How Many Ways

For other uses, see How Many Ways (disambiguation).
"How Many Ways"
US CD edition
Single by Toni Braxton
from the album Toni Braxton
A-side"I Belong to You"
ReleasedJune 10, 1994 (1994-06-10)
StudioNewark Sound Studios
(Newark, New Jersey)
Genre
Length4:45
LabelLaFace
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Toni Braxton singles chronology
"You Mean the World to Me"
(1994) 		"I Belong to You" / "How Many Ways"
(1994) 		"You're Makin' Me High" / "Let It Flow"
(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.[4] 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?"[5]

Music video

A music video for "How Many Ways" was directed by Lionel C. Martin and executive produced by Bille Woodruff.[6] The visuals were largely filmed in Miami.[6]

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 Braxton's liner notes.[7]

  • Anthony Beard – writing
  • Toni Braxton – vocals, writing
  • Philip Field – writing
  • Ben Garrison – mixing, recording, writing
  • Chris Gehringer – mastering
  • Noel Goring – music, writing
  • Vince Herbert – mixing, music, production
  • Keith Miller – writing

Charts

Notes

  1. ^ a b c Despite not being credited as songwriters of "How Many Ways" in the liner notes of Toni Braxton, Keith Miller, Philip Field, and Anthony Beard are listed as songwriters by ASCAP and BMI.[2][3]

References

  1. ^ a b Smith, Da'Shan (October 7, 2017). "Toni Braxton's 25 Best Songs: Critic's Picks". Billboard. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
  2. ^ "How Many Ways (Work ID: 380350156)". ASCAP. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
  3. ^ "How Many Ways (BMI Work #1857645)". BMI. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
  4. ^ a b "Toni Braxton Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
  5. ^ Flick, Larry (September 24, 1994). "Single Reviews" (PDF). Billboard. p. 73. Retrieved March 21, 2021.
  6. ^ a b Folk, Antwane (June 29, 2020). "ille Woodruff on Directing Iconic R&B Music Videos: Interview". Rated R&B. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  7. ^ Toni Braxton (booklet). Toni Braxton. LaFace Records. 1993.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  8. ^ "Toni Braxton Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
  9. ^ "Toni Braxton Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
  10. ^ "Toni Braxton Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
  11. ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 1995". Billboard. Retrieved September 25, 2019.