Toni Braxton
Toni Braxton is an acclaimed American R&B singer, songwriter, actress, and television personality known for her powerful voice and hits like "Un-Break My Heart." Born on October 7, 1967, in Severn, Maryland, she rose to fame in the 1990s and has sold over 70 million records worldwide.
Toni Michele Braxton grew up as the eldest of six siblings in a musical family; her father was a Methodist clergyman, and her mother was an opera singer and cosmetologist. She sang in church choirs and briefly attended Bowie State University before pursuing music professionally with her sisters as The Braxtons.
Braxton's breakthrough came in 1993 with her self-titled debut album on LaFace Records, featuring hits "Another Sad Love Song" and "Breathe Again," which earned her multiple Grammy Awards. Subsequent albums like Secrets (1996) with "Un-Break My Heart," The Heat (2000), and later works such as Pulse (2010) solidified her as one of the best-selling female artists, with seven Grammys and inductions into halls of fame.
She debuted on Broadway as Belle in Beauty and the Beast in 1998, becoming the first Black woman in that lead role. Braxton starred in reality series Braxton Family Values (2011–2020, 2024) and competed on Dancing with the Stars (2008) and The Masked Singer (2021).
Braxton has two sons from her marriage to Keri Lewis (2001–2013) and married rapper Birdman in August 2024. She has faced health challenges, including lupus, and financial issues earlier in her career.
Toni Braxton
Written-By – Babyface, Daryl Simmons
5:01
2 Breathe Again
Written-By – Babyface
4:29
3 Seven Whole Days
Written-By – Babyface, L.A. Reid
6:22
4 Love Affair
Written-By – Tim Thomas, Ted Bishop
4:28
5 Candlelight
Written-By – Gaylor D, John Barnes
4:36
6 Spending My Time With You
Written-By – Bo, McArthur
4:08
7 Love Shoulda Brought You Home
Written-By – Babyface, Bo Watson, Daryl Simmons
4:56
8 I Belong To You
Written-By – Ronald Spearman, Vassal Benford
3:53
9 How Many Ways
Written-By – Toni Braxton, Vincent Herbert
4:45
10 You Mean The World To Me
Written-By – Babyface, Daryl Simmons, L.A. Reid
4:53
11 Best Friend
Written-By – Toni Braxton, Vance Taylor
4:28
12 Breathe Again (Reprise)
Written-By – Babyface
1:19
Label: LaFace Records – 73008-26007-2
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 1993
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Contemporary R&B, Ballad, Soul
Toni Braxton's 1993 self-titled debut is widely hailed as an R&B classic, praised for Braxton's husky, sensual voice, bridging sophisticated soul with urban sensibilities, and featuring hit singles like "Another Sad Love Song" and "Breathe Again," establishing her as a major star with commercial success and Grammy wins for its smooth production by Babyface and L.A. Reid.
Critics noted its mature, emotionally deep delivery and elegant sound, even while some felt it lost steam mid-album, ultimately cementing it as a defining R&B debut.
Her distinctive, deep alto voice was compared to Anita Baker and Phyllis Hyman, balancing earthy sensuality with dignified emotion, creating a unique sound.
The album was a triumph for LaFace Records, with Babyface and L.A. Reid crafting a polished, sophisticated sound that blended R&B, soul, and hints of hip-hop.
While largely positive, some critics found it slightly uneven but acknowledged its impact, with Rolling Stone calling it "slick" but praising Braxton's talent.
Commercial Success: A massive hit, selling millions and earning three Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist, boosted by hits like "Another Sad Love Song," "Breathe Again," and "You Mean the World to Me". Many fans consider it a flawless "no-skip" album, with almost every track being a strong contender for radio play.
It served as a powerful introduction, making Braxton a household name and a major crossover star, especially on urban and pop charts. Its blend of smooth grooves and heartfelt ballads made it popular with a broad audience, defining 90s R&B.