Toni Braxton (1993)

Note: this release was originally purchased as a cassette tape, later replaced by a CD.

So it's part Anita Baker and part Janet Jackson, mashed together by '90s R&B titans Antonio "L.A." Reid and Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds. Toni didn't try to copy Mariah Carey; there’s no oversinging, just a steady, calm voice fully in control. The recipe worked because this album was a veritable hit machine for years. I liked it in the '90s, I still like it in the '20s.

Press of the time:

• CashBox: "She has established herself as a female balladeer to be reckoned with"
• Billboard: "R&B/pop siren's debut album delivers"
• Rolling Stone (★★½): "Braxton has got chops and spunk"

Grammy Awards:

• Won - Best New Artist (1994)
• Won - Best Female R&B Vocal Performance (1994): Another Sad Love Song
• Won - Best Female R&B Vocal Performance (1995): Breathe Again
• Nominated - Best Female R&B Vocal Performance (1996): I Belong To You
• Nominated - Best R&B Song (1995): You Mean The World To Me

Album chart peaks:

• US Billboard 200: #1
• Billboard R&B: #1

Tracks:

Track	Song	Hot 100	R&B	AC
7	Love Shoulda Brought You Home	33	4
1	Another Sad Love Song	7	2	8
2	Breathe Again	3	4	4
3	Seven Whole Days		*
10	You Mean The World To Me	7	3	4
8/9	I Belong to You b/w How Many Ways	28	6

*peaked at #1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart.

The race for my favorite track has ended in a draw between Seven Whole Days and You Mean The World To Me.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: I can't even remember if I bought the cassette in '93 or '94. I do remember, however, that this was one album about which neither my wife nor I complained when it was in the car stereo.

Previously revisited for the blog:
Un-break My Heart (1996)