Secrets＜完全生産限定盤＞

R&Bを代表するスーパースター=トニ・ブラクストン
1996年リリースのセカンド・アルバム『Secrets』(アナログ盤)

R&Bを代表するスーパースター=トニ・ブラクストン。本作は1996年にリリースとなったセカンド・アルバムで、彼女にとっての初の全米ナンバーワンを記録した「You're Makin' Me High」、11週連続ナンバーワンとなった「Un-Break My Heart」などがシングルカットされ、アルバムは全世界で1300万枚というセールスを記録、再びグラミー賞を受賞した(最優秀女性R&Bヴォーカル賞/最優秀女性POPヴォーカル賞)。シングル・アルバム合計で全世界4000万枚以上のセールスや6つのグラミー賞という記録を作った彼女は、最も成功した女性アーティストの一人といえる。

Toni Braxton's second album, Secrets, follows through on the promise of her eponymous debut. Like her first album, the majority of Secrets was co-produced by Babyface and his partner L.A. Reid, while the material is divided between songs written by outside songwriters like R. Kelly, Tony Rich, and Diane Warren and originals by Braxton and Babyface. Braxton and Babyface's collaborations are the highlights of the album, combining rich melodies and gorgeous choruses with subtle, clever lyrics that are never laced with cliches. Nearly equalling the original numbers are contributions by Tony Rich ("Come On Over Here") and R. Kelly ("I Don't Want To"); with these tracks, both musicians demonstrate why they are considered two of the top songwriters in '90s R&B and soul. Secrets does have a couple of weak moments. The numbers produced by David Foster are too predictable in their slick commercial appeal, but Braxton manages to infuse the songs with life and passion that elevates them beyond their generic confines. And her vocal talent is what unites Secrets and makes it into a first-rate contemporary R&B collection. Braxton is a singer who can cross over into the smooth confines of adult contemporary radio without losing or betraying the soul that lies at the foundation of her music, and her talent burns at its brightest on Secrets. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine