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Pulse (Album Cover)

In conjunction with dirrtysean’s Toni week, I present you with the review of “Pulse“!!! Alright, I’m getting a little cheesy here (I’m supposed to do it anyway, Haha). Being Toni’s 6th studio album, it’s her first album in five years and serves as her debut for the Atlantic label after signing a new record deal. The album debuted at number 9 on the US Billboard 200 Album chart, pretty decent I must say. It also entered at number 1 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

The album was originally scheduled for release in 2009, but then pushed back to February 2, 2010 before ultimately being released May 4, 2010. It’s because seven of the album’s ten songs had leaked onto the net and so she had decided to go back into the studio to record new songs. I do wish that some of the leaked tracks made it on the album though, cause they’re good!!!! More on that later….

First Impressions

By appearing and being a contestant on the seventh season of Dancing with the Stars, people took notice of her and this made it a great opportunity for her to release some new material. This album would probably go under the radar for some as expectations are low since “Libra” was barely promoted. Actually, this album matches as a quality comback album. Better than Whitney, definitely.

Track by Track Review

• Yesterday
  The lead single from the album. A version featuring Trey Songz was released, serving as the US single, while the solo version was released internationally. I personally prefer the album/solo version of it. The production is of a classic R&B track on that. Paired with it’s bitter lyrics, this song is meant to be an uber big heartbreak ballad that rivals Beyonce’s “Halo“. It’s one of my chosen top singles for 2009 btw. =)
• Make My Heart
  Toni doesn’t disappoint with doing an uptempo song too. The infectious sound of the horns makes this track danceable and groovy.
• Hands Tied
  Released concurrently with “Make My Heart“, both songs serves as the 2nd singles for the album. Meaning there’s 2!!!! While the former is a club banger, this track is a classic sound coming from Toni.
• Woman
  Those of you who doesn’t know, this song is actually a cover version of the original song by Delta Goodrem from her 2007 album “Delta“. A pretty decent ballad to cover. Suits her voice to a T.
• If I Have To Wait
  This song is rather meaningful lyrically. It’s a risk we’ll take if we really love someone.
• Lookin’ At Me
  The leaked version features Sean Paul on the song, but the finished album version ‘killed’ him off. Sounds a little generic and filler-ish. Not as impactful as “Make My Heart“.
• Wardrobe
  This song could totally fit in a SATC soundtrack. Some critics noted that this song is a little too cheerful and youthful for Toni, I think otherwise. It’s a pop-jam with a catchy beat!!! Loves playing this song when I rummage through my wadrobe. =X
• Hero
  Formerly titled as “Heart Never had A Hero“, as heard in the chorus too. Kara DioGuardi had a hand in co-writing this track. This song is alright to me.
• No Way
  I’m sure Toni would sound great perfoming this song on acoustic. Has a Jazz influence.
• Pulse
  Title track of the album. I exceptionally love the chorus to this song. Has the potential to be a single.
• Why Won’t You Love Me
  A great album closer (if you don’t include the bonus tracks). Singing about an unrequited love, the beautiful but sad chorus is extremely captivating.
• Yesterday (Feat. Trey Songz)
  Included as only a bonus track, this version of the song has a slightly different beat from the original version as mentioned. But I do quite like the verse by Trey Songz though.
• Stay
  My favourite bonus track from the album, this midtempo is quite addictive. At least the songs made it on the album.
• Melt
  Remember earlier in the post I commented that some songs being leaked but didn’t appear on the album, this song is one of them that should be part of it. I wish to highlight it as this song extremely radio-friendly. It deserves a spot on the album.

Final Verdict
Overall, this album is rather consistent as a whole. Toni takes a shot in mixing old school R&B ballads with modern dance-styled tracks, which sounds quite successful as it doesn’t feels forced and awkward. Definitely a good R&B album that’s being released so far this year and ideal for your collection.

This album scores a 3.5 out of 5.

Recommended Tracks
Toni Braxton – Wardrobe
Toni Braxton – Pulse
Toni Braxton – Melt (Unreleased)