In October 1993, following the breakthrough of “Another Sad Love Song,” Toni Braxton released “Breathe Again,” the second single from her self-titled debut album. With her husky alto and effortless restraint, she proved that vulnerability could be commanding—and heartbreak could sound beautiful. Crafted by R&B hitmaker Babyface, alongside L.A. Reid and Daryl Simmons, the song became a crossover triumph, propelling Braxton further into the spotlight as one of the decade’s defining vocalists.
Fragile lyrics, formidable voice
Braxton’s delivery on “Breathe Again” is haunting in its simplicity. She sings with vulnerability—but never weakness—offering quiet confessions like “If I never feel you in my arms again…” The metaphor of breathlessness from love lost may be simple, but Braxton turns it into a visceral ache. She doesn’t oversing. She lets space and silence express what words can’t.
Her husky tone and emotional precision made her an instant standout in a crowded R&B landscape—proof that power doesn’t always mean volume.
Elegant ’90s ballad production
Written by Babyface and recorded in Atlanta, the track blends soft strings, acoustic guitar, and gentle percussion. Backing vocals glide like a breeze behind her lead, never overshadowing it. It’s a masterclass in ’90s ballad craft—romantic and clean, polished yet emotionally raw.
The production gives Braxton room to stretch, pause, and resonate, placing her voice at the heart of the song’s texture.
Awards, acclaim, and lasting impact
The song peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, spent 17 weeks in the Top 10, and charted strongly in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and across Europe. It went Gold in the US, selling over 500,000 copies.
In 1995, Braxton earned a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for this track—her second in that category—and confirmed her place among R&B’s elite. It also helped her debut album reach multi-Platinum status, elevating her to full-fledged pop and soul stardom.
Visual poetry and romantic melancholy
The music video, directed by Randee St. Nicholas, was filmed in black and white at Longleat House in England. Braxton, dressed in 17th-century attire, moves through a vast hedge maze in search of love’s echo, with Tyson Beckford portraying her romantic counterpart. The video won accolades for its visual elegance and became an MTV staple.
“Breathe Again” remains one of Toni Braxton’s most iconic hits. It’s a staple of adult R&B playlists, slow jam compilations, and heartbreak soundtracks everywhere. Included on multiple greatest hits collections, the song continues to be cited as a benchmark for vocal restraint, emotional honesty, and ballad brilliance.