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.
Seth Rogen continues his successful relationship with Apple TV in his latest comedic series, “The Studio.” Rogen and his longtime collaborator, Evan Goldberg, direct all ten episodes and write three. Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory, and Frida Perez write the remaining episodes.
Director Geremy Jasper attempts to modernize the rock opera genre in his sophomore film, “O’Dessa,” available on Hulu. Jasper also pens the film’s screenplay. Rising actress Sadie Sink portrays the titular character, a farm girl searching to recover a cherished family heirloom. She travels to a strange and dangerous city, where she meets her one true love, Euri Dervish (Kelvin Harrison Jr.). To save his soul, she must put the power of destiny to the ultimate test.
Academy Award nominee Peter Craig collaborates with fellow nominee Ridley Scott to adapt Dennis Tafoya’s novel Dope Thief for television. Airing on Apple TV, this eight-episode series stars Oscar nominee Brian Tyree Henry in the lead role and also features Wagner Moura, Marin Ireland, Kate Mulgrew, Nesta Cooper, Amir Arison, and Ving Rhames.