Un-Break My Heart – 1996
“Un-Break My Heart” is the second single performed by American recording artist Toni Braxton, from her second studio album, Secrets (1996). The ballad was written by Diane Warren. Braxton expressed a dislike for the song; however, L.A. Reid was able to convince the singer to record it and include on her album. It was released as the second single from the album in October 1996, through LaFace Records. Lyrically, the song alludes to a “blistering heartbreak” in which Braxton begs a former lover to return and undo the pain he has caused. It won a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1997.
“Un-Break My Heart” attained commercial success worldwide. In the United States, the song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed a total of eleven weeks, while reaching the same position on the Hot Dance Club Songs and Adult Contemporary component charts. When Billboard celebrated their 40 years charting from 1958 to 1998, the song was declared as the most successful song by a solo artist in the Billboard Hot 100 history. In Europe, the song reached the top five in more than ten countries while peaking at number one in Austria, Belgium (Wallonia), Sweden, and Switzerland.
Diane Warren wrote “Un-Break My Heart” in 1995. When asked about her songwriting process, she said that songs usually come to her from a title, a chorus, or a drum beat. “Un-Break My Heart” was conceived from its title, and, according to Warren, “it popped into my head, and I thought, ‘I don’t think I’ve heard that before, that’s kind of interesting.’ I started playing around on the piano with these chords and did a key change, and then I knew, ‘OK, this is magic.'” Warren further explained that she wrote “Un-Break My Heart” as a ballad and dance song, because that was the way she heard it. She said: “some people only know it as a – gay – dance song!”
Track listings
US CD single
“Un-Break My Heart” (Album Version) – 4:30
“Un-Break My Heart” (Spanish Version) – 4:32
US CD maxi single
“Un-Break My Heart” (Album Version) – 4:30
“Un-Break My Heart” (Soul-Hex Anthem Vocal) – 9:36
“Un-Break My Heart” (Classic Radio Mix) – 4:26
“Un-Break My Heart” (Album Instrumental) – 4:44
US 12″ single
A1. “Un-Break My Heart” (Soul-Hex Anthem Vocal) – 9:38
A2. “Un-Break My Heart” (Soul-Hex No Sleep Beats) – 3:56
A3. “Un-Break My Heart” (Acappella) – 3:50
B1. “Un-Break My Heart” (Frankie Knuckles – Franktidrama Club Mix) – 8:40
B2. “Un-Break My Heart” (Frankie Knuckles – Classic Radio Mix) – 4:26
European CD single
“Un-Break My Heart” (Album Version) – 4:30
“You’re Makin’ Me High” (Radio Edit) – 4:07
UK CD single
“Un-Break My Heart” (Album Version) – 4:30
“You’re Makin’ Me High” (Norfside Remix) – 4:19
“How Many Ways” (R. Kelly Remix) – 5:46
“Un-Break My Heart” (Spanish Version) – 4:32
European CD maxi single
“Un-Break My Heart” (Album Version) – 4:30
“Un-Break My Heart” (Frankie Knuckles Radio Mix) – 4:29
“Un-Break My Heart” (Frankie Knuckles Franktidrama Mix) – 8:38
“Un-Break My Heart” (Soul-Hex Anthem Vocal) – 9:36
“Un-Break My Heart” (Soul-Hex No Sleep Beats) – 3:56
AUS CD maxi single
“Un-Break My Heart” (Album Version) – 4:30
“You’re Makin’ Me High” (Norfside Remix) – 4:19
“How Many Ways” (R. Kelly Remix) – 5:46
“Un-Break My Heart” (Classic Radio Mix) – 4:26
“Un-Break My Heart” (Soul-Hex Sleep Beats) – 3:56
Charts[edit]