Album: Sex & Cigarettes

Introduction
"Sex & Cigarettes" is the 8th studio album by American R&B vocalist and songwriter Toni Braxton, launched on March 23, 2018, through Def Jam Recordings. The album marks Braxton's very first solo project in 8 years, following her 2010 album "Pulse". "Sex & Cigarettes" is a completely honest and raw insight into the artist's personal and emotional life, showcasing her capability to still be vulnerable and powerful in her artistry. The album has a mix of sultry, smooth ballads, and up-tempo tracks that show Braxton's distinct vocal abilities and distinct R&B sound.

Album Production and Collaborations
Toni Braxton's "Sex & Cigarettes" album is a testimony to her advancement as an artist, with Braxton co-writing and co-producing numerous tracks alongside market veterans. Manufacturers and collaborators on the album consist of Fred Ball, Stuart Crichton, Kwame Ogoo, Dapo Torimiro, and Babyface. The album likewise includes a guest look from Colbie Caillat on the song "My Heart".

Tracklist and Themes
"Sex & Cigarettes" uses a concise yet effective tracklist with 8 songs that explore themes of love, betrayal, and heartbreak. The album starts with "Deadwood", a sultry and raw track that works as the lead single and showcases Braxton's powerful vocals and expressive songwriting. Following this is "Sex & Cigarettes", the album's titular track, which is a haunting and completely sincere account of a relationship tainted by extramarital relations.

Other standout tracks on the album consist of "Long as I Live", a relatable and moving ballad that deals with the emotional after-effects of a breakup, and "FOH", an empowering anthem that motivates individual development and self-actualization. "My Heart" is a tender collaboration with Colbie Caillat, filled with mild consistencies and a sense of psychological vulnerability that resonates deeply with listeners.

"Sex & Cigarettes" closes with the emotional "Coping" and the genuine "Missin,'" both of which display Braxton's psychological depth and her capability to equate personal experiences into timeless music.

Important and Commercial Reception
Upon its release, "Sex & Cigarettes" got generally positive reviews from critics, who praised Braxton's mentally raw and vulnerable songwriting, in addition to her special and fascinating singing shipment. The album debuted at number 22 on the Billboard 200 chart with first-week sales of 14,000 units. In addition, "Sex & Cigarettes" reached the top 10 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums Chart.

"Long as I Live" was especially successful as a single and received 2 Grammy elections: Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song. The tune likewise peaked at number three on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs Chart and number eleven on the R&B/ Hip-Hop Airplay Chart.

Conclusion
Toni Braxton's "Sex & Cigarettes" is an extraordinary return for the R&B singer, showcasing her musicianship and her distinct singing abilities, which remain as strong as ever. The album's raw and heartfelt expedition of love, betrayal, and heartbreak resonates with listeners, reaffirming Braxton's position as a timeless and prominent artist within the music market. "Sex & Cigarettes" is a testimony to Braxton's strength and her capability to develop music that remains truthful, psychological, and utterly captivating.