David T. Farr More Content Now

We’ve all heard those heartfelt songs about heartbreak. It’s nothing new for an artist to communicate troubled relationships through song.

Artists like Adele, Beyonce and Taylor Swift have built entire albums around their troubled relationships. The latest to do so is R&B singer Toni Braxton. Her latest album, “Sex & Cigarettes,” is available now.

“Sex & Cigarettes” is Braxton’s ninth studio album overall and the first since her Grammy-winning duet album with Babyface.

I was happy to see Braxton return with a strong set of tracks. The new album respectively debuted at No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 200 Albums chart. I would have liked to have seen it debut higher because I still think she’s an incredibly gifted vocalist.

When I think of Braxton, I recall her first few hits, like “Another Sad Love Song,” “You Mean The World To Me,” “Breathe Again,” “Love Shoulda Brought You Home,” “You’re Makin’ Me High” and “Un-break My Heart.” Her sultry-smoky voice was just perfect. It’s no wonder she took home the Grammy for Best New Artist in 1993. Her self-titled debut album was one of the best that year. It earned an impressive three Grammys.

When the follow-up album, “Secrets,” came in 1996, it was apparent she was not just a flash in the pan. “Un-Break My Heart” spent an amazing 11 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Since then, she’s continued to release albums including “Libra” and “Pulse.” She hasn’t been able to attain that same commercial success her first two albums had achieved, but it didn’t stop her from trying. I admire that about her. Most of her next few albums catered more to urban radio formats rather than top 40. I missed her pop style. I find it necessary to mention she’s sold more than 67 million albums.

“Love, Marriage & Divorce” was a stellar return for the soulstress. Braxton and Babyface earned the Grammy for Best R&B Album, her seventh overall. I liked the album, too. But, I still missed the old Toni.

“Sex & Cigarettes” is a welcome surprise. There are some definite reflections of her earlier sound heard throughout the new record while she’s bidding adieu her lover. Hey Beyonce — Braxton did what you couldn’t. She moved on from a man who did her wrong.

The eight-track set is her first for Def Jam Records.

“Deadwood” was the lead-off single, peaking at No. 7 on Billboard’s adult R&B chart. She excels when she’s vulnerable and this song showcases her strengths as a balladeer. Welcome back, Toni!

The current single, “Long As I Live,” easily could have been on “Secrets.” It’s that good. Her original sound is something that’s missing in today’s music scene.

Braxton teams with Colbie Caillat for “My Heart,” which highlights the album. Other noteworthy songs include the title track, “Missin’” and “Copin.’“

Braxton proved she can still deliver the goods with the release of “Sex & Cigarettes.” However, the biggest hurdle for her is getting the music heard. My hope is mainstream radio will embrace her like they once did. She’s still worthy of that kind of attention.
— David T. Farr can be reached at farrboy@hotmail.com. You also can find The Farr Side on Facebook.