{{Short description|1993 single by Toni Braxton}} {{About|the Toni Braxton song}} {{Infobox song | name = Breathe Again | cover = Toni Braxton - Breathe Again.jpg | alt = | caption = | type = single | artist = [[Toni Braxton]] | album = [[Toni Braxton (album)|Toni Braxton]] | released = {{start date|1993|10|6}} | recorded = | studio = LaCoCo, [[Doppler Studios|Doppler]] (Atlanta, Georgia)<ref>{{cite AV media notes |title=Toni Braxton |type=liner notes |others=Toni Braxton |publisher=LaFace Records |year=1993 |id=73008-26007-2}}</ref> | genre = [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]<ref name="larryflick">{{cite magazine|first= Larry |last= Flick |title= Single Reviews |magazine= [[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date= October 23, 1993 |page= 91 |access-date= October 27, 2020 |url= https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/90s/1993/BB-1993-10-23.pdf |author-link= Larry Flick}}</ref> | length = * 4:29 (album version) * 4:15 (radio edit) | label = [[LaFace Records|LaFace]] | writer = [[Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds]] | producer = * Babyface * [[Daryl Simmons]] * [[L.A. Reid]] | prev_title = [[Another Sad Love Song]] | prev_year = 1993 | next_title = [[Seven Whole Days]] | next_year = 1993 | misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|pRFEz2MjZgg|"Breathe Again"}}}} }}

"'''Breathe Again'''" is a song by American [[contemporary R&B|R&B]] singer [[Toni Braxton]]. It was written by [[Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds]] and produced by Edmonds, [[L.A. Reid]], and [[Daryl Simmons]] for Braxton's [[Toni Braxton (album)|eponymous debut album]] (1993). Its lyrics evokes a sense of [[nostalgia]] from a relationship that has run its course. The [[ballad (music)|ballad]] was released as the album's second [[single (music)|single]] on October 6, 1993, by [[LaFace Records|LaFace]] and [[Arista Records]]. It received mostly positive reviews from [[Music journalism|music critics]], whom praised Braxton's vocal performance, describing it as "haunting", "hypnotic", "melancholy" and "yearning".

The single peaked at numbers three and two on the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] and [[Cash Box Top 100 Pop Singles|''Cash Box'' Top 100]], as well as number four on the ''Billboard'' [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|Hot R&B Singles]] and [[Adult Contemporary (chart)|Adult Contemporary]] charts. "Breathe Again" became one of Braxton's most successful international hits, reaching number two in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom and peaking within the top 10 in several European countries and Canada. Its accompanying music video was directed by Randee St. Nicholas and filmed in England, featuring Braxton running through a [[hedge maze]] in a 17th-century dress. It won an award at the 1994 ''Billboard'' Music Video Awards and the song earned Braxton her second consecutive [[Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance]] in [[Grammy Awards of 1995|1995]].

"Breathe Again" was included in all of the [[greatest hits]] collections released by Braxton, including ''[[Ultimate Toni Braxton]]'' (2003), ''[[Platinum & Gold Collection (Toni Braxton album)|Platinum & Gold Collection]]'' (2004), ''[[The Essential Toni Braxton]]'' (2007), ''[[Playlist: The Very Best of Toni Braxton]]'' (2008) and ''Breathe Again: The Best of Toni Braxton'' (2009).<ref name="allmusicsong"/>

==Background and composition== After the success of the previous single, "[[Another Sad Love Song]]", "Breathe Again" was released as the second official single from [[Toni Braxton (album)|Toni Braxton's self-titled album]], on October 6, 1993.<ref name="uscert"/> "Breathe Again" was written and produced by [[Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds]], with co-production being handled by [[Daryl Simmons]] and [[L.A. Reid]].<ref name="allmusicsong">{{cite web|title=Breathe Again – Toni Braxton &#124; AllMusic|url=http://www.allmusic.com/song/breathe-again-mt0009023078|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=November 22, 2013}}</ref> Lyrically, in "Breathe Again", Braxton would crumble and have a nervous breakdown if her boyfriend were to break up with her, singing, "If I never feel you in my arms again/If I never feel your tender kiss again/If I never hear I love you now and then/Will I never make love to you once again/Please understand/If love ends/Then I promise you, I promise you, that/That I shall never breathe again."<ref>{{cite news|title=Music Review: Toni Braxton "Breathe Again"|url=http://dusk411.joeuser.com/article/80164/Music_Review_Toni_Braxton_Breathe_Again|access-date=November 23, 2013|newspaper=The Bland Is Out There|date=July 3, 2005}}</ref>

==Critical reception== "Breathe Again" received mostly positive reviews from [[Music journalism|music critics]]. Ron Wynn of [[AllMusic]] named the song a highlight from [[Toni Braxton (album)|the album]], writing that "Braxton's husky, enticing voice sounds hypnotic on the track."<ref>{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r186673|tab=review|label=Toni Braxton – Toni Braxton|first=Ron|last=Wynn|accessdate=October 17, 2011}}</ref> According to Daryl Easlea of [[BBC Music]], the song "fully established Braxton," calling it "a delicate [[ballad]] that refused to resort wholly to cliché, it is brought to life by Braxton’s dreamy, breathy delivery."<ref>{{cite news|last=Easlea|first=Daryl|title=BBC – Music – Review of Toni Braxton – Toni Braxton|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/j4fd|access-date=November 23, 2013|newspaper=[[BBC Music]]|date=2010}}</ref> [[Larry Flick]] from ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' magazine described it as "a yearning, [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]-framed ballad." He explained, "Once again, her vocal is expressive and moving—mostly due to an unusual willingness to let some rough-edged notes mingle with the sweet diva-like tones. Braxton's earthy personality makes her seem more accessible than a lot of other chest-pounding singers."<ref name="larryflick"/> Also Mitchell May of ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' was very positive, writing that "the way her voice throbs when she sings, ''I can't stop thinking about you'', conveys a sense of despair and longing that is rare."<ref>{{cite news|last=May|first=Mitchell|title=Toni Braxton Toni Braxton (LaFace)|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|access-date=April 8, 2013|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1993/10/07/toni-braxtontoni-braxton-laface-starstar-12the-producing/|date=October 7, 1993}}</ref> John Martinucci from the ''[[Gavin Report]]'' viewed it as "melancholy".<ref>{{cite magazine|first= John |last= Martinucci |title= Gavin Picks: Albums |magazine= [[Gavin Report]] |date= July 23, 1993 |page= 50 |access-date= October 16, 2020 |url= https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Gavin-Report/90/93/Gavin-1993-07-23.pdf}}</ref> Alan Jones from ''[[Music Week]]'' complimented it as "pretty and radio friendly", adding that "this seems sure to launch Braxton here [in the UK], though it will struggle to repeat its [[UK Top 10|Top 10]] placing."<ref>{{cite magazine|first= Alan |last= Jones |url= https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1994/Music-Week-1994-01-08.pdf |title= Market Preview: Mainstream |magazine= [[Music Week]] |date= January 8, 1994 |page= 7 |accessdate= April 13, 2021}}</ref> Maria Jimenez from ''[[Music & Media]]'' wrote, "A voice not easily forgotten."<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Maria|last=Jimenez|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1994/MM-1994-02-26.pdf|title=Groovemix: New Grooves|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|volume=11|issue=9|date=February 26, 1994|page=9|access-date=April 25, 2025}}</ref> The magazine also considered it "a similar tune" to "[[Another Sad Love Song]]".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1994/MM-1994-02-12.pdf|title=New Releases: Singles|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|volume=11|issue=7|date=February 12, 1994|page=11|access-date=April 25, 2025}}</ref>

A reviewer from ''[[People (magazine)|People]]'' magazine called the song "haunting", writing that "the quaver in her voice says more about love's promise and deceit than many singers manage in a career."<ref>{{cite news|title=Picks and Pans Review: Toni Braxton|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20106097,00.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131123035052/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20106097,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 23, 2013|access-date=November 23, 2013|newspaper=[[People Magazine]]|date=August 23, 1993}}</ref> John McAlley from ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' named it "the album's best material", concluding that "Braxton's love hangover has reached ludicrously epic proportions."<ref>{{cite magazine|last=McAlley|first=John|title=Toni Braxton: Toni Braxton : Music Reviews|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|access-date=October 17, 2011|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/tonibraxton/albums/album/114402/review/5946326/toni_braxton|date=November 25, 1993|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080709030218/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/tonibraxton/albums/album/114402/review/5946326/toni_braxton|archive-date=July 9, 2008}}</ref> [[Charles Aaron]] from ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]'' felt "this [[Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds|Babyface]] ballad-under-glass invokes heartache more than heartbreak". He added that "Braxton's fitful vocal flourishes dazzle (and less obviously than on '[[Love Shoulda Brought You Home]]')."<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Charles|last=Aaron|title=Singles|magazine=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]|date=March 1994|page=80|accessdate=January 27, 2023|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-GJOt0bM2-YC|author-link=Charles Aaron}}</ref> Steve Pick from ''[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]]'' wrote, "Here's another sad love song from a sultry [[alto]] singer who seems to be getting the best of the [[LaFace Records|LaFace]] production team's work this year. This pretty tune benefits greatly from Braxton's ability to hint at the over-the-top histrionics she never quite falls into. As a result, it's both smooth and edgy."<ref>Pick, Steve. (December 10, 1993). "An Update On The MTV Singles Scene". ''[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]]''.</ref> James Hunter from ''[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]'' said that Babyface's writing on "Breathe Again" "gives the deserving future star melodic peaks and valleys to explore with her gorgeously detailed, unconceited voice."<ref>{{cite magazine|first=James|last=Hunter|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zScEAAAAMBAJ|title=Single File|magazine=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]|date=November 1, 1993|access-date=March 2, 2020}}{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Mike Joyce from ''[[The Washington Post]]'' felt the song "[has] a poignancy".<ref>Joyce, Mike (September 5, 1993). "Big Voices Are Back: Carey, Braxton and Dayne". ''[[The Washington Post]]''. p. G08.</ref>

==Chart performance== "Breathe Again" was Braxton's first worldwide hit. In the United States, the song was a success, reaching number three for three non-consecutive weeks on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]].<ref name="hot100"/> It spent 17 weeks in the top ten. On the [[Cash Box Top 100 Pop Singles|''Cash Box'' Top 100]], it peaked at number two.<ref name="cashbox">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/90s/1994/CB-1994-02-12.pdf|title=Top 100 Pop Singles|magazine=[[Cashbox (magazine)|Cash Box]]|volume=LVII|issue=21|date=February 12, 1994|page=12|access-date=April 22, 2024}}</ref> On the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' genre charts, "Breathe Again" also reached high positions, peaking at number two on the [[Mainstream Top 40]]<ref name="uspop"/> and number four on both the [[Adult Contemporary (chart)|Adult Contemporary]] and [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|Hot R&B Singles]] charts.<ref name="usrandb"/><ref name="usac"/> It sold 500,000 copies domestically, earning a [[RIAA certification|gold certification]] from the [[Recording Industry Association of America]].<ref name="uscert"/> In the United Kingdom, "Breathe Again" debuted and peaked at number two on January 15, 1994, becoming her best charting-single in the UK along with "[[Un-Break My Heart]]".<ref name="uk"/>

In Australia, the song debuted at number 47 on the [[ARIA Chart|ARIA Singles Chart]] on March 20, 1994, and reached number two on May 1, 1994, remaining at the same position for two further weeks.<ref name="aus"/> It spent 17 weeks on the ARIA Singles Chart and ranked at number 20 on ARIA's year-end chart for 1994.<ref name="ausye"/> In New Zealand, the song debuted at number 20 on the [[Recorded Music NZ|RIANZ]] chart on December 12, 1993. In its eighth week, the song climbed to number two, its peak position. It spent four non-consecutive weeks at the position and 21 weeks on the RIANZ chart, becoming Braxton's best-performing single in New Zealand.<ref name="nz"/> The song earned a [[Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance]] in 1995, becoming Braxton's second consecutive [[Grammy Award]] in the same category.

==Music video== [[File:breatheagainvideo.png|thumb|right|200px|Braxton in the video, wearing a "17th-century" dress, running through a hedge maze.]] The music video for "Breathe Again" was directed by Randee St. Nicholas. It was filmed at [[Longleat House]] in [[Wiltshire]], England and is set in [[black-and-white]] format. It features Braxton running through a [[hedge maze]] while being searched for by her love interest, played by American model [[Tyson Beckford]].<ref>imdb.com/title/tt6581772</ref> The video won an award for Best Clip of the Year in the category for R&B/Urban at the 1994 ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' Music Video Awards.<ref name="russell">{{cite magazine|first=Deborah|last=Russell|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1994/BB-1994-10-15-P.pdf#page=12|title=Music Video Award Nominees Named|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=October 15, 1994|page=12|access-date=May 30, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|first=Deborah|last=Russell|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1994/BB-1994-11-19-N.pdf#page=1|title=Warner/Reprise's Green Day Shows 'Maximum Vision'|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=November 19, 1994|page=1|access-date=June 3, 2025}}</ref> On her DVD, ''[[From Toni with Love... The Video Collection]]'', two other versions of the video are also featured: the "European version" and the "Spanish version".<ref name="sonymusic">{{cite web|title=From Toni With Love...The Video Collection – Sony Music Entertainment Germany|url=http://www.sonymusic.de/Toni-Braxton/From-Toni-With-Lovethe-Video-Collection/P/225751|work=[[Sony Music]]|access-date=November 23, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205010713/http://www.sonymusic.de/Toni-Braxton/From-Toni-With-Lovethe-Video-Collection/P/225751|archive-date=December 5, 2013}}</ref>

On the same DVD, Braxton commented about the video, saying, "This video was originally filmed in color and Randee St. Nicholas, the director, didn't like the maze part, she said it looked like piles of dirt, instead of these beautiful green [...], she said it looked like chunks of rock, so she put it in black and white."<ref name="sonymusic"/> About her look, she said, "I remember my stylist was going crazy, trying to find a 17th-century dress, and my hair was short, and I didn't want to wear wigs and my stylist put these little extensions in my hair and It was so cold and the dress was so heavy."<ref name="sonymusic"/> "Breathe Again" was later made available on Braxton's official [[YouTube]] channel in 2009, having generated more than 90 million views as of early 2025 on the platform.<ref>{{cite web|title=Toni Braxton - Breathe Again (Official Video)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRFEz2MjZgg|publisher=[[YouTube]]|date=October 25, 2009|access-date=April 25, 2025}}</ref>

==Awards and nominations== '''1994 ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' Music Video Awards'''

* Best R&B/Urban Clip of the Year – "Breathe Again" by Toni Braxton (won)<ref name="russell"/>

'''1995 International Dance Awards'''

* Tune of the Year – "Breathe Again" by Toni Braxton (nominated)<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1994/Music-Week-1994-10-01.pdf#page=39|title=International Dance Awards Nominations 95|magazine=[[Music Week]], in [[Record Mirror]] (Dance Update Supplemental Insert)|date=October 1, 1994|page=11|access-date=June 16, 2025}}</ref>

'''[[37th Annual Grammy Awards|1995 Grammy Awards]]'''

* Best Female R&B Vocal Performance – "Breathe Again" by Toni Braxton (won)

==Track listings and formats== * '''US CD single''' # "Breathe Again" (radio edit) # "Breathe Again" (extended mix) # "Breathe Again" (Breathless mix) # "Breathe Again" (club mix) # "Breathe Again" (Spanish version)

* '''UK and German CD single''' # "Breathe Again" (radio edit) # "Breathe Again" (D'Jeep mix) # "Breathe Again" (extended club mix) # "Breathe Again" (D'Moody mix) # "Breathe Again" (Breathless mix) # "Breathe Again" (Spanish version)

* '''Spanish CD single''' # "Breathe Again" (versión en Castellano) # "[[Another Sad Love Song]]" (album version)

==Charts== {{col-begin}} {{col-2}}

===Weekly charts=== {|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" !Chart (1993–1994) !Peak<br/>position |- {{single chart|Australia|2|artist=Toni Braxton|song=Breathe Again|rowheader=true|access-date=November 16, 2019|refname="aus"}} |- {{single chart|Flanders|13|artist=Toni Braxton|song=Breathe Again|rowheader=true}} |- {{single chart|Canadatopsingles|7|chartid=2375|rowheader=true|access-date=November 16, 2019}} |- {{single chart|Canadaadultcontemporary|2|chartid=2390|rowheader=true|access-date=November 16, 2019}} |- !scope="row"|Canada Contemporary Hit Radio (''[[The Record (magazine)|The Record]]'')<ref>{{cite book|last=Lwin|first=Nanda|author-link=Nanda Lwin|date=2000|title=Top 40 Hits: The Essential Chart Guide|publisher=Music Data Canada|page=51|isbn=1-896594-13-1}}</ref> | 2 |- !scope="row"|El Salvador (''[[El Siglo de Torreón]]'')<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://h.elsiglodetorreon.com.mx/Repository/getFiles.asp?Style=OliveXLib:LowLevelEntityToSaveGifMSIE_ELSIGLO&Type=text/html&Locale=spanish-skin-custom&Path=EDT/1994/09/20&ChunkNum=-1&ID=Ar04905&PageLabel=49|title=Discos más populares de Latinoamérica|journal=[[El Siglo de Torreón]]|language=es|date=September 20, 1994|page=49|access-date=August 10, 2021}}</ref> | 2 |- !scope="row"|Europe ([[Eurochart Hot 100]])<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1994/MM-1994-02-19.pdf|title=Eurochart Hot 100 Singles|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|volume=11|issue=8|date=February 19, 1994|page=15|access-date=March 29, 2018}}</ref> | 8 |- !scope="row"|Europe (European AC Radio)<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1994/MM-1994-04-16.pdf|title=Adult Contemporary Europe Top 25|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|volume=11|issue=16|date=April 16, 1994|page=22|access-date=May 28, 2023}}</ref> | 3 |- !scope="row"|Europe ([[European Hit Radio (chart)|European Hit Radio]])<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1994/MM-1994-04-02.pdf#page=29|title=EHR Top 40|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|volume=11|issue=14|date=April 2, 1994|page=29|access-date=January 8, 2026}}</ref> | 6 |- {{single chart|Germany|52|artist=Toni Braxton|song=Breathe Again|songid=15203|rowheader=true|access-date=November 16, 2019}} |- !scope="row"|Iceland ([[Íslenski listinn|Íslenski Listinn Topp 40]])<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timarit.is/page/2620613?iabr=on#page/n1/mode/2up/|title=Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (09.12.1993 – 15.12.1993)|newspaper=[[Dagblaðið Vísir]]|language=is|page=24|date=December 9, 1993|access-date=February 4, 2018}}</ref> | 34 |- {{single chart|Ireland2|10|song=Breathe Again|rowheader=true|access-date=July 4, 2018}} |- {{single chart|Dutch40|7|artist=1994|song=14|rowheader=true|access-date=November 16, 2019}} |- {{Single chart|Dutch100|7|artist=Toni Braxton|song=Breathe Again|rowheader=true}} |- {{single chart|New Zealand|2|artist=Toni Braxton|song=Breathe Again|rowheader=true|access-date=November 16, 2019|refname="nz"}} |- {{single chart|Norway|7|artist=Toni Braxton|song=Breathe Again|rowheader=true|access-date=November 16, 2019}} |- {{single chart|Scotland|12|date=19940306|rowheader=true}} |- {{single chart|Sweden|25|artist=Toni Braxton|song=Breathe Again|rowheader=true|access-date=November 16, 2019}} |- {{single chart|UK|2|date=19940130|rowheader=true|refname="uk"}} |- !scope="row"|UK Airplay (''[[Music Week]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1994/Music-Week-1994-02-26.pdf|title=The Airplay Chart|magazine=[[Music Week]]|date=February 26, 1994|page=22|access-date=May 23, 2025}}</ref> | 1 |- !scope="row"|UK Dance (''[[Music Week]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1994/Music-Week-1994-01-29.pdf|title=Dance Singles|magazine=[[Music Week]]|page=26|date=January 29, 1994|access-date=April 24, 2021}}</ref> | 7 |- !scope="row"|[[Record Mirror Club Chart|UK Club Chart]] (''[[Music Week]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine|first=|last=|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1994/Music-Week-1994-01-22.pdf|title=The RM Club Chart 22.1.94|magazine=[[Music Week]], in RM (Dance Update Supplemental Insert)|date=January 22, 1994|page=4|accessdate=October 2, 2022}}</ref> | 57 |- {{single chart|Billboardhot100|3|artist=Toni Braxton|rowheader=true|access-date=June 29, 2018|refname="hot100"}} |- {{single chart|Billboardadultcontemporary|4|artist=Toni Braxton|rowheader=true|access-date=June 29, 2018|refname="usac"}} |- {{single chart|Billboarddancesales|7|artist=Toni Braxton|rowheader=true|access-date=January 14, 2022|refname="usdss"}} |- {{single chart|Billboardrandbhiphop|4|artist=Toni Braxton|rowheader=true|access-date=June 29, 2018|refname="usrandb"}} |- {{single chart|Billboardpopsongs|2|artist=Toni Braxton|rowheader=true|access-date=June 29, 2018|refname="uspop"}} |- {{single chart|Billboardrhythmic|4|artist=Toni Braxton|rowheader=true|access-date=June 29, 2018}} |- !scope="row"|US [[Cash Box Top 100 Pop Singles|''Cash Box'' Top 100]]<ref name="cashbox"/> | 2 |- !scope="row"|Zimbabwe (ZIMA)<ref>* Zimbabwe. Kimberley, C. ''Zimbabwe: singles chart book''. Harare: C. Kimberley, 2000</ref> | 1 |} {{col-2}}

===Year-end charts=== {|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" !Chart (1993) !Position |- !scope="row"|US Hot R&B Singles (''Billboard'')<ref name="BByeRb1993">{{cite magazine|title=The Year in Music: Hot R&B Singles|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|volume=105|issue=52|page=YE-29|date=December 25, 1993}}</ref> | 83 |} {|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" !Chart (1994) !Position |- !scope="row"|Australia (ARIA)<ref name="ausye">{{cite web|url=https://www.aria.com.au/charts/1994/singles-chart|title=ARIA Top 50 Singles for 1994|publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association|ARIA]]|access-date=November 16, 2019}}</ref> | 20 |-

!scope="row"|Belgium (Ultratop)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultratop.be/nl/annual.asp?year=1994|title=Jaaroverzichten 1994|publisher=[[Ultratop]]|language=nl|access-date=November 16, 2019}}</ref> | 86 |- !scope="row"|Brazil (Brazilian Radio Airplay)<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://maistocadas.mus.br/1994/ |title=Brazilian Top 100 Year-End 1994 |date=March 30, 2018 |access-date=September 14, 2023 |publisher=Crowley Broadcast Analysis |language=pt}}</ref> | 1 |- !scope="row"|Canada Top Singles (''RPM'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/films-videos-sound-recordings/rpm/Pages/image.aspx?Image=nlc008388.2687&URLjpg=http%3a%2f%2fwww.collectionscanada.gc.ca%2fobj%2f028020%2ff4%2fnlc008388.2687.gif&Ecopy=nlc008388.2687|title=RPM Top 100 Hit Tracks of 1994|magazine=[[RPM (magazine)|RPM]]|via=[[Library and Archives Canada]]|access-date=November 16, 2019}}</ref> | 54 |- !scope="row"|Canada Adult Contemporary (''RPM'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/films-videos-sound-recordings/rpm/Pages/image.aspx?Image=nlc008388.7995&URLjpg=http%3a%2f%2fwww.collectionscanada.gc.ca%2fobj%2f028020%2ff4%2fnlc008388.7995.gif&Ecopy=nlc008388.7995|title=RPM Top 100 AC tracks of 1994|magazine=[[RPM (magazine)|RPM]]|via=[[Library and Archives Canada]]|access-date=November 16, 2019}}</ref> | 8 |- !scope="row"|Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1994/MM-1994-12-24.pdf|title=1994 Year-End Sales Charts: Eurochart Hot 100 Singles|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|volume=11|issue=52|date=December 24, 1994|page=12|access-date=November 28, 2019}}</ref> | 54 |- !scope="row"|Europe (European Hit Radio)<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1994/MM-1994-12-24.pdf#page=18|title=1994 In Review: EHR Top 40|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|volume=11|issue=52|date=December 24, 1994|page=18|access-date=December 11, 2025}}</ref> | 32 |- !scope="row"|Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.top40web.nl/jaarlijsten/jr1994.html|title=Jaarlijsten 1994|publisher=[[Dutch Top 40]]|language=nl|access-date=November 29, 2019|archive-date=November 2, 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031102042816/http://www.top40web.nl/jaarlijsten/jr1994.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> | 52 |- !scope="row"|Netherlands (Single Top 100)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dutchcharts.nl/jaaroverzichten.asp?year=1994&cat=s|title=Jaaroverzichten – Single 1994|publisher=[[Dutch Charts|MegaCharts]]|language=nl|access-date=November 16, 2019}}</ref> | 64 |- !scope="row"|New Zealand (RIANZ)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aotearoamusiccharts.co.nz/archive/annual-singles/1994-12-31|title=End of Year Charts 1994|publisher=[[Recorded Music NZ]]|access-date=November 16, 2019}}</ref> | 20 |- !scope="row"|UK Singles (OCC)<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Top 100 Singles 1994|magazine=[[Music Week]]|page=9|date=January 14, 1995}}</ref> | 33 |- !scope="row"|UK Airplay (''Music Week'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1995/Music-Week-1995-01-14.pdf#page=12|title=Airplay Top 50 of 1994|magazine=[[Music Week]]|date=January 14, 1995|page=12|access-date=October 29, 2025}}</ref> | 11 |- !scope="row"|US ''Billboard'' Hot 100<ref>{{cite web|url=http://longboredsurfer.com/charts.php?year=1994|title=Billboard Top 100 – 1994|access-date=August 27, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090301121519/http://longboredsurfer.com/charts.php?year=1994|archive-date=March 1, 2009}}</ref> | 7 |- !scope="row"|US Adult Contemporary (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZAgEAAAAMBAJ&pg=RA1-PA42-IA8|title=The Year in Music: Hot Adult Contemporary Singles & Tracks|magazine=Billboard|volume=106|issue=52|page=YE-68|date=December 24, 1994|access-date=December 29, 2023}}</ref> | 8 |- !scope="row"|US Hot R&B Singles (''Billboard'')<ref name="BByeRb1994">{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZAgEAAAAMBAJ&pg=RA1-PA16|title=The Year in Music: Hot R&B Singles|magazine=Billboard|volume=106|issue=52|page=YE-34|date=December 24, 1994|access-date=December 29, 2023}}</ref> | 27 |- !scope="row"|US ''Cash Box'' Top 100<ref>{{cite magazine|title= The Cash Box Year-End Charts: 1994 |magazine= [[Cashbox (magazine)|Cash Box]] |url= http://cashboxmagazine.com/archives/90s_files/1994YESP.html |archive-date= October 10, 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121010231529/http://cashboxmagazine.com/archives/90s_files/1994YESP.html}}</ref> | 8 |} {{col-end}}

==Certifications== {{Certification Table Top}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=1994|certyear=1994|certref=<ref name="ausye"/>|access-date=June 29, 2020}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|type=single|artist=Toni Braxton|title=Breathe Again|award=Platinum|relyear=1994|certyear=1994|id=1994-05-13|source=newchart|access-date=October 24, 2025|note=Physical sales|refname=nzcert1}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|artist=Toni Braxton|title=Breathe Again|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=1994|certyear=2024|source=radioscope|access-date=October 24, 2025|note=Digital sales + streaming|refname=nzcert2}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|artist=Toni Braxton|title=Breathe Again|type=single|award=Silver|relyear=1994|certyear=1994|id=1074-3031-1|access-date=June 29, 2020}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|type=single|title=Breathe Again|artist=Toni Braxton|award=Gold|relyear=1993|certyear=1993|access-date=January 25, 2017|refname="uscert"}} {{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true}}

==Release history== {|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" !scope="col"|Region !scope="col"|Date !scope="col"|Format(s) !scope="col"|Label(s) !scope="col"|{{abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |- !scope="row"|United States |October 6, 1993 |{{hlist|12-inch vinyl|CD|cassette}} |[[LaFace Records|LaFace]] |<ref name="uscert"/> |- !scope="row"|Japan |December 16, 1993 |Mini-CD |rowspan="3"|{{hlist|LaFace|[[Arista Records|Arista]]}} |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/285910/products/58454/1/|title=熱い吐息 {{!}} トニー・ブラクストン|trans-title=Hot Sigh {{!}} Toni Braxton|publisher=[[Oricon]]|language=ja|access-date=September 16, 2023}}</ref> |- !scope="row"|United Kingdom |January 4, 1994 |{{hlist|7-inch vinyl|12-inch vinyl|CD|cassette}} |<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Ad Focus / Single Releases|magazine=[[Music Week]]|pages=10, 23|date=December 25, 1993}}</ref> |- !scope="row"|Sweden |January 17, 1994 |CD |<ref>{{cite web|url=http://click2music.se/product.asp?prd=196&art=61|title=Toni Braxton: Breathe Again|website=click2music.se|language=sv|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020225111002/http://click2music.se/product.asp?prd=196&art=61|archive-date=February 25, 2002|access-date=November 29, 2023}}</ref> |- !scope="row"|Australia |February 28, 1994 |{{hlist|12-inch vinyl|CD|cassette}} |LaFace |<ref>{{cite magazine|title=New Release Summary – Product Available from : 28/2/94: Singles|magazine=[[The ARIA Report]]|issue=211|page=20|date=February 27, 1994}}</ref> |}

==Cover versions== * In 1996, contemporary jazz guitarist [[Chuck Loeb]] presented his version from the album ''The Music Inside.''<ref>{{cite web|title=The Music Inside – Chuck Loeb – AllMusic|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-music-inside-mw0000184624|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=November 23, 2013}}</ref> * In 2002, Jazz trumpeter Greg Adams covered the song on his album "Midnight Morning".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/Greg-Adams-Midnight-Morning/release/5983049|title=Greg Adams – Midnight Morning (2002, CD)|website=[[Discogs]] }}</ref> * In 2004, Sweet Tea covered the song on the compilation album ''Reggae Gold 1994''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Reggae Gold 1994 Various Artists – iTunes|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/reggae-gold-1994/id116221427|work=[[iTunes]]|access-date=November 23, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140224150853/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/reggae-gold-1994/id116221427|archive-date=February 24, 2014}}</ref> * In 2006, R&B singer Margot B. covered the song on her album ''Margot B. Inspired''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Margot B. Inspired – Margot B. – iTunes|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/margot-b-inspired/148187128|work=[[iTunes]]|access-date=November 23, 2013}}</ref>

==References== {{Reflist}}

{{Toni Braxton singles}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:1990s ballads]] [[Category:1993 singles]] [[Category:1993 songs]] [[Category:Arista Records singles]] [[Category:Contemporary R&B ballads]] [[Category:LaFace Records singles]] [[Category:Music videos directed by Randee St. Nicholas]] [[Category:Music videos shot in the United Kingdom]] [[Category:Number-one singles in Zimbabwe]] [[Category:Song recordings produced by Babyface (musician)]] [[Category:Song recordings produced by Daryl Simmons]] [[Category:Song recordings produced by L.A. Reid]] [[Category:Songs written by Babyface (musician)]] [[Category:Songs about heartache]] [[Category:Toni Braxton songs]] [[Category:Rhythm and blues ballads]]