Love, Marriage & Divorce

Last updated

"I think because Babyface and I have both gone through divorces, we can relate and we can collaborate together on this topic and make it so others who have gone through this situation can relate."

— Braxton describing her collaboration with Babyface. [2]

Love, Marriage & Divorce includes eleven tracks including their Adult R&B #1 single, "Hurt You" as well as the second single "Where Did We Go Wrong". The album was originally due for release on November 25, 2013, although its release was delayed until the week before Valentine's Day. [3] The album is Babyface's first new studio album in nearly seven years and Toni's first new album since 2010's Pulse . [4] Shortly before the release of Love, Marriage & Divorce, Braxton announced that it would be her final studio album, as she wanted to retire and focus on a film career. [5] Since its release, she has reversed her decision and announced a sequel to the recording due to the album's success.

Singles

"Hurt You" released as the lead single on August 17, 2013. The audio video was released to Braxton's VEVO account on August 19, 2013. [6] On September 7, 2013, the song debuted at number 17 on Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart, [7] The music video was released on Braxton and Babyface's joint VEVO account October 11, 2013. [8] On December 14, 2013 "Hurt You" rose to the number 1 spot on Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart for four weeks. [9]

The song spent 41 weeks on the Adult R&B Songs chart before exiting the Top 20 Chart. [10] This marked Braxton's seventh No. 1 hit on the Adult R&B Songs chart and first since her 2000 release "Just Be a Man About It". [11] The song also hit number 16 on Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Airplay chart. [12] [13]

"Where Did We Go Wrong?" released as the second single on December 17, 2013. The song was instantly given to fans once they had pre-ordered the album. [14] The audio video was released to VEVO on December 19, 2013. [15]

Critical reception

Love, Marriage & Divorce
Love,marriage&divorce.png
Studio album by
ReleasedFebruary 4, 2014
Recorded2013
StudioBrandon's Way Recording
Los Angeles County, California, U.S.
Genre
Length43:39
Label Motown
Producer
Toni Braxton chronology
Pulse
(2010)
Love, Marriage & Divorce
(2014)
Braxton Family Christmas
(2015)
Babyface chronology
Playlist
(2007)
Love, Marriage & Divorce
(2014)
Return of the Tender Lover
(2015)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
ABC News Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [16]
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [17]
Cuepoint (Expert Witness)A− [18]
The New York Times (mixed) [19]
Rolling Stone Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [20]
The Times of India Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [21]

Love, Marriage & Divorce was met with positive reviews from critics. In his review for Cuepoint , Robert Christgau gave the album an A− rating, writing "weathered now, their mellow voices retain some lustre, and there’s narrative arc and emotional texture to the well-doctored material—hurting the one you don’t want to hurt, worrying about how she’s doing, makeup sex, post-split attraction. Yet amid these consistent songs, the single sole-composer credit stands out." [18] Andy Kellman from AllMusic called the album a "solid addition to both artists' discographies," stating "on Love, Marriage & Divorce, Braxton and Babyface, creative partners going back to the early '90s, rekindle their musical relationship. Both endured broken marriages, and presumably it's those experiences that inform the material here – a succinct collection of 11 songs, eight of which are duets." [17]

Allan Raible from ABC News felt that "this record seems gloriously stuck in a time warp. Honestly, Babyface and Braxton give us a glimpsing reminder of what high-quality R&B radio used to offer its listeners. Even when the two are hitting the "divorce" part of the record, it never sounds like a downer. It's two pros rekindling the pop magic. Considering this is Babyface's first album in 7 years and Braxton's first album in 4 years, this album delivers a much needed shot in the arm. This record was an extremely smart move." [16] Bangkok Post 's Chanun Poomsawai felt that Love, Marriage & Divorce "may not necessarily reinvent the wheel, but it’s a proof that both R&B veterans are still on top of their game even after two decades in the business. The chemistry here is more than tangible [..] What’s more, there’s enough groove and sass to counterbalance the sentimental and nostalgic, and for a concept album that focuses heavily on the dissolution of a relationship, this is a clever and well thought-out move." [22]

Reagan Gavin Rasquinha from The Times of India found that "if there ever was a modern-day concept album dedicated to the idea of love, marriage and (hopefully not) divorce, it is this. With lyrics taking the centrestage rather than musical gymnastics, here, one of the oldest institutions in the world gets an analysis from an R&B standpoint." [21] Similarly, Rolling Stone 's Tannenbaum wrote that "with its marital arguments, dramatic plot reversals and luxurious exteriors, this collaboration between two accomplished R&B sensualists is like a musical adaptation of Real Housewives of Atlanta [...] Few records have described marriage with so much honesty and complexity." [20] Ben Ratliff, writing for The New York Times , found that "the album is, in fact, mostly business. They alternate verses over gauzy medium-tempo, light-funk tracks, Babyface in his light tenor, Ms. Braxton in her emotive, petulant voice. They both own up to mistakes and confessing fantasies; [...] they depict anguish in a supremely organized, deeply clichéd way. There are very few details of a real person’s daily life. They are singing from a great height." [19]

Accolades

The album was also nominated for World's Best Album at the 2014 World Music Awards. At the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, Love, Marriage & Divorce was awarded the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album. [23]

Commercial performance

Love, Marriage & Divorce debuted at number 4 on the US Billboard 200 chart with first-week sales of 67,000 copies, making it Braxton's sixth US top-ten album as well as Babyface highest-charting album in the US yet. [24] It also entered at number one on Billboard 's R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, becoming Babyface's first chart topper since Tender Lover (1989) and Braxton's fifth album to top the chart. [24] By June 2014, Love, Marriage & Divorce had sold 211,000 copies in the US. [1] Billboard ranked it 90th on its Billboard 200 year-end listing as well as 20th on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums equivalent. [25] [26]

In the United Kingdom, the album debuted at number 75 on the UK Albums Chart and at number 7 on the UK R&B Chart. [27] It became Babyface's first chart entry on both charts since his fourth studio album The Day (1996). [28] Elsewhere, Love, Marriage & Divorce peaked at number three on the Korean Albums Chart and entered the charts in Belgium, Japan, and the Netherlands. [29] In South Africa, it topped the South African Albums Chart, [30] and was awarded double platinum award by Universal Music South Africa for sales in excess of 80,000 units. [31]

Track listing

Credits adapted from the album's liner notes and Allmusic. [32] [33] All lead vocals by Toni Braxton and Babyface, except where noted.

Standard edition [34]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Roller Coaster"Edmonds4:23
2."Sweat"
  • Edmonds
  • Simmons
  • Dixon
Edmonds4:27
3."Hurt You"
  • Braxton
  • Edmonds
  • Simmons
  • Dixon
Edmonds4:10
4."Where Did We Go Wrong"
  • Edmonds
  • Braxton
Edmonds3:37
5."I Hope That You're Okay" (lead vocals: Babyface)
  • Edmonds
  • Simmons
Edmonds3:54
6."I Wish" (lead vocals: Braxton)
  • Braxton
Edmonds3:03
7."Take It Back"
  • Braxton
  • Edmonds
  • Simmons
  • Dixon
Edmonds4:05
8."Reunited"
  • Braxton
  • Edmonds
  • Simmons
  • Dixon
Edmonds3:18
9."I'd Rather Be Broke" (lead vocals: Braxton)
  • Braxton
  • Leon Thomas III
  • Dixon
  • Edmonds
  • Khristopher Riddick-Tynes
  • Kameron Glasper
3:38
10."Heart Attack"
  • Braxton
  • Edmonds
  • Simmons
Edmonds3:52
11."The D Word"
  • Braxton
  • Edmonds
Edmonds5:12
Total length:43:39
Target deluxe edition bonus tracks [35]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
12."Let's Do It"
  • Edmonds
  • Braxton
Edmonds3:45
13."One"
  • Edmonds
  • Simmons
  • Edmonds
  • Simmons
2:22
Total length:6:07

Personnel

Credits adapted from liner notes [32] and Allmusic. [36]

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United States211,000 [1]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toni Braxton</span> American singer (born 1967)

Toni Michele Braxton is an American R&B singer, songwriter, actress and television personality. She has sold over 70 million records worldwide and is one of the best-selling female artists in history. Braxton has won seven Grammy Awards, nine Billboard Music Awards, seven American Music Awards, and numerous other accolades. In 2011, Braxton was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. In 2017 she was honored with the Legend Award at the Soul Train Music Awards.

<i>The Heat</i> (Toni Braxton album) 2000 studio album by Toni Braxton

The Heat is the third studio album by American singer Toni Braxton, released on April 25, 2000, by LaFace Records. The album marked Braxton's departure from her ballads in favor of a more urban sound. Most of the songs were written and produced by Braxton and her husband Keri Lewis ; two ballads were penned by Diane Warren, and collaborations featured rappers Dr. Dre and Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tamar Braxton</span> American singer and television personality

Tamar Estine Braxton is an American singer and television personality.

<i>More Than a Woman</i> (album) 2002 studio album by Toni Braxton

More Than a Woman is the fifth studio album by American singer Toni Braxton, released on November 18, 2002, by Arista Records. The album contained both hip hop and urban adult contemporary sounds, as well as some softer and more contemporary melodies. Throughout the project, Braxton worked with her sister Tamar and husband Keri Lewis on most of the songs, who had written and produced material for her previous album. She also worked with hip hop producers and rappers such as Irv Gotti, The Neptunes, Mannie Fresh and Loon, as well as Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, protégé Big Bert and his domestic partner, singer Brandy.

<i>Snowflakes</i> (album) 2001 studio album by Toni Braxton

Snowflakes is the fourth studio album by American singer Toni Braxton, released on October 23, 2001, by Arista Records. Her first Christmas album, it is a follow-up to her 2000 studio album The Heat. Snowflakes consists of 11 tracks, featuring five R&B-led original songs co-penned with her former husband Keri Lewis and longtime collaborator Babyface, as well as several remixes and cover versions of Christmas standards and carols, one of which is a collaboration with Jamaican musician Shaggy. Throughout the creation process, Braxton also collaborated with L.A. Reid, Poke & Tone, Daryl Simmons and her younger sister Tamar Braxton.

<i>Ultimate Toni Braxton</i> 2003 greatest hits album by Toni Braxton

Ultimate Toni Braxton, released in 2003, is the first greatest hits collection by R&B singer Toni Braxton. It features many of her greatest hits, and includes all the singles from her debut Toni Braxton and all but one of the singles from her second album Secrets. Her albums The Heat and More Than a Woman are fairly underrepresented, as only two and one songs are included from each album, respectively. The songs on Ultimate are not the actual album versions but radio edits, and the version of "Seven Whole Days" is live.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hit the Freeway</span> 2002 single by Toni Braxton featuring Loon

"Hit the Freeway" is a song by American recording artist Toni Braxton, released as the lead single from her fourth studio album, More Than a Woman (2002). The song, which features American rapper Loon, was written by Pharrell Williams and Loon himself, while production was handled by Pharrell's production duo The Neptunes. It is a hip hop and R&B song, with lyrics about an ex trying to rekindle with Braxton, but Braxton claims she's not interested in him anymore.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toni Braxton discography</span>

American singer Toni Braxton has released ten studio albums, five extended plays, six compilation albums, two remix albums, thirty-four singles, two video albums and twenty-two music videos in a career spanning over 30 years. Braxton was born in Severn, Maryland, on October 7, 1967. Her mother, an opera vocalist, encouraged Braxton and her four sisters to sing in church at a young age. In 1990, songwriter Bill Pettaway discovered the sisters and helped them obtain a record deal with Arista Records, as the group titled The Braxtons; the group's debut single, "Good Life", was released the same year. Although the song failed to chart, Braxton's voice caught the attention of producers, L.A. Reid and Babyface, who signed her to their newly formed LaFace Records. In 1991, Braxton recorded songs for the soundtrack to the 1992 film Boomerang. Her solo debut single, "Love Shoulda Brought You Home", reached the top forty of the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and the top five of the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Two years later, her self-titled debut album was issued through LaFace. The album topped the US Billboard 200 and R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts and was certified eight-times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It spawned four singles, including "Breathe Again", which peaked within the top ten in the United States, Australia, Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. The album has sold over ten million copies worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love Shoulda Brought You Home</span> 1992 single by Toni Braxton

"Love Shoulda Brought You Home" is the debut solo single by American singer Toni Braxton. It was written by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Daryl Simmons, and Bo Watson and produced by Edmonds and Simmons along with L.A. Reid. Originally written for singer Anita Baker, who had to decline due to her pregnancy, it was eventually recorded by Braxton and featured on the soundtrack to Reginald Hudlin's romantic comedy film Boomerang (1992). The song was later also included on Braxton's self titled debut album (1993). Lyrically, the slow-groove R&B song is saga of betrayal and infidelity that depicts a heartbroken Braxton.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Another Sad Love Song</span> 1993 single by Toni Braxton

"Another Sad Love Song" is a song by American singer-songwriter Toni Braxton. Written and produced by Daryl Simmons and Babyface, featuring additional production from L.A. Reid, it was released as the lead single and its opening track from Braxton's self-titled debut album (1993) on June 11, 1993, by LaFace Records and Arista Records. Lyrically, it talks about Braxton complaining that every song played on the radio is a reminder of her ex-boyfriend.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Breathe Again</span> 1993 single by Toni Braxton

"Breathe Again" is a song by American R&B singer Toni Braxton. It was written by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds and produced by Edmonds, L.A. Reid, and Daryl Simmons for Braxton's self-titled debut album (1993). Its lyrics evokes a sense of nostalgia from a relationship that has run its course. The ballad was released as the album's second single on October 6, 1993, by LaFace and Arista Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seven Whole Days</span> 1993 single by Toni Braxton

"Seven Whole Days" is a song performed by American singer Toni Braxton. It serves as the third single from her self-titled debut album (1993). It was released on October 8, 1993 by LaFace and Arista Records. Written and produced by Kenneth Edmonds, Antonio Reid and Daryl Simmons, the track describes a romance that was fading. As the single was not commercially released in the United States, it was ineligible to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, and only managed to chart on the Hot 100 Airplay at number forty-eight in early March 1994. Nevertheless, it successfully topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay in late January 1994.

<i>The Essential Toni Braxton</i> 2007 greatest hits album by Toni Braxton

The Essential Toni Braxton is a compilation album by the American recording artist Toni Braxton in Sony BMG's The Essential series. Released in February 2007, it follows the earlier compilations Ultimate Toni Braxton, released in 2003, and Braxton's Platinum & Gold Collection, released in 2004. The Essential is a 2 disc album with thirty-six of Braxton's best songs. It also includes a song done with her sister group The Braxtons, "The Good Life".

The following is the discography of American musician Babyface.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love and War (Tamar Braxton song)</span> 2012 single by Tamar Braxton

"Love and War" is the lead single by American recording artist Tamar Braxton from her second album of the same name. The song received two Grammy Award nominations at the 56th Grammy Awards for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance.

Paul Boutin is a French-born American music mixer, audio engineer and a long-time collaborator with producer/songwriter/artist Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hurt You (Toni Braxton and Babyface song)</span> 2013 single by Toni Braxton and Babyface

"Hurt You" is a song by American recording artists Toni Braxton and Babyface. It was written by Braxton and Babyface along with Daryl Simmons and Antonio Dixon for their collaborative studio album Love, Marriage & Divorce (2014), while Babyface helmed production. The song was released on August 17, 2013, as the lead single from the album. It topped the US Adult R&B Songs and was ranked fifth on the chart's year-end listing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roller Coaster (Toni Braxton and Babyface song)</span> 2014 single by Toni Braxton and Babyface

"Roller Coaster" is a song by American recording artists Toni Braxton and Babyface. It was written by Babyface, Daryl Simmons, and Antonio Dixon for their collaborative studio album Love, Marriage & Divorce (2014), while production was helmed by former. The song was released on May 24, 2014 as the album's third and final single. "Roller Coaster" peaked at number 17 on the US Adult R&B Songs and was ranked 48th on the chart's year-end listing. Braxton and Babyface performed on their joint Toni Braxton & Babyface African Tour in 2015.

<i>Sex & Cigarettes</i> 2018 studio album by Toni Braxton

Sex & Cigarettes is the eighth studio album by American singer Toni Braxton. It was released on March 23, 2018, by Def Jam Recordings. Her first solo album in eight years, it served as her debut for the label after signing a new record deal. Braxton worked with a variety of producers on the album, including Fred Ball, Antonio Dixon, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, Dapo Torimiro, Stuart Crichton, Tricky Stewart, and Pierre Medor. Its release was preceded by the release of two singles, "Deadwood" and "Long as I Live" as well as a remix EP of the song "Coping" which features on the album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Where Did We Go Wrong (Toni Braxton and Babyface song)</span> 2013 single by Toni Braxton and Babyface

"Where Did We Go Wrong" is a song by American recording artists Toni Braxton and Babyface. It was written by Braxton and Babyface for their collaborative studio album Love, Marriage & Divorce (2014), while production was helmed by latter. The song was released on December 17, 2013 as the second single from the album. "Where Did We Go Wrong" peaked at number 11 on the US Adult R&B Songs and was ranked 38th on the chart's year-end listing.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Mendizabal, Amaya (September 1, 2016). "Beyonce, Pharrell Williams Lead Mid-Year SoundScan R&B/Hip-Hop Charts". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on August 22, 2014. Retrieved July 2, 2014.
  2. "Toni Braxton & Babyface Delay 'Love, Marriage & Divorce' Album Until 2014", October 24, 2013.
  3. "Toni Braxton and Babyface's 'Love, Marriage & Divorce' Delayed Until 2014", Singersroom, October 24, 2013.
  4. "Toni Braxton and Babyface Album Delayed Until 2014", Rap-Up.
  5. Morgan, Glennisha. "Toni Braxton Says She's Retiring From Music But Wants To Play A Lesbian On Screen". The Huffington Post. Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  6. "Toni Braxton, Babyface – Hurt You (Audio)". YouTube. Retrieved August 19, 2013.
  7. "Adult R&B Songs & Music Chart Billboard". Billboard. Retrieved September 7, 2013.
  8. "Toni Braxton, Babyface – Hurt You". YouTube. Retrieved October 11, 2013.
  9. "Adults R&B Songs & Music Chart Billboard". Billboard. Retrieved December 14, 2013.
  10. "Adult R&B Songs & Music Chart Billboard June 14, 2014". Billboard. Retrieved June 14, 2014.
  11. "Toni Braxton and Babyface's 'Hurt You' Hits No.1 on Two Charts". Singersroom. December 11, 2013.
  12. "Toni Braxton : Chart History". Billboard.com. Retrieved February 1, 2014.
  13. "Toni Braxton – Chart history". Billboard.
  14. "Receive "Where Did We Go Wrong?" when pre-ordering "Love, Marriage & Divorce" on iTunes!". Toni Braxton & Babyface. Archived from the original on September 21, 2016. Retrieved December 17, 2013.
  15. "Toni Braxton, Babyface – Where Did We Go Wrong?". YouTube. Retrieved December 19, 2013.
  16. 1 2 Braxton, Edmonds, Toni, Kenneth 'Babyface'. "Review: Toni Braxton & Babyface – 'Love, Marriage & Divorce'". abcnews.go.com. Retrieved February 13, 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  17. 1 2 Kellman, Andy. "Review: Love, Marriage & Divorce Review". allmusic.com. Retrieved February 13, 2014.
  18. 1 2 Christgau, Robert (January 23, 2015). "Robert Christgau: Expert Witness". Cuepoint . Retrieved January 23, 2015.
  19. 1 2 Ratliff, Ben (February 3, 2014). "New CDs From Broken Bells, Toni Braxton and Babyface". The New York Times . Retrieved August 28, 2020.
  20. 1 2 Tannenbaum, Rob (April 17, 2014). "Love, Marriage & Divorce". Rolling Stone . Retrieved August 28, 2020.
  21. 1 2 Rasquinha, Reagan Gavin (April 7, 2015). "Music Review: Love, Marriage & Divorce". The Times of India . Retrieved August 28, 2020.
  22. Poomsawai, Chanun (February 16, 2014). "Labour of Love". Bangkok Post . Retrieved August 28, 2020.
  23. 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards Nominees: R&B Category
  24. 1 2 Mendizabal, Amaya (July 2, 2014). "Beyonce, Pharrell Williams Lead Mid-Year SoundScan R&B/Hip-Hop Charts". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved July 2, 2014.
  25. 1 2 "Billboard 200: Best of 2014". Billboard . Retrieved December 22, 2012.
  26. 1 2 "R&B/Hip-Hop Albums: Best of 2014". Billboard . Retrieved December 22, 2012.
  27. . The Official UK Charts Company. Retrieved on February 13, 2014.
  28. . The Official UK Charts Company. Retrieved on February 13, 2014.
  29. 1 2 Gaon Albums Chart 2014-02-08 Archived February 22, 2014, at the Wayback Machine (in Korean). gaonchart.co.kr. Retrieved February 17, 2013.
  30. 1 2 "South African Top 20 Albums Chart". RSG (Recording Industry of South Africa). Archived from the original on March 15, 2014.
  31. Pommells, Ayara (September 10, 2015). "Toni Braxton x Babyface Awarded In South Africa" . Retrieved December 5, 2015.
  32. 1 2 Toni Braxton & Babyface – Love, Marriage & Divorce (Motown Records)
  33. "Toni Braxton & Babyface – Love, Marriage & Divorce". album review and credits. allmusic.com. Retrieved February 13, 2014.
  34. "Toni Braxton & Babyface reveal tracklisting for "Love, Marriage and Divorce"". GrooveVolt. Retrieved March 20, 2016.
  35. "Toni Braxton & Babyface – Love, Marriage, & Divorce – Only at Target", Target.
  36. "Toni Braxton & Babyface – Love, Marriage & Divorce". credits. allmusic.com. Retrieved February 13, 2014.
  37. "Ultratop.be – Toni Braxton & Babyface – Love, Marriage & Divorce" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved February 10, 2013.
  38. "Ultratop.be – Toni Braxton & Babyface – Love, Marriage & Divorce" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved February 17, 2013.
  39. "Dutchcharts.nl – Toni Braxton & Babyface – Love, Marriage & Divorce" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved February 17, 2013.
  40. "恋愛~結婚~離婚" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on March 5, 2014. Retrieved February 17, 2013.
  41. "TONI BRAXTON | Artist | Official Charts". UK Albums Chart. Retrieved February 10, 2013.
  42. "Official R&B Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 10, 2013.
  43. "TONI BRAXTON Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved February 10, 2013.
  44. "TONI BRAXTON Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved February 10, 2013.