How Many Ways Explained

For other uses see How Many Ways (disambiguation).

How Many Ways
Cover:I Belong to You How Many Ways Toni Braxton.jpg
Caption:US CD edition
Type:single
Artist:Toni Braxton
Album:Toni Braxton
A-Side:I Belong to You
Studio:Newark Sound Studios
(Newark, New Jersey)
Genre:
Length:4:45
Label:LaFace
Prev Title:You Mean the World to Me
Prev Year:1994
I Belong to You
Title2:How Many Ways
Next Title:You're Makin' Me High
Next Title2:Let It Flow
Next Year:1996

"How Many Ways" is a song by American singer Toni Braxton. It was written by Braxton, Vincent Herbert, Philip Field, Ben Garrison, Keith Miller, and Noel Goring for her self-titled debut album (1993), while production was helmed by Herbert. The song is built around a sample of "God Make Me Funky" (1975) by American jazz-fusion band The Headhunters featuring Pointer Sisters. Due to the inclusion of the sample, several other writers are credited as songwriters. Lyrically, the protagonist of the composition declares there are many ways in which she loves her man.

The song was released as the album's fifth and final single on June 10, 1994, by LaFace and Arista Records, a double-A-side along with "I Belong to You". It peaked at number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 on January 21, 1995. A remix version of "How Many Ways", produced by R. Kelly, also was released to radio and music television stations. An accompanying music video features Braxton and actor Shemar Moore riding in a car, frolicking in a playground, and on a veranda.

Critical reception

Larry Flick from Billboard wrote that the song "benefits from a refreshing R. Kelly remix that plugs into current top 40 and R&B radio trends. On its own merit, the song is a romantic ballad with an instantly memorable chorus. Braxton provides added dimension with a sultry, well-shaded vocal that is a reminder of why she is among the leading urban divas of the moment. What else can be said?"[2]

Music video

A music video for "How Many Ways" was directed by Lionel C. Martin and executive produced by Bille Woodruff.[3] The visuals were largely filmed in Miami.[3]

Track listings

US double A-side CD/cassette single

  1. "I Belong to You" (Rollerskate Radio Mix) – 4:21
  2. "I Belong to You" (Soulpower Mix w/o Rap) – 5:41
  3. "I Belong to You" (Album Version) – 3:53
  4. "How Many Ways" (R. Kelly Remix Extended - No Talk) – 5:46
  5. "How Many Ways" (Album Version) – 4:45
  6. "How Many Ways" (The VH1 Mix) – 4:17

US 12-inch maxi single ("How Many Ways/I Belong to You")

  1. "How Many Ways" (R. Kelly Remix, Extended w/ Rap) – 5:46
  2. "How Many Ways" (Bad Boy Remix, Extended Mix) – 7:02
  3. "How Many Ways" (Bad Boy Instrumental) – 6:53
  4. "I Belong to You" (Rollerskate Radio Mix) – 4:21
  5. "I Belong to You" (Soulpower Mix w/o Rap) – 5:41
  6. "I Belong to You" (Soulpower Instrumental) – 5:57

US promotional CD single

  1. "How Many Ways" (Radio Edit Album Version) – 4:20
  2. "How Many Ways" (R. Kelly Radio Edit) – 4:02
  3. "How Many Ways" (The VH1 Radio Edit) – 4:17
  4. "How Many Ways" (Bad Boy Mix Radio Edit) – 4:17

Credits and personnel

Credits lifted from Toni Braxtons liner notes.[4]

Charts

Year-end charts

Notes and References

  1. Toni Braxton’s 25 Best Songs: Critic’s Picks. Billboard. October 7, 2017. March 29, 2024. Da'Shan. Smith.
  2. Larry . Flick . Single Reviews . . September 24, 1994 . 73 . March 21, 2021 .
  3. Web site: Antwane. Folk. ille Woodruff on Directing Iconic R&B Music Videos: Interview. Rated R&B. June 29, 2020 . March 5, 2024.
  4. Toni Braxton. Toni Braxton. 1993. LaFace Records. booklet.
  5. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 1995 . Billboard . September 25, 2019.