Is Sex & Cigarettes a good place to start with Toni Braxton?

Yes, Sex & Cigarettes is recommended as a starting point for new Toni Braxton listeners. A sultry blend of contemporary R&B and soul, layered with poignant lyrics and intricate vocal arrangements. Released in 2018, Sex & Cigarettes marked Toni Braxton's first studio album in nearly a decade, following her 2010 release, Pulse. At this stage in her career, Braxton was navigating personal challenges, including health issues and the complexities of fame. This album represents a return to her musical roots while also exploring modern themes of love and loss.

Who is Sex & Cigarettes for?

Sex & Cigarettes works well if you're into steady emotional exploration throughout, sultry vibes for intimate evenings and rich narratives about love.

How many songs are on Sex & Cigarettes?

Sex & Cigarettes has 8 tracks, running approximately 30 minutes.

Sex & Cigarettes

Toni Braxton · 2018

30 min · 8 tracks · contemporary R&B

A sultry blend of contemporary R&B and soul, layered with poignant lyrics and intricate vocal arrangements.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Long as I Live — This track stands out for its powerful vocal delivery and emotional depth, encapsulating themes of resilience in love and heartbreak. Its soulful arrangement showcases Braxton’s signature style while reflecting her growth as an artist.
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Sex & Cigarettes — The title track is pivotal as it delves into themes of sensuality and vulnerability, combining catchy hooks with intricate production. This song illustrates Braxton's ability to balance contemporary sounds with classic R&B influences.
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Deadwood Start here — Opening the album, this track effectively sets the tone with its moody instrumentation and introspective lyrics about emotional stagnation. It highlights Braxton's skill in conveying complex feelings through her music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong vocal arrangements and mature themes, though it doesn't significantly redefine its genre.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a more upbeat tempo that contrasts with the preceding songs.
Braxton's vocal delivery often employs layered harmonies, particularly in the choruses, adding depth to the emotional weight of the lyrics.
Several tracks utilize a call-and-response structure between Braxton's lead vocals and background harmonies, enhancing the soulful feel of the album.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady emotional exploration throughout
sultry vibes for intimate evenings
rich narratives about love
for reflective moments

Maybe skip if you

seek instant gratification tracks
prefer high-energy party anthems

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and maturity after a long hiatus from studio albums.
Themes: emotional stagnation· personal resilience
Moods: Romantic· Chill
Career context: Released in 2018, Sex & Cigarettes marked Toni Braxton's first studio album in nearly a decade, following her 2010 release, Pulse. At this stage in her career, Braxton was navigating personal challenges, including health issues and the complexities of fame. This album represents a return to her musical roots while also exploring modern themes of love and loss.
Stylistic neighbors: Mary J. Blige· Sade· Aaliyah