[usr 4]

Adult contemporary R&B veteran Toni Braxton sounds as classy and vibrant as ever on “Long as I Live,” her first single of 2018.

It’s certainly not easy being an R&B artist in 2018.  The genre has cooled down cooler than cucumber.  Nonetheless, its dedicated soldiers continue to fight on, even if it feels like a dead-end fight.  Toni Braxton is one of those R&B legends who experienced her best days in the 90s.  While she had some success in the 00s, the 10s haven’t been particularly kind to this talented musician.  Even if the odds are stacked against her, it doesn’t sound that way on “Long as I Live.”

So much feels, rather sounds right about “Long as I Live.” Starting with the voice, Toni Braxton certainly doesn’t sound 50 years old.  Honestly, she sounds as refined and vibrant as she did when she asked him to “un-break her heart.”  The voice is the biggest selling point of this enthusiastic, mid-tempo joint, with those cues and nuances that are signature of Braxton. Adding to the greatness of the lead vocals are the warm backing vocals, which incite nostalgia, sigh.

Final Thoughts

With so much effort spent on the vocals, what about the song itself?  This is rock-solid, adult contemporary R&B. The chorus is absolutely terrific, as Toni does Toni.  What more can you ask for, particularly if you’re a long-time fan?   While “Long as I Live” won’t go down as the song of the year, it’s exuberant, groovy, grown folks R&B, and that’s perfect for Braxton.  She’s already proven herself, and this classic backdrop and classy style of song is her lane through and through. No need to switch this many years in.

Toni Braxton • Long as I Live – Single • Def Jam • Release: 2.8.18

Photo Credit: Def Jam