Toni Braxton’s 1996 ballad “Un-Break My Heart” is the quintessential ’90s heartbreak anthem. Written by Diane Warren, the song has Toni pleading with a lost lover to come back and undo the pain (“Take back that sad word goodbye”). Her deep, sultry voice soars over dramatic Spanish guitar flourishes and sweeping strings, capturing raw desperation and sorrow. The song struck a universal chord, spending 11 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 — one of the longest reigns ever at the time. The music video, featuring model Tyson Beckford and a tragic storyline, only added to the emotion. “Un-Break My Heart” remains Toni Braxton’s signature song and a go-to for anyone nursing a broken heart, its chorus still capable of bringing down the house (or bringing on the tears) with each powerful refrain.
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