SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 53:00 Min.
For her 1993 solo debut album, Toni Braxton looked to Antonio Reid, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, & Daryl Simmons to co-compose ten of her eleven original tunes. Track # 9: “How Many Ways” is attributed to Vincent Herbert. For this album, Braxton went on to score three Grammys: 1994’s Best New Artist and two Female R&B Vocal Performances (1994 for “Another Sad Love Song” and 1995 for “Breathe Again”). The dozen tracks are:
- “Just Another Sad Love Song” (5:01)
- “Breathe Again” (4:29)
- “Seven Whole Days” (6:20)
- “Love Affair” (4:28)
- “Candlelight” (4:39)
- “Spending My Time With You” (4:11)
- “Love Shoulda Brought You Home” (4:58)
- “I Belong to You” (3:58)
- “How Many Ways” (4:47)
- “You Mean the World to Me” (4:56)
- “Best Friend” (4:27)
- “Breathe Again” (1:16 reprise)
REVIEW:
Reminiscent of Whitney Houston’s dazzling 1985 debut, Toni Braxton blows the doors off one’s expectations for a rookie R&B/pop album. Embracing consistently edgier melodies than Houston, Braxton’s smoky vocals prove equally endearing. Including first-class songwriting, the album’s production values doesn’t skimp on anything (i.e. its 50-minute plus run time). This early-90’s gem is absolutely worth re-discovery.
PACKAGING:
The credits are included. The CD casing is well-manufactured.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars
