When it comes to R&B music in the industry right now, it seems to really be more about acts that are trying to really be more pop-oriented, rather than the real feeling of traditional R&B. That is sad, considering acts like Ashnati, Ciara and Beyonce', really miss out on the simple Soul style that has been constantly overlooked. That also within the past few years also could be said about Toni Braxton. Although she has made incredible music for nearly 15 years now, her era has been overshadowed with financial burdens from bankruptcy, and a recent fallout with her ex-manager Barry Hankerson. Yet, it is just too easy to forget how simple and beautiful her voice have remained, and why her silky-smooth style hasn't lost its luster. Yet, these past few years, there have been several hits records released reflecting her music, and now another one just doesn't want to break hearts.

The 2007 Essential Toni Braxton, is a double-album reflecting her highs and lows, and why her voice has remained relevant in R&B after all this time. This is a compilation that does a very good job reflecting her era from LaFace and Arista throughout the 90's and early 2000's. There are a lot of great tracks here that are highlighted including the #1 smash Un-Break My Heart, Breathe Again, the seductive You're Makin' Me High, the soulful and elquent How Could An Angel Break My Heart, and He Wasn't Man Enough. The compilation also includes a couple of new tracks as well like Good Life, a track that Toni original released as a demo with her sisters, The Braxtons back in 1990, as well as The Time Of Our Lives, a song she recorded for the 2006 World Cup. Yet, although there are numerous highlights here, there are a couple of disadvantages here on this hits compilation. The first disadvantage is that there are several tracks here that were remixed instead of their original versions like How Many Ways, and the seductive Diane Warren penned Spanish Guitar. The other surprise is that the album also overlooks a few good tracks like her last hit Please from her 2005 record Libra.

All in all, The Essential Toni Braxton still remains as a solid hits package that will bring out not just die hard fans, but also newcomers how haven't yet heard her beautiful songs. Even though a lot of people aren't as interested in her, I still find her voice lovely, and I think this hits package does go a long way, and it is why love has brought her home.

Album Cover: B+

Songs: B

Price: B+

Remastering: A-

Overall: B 1/2+

Very good selection for those who wish to have Toni's originals with some new ones..I like this CD very much!

This compilation brings me back to all the times, memories and dreams I had during the time each song was released.

Babyface, you should be ashamed for what you did to this girl! So classy, and what did you get out of it?! You lost her and ended up with Kenny G. Nice going. Oh yeah, you did end up running a huge record company, but still...