Before listening to Toni Braxton's new album, Pulse, I watched The Wendy Williams Show this morning to check out Toni's performance of "Hands Tied" and the singer, clad in a sexy cat suit with rope as an accessory, performed well, this time opting to sing live instead of lip-synching as she did earlier this year to debut the single "Make My Heart." I love Toni Braxton, her voice is treasure, but, there are few musical highlights on this new release that has finally dropped after being delayed at least two times this year. I really wanted this CD to be good. When I listened to Toni talk about her financial woes with Wendy Williams today, I wanted to believe that this new collection will be great and guarantee a good payday for her. But, alas, this song collection is sorely lacking.

Pulse channels a lot of the sound and feeling from '90s pop, but unfortunately not the sound that Toni brought us herself on hit albums Toni Braxton and Secrets. Toni's rich and smoky vocals have completely run amok on this new song collection that has snatched moments from popular Beyoncé, Celine Dion and Usher songs, trying unsuccessfully to roll them into a sound that is endearing and worthwhile, but, instead, has resulted in a dismal effort. Nothing is more evident of this then the track "Lookin' at Me," which--from the opening drum-machine staccato, to the subject matter--is a B-version of Bey's "Single Ladies" anthem.

While we get a signature Toni tune rich with relationship angst on "Woman," it is sharply lacking of the feeling of relatedness that gained our loyalty on past tracks like "Love Shoulda Brought You Home" and "How Could An Angel Break My Heart." The title song "Pulse" is a decent cut but "No Way" and "Why You Don't Love Me" are definitely the best ballads of this 11-track collection, giving us Toni's vocals bare and rich with note change surprises and simple instrumentation. But that's it. The majority of the songs are so greatly limited in interesting styles, arrangements, subject matter or vocal delivery, that that really isn't saying much at all. After hearing this CD, I'm starting to believe that her quick video drops and overemphasis on style and looks is to redirect our focus from the song quality she is bringing. Unlike other singers that may choose that route, though, Toni has talent. It is almost criminal that this album does not emphasize that. I love Toni Braxton and I want better songs for her. Toni, please find Babyface ASAP and have him write some new songs for you that will showcase that incredible voice that you have. As much as I wanted to like Toni's return, this album can only be summed up as a FAIL, and that's because we know that Toni can do--and has done--better.

Toni Braxton Pulse [Amazon][iTunes]