Review

Toni Braxton: Pulse (Atlantic)

Before you review a Toni Braxton album, you have to mention the calibre of this particular artist. With sales of previous albums at the 40 million mark and 6 (yes six!) Grammy awards to her name. Toni's first album for 5 years is bound to be special.

Right to assume, I am delighted to report, that the power ballad is alive n' well and never sounding so good! After previous stella delights 'Breath Again' (1993) and the iconic 15 million selling 'Un-break My Heart ' (1996), Ms Braxton really is back on song.

'Pulse' comes complete with quality R&B tunes, whilst being splashed with liberal helpings of well weighted pop. Esteemed Producers lending their craft to this long player include; Harvey Mason plus London pair Lucas Secon and David Foster, who all deliver a well crafted and polished offering.

Track-wise, first out the blocks comes the 1st release, 'Yesterday' featuring the 'Prince Of Virginia' Trey Songz - I'm glad to say is a grower in every sense (and while I'm on the subject, as is the album). Rich in both depth and right amount angst, it captures Braxton's deft delivery whilst setting the bar aloft for the rest of the album - note to self; This track sounds like it was written for Jordin Sparks, but requires a mature exponent to make it tick - which it does with Swiss watch precision.

I'll hop, skip and jump through the rest of the tracks for fear of over stressing my point, as sumptuous track after sumptuous track ooze thick and fast: 'Hands Tied', 'Women', 'If I Had To Wait', 'No Way', 'Pulse' and my favourite 'Why Won't You Love Me' will no doubt help a lot of hearts mend in the proceeding years - a lovers album for sure and if you're not in love, makes you wish you were!

There are a couple of up-tempo tracks to be found 'Make My Heart' and 'Lookin At Me' (think Beyonce's 'Single Ladies' tempo) which will no doubt morph out of the album and onto dance floors, but in my opinion "if it ain't a Toni Braxton ballad please don't fix it!?"
Words LEE TYLER