Love, Marriage, & Divorce; Toni Braxton and Babyface Bringing Back the Old-School Beat

If you have read my articles from the start, then you are probably aware of the fact that I am a huge RnB fan, and if this is the first article of mine you’ve ever read, well then I guess you know that now too.

I love everything about RnB from the soul of the music, to the beat, and the feelings that it evokes. One of my all-time favorite RnB artists is Toni Braxton and from the fate of some RnB angel, Braxton released a new album Love, Marriage, & Divorce, featuring Babyface on Feb. 5, 2014. Braxton and Babyface have a long history. In 1990, Babyface (and L.A. Reid) “discovered” and signed her to LaFace Records.

After listening through the album I have to say that I couldn’t have expected anything more from the soulful music Braxton and Babyface deliver. They bring the classic sound of 90s RnB to a new level with emotional lyrics and contemporary beats. The two have an angelic quality to their voices when they both become one. Their unique harmonies and copycat riffs that can be heard on the hook of, “Hurt You” and throughout every song are phenomenal.

My favorite song on the album is “Rollercoaster” which, reminds me of a modern day Smokey Robinson and Diana Ross kind of duet. This album has taken two extremely amazing and independent artists and made them into an unstoppable duo. “Rollercoaster” takes the story of any typical romance going through the motions of their relationship every day. The emotion in their voices mixed with the synth-induced beat makes for an amazing Sunday night track by the fire with the one you love.

I have met many people in life who say they aren’t a fan of Braxton because of how deep her voice is. Her previous albums have really showcased her lower vocal register and really not allowed her to explore her entire voice but this album is so refreshing. Braxton not only showcases her signature voice but exposes a completely new register that fans have never heard her reach before. There must be a new producer around, or someone encouraging Braxton to step out of her comfort zone. Whatever it is, the fans of the RnB community have happy ears and souls.

RnB music has such a huge following because it was born off of the roots of Blues and Jazz. These two styles married together and made a genre that conjures so much emotion in the fans that listen to it. For RnB listeners it’s not just about a pretty tune, it’s about what the song makes you feel.

Braxton and Babyface captured the true RnB message behind every one of their tracks on this album and I believe someone who isn’t a strong RnB fan would be able to appreciate the love and emotion put into this record.