June 18th marks the 25th anniversary of Toni Braxton's sophomore album Secrets. This is certainly one project that did not follow the dreaded sophomore slump curse especially following the success of her debut self-titled album. It was nominated for Best Pop Album at the 1997 Grammy Awards (wow remember when R&B was considered pop #throwback). Worldwide Secrets has sold over 15 million copies and solidified Toni as a force in the game.
The album's lead single "You're Making Me High" saw the singer team up with hitmaker and friend Babyface again. The song was originally intended for singer Brandy but Braxton beat her to composing it. "You're Making Me High" would garner Braxton her third Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 1997. The music video was notable for featuring several prominent 90s actresses and Braxton in a fitted white bodysuit.
"Let It Flow" was released alongside "You're Making Me High" as a double-A sided single. It was also featured on the classic soundtrack for the film Waiting To Exhale. Many critics considered it one of the best songs on that project.
The second official single from Secrets would go on to become Braxton's signature song. We're talking about "Un-Break My Heart." The song was made by the dynamic combo of Diane Warren and David Foster. It is one of the best-selling singles of all time. Surprisingly Braxton did not want to record the song when it was sent to her. The singer said she did not want another heartbreak track. It took some convincing from Arista Records president L.A. Reid but he got her to record it and the rest as they say is history.
For her third single Braxton released "I Don't Want To" alongside "I Love Me Some Him" as a double-A sided single. While these songs didn't experience the same success as the first releases from the album they still became strong entries for her catalogue. "I Love Me Some Him" didn't have a music video filmed but it is still one of her most requested songs.
The fourth and final official single "How Could An Angel Break My Heart" saw Braxton link with Kenny G for a saxophone feature. At the time she was on tour with the instrumentalist.
Secrets established Toni Braxton as one of the top female artists of the 90s. And that's no small accomplishment when your being put in the ranks of Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Celine Dion as one of the top voices of the decade. Secrets peaked at #11 on the NZ Top 40 and is certified gold in New Zealand.
If it's been a while since you've experienced the music of Toni Braxton def give this project a listen through. If it would be the first time you've ever listened to the album you are certainly in for a treat.
