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"How Could an Angel Break My Heart"
Single by Toni Braxton with Kenny G
from the album Secrets
ReleasedOctober 21, 1997 [1]
Length4:20
Label LaFace
Songwriter(s)Toni Braxton, Babyface
Producer(s)Babyface
Toni Braxton singles chronology
" I Don't Want To" / " I Love Me Some Him"
(1997) 		"How Could an Angel Break My Heart"
(1997) 		" He Wasn't Man Enough"
(2000)

"How Could an Angel Break My Heart" is a song by American singer and songwriter Toni Braxton, released in October 1997 as the fourth and final single from her second studio album, Secrets (1996). [1] The song, co-written by Braxton and Babyface and produced by Babyface, features Kenny G on the saxophone. At the time of this single's release, Secrets had reached five-time Platinum status by the RIAA. [2]

Critical reception

British magazine Music Week gave "How Could an Angel Break My Heart" three out of five, adding that "Braxton looks to a big ballad to return her to the Top 10 with this fourth radio-friendly cut". [3] In an retrospective review, Pop Rescue described the song as "a-wash with luxurious strings and haunting saxophone, as Toni’s somewhat sad vocals weave their way through this gentle ballad." [4] Richard Harrington from The Washington Post complimented it as a "fine cut". [5]

Music video

A music video was produced to promote the single, directed by Iain Softley. It follows the lyrical content of the relationship between Braxton and her lover. He has left her for another woman and she is left to pick up the pieces.

The remix version of the song has the storyline laid out a little differently, with Babyface singing back to her and duetting with her from the second verse. Babyface's vocals replace Kenny G's saxophone parts.

Track listings and formats

  • UK CD 1 and European CD single
  1. "How Could an Angel Break My Heart" (Album Version) – 4:20
  2. "How Could an Angel Break My Heart" (Remix Version featuring Babyface) – 4:21
  3. "How Could an Angel Break My Heart" (Album Instrumental) – 4:21
  4. "How Could an Angel Break My Heart" (Remix Instrumental) – 4:21
  • UK CD 2
  1. "How Could an Angel Break My Heart" – 4:20
  2. " Breathe Again" – 4:29
  3. " Another Sad Love Song" – 5:01
  4. " Love Shoulda Brought You Home" – 4:56

Personnel and credits

Credits adapted from album liner notes. [6]

Charts

Chart (1997) Peak
position
Belgium ( Ultratop 50 Flanders) [7] 50
Europe ( Eurochart Hot 100) [8] 83
Netherlands ( Dutch Top 40) [9] 36
Netherlands ( Single Top 100) [10] 34
Ireland ( IRMA) [11] 16
Scotland ( OCC) [12] 37
UK Singles ( OCC) [13] 22
UK Hip Hop/R&B ( OCC) [14] 5
US Adult Contemporary ( Billboard) [15] 12

References

  1. ^ a b "CHR/Pop, CHR/Rhythmic: New Releases" (PDF). Radio & Records. October 17, 1997. p. 39, 45. Retrieved March 17, 2024.
  2. ^ "Gold & Platinum". Recording Industry Association of America.
  3. ^ "Reviews: Singles" (PDF). Music Week. October 18, 1997. p. 13. Retrieved September 17, 2022.
  4. ^ "Review: "Secrets" by Toni Braxton (CD, 1997)". Pop Rescue. November 27, 2015. Retrieved April 14, 2020.
  5. ^ Harrington, Richard (June 23, 1996). "After the Debuts, Precious Seconds". The Washington Post. p. G07.
  6. ^ Toni Braxton – Secrets (CD liner notes) - LaFace Records 73008-26020-2
  7. ^ " TONI BRAXTON WITH KENNY G – How Could an Angel Break My Heart" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  8. ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Retrieved 2018-06-22.
  9. ^ " Nederlandse Top 40 – week 2, 1998" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  10. ^ " TONI BRAXTON WITH KENNY G – How Could an Angel Break My Heart" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  11. ^ " The Irish Charts – Search Results – How Could an Angel Break My Hear". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  12. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
  13. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  14. ^ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  15. ^ "Toni Braxton Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved July 4, 2018.
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