Review
Toni Braxton definitely turned up "The Heat" on her third album, dropping April 25, 2000. She stepped away from those classic ballads to serve up something fresh and urban—a real game-changer for her back then! Kicking off this vibe shift is "He Wasn't Man Enough," a jam produced by Rodney Jerkins that pops with a funky synth-bass and Braxton’s powerhouse vocals. Relationships, heartache, and bold empowerment run throughout, giving the whole album some serious punch.
Now "Just Be a Man About It" with Dr. Dre? Talk about memorable! It's got those classic breakup-on-the-phone vibes. Then there’s "Gimme Some" with Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes bringing the fun, fast-paced energy just in time for summer. The title track, "The Heat," keeps it smooth with its infectious beats and mid-tempo groove, really showing off Braxton's flair for creating some irresistibly catchy music.
Diane Warren sprinkles her songwriting magic on "Spanish Guitar," wrapping it in Latin-inspired beats while keeping some of the emotive Braxton essence we've come to love. The album did fly off the shelves, debuting at number two on the Billboard chart, and going double platinum was the perfect bow on top. Winning a Grammy for "He Wasn't Man Enough" wasn’t just a pat on the back—it cemented Braxton's spot in the R&B world as both an innovator and a queen of staying power. "The Heat" is one sizzling collection that proves Toni Braxton can evolve and hold her ground. - Asher