Singer Toni Braxton successfully shifted from ballads to a more urban sound with her third album, “The Heat,” released in the spring of 2000. A year later, Mrs. Braxton continued this trend with her fourth album and her first Christmas project, “Snowflakes,” which is this week’s selection for Second Listen Sunday.
Arriving in stores on October 23, 2001, “Snowflakes” featured three covers, five original songs, two remixes, and an instrumental. Braxton primarily worked with her frequent collaborator Babyface, her then-husband Keri Lewis (former of Mint Condition), L.A. Reid, Poke & Tone, Daryl Simmons, and her younger sister Tamar Braxton.
Braxton’s vocal talent is perfect on the standards “Christmas Time Is Here,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “The Christmas Song.” However, like any good R&B Christmas album, it is the soulful yuletide bops where Braxton truly shines. The album’s first single, “Snowflakes of Love,” is instrumental of Earl Klugh’s “Now We’re One”. Braxton’s lush vocals encapsulate the warmth and joy of romantic love amidst a wintery backdrop.
Braxton gave us something for the second single for the dance floor with “Christmas in Jamaica.” Shaggy joins Braxton on the song, which captures the essence of celebrating the holiday in a tropical and laid-back environment. The lyrics are about love, being together, and the holiday season, a combination of the older, more festive sentiments and the carefree Caribbean vibe. It conjures visions of beach-soaked fêtes, emphasizing the distinction between a regular winter’s day and the joyous Jamaican Christmas.
The album didn’t receive a third single, but several standout tracks exist. “Holiday Celebrate” is the perfect background song for cooking or wrapping gifts, while “Santa Please” showcases Braxton’s signature style. In this track, her passionate vocals express loneliness and sadness due to her significant other’s delayed travel plans. She turns to Santa Claus, pleading for his help to bring her man home.
While “Snowflakes” may only still be in the rotation of die-hard Braxton fans, it’s worth a listen if you are a fan of holiday R&B albums.
Final Grade: B
“Snowflakes” is available on all streaming platforms.
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