Fierce at 50 years old, Toni Braxton keeps R&B alive and well on “Sex & Cigarettes,” the title track from her eighth studio album.  

Toni Braxton is back! Four years after releasing her Grammy-winning duets album with Babyface (Love, Marriage & Divorce), Braxton returns solo on Sex & Cigarettes (March 23).  Keeping things ‘short and sweet,’ Sex & Cigarettes is comprised of only eight songs.  Single “Deadwood”, the album’s opener, arrived in 2017.  The glorious ballad “Long as I Love” arrived next.  Capping off the promo campaign is third single, the title track, “Sex & Cigarettes.”

At 50 years young, Toni Braxton doesn’t miss a beat on “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.

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

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.

“I can’t believe it, we’re going through this again
We’re too old, and I thought you’d outgrown this
This is driving me crazy, I can’t do this no more
Not again, not again.”

Final Thoughts

Two words: class act.  Toni Braxton successfully recaptures the fire and the magic of the past – her lucrative prime.  Unfortunately, R&B doesn’t have the clout on popular music it once did.  Still, fans who love the unique timbre of Braxton’s voice, and big, dramatic ballads will love “Sex & Cigarettes.”

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

Writers: Antonio Dixon, Kevin E. Ross, Khristopher Riddick-Tynes, Patrick “JQue” Smith & Toni Braxton | Producer: Antonio Dixon

Photo Credit: Def Jam