"How Could an Angel Break My Heart" is a song by American singer and songwriter Toni Braxton, released in October 1997 as the fourth and final single from her 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.
Critical reception British magazine Music Week gave "How Could an Angel Break My Heart" three out of five, adding that "Braxton looks to a big ballad to return her to the Top 10 with this fourth radio-friendly cut". In a retrospective review, Pop Rescue described the song as "a-wash with luxurious strings and haunting saxophone, as Toni’s somewhat sad vocals weave their way through this gentle ballad." Richard Harrington from The Washington Post complimented it as a "fine cut".Harrington, Richard (June 23, 1996). "After the Debuts, Precious Seconds". The Washington Post. p. G07.
Music video A music video was produced to promote the single, directed by Iain Softley. It follows 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 "How Could an Angel Break My Heart" (Album Version) – 4:20 "How Could an Angel Break My Heart" (Remix Version featuring Babyface) – 4:21 "How Could an Angel Break My Heart" (Album Instrumental) – 4:21 "How Could an Angel Break My Heart" (Remix Instrumental) – 4:21
UK CD 2 "How Could an Angel Break My Heart" – 4:20 "Breathe Again" – 4:29 "Another Sad Love Song" – 5:01 "Love Shoulda Brought You Home" – 4:56
Personnel Personnel are adapted from album liner notes.Toni Braxton – Secrets (CD liner notes) - LaFace Records 73008-26020-2
Toni Braxton: lead vocals, background vocals, writer Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds: writer, producer, keyboards, programming Kenny G: saxophone Greg Phillinganes: piano, Rhodes Nathan East: bass Jeremy Lubbock: arrangement and conducting (strings) Brad Gilderman: recording Al Schmitt: recording (strings) Mick Guzauski: mixing Paul Boutin, Robbes Stieglietz, Kyle Bess, Brandon Harris: assistant engineering Richard Huredia, Jin Choi, Jon Shrive, Bill Kinsley, Brad Haehnel: assistant engineering Randy Walker: midi programming Ivy Skoff: production coordination
Charts Chart (1997)PeakpositionEurope (Eurochart Hot 100)83
References