How Could An Angel Break My Heart - Toni Braxton Feat. Babyface

"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 eight-time platinum status by the RIAA.
The fact that the single did not manage to chart on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts was a surprise for fans and observers. However, it was potentially influenced by the fact that two of the three singles released from Secrets prior to "How Could an Angel Break My Heart" were double A-sided and their flipsides had also turned into essentially huge airplay hits. This means that at the time this single was released, Braxton had already dominated the charts with five songs from the same album, therefore radio programmers put very little emphasis on the sixth.

[@artupija]

2024 anyone? 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♂️🙋‍♂️🙋‍♂️ wishing this version on Apple Music or Spotify

[@ayesharajapakse6521]

Yup...90's music always the best

[@lilylyngdohmawlong665]

Been trying to find this on Spotify but can't

[@chantelfreeman9518]

This will always be superior to the other versions!! in 2024 her music still stands 🤎

[@janetj3616]

Who’s listening in 2020?!!

[@jorgearevalo2595]

Meeeee!

[@zariahdewet812]

Meeeee

[@paolomiguelvalderama1629]

I me and myself

[@jamericiaholley9815]

Hey

[@larrythompson2492]

Im here 2o2o almost gone

[@KharisB.A]

I like this version best of all the other versions. Toni and Babyface collaborations are always on a different level😍😍😍😍😍

[@lemikehendrix357]

Right

[@nauteeca]

Always!!

[@mrtiongson]

I couldn't agree more

[@santangelogaia19]

This duet version in which album was released?

[@edjanecosta4759]

Amei ❤

[@antoinette4995]

"I wish I didn't wish so hard, maybe I wished our love apart"...💔. Exactly how I feel in this moment. My heart is in so much pain, but I know it will get better.

[@rolandferrand6175]

I hate that I relate

[@sabrinaoharaheath1968]

2024 this version should be played everywhere. Too Beautiful not to be heard.❤

[@lizonyango]

I like this version better than the one with Kenny G. Babyface's vocals seriously do it for me!

[@Navaura]

Me too. It's like their vocals are perfect together and it just makes the song even more heartbreaking. The pain is so real and authentic sounding, you would think they are really broken hearted. It's a struggle. Sad.

[@zaiydalaroche4360]

Wow! I never heard this version and it is so beautiful.

[@DiamondDNA]

Yes it was a nice surprise to come across this version years after Secrets came out.

[@eldiansyahdenirlubis1035]

Yes!!!!!! I like this version.

[@MoonlightNothing]

Both very nice and different.

[@gryffindorgrad]

why isn't this version on Spotify! 😫😫😫😫

[@Pee_deevah]

I know right!

[@artupija]

Yeah... not on Apple Music too 🥴

[@noogoom]

2:30 Babyface's harmonies are just out of this world. There are so many songs that I loved I later found out were produced by him and also featured his vocals, like Change the world (Eric Clapton), Take a bow (Madonna), You Are my Life (Michael Jackson) and so many more. He just has an amazing musical talent 🙏

[@fallongraham2381]

he sings with clapton in 1 version of change the world sooooo good

[@ericgithome7775]

Change the world in 1996 is when i finally picked up the Babyface backup vocals and down the rabbit hole i went when all these other songs i didn't notice babyface vocals earlier i started hearing them.

[@veronicaburton9550]

People overlook him when discussing the king of R&B. 😔

[@MiaNolita]

A good cry always makes the heart feel lighter after carrying a lot of hurt

[@tgoodwin724]

Still listening to this song in 2021 and will continue. Their voices are just perfect together!

[@lovellagaufo6530]

I cried like a baby listening to this masterpiece..her vocal style is so emotional so heartfelt..my gosh.. i love Toni since her first song Another Sad Love Song.. 2022 & still an addict for her music 🥰

[@JennaLeigh]

Man.... The entire Secrets album got me through my very first broken heart. This song in particular.... Lord have mercy I have CRIED listening to this. Wish I could tell 15 year old me I'd be ok.

[@user-hs8vs1fh7q]

That's why I'm listening to it. That first childish heartbreak lol hahaha best times

[@JennaLeigh]

@user-hs8vs1fh7q hahaha yes! It wasn't until I was much older that I was able to see how those young heartbreaks taught me about myself and made me stronger!

[@crystalclearcomcom9941]

Toni braxton is vocal range is absolutely amazing.her perfect R&B vocal.

[@johnnynanjiang]

“… trying to understand… “ two gorgeous voices merge nicely

[@29kalel]

This version should have been on the album. Toni and Kenny. Just phenomenal.

[@Nicolewilli92]

Anyways who else listening to this while this Coronavirus going on? 🥴🥴 be safe everyone ❤️

[@dw2582]

I’m wondering why babyface isn’t on original and Kenny G was.. 🤔

[@jusme9400]

Coronavirus is in the way

[@vsimp888]

Love this song!

[@Jletsgetalong]

You too!

[@martasees7678]

Still listening 😭😭😭😭

[@ilax6662]

Both versions are beautiful. She can sing it by herself very well. This song puts into words how much it hurts to have your heart broken.

[@Nada-zy4xp]

One of my favorite songs by Toni Braxton.. Such a romantic song! It's sad we don't have great songs like this in today's world.

[@denisheabates5279]

It amazes me how well they blend together and come together

[@Samira87333]

2023 still in love with this collab. My goodness ❤

[@santosguajardo9990]

This song was already beautiful with Toni and Babyface, but OMG, the way they used the guitar in this song just put a bow on this gift. Perfection!!!!!!

[@enney1358]

Beautiful and sad at the same time. I love her voice.

[@arxsyn]

Enney voice of an 👼. 🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@leightongermanotta746]

Y'all I'm TEARS!!! I can't. Mommie and Daddy killed this song omggg 😭

[@harrydoyle1647]

Absolutely

[@jusme9400]

Mommy and daddy…too cute

[@MZHUEY100]

Babyface is a GENIUS!

[@audrekeanderson8366]

Yes yes yes and baby face set it totally off❤❤❤❤

[@juniortelles3023]

Agree ...

[@britanir]

Yes he is.

[@musicbeautyart]

And After Kenny G!!!

[@zeena3473]

yes! This version WAY better than original imo

[@areejsalih4790]

Who still listening to this 2023

[@askaziaamilia3008]

Who listening 2019 like me here ❤️👍

[@emilieroberts]

I'm still listening and loving this song for real

[@davehobbs9513]

"Love it, Feel it, Hurts me, Took my heart, And put it back in broken . But will forever beat for you. "I still love you, STILL. X

[@elaineluckett6637]

Beautifully sad

[@tonijohnson4213]

MEEEEEEEEEEEEE

[@valerialuiz5966]

Always

[@Phyx1us]

LYRICS I heard he sang a lullaby I heard he sang it from his heart When I found out thought I would die Because that lullaby was mine I heard he sealed it with a kiss He gently kissed her cherry lips I found that so hard to believe Because his kiss belonged to me How could an angel break my heart Why didn't he catch my falling star I wished I didn't wish so hard Maybe I wished our love apart How could an angel break my heart I heard her face was white as rain [Babyface] Your face is white as rain Soft as a rose that blooms in May [Babyface] Soft as a rose in May He keeps her picture in a frame [Babyface] I keep your picture And when he sleeps he calls her name [Babyface] I only call out your name I wonder if she makes him smile [Babyface] She doesn't make me smile The way he used to smile at me [Babyface] I only smile at you I hope she doesn't make him laugh [Babyface] She doesn't make me laugh Because his laugh belongs to me [Babyface] My laugh belongs to you How could an angel break my heart [Babyface] You are my heart Why didn't he catch my falling star [Babyface] I will catch your star I wished I didn't wish so hard [Babyface] Don't wish so hard Maybe I wished our love apart [Babyface] Love falls apart How could an angel break my heart [Babyface] Your tender heart Oh [Babyface] My love My [Babyface] I know that Soul [Babyface] I know your Is [Babyface] Is dying Dying [Babyface] I know your soul is crying It's crying [Babyface] I know that you've been dying I'm trying [Babyface] Trying to understand To understand Please help me [Babyface] Please help me How could an angel break my heart [Babyface] I'd never break your heart Why didn't he catch my falling star [Babyface] I'd catch your falling star I wished I didn't wish so hard [Babyface] You never wished too hard Maybe I wished our love apart [Babyface] We're not apart How could an angel break my heart [Babyface] Oooh yeah

[@M_I_R]

I sing my daughter to sleep with this song ever time. Even when she is fussy in the car I just put this on and she is quite and in tune. Only 3 months. She loves this song truly. My mother did the same with me ❤️

[@louise7773]

❤️❤️❤️

[@govinachaas7009]

One of the most saddest and heartbreaking song of all of time! 😓

[@andilemfukuzo9718]

I was watching the Braxton family values and Toni spoke to babayface saying that she does not feel like doing music records anymore she feels like she has nothing more to give.But i know she still has her talent she should not let today artists and current music style get her way,she is the real RNB diva we know and grew up listening to.

[@andilemfukuzo9718]

Yes I am aware and I am glad that she made a comeback.

[@erwintate7627]

Happy Anniversary my love soulmate life and everything Good in this world, 22 years of being in love with you has not grown weak nor dim, only stronger my heart beats for Us! I love Us and always will forever pray our love keeps overcoming every heart break this world cause Us. You are my Hero Daddy and cant wait till eternity comes so I can show you what your life means to me... please forgive me for the times we've been torn apart and know I've never enjoyed a second of time without you next to me. Duh BabyDoll it's like being drugged through the fire.

[@kaylabrown3394]

Babyface voice in this song just melt me away 😍😘💯

[@irisqueen4376]

Oh my heart is breaking...I've got 3:07-3:59 on repeat -most beautiful part of the song

[@sharongoree6467]

My heart hurts I love this s 2020

[@KharisB.A]

I've also repeated that part countless times. That part is so heartfelt ♥️♥️♥️♥️. Toni and Babyface are simply MAGICAL together

[@jefferypee9323]

True... Love it

[@destinixshakur]

It's unexplainable when you going through the situation . It wants to make you give it one more chance but I gotta walk away from this shit fr

[@irisqueen4376]

Destini X Shakur I get it! Every time I went back it was to another heartbreak. It’s not worth it. When it’s “The One” it won’t feel that way. Put you first, protect your ❤️. Be hopeful that one day all of those broken pieces will heal and be put back together again.

[@dnelson4137]

LOVE this version, can’t find it anywhere but here. Gotta love youtube

[@kshlevingston1]

Oh my god! I've never heard this version before.. I'm in love with this song all over again.

[@timothyriggins8651]

I felt the same way.

[@breem8750]

Just heard this version for the first time. My heart melted😭😭😭

[@Yochilloooout]

Man this song gotta hit deep to anyone who's ever lost someone. Or anyone just having a hard time in general.

[@ianisraelbunda271]

For the longest time, I really thought this was the original version of this song. I wish this was made available in Spotify because I like this one better.

[@em0chi1d219]

Everytime I hear this I start crying...

[@Christina-wh6db]

this song makes me cry like a baby. I can't figure it out.

[@MissMyoozikal]

Same

[@aksharla66]

Still makes me cry! One of the few that does!

[@Christina-wh6db]

Nesa Joyner , I know girl.

[@alli-kat2329]

Omg ikr!

[@jeanettebiermann1890]

Same

[@kdawnable]

I've never gotten tired of this song.. Such a beautiful voice 💜

[@nanasfuneraltoorrow]

Love this song listen to it with my x wife

[@jamericiaholley9815]

You okay

[@jalapenos5281]

Who in 2028 still hear this song??

[@GMAMEC]

A song you wish would never end...❤️

[@glendaportillo9159]

My story is unreal, hurtful, unbelievable. Song brings tears all the time.

[@Nicole2023]

I still cry while trying to sing this

[@TeenGlamBoxx]

OMG I haven't listened to this song in like 20 years and it still makes me cry....

[@destinixshakur]

This is me currently . It's been DECADES! I cant believe this song came to my spirit

[@felishamoorer5234]

@@destinixshakur "That Somebody Was You" is another one.....

[@khalilcirej6848]

The best! 90's music was the bomb.

[@alienapplehead3723]

I wish I didn't wish so hard ...

[@arabicmusiclady1428]

So beautiful and sexy! Got to love Toni Braxton's voice. And babyface's voice singing in the background makes this song even more sexy. I wish we still had music like this in today's world. This type of music never gets old even when I get older.

[@mariposa6360]

It's sad and embarrassing to still love someone after so long that broke your heart, but hey I guess with time I'll get there someday 🤷‍♀️love gotta be the weirdest thing

[@ceciliesturdivant5330]

This song had me bent over in tears when I first heard it for the first time

[@jusme9400]

Soul dying, I know the feeling.

[@preciosa2324]

hurts every time I hear it ='(

[@nigelpoolevlogs2713]

Who listening n 2018

[@vikingqueenjada4143]

Nigel Poole Vlogs I am. 💘💖😆💜💙💚💗❣️#Livelearnlovethatswhatthissongislove❤️💛

[@LauraRyan2007]

Nigel Poole Vlogs That is the first time I ever heard it with Babyface singing back to her. I. Love. It.

[@serafinamusicx]

November 2018 ❤️

[@cristhinef9822]

Nigel Poole Vlogs: I ❤🎵

[@donnavohar8321]

How can a person not listen when the music is true & healing...it's classic. It only gets better with age...2018

[@ErickGuira]

This isn't a remix this is the actual first version of the song that was made since it was written by both of them but somewhere along the line they felt babyface's vocals interfered too much with her singing and it didn't quite deliver the intended message so they had Kenny G. Play his parts and add more sadness to her storyline and that was the version that made the album. There were some albums released with both versions and those albums excluded a track called "Spanish Guitar" as well as some albums also had a bonus track of unbreak my heart (the house remix) which also went on to win multiple awards and sell a bunch of copies on its own. I own the album with both these versions and later my sister left the original album in my house with the Spanish guitar track on it so I lucked out.

[@hipnhappenin]

Erick Stengel Thank you. I like Babyface's vocals but they do interfere with the desperate sadness of Toni Braxton's part.

[@ErickGuira]

hipnhappenin you are welcome, like I said I found out by doing research and I happen to know one of the engineers who worked on this album and that's how I learned of the story to release it one way and then re-release it the other way. But it's cool that you can hear both versions and by just removing his vocals the song takes on a whole new approach and not to take anything away from. babyface's talent cause the guy is a musical genius but some songs just aren't meant to be duets.

[@bellemn9]

Erick Stengel love Toni braxton, loooove my Libra's

[@jonwilder2732]

OMG thank you for this explanation cause i was wondering how did babyface get replace by kenny g on this song.. this version was my 1st time hearing this song and so when i saw that on the actual album it was kenny g i was mad cause this version is better and btw his vocals dont interfered with her its a call and response type of song.. which i felt they did perfectly cause its not always easy especially the way they did it. PERFECTION every time i hear THE REAL VERSION.. no shade to kenny g tho..babyface just did better thats all..

[@arxsyn]

He even sings/sounds a lil bit like her towards the end... Woo, another male Toni impersonator! Like Famous, who really knows her voice. He stole the show for a bit, I really think he a learned a thing or two from her! They sound incredible together. There are people who keep saying Toni is a low mezzo, which I find offensive. Toni is a legitimate Contralto, her heavy and dark chest voice has a like tenor quality. When she sings with her tenor duet partner you can hear that her voice is comparable, it's got a similar weight. Even in Cher's early days singing alongside her husband, Sonny you can hear the richness and the heavy sound in her chest voice. Anyway l love Toni with Babyface, they always sound amazing together. Babyface has always praised Toni's unique, dark voice which is so conversational, affecting and shows pain and heartache so well. This version is amazing and I think it should have been released as a radio single. I've only heard Kenny G version before until now. what a shame.

[@angelvazquez8308]

I am listening in 2023 and my name really is Angel. I bought this CD way back then when it first came out. I've always been a huge fan of Toni Braxton listening!

[@mariodagooc1891]

Her distinctive contralto vocal range is so mesmerizing,

[@kyleex8]

I like to think this song represents the POV of someone who got their heart broken (Toni), and another person who's in love with them secretly who witnessed this from the sideline (Babyface).

[@andrewmarshale7099]

Tb sings from the soul which is rare in today's commercialised music era. I love the lyrics of this song as it often helps me think of many great things in life!

[@mikeshamoore8897]

I love this song it brings tears to my eyes

[@mystahmikezzz]

The best yet!! Please bring back music like this

[@MoneyLoane]

I did not know about this version. Babyface can do it all... and he giving Affirmations!!!

[@alfredoneto7696]

Isso não é música . Isso é uma obra prima da canção internacional ! Direto de Brasília para o mundo em plena pandemia. Que Deus nos livre logo desse vírus maldito !

[@SunnySage122]

Sing this at a karaoke and I dare you to not catch tears halfway through... This song had me thinking about a breakup I went through and I was trembling to my core and singing through tears. This song is so rich with emotion

[@nicolea9324]

3:06 gets me every time

[@KharisB.A]

I've repeated that section countless time. Toni and Babyface are legendary. They are mind blowing...

[@jusme9400]

My favorite part best break down ever

[@GMAMEC]

Yes, been there... Never thought my heart would ever heal.

[@asanica]

Its rare to find a song as good as this nowadays. 90's kid here 😊

[@lukeandkaty50]

Us 90s kids r best, we know good music when we hear it.

[@dizie1722]

How have I gone my whole life without ever hearing this version of this song 😱😱😱

[@personone6251]

Heard this song in 2014 for the first time. And all I could say is wow. Toni Braxton and Kenny Baby Edmond should actually be married and were there not that much worldly influence/pressure they probably would be. Enjoy my online Friend 😀

[@internetopportunities5213]

The way babyface replies on each lyrics is just genius!

[@lilMissF0F0]

You all listening to this song and it depresses you.. Im remembering the love of my life who is now married to someone else and living the entire lyrics...

[@mzladyy0891]

lilMissF0F0 awe I'm so sorry 😐😐

[@KCSAH1980]

lilMissF0F0 I'm so sorry

[@arxsyn]

Well if you want to be even more depressed you can listen to their album together "Love Marriage and Divorce"

[@user-vt4zc8oi6p]

lilMissF0F0 you got away girl may all the luck come to you sister 💓💓

[@catstevens9217]

iseeyou : I see you too

[@goffalboi]

Flawless music at it's best perfection from Toni & Kenneth

[@herseykisses5667]

I've played this song about 20times today, this hurt is different!!💔

[@turquoiseskies9790]

Omg this song is beautiful yet sad af...omg... My heart hurts so bad😭

[@sharontyler7800]

this song rings true for me and my one true love 😥😥💕💕

[@rcourtney4]

Mannnnn, this is an iconic duo 💕

[@destinixshakur]

" I wish I didn't wish so hard .... maybe I wished our love apart " wow .. that's some beautiful realistic hurtful shit boe . I'm in tears . Why did this have to happen?? Smfh im so traumatized by this experience . I never want to fall in love again

[@ramamontgomery8292]

I love this song today is my deceased son Birthday it reminds me of him 😢😢

[@mashelasantos4234]

Rama Montgomery sorry to hear

[@ramamontgomery8292]

Mashela Santos ❤️❤️❤️

[@herseykisses5667]

I am so sorry

[@herseykisses5667]

I am so sorry💔

[@brunaleticia8102]

Perfection 😏

[@johnashley327]

Always loved this version.

[@jonathanabondo7962]

Oh my Goodnees when music sing is so beautifull you don't want to Say anything else than listen and enjoy

[@asmrwhisperingtea4567]

Baby-face smashing the beautiful love songs as usual

[@TheLilDeyDey]

Apart from the vocals. The arrangement and espically the lyric is genius. To write something so expressive and connecting is beautiful.

[@sheilaepratt6131]

A hidden gem....with some different music....

[@yelsena3492]

Very emotional!

[@jennijennjen82]

Who’s still listening in 2019...LOVE THIS SONG BEAUTIFUL

[@markierybicki5744]

I love this song. How could an angel break my ❤. Great song. I've listened to it since 2003.

[@berlindafreeman2249]

My first time hearing this version. OMG this is good. Nice beat good collaboration. Repeat button. 1/2022

[@asepnaasa9529]

This song is very beautiful

[@Parhyunu]

4 days in to the new year (2020) and I’m here. I always used to wonder why others listened to songs like these and commented but now I know and understand. I now know what it feels like....😢

[@honeybee3865]

i love this song sooo much

[@belunamon1341]

2018 and who still listening ?

[@AUGUSTABALLET]

me

[@sybrenawagner9117]

2020 i am still listening

[@caramella7548]

Best version!!! So nostalgic

[@wongsmduma6360]

I played this song repeated when i lost a dear friend of mine in 2000. Tears on my chicks were rolling down like a river of mississipi.

[@mystiquelou1277]

Wow unforgettable

[@leahgermany8369]

This song makes me cry...heartbreaks are not it😒

[@sheilaepratt6131]

Truly ROMANTIC ! Perfection!

[@sheilaepratt6131]

I love ❤️ this song.....it moves me

[@HoodRich521]

2019 and still listening to this jam

[@glen123067]

for me too,, really my tears fallen, DON'T know the feelings I had!!

[@melissapowellwright3097]

musical genius

[@gilliantill7111]

Such a wonderfully moving song..... This version with Babyface is simply the best .... I have it on repeat.... Tried to buy it... unsuccessfully