How Could an Angel Break My Heart

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"How Could an Angel Break My Heart"
Single by Toni Braxton with Kenny G
from the album Secrets
ReleasedNovember 4, 1997
Recorded1996
Genre
Length4:20
LabelLaFace
Songwriter(s)Toni Braxton, Babyface
Producer(s)Babyface
Toni Braxton singles chronology
"I Don't Want To" / "I Love Me Some Him"
(1997)
"How Could an Angel Break My Heart"
(1997)
"He Wasn't Man Enough"
(2000)

"How Could an Angel Break My Heart" is the fourth and final single from Toni Braxton's second studio album, Secrets (1996). The song, co-written by Braxton and Babyface and produced by Babyface, features Kenny G on the saxophone. At the time of this single's release, Secrets had reached five-time platinum status by the RIAA.[1]

Critical reception

Pop Rescue said the song is "a-wash with luxurious strings and haunting saxophone, as Toni’s somewhat sad vocals weave their way through this gentle ballad."[2]

Music video

The music video, directed by Iain Softley, followed the lyrical content of the relationship between Braxton and her lover. He has left her for another woman and she is left to pick up the pieces.

The remix version of the song has the storyline laid out a little differently, with Babyface singing back to her and duetting with her from the second verse. Babyface's vocals replace Kenny G's saxophone parts.

Track listings and formats

UK CD 1 and European CD single
  1. "How Could an Angel Break My Heart" (Album Version) – 4:20
  2. "How Could an Angel Break My Heart" (Remix Version featuring Babyface) – 4:21
  3. "How Could an Angel Break My Heart" (Album Instrumental) – 4:21
  4. "How Could an Angel Break My Heart" (Remix Instrumental) – 4:21

This CD has an error in the tracks. Despite being listed in this way the two instrumentals have been put on in the reverse order. This can be heard clearly as Kenny G's saxophone parts are present on track four and absent in track three, whereas in the vocal versions of the song, this is quite the opposite.

UK CD 2
  1. "How Could an Angel Break My Heart" – 4:20
  2. "Breathe Again" – 4:29
  3. "Another Sad Love Song" – 5:01
  4. "Love Shoulda Brought You Home" – 4:56

Personnel and credits

Credits adapted from album liner notes.[3]

Charts

Chart (1997) Peak
position
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[4] 50
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)[5] 83
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[6] 36
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[7] 34
Ireland (IRMA)[8] 16
Scotland (OCC)[9] 37
UK Singles (OCC)[10] 22
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC)[11] 5
US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)[12] 12

References

  1. ^ https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=toni+braxton+#search_section
  2. ^ "REVIEW: "SECRETS" BY TONI BRAXTON (CD, 1997)". Pop Rescue. November 27, 2015. Retrieved April 14, 2020.
  3. ^ Toni Braxton – Secrets (CD liner notes) - LaFace Records 73008-26020-2
  4. ^ "TONI BRAXTON WITH KENNY G – How Could an Angel Break My Heart" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  5. ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Retrieved 2018-06-22.
  6. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 2, 1998" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  7. ^ "TONI BRAXTON WITH KENNY G – How Could an Angel Break My Heart" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  8. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – How Could an Angel Break My Hear". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  9. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
  10. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  11. ^ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  12. ^ "Toni Braxton Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved July 4, 2018.