Album: More Than a Woman

Introduction
"More Than a Woman" is the 4th studio album by the American singer, Toni Braxton. Released on November 19, 2002, by Arista Records, the album was a follow-up to her previous releases in the late 90's, "Secrets" (1996) and "The Heat" (2000). As a six-time Grammy Award-winning artist, Braxton looked for to maintain her successful record with "More Than a Woman". The album served to showcase her vocal expertise, delivering a collection of songs that revolve around themes of love, relationships, and strength.

Production and Collaboration
The production of "More Than a Woman" included a star-studded line-up of manufacturers and songwriters, consisting of Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Bryan-Michael Cox, and Braxton herself. Toni also collaborated with other artists for this album, featuring visitor appearances by Loon and Irv Gotti on the track "Hit the Freeway". The album saw Braxton working with familiar faces like Babyface and Daryl Simmons, who helped produce her launching album. Their partnership is evident in tracks like "And I Love You", a wholehearted ballad showcasing Braxton's strengths as a soulful singer.

Album Reception
"More Than a Woman" received blended reviews from critics, with some critics commending Braxton's singing performance and her capability to explore different music categories. However, others were crucial of the album's absence of standout hits or remarkable moments. Despite the critiques, the album debuted at number 13 on the United States Billboard 200 chart, offering 98,000 copies within the very first week of its release. It also performed well on the R&B charts, peaking at number 5 on the Top R&B/ Hip-Hop Albums chart.

Lead Singles
Two lead singles were released from the "More Than a Woman" album - "Hit the Freeway", including Loon, and "Lies, Lies, Lies". "Hit the Freeway" was released as the album's lead single in October 2002, reaching the top 40 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/ Hip-Hop Songs chart and peaking at number 86 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. This song, produced by Irv Gotti, supplies a positive and catchy melody with Braxton's vocals accompanied by Loon's rap verses. "Lies, Lies, Lies", the album's second single, was released on February 11, 2003. This ballad, accompanied by a black-and-white video, did not receive much business success.

Tracklist and Highlights
"More Than a Woman" consists of 12 tracks, displaying a series of designs that integrate R&B, pop, and hip-hop aspects. Tunes like "Let Me Show You The Way (Out)" and "A Better Man" display Braxton's capability to explore various categories while preserving her emotional noise. "Rock Me, Roll Me" and "Selfish" are examples of her signature sultry ballads that enable her to show her powerful vocal variety.

Conclusion
"More Than a Woman" may not have reached the same level of success as Toni Braxton's previous albums, but it nevertheless displayed her desire to experiment with different music designs and work together with a diverse cast of manufacturers and artists. While the album got combined reviews, it highlights Braxton's undeniable vocal talent and her ability to craft significant and emotionally charged tunes.