Belong to You” became a popular single for Braxton, resonating with listeners for its heartfelt lyrics and passionate delivery, further cementing her status as a prominent figure in contemporary R&B music.

Edward Tomlin is a frequent collaborator with Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us on social media below.