Artist:  Toni Braxton
Title:  Pulse
Label:  Atlantic

It's been more than four years since we've last heard from Toni Braxton, the silky-voiced songstress best known for providing the heartbreaking vocals for "Unbreak My Heart," the ubiquitous, surviving-a-big-break-up anthem of the late ‘90s.

But thanks to some unexpected inspiration, namely Nashville's country music scene (!!!), it probably won't be the last time you hear the R&B diva's songs on the radio. After all, there's plenty of catchy, radio-friendly fare on Pulse, an, enjoyably diverse collection of songs that ultimately reflect Braxton's personal and professional journey.

With standout tracks "Woman," a cover of international pop star Delta Goodrem's hit single and the sassy strains of "If I Have to Wait," which was actually recorded in Nashville, Braxton's fascination with all things country really shines through, particularly in the homespun lyrics. In fact, if marketed properly, it wouldn't be surprising if these tracks even crossed over to country radio.

Before any longtime R&B fans believe Braxton has completely deserted them for the genre that's recently made a big star out of Taylor Swift, however, there are plenty of tracks that mesh well with her past work. Whether she's channeling her inner Chaka Khan on "No Way" or showcasing a more nuanced, plaintive approach in "Why Don't You Love Me," the tear-jerking closing track, her chops are in fine form.

Speaking of "Why Don't You Love Me," which was co-written by Braxton, it offers a memorable and revealing glimpse into her own fractured relationships: "Hold up, wait a minute/can you tell me/promise you'll be honest, and you'll tell me everything … is it the way I wear my hair/just tell me the truth/I don't care."

Benefiting from confessional lyrics and the input of a slew of different producers, the album has a variety of different textures, sonically and otherwise. There's your upbeat dance selections like "Make My Heart" and current Urban AC single "Hands Tied," the aforementioned country-flavored tracks and her trademark ballads "Yesterday" and "No Way" which not only helps provide a cure for any pop music fan's musical A-D-D but prove that even while she's been away, Braxton still has her pulse on what makes a great album.


**This review first published on May 12, 2010.