This week’s pick for Second Listen Sunday is from the R&B songstress Toni Braxton catalog. She was already a force in the music world when her sixth album, Libra, arrived in stores in the fall of 2005.
Braxton’s fifth album, “More Than a Woman,” undersold, and she had to cancel many scheduled performances due to complications after discovering she was expecting her second child, resulting in a three-year gap before her next album. Wanting a change, Braxton left her label and signed with Blackground Records.
The initial version of Libra, produced by Braxton and her former spouse Keri Lewis from Mint Condition, heavily focused on ballads. However, to prevent a potential failure, the record label insisted on a re-recording with a more commercially appealing sound. To achieve this, Barry Hankerson, the label’s head, enlisted in-demand producers such as Scott Storch, Rich Harrison, and The Underdogs to create a more current and trendy sound.
Scott Storch produced the album’s first single, “Please,” which also opens the album. Catchy and upbeat “Please” aligns with the popular sound of female empowerment. Braxton’s voice is as soulful and captivating as ever, and it’s clear that she was having a good time recording the record,
The legendary Bryan Michael Cox brought his talents to the second single, piano-heavy R&B slow jam “Trippin’ (That’s the Way Love Works)”. Braxton effortlessly navigates through a range of emotions throughout the song. The highly sought-after producer, Rich Harrison, infused his signature sound into the third single, “Take This Ring,” influenced by Go-Go music. Although some critics dismiss the song as Harrison simply repeating the groove he created for Beyonce’s “Crazy In Love” and Amerie’s “1 Thing”, it also works well for Braxton.
The rest of the album shows that Braxton can adapt to modern trends after a decade in the game and still appease her core fan base. Midnite” and “I Wanna Be Your Baby” would feel right at home on a project from one of Braxton’s younger counterparts. A young Keri Hilson contributed her writing talents to the infectious “Sposed to Be,” while “Stupid” and “Finally” recall Braxton’s early sound.
Despite being appreciated by Braxton’s fans, Libra went unnoticed upon release to the public. Nevertheless, it’s a solid album from one of the best voices to emerge from nineties R&B.
Final Grade: B
Libra is available on all streaming platforms.
This past Friday marked the 40th anniversary of “The Voice,” a.k.a. Whiney Houston’s self-titled debut album hitting stores. So, in that regard, it was only right to give Nippy her flowers for this week’s Second Listen Sunday.
For this weekend’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to take a trip to Motor City and show some love to soul singer Dwele. It was 2005, and I was living in the UK as part of my Air Force enlistment. Dwele had just released his second album, “Some Kinda,” enjoying some chart success with the lead single “I Think I Love U,” by Mike City.
The remainder of the album maintains a classic R&B vibe, showcasing the group’s signature sound. One of the standout tracks is “Maybe Tomorrow,” featuring the iconic Phyllis Hyman. It transforms difficult circumstances into positive outcomes—essentially making lemonade from lemons.