Adult contemporary R&B veteran Toni Braxton delivers a tight, well-rounded eight-track album with ‘Sex & Cigarettes,’ her first solo album since 2010.

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. Four years after releasing her Grammy-winning duets album with Babyface (Love, Marriage & Divorce), Toni Braxton returns with her first solo album in nearly eight years, Sex & Cigarettes.  Braxton keeping things ‘short and sweet’ on Sex & Cigarettes, which is comprised of only eight songs.  With three advanced singles, fans experienced more than one-third of the album prior to its release.

“Deadwood”

Opener “Deadwood” doesn’t quite resurrect the “Un-break My Heart” era, but it’s a reminder of the great musician Toni Braxton has been consistently. From the start, it has that vintage adult contemporary R&B vibe. She delivers smooth, pure, and robust vocals, sounding refined as ever.  The chorus possesses a beautiful sound, even though it’s not particularly catchy or game-changing.  After a lovely first verse and chorus, Braxton sounds like she has a bit more bite on the second verse.  Furthermore, the second verse features more dynamic, fuller accompaniment. While on the second coming, “Deadwood” checks off the boxes in regards to vocals, production, and pleasantness.

“Sex & Cigarettes”

“Tell me how am I supposed to trust you,
When I can never tell just where the hell you been?”

Capping off the promo campaign is third single and best song from the album, “Sex & Cigarettes.” Remaining true to self, she compels in her signature lower register on the verses – the same smokiness that made “Un-Break My Heart” a hit.  The subject matter – the narrative of the record – is just as captivating as her voice. After building the case against her man on the respective verses and pre-chorus, she ascends into her more aggressive, power middle and upper register on the chorus, “bringing it on home.”

“You make me crazy, crazy
I swear you act like you hate me, hate me
How can you tell me ‘I love you’
Then do the things you do?
At least try to lie to me, lie to me
Oh yeah
Instead, you come straight to our bed
Smelling like sex and cigarettes.”

Despite all the drama that occurs on “Sex & Cigarettes,” the musical backdrop is relative simple.  This is a piano-driven ballad, with a few synths and eventually strings. It’s highly effective and beautifully arranged.  Among the best moments is the bridge, where the intensity is incredibly lofty, leading into the most emotional, playful chorus by Braxton.

“Long as I Live”

Second single and glorious ballad “Long as I Live” arrives as the third track off of Sex & Cigarettes.  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 ‘back in the day.’ 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.  The chorus is absolutely terrific, as Toni does Toni. All in all, while not game changing, this is rock-solid, adult contemporary R&B without question.

“FOH” is the eyebrow-raising moment of the album.  While the cool vibes that definite Braxton continue without a hitch, she grows profane dropping a couple of bombs.  This is uncharacteristic of the artist, yet representative of the blunt state of music currently.  Perhaps it turns off those with sensitive ears, but this woman scorned anthem is a nice complement to “Sex & Cigarettes.” Despite the language, the distinct, rich tone of voice still gives this record class.

“Sorry”

Maintaining consistency, “Sorry” moves away from the explicit into groovier and more soulful territory.  Still residing in her adult contemporary comfort zone, his feels vintage, yet fresh all-in-one.  Among selling points are those low-register vocals and the strings. While “Sorry” is hard to beat, “My Heart” featuring Colbie Caillat is simply stunning.  Once again, simple production work – guitar, piano, and strings – do wonders for Braxton.  Great, honest songwriting doesn’t hurt either.

“Coping” has a bit more of modern flare compared to “My Heart.”  It’s not hip-hop infused mind you – that would be totally uncharacteristic – but it’s contemporary enough without compromising the Braxton audience.  The tropical pop/dance-infused closer “Missin’” shows that Braxton can do more than big, refined ballads. She didn’t really have anything to prove, but “Missin” concludes Sex & Cigarettes enjoyably.

Final Thoughts

In an age where lengthier albums have returned given the domination of streaming, Toni Braxton settles for the 30-minute album.  While Sex & Cigarettes is short, all eight of its songs are consistent, suiting her as an artist.  She may not reinvent the wheel, R&B, or even herself, but this is a worthwhile, well-executed affair by all means.

Gems: “Sex & Cigarettes,” “Long as I Live,” “FOH” & “My Heart”

Toni Braxton • Sex & Cigarettes • Def Jam • Release: 3.23.18

Photo Credit: Def Jam