TONI BRAXTON: “Toni Braxton” (Arista/La Face)

A RELATIVELY new name in American female soul, Toni Braxton arrives well equipped for the inevitable fight for chart presence, let alone domination. So far, the sprightly contender has managed to scrap her way into both the US and British Top Ten with the wholesome and uplifting paean to the Wonder Bra, ‘Breathe Again’. Not bad for someone whose profile was almost non-existent this time two years ago, eh?

The probable reason why Braxton has inveigled her way into the pop/soul consciousness is her traditionalism. While every track on this debut sparkles with the sassiness of modern soul rhythms, every groove is invested wit not so much nostalgia as years of experience. As each song flies by in a flurry of jerky modernity, names like The Jackson Five, The Pointer Sisters, Diana Ross, Chaka Khan, and numerous others, rise up to smack you in the face.

Although she could be fairly accused of plagiarism, the familiarity of the music is, ultimately, a good thing. This is primarily due to Braxton’s smart, adaptable soul voice – it alternately snaps like a dominatrix, and cajoles like a courtesan – and her spot-on songwriting team. This experienced lot include soul stalwarts such as Babyface, and L.A. Reid, so the credentials are firmly in place while good results are never far behind. This, and the fact that Toni Braxton co-writes a couple of solid tunes is a definite indication of a career-oriented future soul diva.

In the meantime, Toni Braxton will do just fine. Those of you who appreciate extremely stylish midnight-hour, meaningful and serious leg-over music will purchase and reap the benefits for months to come. Those who think they don’t like this kind of (and let’s be honest here) derivative, manipulative and overly commercial soul music might just be surprised by its sheer seductive qualities. Stranger things have happened . . .

Either way, you’re onto a winner. Just like Toni Braxton, in fact.

• Tony Clayton-Lea