Breaking singer Toni Braxton's heart is just not advisable. Whether she's writing about her own anguish or interpreting someone else's, Braxton has a way of cutting straight to the soul. It's why her signature hit, "Un-Bre... more »ak my Heart," was a smash, and why More Than a Woman is such a terrific album. She's angry, and she's skilled enough in R&B, pop, and soul to madly exorcise those demons. The soaring and sassy he-done-me-wrong lament "Lies, Lies, Lies"--its chorus powered by thickly layered vocals--is utterly irresistible. "Give It Back" similarly scolds a cad caught stepping out on our gal. Braxton also finds success in happiness: the lilting, Spanish-flavored "Me & My Boyfriend" is a joyful ode to being together, while the swooning, synth-juiced "Tell Me"--despite its soft, innocuous exterior--finds Braxton seducing a lover by checking off her attributes (hard body, wearing a thong) while offering a private dance. Braxton's husky voice continues to make hairs stand on end. Though she's not busting down any stylistic doors on More Than a Woman, loyalists will find plenty to praise. --Kim Hughes« less
Breaking singer Toni Braxton's heart is just not advisable. Whether she's writing about her own anguish or interpreting someone else's, Braxton has a way of cutting straight to the soul. It's why her signature hit, "Un-Break my Heart," was a smash, and why More Than a Woman is such a terrific album. She's angry, and she's skilled enough in R&B, pop, and soul to madly exorcise those demons. The soaring and sassy he-done-me-wrong lament "Lies, Lies, Lies"--its chorus powered by thickly layered vocals--is utterly irresistible. "Give It Back" similarly scolds a cad caught stepping out on our gal. Braxton also finds success in happiness: the lilting, Spanish-flavored "Me & My Boyfriend" is a joyful ode to being together, while the swooning, synth-juiced "Tell Me"--despite its soft, innocuous exterior--finds Braxton seducing a lover by checking off her attributes (hard body, wearing a thong) while offering a private dance. Braxton's husky voice continues to make hairs stand on end. Though she's not busting down any stylistic doors on More Than a Woman, loyalists will find plenty to praise. --Kim Hughes
"All it takes is a few minutes of the opening track "Let Me Show You The Way (Out)" to figure out that "More Than a Woman" isn't going to be your ordinary Toni Braxton CD. On her fourth release in a decade, the r&b fixture forsakes Diane Warren-penned tunes in favor of jams produced by collaborators like the Neptunes and Irv Gotti. It's a career move that brings her closer to Mary J. Blige than Celine Dion, and while cynics will complain that "More Than a Woman" may sound too trendy for the 34-year-old singer, it features some of her spiciest work. You're looking for a sequel to "Un-Break My Heart" or "Breathe Again?" It ain't gonna happen. "Give it Back," "Hit the Freeway," and "Me and My Boyfriend" have Braxton in fine form, and her collaborators arm her with street-smart beats that don't bury her robust voice. Not that she's totally forgotten her roots, mind you. She reunites with longtime producer Babyface for the decent, if slightly unspectacular, ballad "And I Love You." "More Than a Woman" is more than another album from Toni Braxton. It's a statement that she's willing to try something a little different. For that, she certainly deserves credit."
"More than a woman?"....LESS than an ALBUM!
Reginald D. Garrard | Camilla, GA USA | 05/17/2003
(2 out of 5 stars)
"Braxton is merely "going through the motions" in this attempt to appeal to a cross-section of the listening audience. Not a single track on this release is worthy of the singer or the attention of the buying public. There are no selections that grab ya.I hate to be critical of an artist of her caliber, but Braxton needs to go back to the drawing board, i.e., her acclaimed pairings with Babyface and the sultriness that is her forte."
More than what you would expect
antonio213 | Los Angeles, California United States | 11/19/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Toni is known for her sulty ballads and sexy upbeat numbers and this cd is no different. The big surprise here is how she incorporates various types of music into one hot album... There is not a single song on the album that I do not like. This is a run down:
1. Let me show u the way ( out) - This is something totally not expected. It is very funky and has a james brown type of feeling to it. Great into, upbeat and great lyrics. She's basically showing a bad lover the way out
2. Give it back- Another upbeat dance tune. Its funky and the lyrics are creative. Telling the guys here that she wishes she never gave them what they wanted, she wants a refund. Funny and good rap also from the big tymers.
3.A Better Man- A wonderful ballad about getting the courage to leave a lover that just hasn't fullfilled your heart. Beautiful lyrics and encouraging to anyone involved in a break up.Strong vocals and great instrumental.
4. Hit the freeway- The first single, very upbeat and great sound for toni. She is once again pushing an ex away that just doesn't seem to get the hint. Catchy and funky.
5.Lies Lies Lies- This is the BIG supprise on the album. Fed up w/ lies from her man, she is telling him off, BUT in a BIG way. This is a rockish ballad far different from anything out there right now... Her vocals are stretched to the max and amazing! The guitars and instruments could have been done live and she really can rock. Probably one of the best tracks on the entire album.
6. Rock me Roll me- This is my favorite track for sure. The instrumental is hypnotic and romantic. Its sexy and it sends out a message about why women are the way they are. This is toni trying to lay it out for all the guys that dont understand. Its midtempo and very lush. Amazing creative work.
7. Selfish - its a romantic song that took a bit to grow on me. She is saying how she loves her man and doesnt want to share him w/ anyone. Its sweet and the vocals are great.
8.Do you remember when? is a jazzy midtempo song that has a great beat. She is recalling the days of love lost. Her vocals are great and the lyrics take you back to that ex that still lingers in your mind.
9.Me and my boyfriend - a latin flavored hip hop ode to her boyfriend. Its beautiful and romantic. way better than the one beyonce and jay z have out. She is singing about how her boyfriend is all she needs in her life.
10.Tell Me - probably one of the sexiest toni songs on the album ! She is promising a lover just want she can do for him. She ask him to tell her his fantasies. The lyrics are a little dirty and kinky but its done in good taste and the background music is taken from anita bakers' sweet love. Excellent choice for toni.
11. And I love you - traditional baby face song but w/ a jazz flavor. Very sad and heartwrenching. First time I heart it my heart sank. She is talking about the trials and tribulations in her relationship. Great song again
12. Always is a beautiful romantic song . Not the best but leaves the album on a high note. All of these songs are above average to say the least. Toni never disappoints and continues to innovate. If i could i'd give this cd 4.5 stars because its just fresh and sexy- very diverse and original."
Image or Trend?
Dogville | Sunny Island | 12/01/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Having turned into a glamor girl from her second album onwards, Toni has since not looked back. While her husky and sensual voice did captivate, she has traded quality for quantity.From Secrets onwards, Toni Braxton took too much time out seeking the advice from the Queen of Soapy ballads Diane Warren that eventually bored everyone else. It's sad to say that although this featured great sass and beats, it has become much of a pedestrian one. Everyone's employing a few rappers, throw in some beats and make a slick video. Look at jlo. Although Braxton's voice has not changed in any way, the songs here are tired rehash of what you would hear on radio these days. First single Hit The Freeway features Loon on the rapping table and with some cool beats, really mask the talent of our soul lady. Plus the material here isn't very tempting. Much of it is again on the age-old issues of he's-done-me-wrong-and-i-aint-taking-it-no-more. And please Braxton, stop doing those Spanish-tinged songs such as Me and My Boyfriend on this album and put on more clothes. Your voice is smothering enough you dun have to show skin!"