{{Short description|1996 single by Toni Braxton}} {{redirects|Unbreak My Heart|other uses|Unbreak My Heart (disambiguation)}} {{Good article}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2026}} {{Infobox song | name = Un-Break My Heart | cover = ToniBraxtonUnBreakMyHeartCDSingleCover.jpg | alt = | border = yes | type = single | artist = [[Toni Braxton]] | album = [[Secrets (Toni Braxton album)|Secrets]] | released = {{Start date|1996|10|7}} | written = 1995 | studio = * [[Record Plant Studios|The Record Plant]] (Hollywood, California) * Chartmaker (Malibu, California) | genre = *[[Pop music|Pop]] *[[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]<ref name="Inc.1996"/> | length = * 4:30 (album version) * 4:26 (remix version) | label = [[LaFace Records|LaFace]] | writer = [[Diane Warren]] | producer = [[David Foster]] | prev_title = [[You're Makin' Me High]] | prev_title2 = [[Let It Flow (song)|Let It Flow]] | prev_year = 1996 | next_title = [[I Don't Want To]] | next_title2 = [[I Love Me Some Him]] | next_year = 1997 }} "'''Un-Break My Heart'''" is a song by American singer [[Toni Braxton]] for her second studio album, ''[[Secrets (Toni Braxton album)|Secrets]]'' (1996). The song was written by [[Diane Warren]] and produced by [[David Foster]]. It was released as the second single from the album on October 7, 1996, through [[LaFace Records]]. The song is a [[Sentimental ballad|ballad]] about a "blistering heartbreak" in which the singer begs a former lover to return and undo the pain he has caused. It won [[Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance|Best Female Pop Vocal Performance]] at the [[39th Annual Grammy Awards]] in 1997. It has sold over 10 million copies worldwide and nearly 3 million in the United States alone, making it one of the [[List of best-selling singles|best selling singles of all time.]]
"Un-Break My Heart" attained commercial success worldwide. In the United States, the song reached number one on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]], where it stayed a total of eleven weeks, while reaching the same position on the [[Dance Club Songs|Dance Club Play]] and [[Adult Contemporary (chart)|Adult Contemporary]] component charts. When ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' celebrated their 40 years charting from 1958 to 1998, the song was declared as the most successful song by a solo artist in the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] history.<ref name="hot10040th02">{{cite book | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=GwoEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA32 | title = ''Billboard'' 40 Years of the Top 40: The Hot 100 of the Hot 100: Top Songs of Four Decades | publisher = Billboard | date = September 19, 1998 | access-date = September 25, 2010}}</ref> In Europe, the song reached the top-five in more than ten countries while peaking at number one in Austria, Belgium (Wallonia), Romania, Sweden, and Switzerland.
[[Bille Woodruff]] directed the accompanying video for the single. It portrays Braxton mourning the death of her lover, while remembering the good times they had together. Braxton performed the song on the opening ceremony of the 1996 [[Billboard Music Awards]]. "Un-Break My Heart" has been covered by several artists, including American [[rock music|rock]] band [[Weezer]] on the album ''[[Death to False Metal]]''.
==Background== [[Diane Warren]] wrote "Un-Break My Heart" in 1995. When asked about her songwriting process, she said that song ideas usually come to her from a title, a chorus, or a drum beat. "Un-Break My Heart" was conceived from its title, and, according to Warren, "it popped into my head, and I thought, 'I don't think I've heard that before, that's kind of interesting.' I started playing around on the piano with these chords and did a key change, and then I knew, 'OK, this is magic.'"<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703843804575534513063943170|title=A Chart-Topping Cave Dweller|date=October 16, 2010|last=Bentley|first=Toni|access-date=March 24, 2012|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|publisher=[[News Corporation (1980–2013)|News Corporation]]}}</ref> Warren further explained that she wrote "Un-Break My Heart" as a ballad and dance song, because that was the way she heard it. She said: "some people only know it as a – gay – dance song!"<ref>{{cite web| url=http://blog.midem.com/2011/01/interview-diane-warren-the-fiercely-independent-hitmaker/| title=Interview: Diane Warren, the "fiercely independent" hitmaker| last=Midemblog| first=James| date=January 13, 2011| access-date=March 24, 2012| publisher=Midem Blog| archive-date=January 18, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118020859/http://blog.midem.com/2011/01/interview-diane-warren-the-fiercely-independent-hitmaker/| url-status=dead}}</ref>
When Warren played the finished song to [[Arista Records]]' future president (2000-2004) [[L.A. Reid]], he thought it would fit Braxton's then upcoming album.<ref name=sr/> When "Un-Break My Heart" was sent to Braxton, she expressed dislike for the song. According to Warren, "Toni hated the song. She didn't want to do it."<ref name=hate/> Reid was able to convince Braxton to record it, and it later became her [[signature song]].<ref name=hate/> Following the recording sessions of the song, Braxton approached Warren and explained why she was skeptical about recording it, further explaining that she didn't want another "heartbreak track".<ref name=hate>{{cite web|url=http://video.sky.com/tv/related/24228/0/Songbook%20Diane%20Warren/true|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130203064157/http://video.sky.com/tv/related/24228/0/Songbook%20Diane%20Warren/true|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 3, 2013|title=Songbook: Diane Warren|date=March 22, 2011|access-date=March 24, 2012|publisher=[[BSkyB|British Sky Broadcasting Group]]}}</ref>
Recording sessions occurred at [[The Record Plant]] and Chartmaker Studios in [[Los Angeles]], [[California]] in the same year.<ref name=liner>''[[Secrets (Toni Braxton album)|Secrets]]'' liner notes. [[LaFace Records]] (1996)</ref> "Un-Break My Heart" was released as the second single from ''[[Secrets (Toni Braxton album)|Secrets]]'' on November 11, 1996.<ref name=ultratop>{{cite web|url=http://austriancharts.at/showitem.asp?interpret=Toni+Braxton&titel=Un-Break+My+Heart&cat=s|title=Toni Braxton – Un-Break My Heart Austriancharts.at|publisher=[[Ö3 Austria Top 40]]. Hung Medien|date=October 7, 1996|access-date=March 25, 2012}}</ref>
==Composition== {{Listen |pos=left |filename=Unbreak My Heart sample.ogg |title="Un-Break My Heart" |description=A 27-second sample of the song's chorus, which features Braxton singing about a heartbreak over a [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] background.<ref name=theme/><ref name=sheet/> |format=[[Ogg]] }}
Produced by [[David Foster]], "Un-Break My Heart" is a four minute-25 second [[Pop music|pop]] and [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] [[power ballad]].<ref name="Inc.1996">{{cite magazine|last=Flick |first=Larry|title=Billboard Singles|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1996/BB-1996-09-21.pdf|date=September 21, 1996|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc.|page=64}}</ref><ref name=liner/><ref name=loh>{{cite web|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2006/04/05/toni-braxton-wiggles-and-hums/|title=Toni Braxton wiggles and hums|last=Ollison|first=Rashod D|work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]|publisher=[[Tribune Company]]|access-date=March 25, 2012|date=April 5, 2006|archive-date=October 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002160437/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2006-04-05/features/0604050226_1_toni-braxton-sing-native-washingtonian|url-status=live}}</ref> The song's theme alludes to a "blistering heartbreak" in which the singer begs a former lover to return and undo the pain he has caused.<ref name=theme>{{cite book|title=Singles: Six Decades of Hot Hits & Classic Cuts|year=2006|publisher=[[Thunder Bay Press]]. Outline Press Ltd.|page=273}}</ref> David Willoughby, author of ''The World of Music'' (2009), said a few phrases such as "Don't leave me in all this pain" are sufficient to reveal the "sadness and the longing" in the song.<ref>{{harvnb|Willoughby|2009|p=127}}</ref>
Warren showcased Braxton's [[contralto]] voice with a low vocal range.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Dunbar |first1=Julie C. |title=Women, Music, Culture |date=2011 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1351857451 |page=9 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Fq5rDQAAQBAJ |access-date=August 9, 2019}}</ref> The song's sheet music shows the key of [[B minor]],<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Diane|first1=Warren|last2=Toni|first2=Braxton|date=August 2, 2010|title=Unbreak My Heart|url=https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0084508|access-date=June 9, 2021|website=Musicnotes.com}}</ref> with the chorus in [[D minor]]. It is set in a [[time signature]] of [[common time]] with a moderately slow [[tempo]] of 55 [[beats per minute]].<ref name=sheet>{{cite web|url=http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtdFPE.asp?ppn=MN0084508|title=Toni Braxton - Unbreak My Heart Sheet Music|date=August 2, 2010|publisher=Musicnotes.com. Alfred Publishing Co., Inc.|access-date=March 25, 2012}}</ref> Braxton's vocal range spans from the low note of D<sub>3</sub> to the high note of D<sub>5</sub>.
The song was remixed by several [[Disc jockey|DJ]]s such as [[Hex Hector]], [[Frankie Knuckles]] and [[Soul Solution]]. As noted by Jose F. Promis of [[AllMusic]], the song<blockquote>in its original form, was a massive adult contemporary and pop hit, and, with its larger-than-life chorus, worked equally well as an unstoppable dance number, even if the vocals were never re-recorded.<ref name=remixes>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/un-break-my-heart-cd-2-r308897|title=Un-Break My Heart (CD 2)|last=Promis|first=Jose F|website=[[Allmusic]] |date=November 11, 1996|access-date=March 25, 2012}}</ref></blockquote>The "Soul-Hex Vocal Anthem" remix, with a length over nine minutes, was influenced by [[tribal house]] music; while the "Classic Radio Mix" is a [[piano]]-driven [[house music]] edit.<ref name=remixes/> A Spanish version of "Un-Break My Heart", titled "Regresa a Mi", was included as a bonus track on ''Secrets''.<ref name=liner/> The CD-single of "Un-Break My Heart" also contained that version, titled "Un-Break My Heart (Spanish Version)". It was adapted to Spanish by Marco Flores and sung by Braxton herself.<ref>{{cite AV media|title=Un-Break My Heart (CD-single)|last=Braxton|first=Toni|year=1996 |medium=CD-single}}</ref> [[MusicOMH]] contributor Laura McKee considered it "an easy listen" version "that encapsulates the passion and meaning of the original but opens it up to a wider audience."<ref name=ildivo>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.musicomh.com/singles/il-divo.htm|title=Il Divo - Regresa A Mi (BMG)|date=November 1, 2004|access-date=March 25, 2012|last=McKee|first=Laura|magazine=[[musicOMH]]|archive-date=June 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627195827/http://www.musicomh.com/singles/il-divo.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==Reception== ===Critical response=== In 1997, "Un-Break My Heart" won a [[Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/grammy/popfemale.htm|title=Grammy Awards: Best Pop Vocal Performance – Female|publisher=Rock on the Net|access-date=July 20, 2011}}</ref> [[About.com]] reviewer Mark Edward Nero named it one of the best [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] break-up songs and considered it Braxton's "finest moment". He further commented, "damn, this song is so sad it can make people cry for hours at a time."<ref>{{cite web| url=http://randb.about.com/od/top5lists/tp/BreakUpSongs.htm| title=Best R&B Break-Up Songs| last=Nero| first=Mark Edward| access-date=March 25, 2012| publisher=[[About.com]]. [[Rovi Corporation]]| archive-date=February 26, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226180542/http://randb.about.com/od/top5lists/tp/BreakUpSongs.htm| url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Larry Flick]] from ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' magazine described it as "a [[Pop-R&B|pop/R&B]] ballad that casts her in the role she plays best—as the forlorn heroine in a romance on the rocks." He added, "She maximizes the melodrama of [[David Foster]]'s savvy blend of stately strings and soulful rhythms, móving from a dewy-eyed whisper to a diva-like belt with theatrical ease. Hit-machine tunesmith [[Diane Warren]] has not written a song this lyrically potent and heartfelt in a long time."<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Larry|last=Flick|title=Reviews & Previews: Singles|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1996/BB-1996-09-21.pdf|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=September 21, 1996|page=64|accessdate=December 3, 2022|author-link=Larry Flick}}</ref> Bob McCann, author of ''Encyclopedia of African American actresses in film and television'' (2010), considered it "simply one of the most haunting R&B records ever made",<ref>{{harvnb|McCan|2010|p=55}}</ref> while [[Robert Christgau]] named it "miraculous" and explained "the miracle being that it's by Diane Warren and you want to hear it again."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.robertchristgau.com/get_album.php?id=4006|title=Consumer Guide Album - Secrets|year=1996|access-date=March 25, 2012|last=Christgau|first=Robert|publisher=[[Robert Christgau]]}}</ref>
Dave Sholin from the ''[[Gavin Report]]'' commented: "Most who hear this Diane Warren composition, which was produced with skillful guidance by David Foster, will need to take a few seconds before breathing normally again."<ref>{{cite magazine|first= Dave |last= Sholin |title= Gavin Picks > Singles |magazine= [[Gavin Report]] |issue= 2124 |date= September 27, 1996 |page= 78 |access-date= April 16, 2018 |url= https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Gavin-Report/90/96/Gavin-1996-09-27.pdf}}</ref> ''[[Insider Inc.|Insider]]'' said that the song "showcased her show-stopping voice".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.insider.com/best-songs-90s-2019|title=Best songs from the '90s|publisher=[[Insider Inc.|Insider]]|access-date=March 21, 2020}}{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In a 2015 retrospective review, Pop Rescue wrote that Braxton's vocals "really shine and she's given a real range from very low to powerful highs." The reviewer added that "the music here, aside from the acoustic guitar, is absolutely secondary behind Toni's vocal prowess and the tender lyrics."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://poprescue.com/2015/11/27/pop-rescue-secrets-by-toni-braxton-cd-1997/|title=Review: "Secrets" by Toni Braxton (CD, 1997)|publisher=Pop Rescue|date=November 27, 2015|access-date=April 14, 2020}}</ref> ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]'' journalist [[Charles Aaron]] positively reviewed the song and joked: "this exquisitely crafted, heart-pumping l-u-v song has been droning in the produce department of my grocery store for about a year now, but I'd just like to go on record as saying that if it ever stops, I'll really be heartbroken."<ref>{{cite book|title=Singles|last=Aaron|first=Charles|date=May 1997|access-date=March 25, 2012|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=I4irI6O3Ko8C&pg=RA1-PA118|page=118|publisher=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]. Spin Media LLC|volume=13|issue=2}}</ref> Richard Harrington from ''[[The Washington Post]]'' felt it's "less sung than confessed as Braxton slips into whispered regrets and second thoughts. This beautiful song becomes a bit cinematic as it goes along and, sure enough, it turns out to be a Warren composition with a Foster production."<ref>Harrington, Richard (June 23, 1996). "After the Debuts, Precious Seconds". ''[[The Washington Post]]''. p. G07.</ref>
While reviewing the album, [[Stephen Thomas Erlewine]] of [[AllMusic]] said the songs produced by David Foster are too predictable due to their "slick commercial appeal". However, Erlewine noted that Braxton "manages to infuse the songs with life and passion that elevates them beyond their generic confines" due to her vocal ability.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/r235586/review| title=Secrets - Toni Braxton|last=Erlewine|first=Stephen Thomas|date=June 18, 1996|access-date=March 25, 2002|publisher=[[AllMusic]]. [[Rovi Corporation]]}}</ref> Ken Tucker of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' considered the track "a tearjerker so grandiose and yet so intrinsically, assuredly hit-bound, it's the kind of mass-appeal grabber that's probably already sent a jealous [[Diana Ross]] diving for a comfort gallon of [[Häagen-Dazs]]."<ref name=ew>{{cite magazine| url=https://ew.com/article/1996/07/12/secrets/| title=Music Review: Secrets (1996)| last=Tucker| first=Ken| magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]| publisher=[[Time Warner]]| date=June 12, 2006| access-date=March 25, 2012| archive-date=October 22, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022080449/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,293281,00.html| url-status=live}}</ref> Tucker also named it the worst track on ''Secrets'', and further stated: "Un-Break My Heart" is "one of those the-verses-exist-only-for-the-swelling-chorus showstoppers that allude to emotions without ever actually embodying them. Braxton does her darnedest to plug some life into the song, to no avail".<ref name=ew/> [[J. D. Considine]] of ''[[The Baltimore Sun]]'' described "Un-Break My Heart" as "overblown".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1996/06/18/tonis-second-doesnt-shout-review-braxtons-new-album-has-the-remarkable-voice-of-the-debut-but-many-of-these-melodies-dont-sing/|title=Toni's second doesn't shout Review: Braxton's new album has the remarkable voice of the debut, but many of these melodies don't sing.|date=June 18, 1996|access-date=March 25, 2012|last=Considine|first=J. D.|work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]|publisher=[[Tribune Company]]|archive-date=October 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002160415/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1996-06-18/features/1996170130_1_toni-braxton-angel-break-babyface|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Chart performance=== In the United States, "Un-Break My Heart" managed to peak at number one on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] for eleven weeks, from the week of December 7, 1996, to the week of February 15, 1997, and stayed in the same position on the [[Adult Contemporary (chart)|Adult Contemporary]] chart for fourteen weeks. The song was later ranked as the fourth-most popular song of the decade on the 1990-1999 Decade-End Hot 100 chart. In July 2008, "Un-Break My Heart" was listed as the tenth most popular song of all time by Billboard. Despite its success on the Hot 100, the song would not reach the number-one position of the [[Hot R&B Singles]] chart, remaining at number two for four weeks behind "[[I Believe I Can Fly]]" by [[R. Kelly]].<ref name=sr>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/song/un-break-my-heart-t1089875|title=Song Review - Un-Break My Heart|last=Hogan|first=Ed|publisher=[[Allmusic]]. [[Rovi Corporation]]|access-date=March 25, 2012}}</ref> It sold 2.4 million copies domestically and was [[RIAA certification|certified platinum]] by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA).<ref name=bestselling96>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IA8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA61 |title=Best-Selling Records of 1996 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=BPI Communications Inc.|date=January 18, 1997 |access-date=May 9, 2015 |page=61 |issn=0006-2510|volume=109|number=3}}</ref><ref name=bestselling97>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iQ0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA76 |title=Best-Selling Records of 1997 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=BPI Communications Inc.|date=January 31, 1998 |access-date=May 9, 2015 |page=76 |issn=0006-2510|volume=110|number=5}}</ref><ref name=riaa/> "Un-Break My Heart" also achieved commercial success worldwide, reaching number one in Austria, Belgium (Wallonia), the European Hot 100 Singles, Sweden, and Switzerland,<ref name=ultratop/> while reaching the top five in several European countries.<ref name=ultratop/>
In the week of November 4, 1996, the song debuted at number four in the [[UK Singles Chart]], reaching a peak at number two after seven weeks on the chart.<ref name=uk>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/Un%2DBreak%20My%20Heart |title=Toni Braxton - Archive Official Charts Company |publisher=[[Official Charts Company]] |access-date=March 25, 2012 }}</ref> According to the [[British Phonographic Industry]] (BPI), it has sold and streamed over 1,200,000 units there, being certified double platinum.<ref name=ukcert/> In Australia, the song peaked at number six,<ref name=ultratop/> and was later certified platinum by the [[Australian Recording Industry Association]] (ARIA), for shipments of more than 70,000 units of the single.<ref name=auscert/>
==Music video== ===Background=== LaFace Records commissioned a music video to be directed by American director [[Bille Woodruff]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mvdbase.com/video.php?id=4383 |title=Toni Braxton – Un-Break My Heart |publisher=mvdbase.com |access-date=December 8, 2006 |archive-date=September 27, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927224446/http://www.mvdbase.com/video.php?id=4383 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The concept is a melodramatic tearjerker that evolves around Braxton grieving the sudden death of her lover, played by model [[Tyson Beckford]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hellomagazine.com/profiles/tysonbeckford/ |title=Tyson Beckford Biography |publisher=Hello Ltd |work=[[Hello (magazine)|Hello]] |access-date=December 8, 2006}}</ref>
===Synopsis=== As the video begins, Beckford is seen leaving their home in a motorbike, with Braxton giving him a goodbye wave, then going to check the mailbox. After he leaves the garage, a car suddenly appears and the careless driver causes an accident, killing him on impact. A shocked Braxton runs to his side, trying to revive him and then cradles his lifeless body while tearfully crying over him. She then walks around the house, remembering the happy times she had with him, such as swimming in the pool, having passionate sex with him in the shower, shaving his beard and playing ''[[Twister (game)|Twister]]''. During the bridge and final chorus, Braxton is seen singing the song during a live concert, an allusion to the film ''[[A Star Is Born (1976 film)|A Star Is Born]]''. As applause rises, the video fades to black. The music video premiered on September 10, 1996, on [[MTV]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/videos/toni-braxton/59527/un-break-my-heart.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090121055438/http://www.mtv.com/videos/toni-braxton/59527/un-break-my-heart.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 21, 2009|title=100 Greatest Women In Music Videos: 1-100|date=September 10, 1996|access-date=March 25, 2012|publisher=[[MTV]]. [[MTV Networks]]}}</ref> The video received nominations for [[MTV Video Music Award for Best Female Video|Best Female Video]] and [[MTV Video Music Award for Best R&B Video|Best R&B Video]] at the [[1997 MTV Video Music Awards]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/ig5ngr/beck-jamiroquai-lead-video-music-awards-nominees |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429121537/https://www.mtv.com/news/ig5ngr/beck-jamiroquai-lead-video-music-awards-nominees |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 29, 2023 |title=Beck, Jamiroquai Lead Video Music Awards Nominees|publisher=MTV |access-date=August 25, 2023}}</ref>
===Live performances=== "Un-Break My Heart" was performed during the opening of the 1996 [[Billboard Music Awards]]. During the up-tempo rendition of the track, Braxton sported an outfit similar to the ones of theatrical productions [[Ziegfeld Follies]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Gonzales|first=Michael|title=Toni's Secret|date=June–July 1997|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=viwEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA92|page=92|access-date=March 25, 2012|volume=5|issue=5}}</ref> She also performed it as the closing number of the [[Libra Tour]] (2006).<ref name=loh/>
==Track listings== {{col-begin}} {{col-2}} * '''US CD single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Un-Break My Heart|date=1997|type=US CD liner notes|publisher=LaFace Records|id=73008-24200-2}}</ref> #"Un-Break My Heart" (Album Version) – 4:30 #"Un-Break My Heart" (Spanish Version) – 4:32
* '''US CD maxi single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Un-Break My Heart|date=1997|type=US CD liner notes|publisher=LaFace Records|id=73008-24207-2}}</ref> # "Un-Break My Heart" (Album Version) – 4:30 # "Un-Break My Heart" ([[Soul Solution|Soul]]-[[Hex Hector|Hex]] Anthem Vocal) – 9:36 # "Un-Break My Heart" (Classic Radio Mix) – 4:26 # "Un-Break My Heart" (Album Instrumental) – 4:44
* '''US 12-inch single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Un-Break My Heart|date=1997|type=US 12" liner notes|publisher=LaFace Records|id=73008-24213-1}}</ref> :A1. "Un-Break My Heart" (Soul-Hex Anthem Vocal) – 9:38 :A2. "Un-Break My Heart" (Soul-Hex No Sleep Beats) – 3:56 :A3. "Un-Break My Heart" (Acappella) – 3:50 :B1. "Un-Break My Heart" ([[Frankie Knuckles]] - Franktidrama Club Mix) – 8:40 :B2. "Un-Break My Heart" (Frankie Knuckles - Classic Radio Mix) – 4:26
* '''European CD single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Un-Break My Heart|date=1997|type=European CD liner notes|publisher=LaFace Records|id=74321 41324 2}}</ref> # "Un-Break My Heart" (Album Version) – 4:30 # "[[You're Makin' Me High]]" (Radio Edit) – 4:07 {{col-2}} * '''UK CD single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Un-Break My Heart|date=1997|type=UK CD liner notes|publisher=LaFace Records|id=74321 41063 2}}</ref> # "Un-Break My Heart" (Album Version) – 4:30 # "You're Makin' Me High" (Norfside Remix) – 4:19 # "[[I Belong to You/How Many Ways|How Many Ways]]" ([[R. Kelly]] Remix) – 5:46 # "Un-Break My Heart" (Spanish Version) – 4:32
* '''European CD maxi single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Un-Break My Heart|date=1997|type=European CD liner notes|publisher=LaFace Records|id=74321 41064 2}}</ref> # "Un-Break My Heart" (Album Version) – 4:30 # "Un-Break My Heart" (Frankie Knuckles Radio Mix) – 4:29 # "Un-Break My Heart" (Frankie Knuckles Franktidrama Mix) – 8:38 # "Un-Break My Heart" (Soul-Hex Anthem Vocal) – 9:36 # "Un-Break My Heart" (Soul-Hex No Sleep Beats) – 3:56
* '''Australian CD maxi single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Un-Break My Heart|date=1997|type=AUS CD liner notes|publisher=LaFace Records|id=73008-24207-2}}</ref> # "Un-Break My Heart" (Album Version) – 4:30 # "You're Makin' Me High" (Norfside Remix) – 4:19 # "How Many Ways" (R. Kelly Remix) – 5:46 # "Un-Break My Heart" (Classic Radio Mix) – 4:26 # "Un-Break My Heart" (Soul-Hex Sleep Beats) – 3:56 {{col-end}}
==Personnel== * [[Toni Braxton]]: lead and background vocals * [[Diane Warren]]: songwriter * [[David Foster]]: producer, arranger, keyboard programming * Felipe Elgueta: engineer * [[Mick Guzauski]]: mixing * [[Simon Franglen]]: [[Synclavier]] programming * [[Michael Thompson (guitarist)|Michael Thompson]]: electric guitar * [[Dean Parks]]: acoustic guitar * [[L.A. Reid]]: background vocal arranger * Tim Thomas: background vocal arranger * [[Shanice Wilson]]: background vocals
==Charts== {{col-begin}} {{col-2}}
===Weekly charts=== {|class="wikitable sortable" |+Weekly chart performance for "Un-Break My Heart" !scope="col"|Chart (1996–1997) !scope="col"|Peak<br/>position |- {{single chart|Australia|6|artist=Toni Braxton|song=Un-Break My Heart}} |- {{single chart|Austria|1|artist=Toni Braxton|song=Un-Break My Heart}} |- {{single chart|Flanders|2|artist=Toni Braxton|song=Un-Break My Heart}} |- {{single chart|Wallonia|1|artist=Toni Braxton|song=Un-Break My Heart}} |- {{single chart|Flanders Dance|13|artist=Toni Braxton|song=Un-Break My Heart|access-date=February 16, 2021}} |- {{single chart|Canadatopsingles|5|chartid=9879|access-date=October 3, 2018}} |- {{single chart|Canadaadultcontemporary|1|chartid=7880|access-date=October 3, 2018}} |- {{single chart|Canadadance|15|chartid=3163|access-date=October 3, 2018}} |- |Canada ([[Canadian Singles Chart|Nielsen SoundScan]])<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/toni-braxton/chart-history/cns/|title=Toni Braxton Chart History (Canadian Digital Songs)|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=April 20, 2022}}</ref> |style="text-align:center;"|2 |- |Canada CHR/Top 40 ([[Broadcast Data Systems|BDS]])<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> |align="center"|2 |- |Czech Republic ([[International Federation of the Phonographic Industry|IFPI CR]])<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1997/MM-1997-03-22.pdf|title=Top National Sellers|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|volume=14|issue=12|page=19|date=March 22, 1997|access-date=November 25, 2019}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"|4 |- |Denmark ([[IFPI Denmark|IFPI]])<ref name="euro"/> |align="center"|2 |- |Europe ([[Eurochart Hot 100]])<ref name="euro">{{cite magazine|title=Hits of the World|date=February 1, 1997|volume=109|issue=5|issn=0006-2510|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=[[Nielsen Company|Nielsen Business Media, Inc]]|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zA4EAAAAMBAJ&q=Un-Break+My+Heart|access-date=March 16, 2011}}</ref> |align="center"|1 |- |Europe ([[European Dance Radio Chart|European Dance Radio]])<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1996/MM-1996-11-23.pdf#page=17|title=European Dance Radio Top 25|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|date=November 23, 1996|volume=13|issue=47|page=19|access-date=February 26, 2026}}</ref> |align="center"|1 |- {{single chart|Finland|5|artist=Toni Braxton|song=Un-Break My Heart}} |- {{single chart|France|8|artist=Toni Braxton|song=Un-Break My Heart}} |- {{single chart|Germany|2|artist=Toni Braxton|song=Un-Break My Heart|songid=3350|access-date=May 17, 2019}} |- |Hungary ([[Mahasz]])<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1997/MM-1997-02-01.pdf|title=Top National Sellers|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|volume=14|issue=5|page=17|date=February 1, 1997|access-date=November 25, 2019}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"|5 |- |Iceland ([[Íslenski listinn|Íslenski Listinn Topp 40]])<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timarit.is/page/2949163#page/n1/mode/2up|title=Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (19.12.1996 – 25.12.1996)|newspaper=[[Dagblaðið Vísir]]|language=is|page=20|date=December 20, 1996|access-date=February 5, 2018}}</ref> |align="center"|2 |- {{single chart|Ireland2|2|song=Un-Break My Heart|access-date=July 4, 2018}} |- |Italy (''[[Musica e dischi]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1997/MM-1997-03-15.pdf|title=Top National Sellers|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|volume=14|issue=11|page=15|date=March 15, 1997|access-date=November 27, 2019}}</ref> |align="center"|7 |- |Italy Airplay (''[[Music & Media]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1997/MM-1997-01-18.pdf|title=Major Market Airplay: Italy|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|volume=14|issue=1-3|page=31|date=January 18, 1997}}</ref> |align="center"|3 |- {{single chart|Dutch40|2|year=1996|week=47|access-date=December 29, 2017}} |- {{single chart|Dutch100|2|artist=Toni Braxton|song=Un-Break My Heart|access-date=December 29, 2017}} |- {{single chart|New Zealand|18|artist=Toni Braxton|song=Un-Break My Heart}} |- {{single chart|Norway|2|artist=Toni Braxton|song=Un-Break My Heart}} |- |Romania ([[Romanian Top 100]])<ref name="rt100">{{cite web|url=http://www.rt100.ro:80/topul-anului-1997.html|title=Romanian Top 100: Top of the Year 1997|publisher=[[Romanian Top 100]]|language=ro|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050922001105/http://www.rt100.ro/topul-anului-1997.html|archive-date=September 22, 2005}}</ref> |align="center"|1 |- |Scotland ([[Official Charts Company]])<ref name=uk/> |align="center"|5 |- |Spain ([[PROMUSICAE|AFYVE]])<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1997/MM-1997-04-12.pdf|title=Top National Sellers|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|volume=14|issue=15|page=15|date=April 12, 1997|access-date=November 25, 2019}}</ref> |align="center"|2 |- {{single chart|Sweden|1|artist=Toni Braxton|song=Un-Break My Heart}} |- {{single chart|Switzerland|1|artist=Toni Braxton|song=Un-Break My Heart}} |- |Taiwan ([[IFPI]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ifpi.org.tw/chart/1997/single07.htm|title=IFPI Taiwan - Single Top 10 (1997/7) |access-date=February 23, 2020|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980224063043/http://ifpi.org.tw/chart/1997/single07.htm|archive-date=February 24, 1998 }}</ref> |align="center"|1 |- |[[UK Singles Chart|UK Singles]] ([[Official Charts Company|OCC]])<ref name=uk/> |align="center"|2 |- |[[UK R&B Singles Chart|UK R&B]] ([[Official Charts Company|OCC]])<ref name=uk/> |align="center"|1 |- {{single chart|Billboardhot100|1|artist=Toni Braxton|access-date=December 29, 2017}} |- {{single chart|Billboardadultcontemporary|1|artist=Toni Braxton|access-date=December 29, 2017}} |- {{single chart|Billboardadultpopsongs|4|artist=Toni Braxton|access-date=April 20, 2022}} |- {{single chart|Billboarddanceclubplay|1|artist=Toni Braxton|access-date=December 29, 2017}} |- {{single chart|Billboarddancesales|1|artist=Toni Braxton|access-date=April 20, 2022}} |- {{single chart|Billboardrandbhiphop|2|artist=Toni Braxton|access-date=December 29, 2017}} |- {{single chart|Billboardpopsongs|2|artist=Toni Braxton|access-date=December 29, 2017}} |- {{single chart|Billboardrhythmic|1|artist=Toni Braxton|access-date=December 29, 2017}} |} {{col-2}}
===Year-end charts=== {|class="wikitable sortable" |+1996 year-end chart performance for "Un-Break My Heart" !Chart (1996) !Position |- |Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1996/MM-1996-12-21.pdf|title=1996 Year-End Sales Charts: Eurochart Hot 100 Singles|magazine=Music & Media|volume=13|issue=51/52|page=12|date=December 21, 1996|access-date=December 18, 2019}}</ref> |align="center"|80 |- |Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.top40.nl/bijzondere-lijsten/top-100-jaaroverzichten/1996|title=Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 1996|publisher=Dutch Top 40|access-date=March 1, 2020}}</ref> |align="center"|15 |- |Netherlands (Single Top 100)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dutchcharts.nl/jaaroverzichten.asp?year=1996&cat=s|title=Jaaroverzichten – Single 1996|website=dutchcharts.nl|access-date=March 1, 2020}}</ref> |align="center"|10 |- | Norway (VG-lista)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vg.no/vg/lista/1996list.html|title=Topp 20 Single 1996|publisher=[[VG-lista|VG]]|access-date=March 31, 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970208033210/http://www.vg.no/vg/lista/1996list.html|archive-date=February 8, 1997|url-status=dead|language=no}}</ref> |align="center"|17 |- |Sweden (Topplistan)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hitlistan.se/|title=Sverigetopplistan - Årslistan 1996 (Note: go to Sök alla listor > Årslistor > Välj år 1996 > Visa!) |access-date=May 28, 2011|language=sv}}</ref> |align="center"|9 |- |UK Singles (OCC)<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Top 100 Singles 1996 |magazine=[[Music Week]] |page=25 |date=January 18, 1997}}</ref> |align="center"|13 |- |UK Airplay (''Music Week'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1997/Music-Week-1997-01-18.pdf#page=39|title=Airplay Top 50 of 1996|magazine=[[Music Week]]|date=January 18, 1997|page=29|access-date=March 21, 2026}}</ref> |align="center"|35 |- |US ''Billboard'' Hot 100<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://longboredsurfer.com/charts.php?year=1996 |title=Billboard Top 100 - 1996 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=August 27, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090301121523/http://longboredsurfer.com/charts.php?year=1996 |archive-date=March 1, 2009 }}</ref> |align="center"|81 |- |US Hot R&B Singles (''Billboard'')<ref name="BByeRb">{{cite magazine|title=The Year in Music: Hot R&B Singles|magazine=Billboard|volume=108|issue=52|page=YE-40|date=December 28, 1996}}</ref> |align="center"|87 |- |US Top 40/Rhythm-Crossover (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Airplay Monitor Best of '96: Top 40/Rhythm-Crossover Titles|magazine=[[Airplay Monitor]]|volume=4|issue=53|page=32|date=December 27, 1996}}</ref> |align="center"|62 |} {|class="wikitable sortable" |+1997 year-end chart performance for "Un-Break My Heart" !Chart (1997) !Position |- |Australia (ARIA)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aria.com.au/charts/1997/singles-chart|title=ARIA Top 100 Singles for 1997|publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association|access-date=August 21, 2021}}</ref> |align="center"|34 |- |Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://austriancharts.at/1997_single.asp|title=Austriancharts.at - Jahreshitparade 1997 |access-date=May 30, 2010}}</ref> |align="center"|6 |- |Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ultratop.be/nl/annual.asp?year=1997|title=Ultratop.be - Jaaroverzichten 1997|website=[[Ultratop]]|access-date=May 29, 2011}}</ref> |align="center"|13 |- |Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ultratop.be/fr/annual.asp?year=1997|title=Ultratop.be - Rapports annuels 1997|work=Ultratop |access-date=May 28, 2011|language=fr}}</ref> |align="center"|8 |- |Canada Top Singles (''RPM'')<ref name=canyearend>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/films-videos-sound-recordings/rpm/Pages/image.aspx?Image=nlc008388.3416&URLjpg=http%3a%2f%2fwww.collectionscanada.gc.ca%2fobj%2f028020%2ff4%2fnlc008388.3416.gif&Ecopy=nlc008388.3416|title=RPM '97 Year End Top 100 Hit Tracks|magazine=[[RPM (magazine)|RPM]]|via=[[Library and Archives Canada]]|access-date=October 3, 2018}}</ref> |align="center"|32 |- |Canada Adult Contemporary (''RPM'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/films-videos-sound-recordings/rpm/Pages/image.aspx?Image=nlc008388.7905&URLjpg=http%3a%2f%2fwww.collectionscanada.gc.ca%2fobj%2f028020%2ff4%2fnlc008388.7905.gif&Ecopy=nlc008388.7905|title=RPM '97 Year End Top 100 Adult Contemporary Tracks|magazine=[[RPM (magazine)|RPM]]|publisher=[[Library and Archives Canada]]|access-date=October 3, 2018}}</ref> |align="center"|2 |- |Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1997/MM-1997-12-27.pdf|title=1997 Year-End Sales Charts: Eurochart Hot 100 Singles|magazine=Music & Media|volume=14|issue=52|page=7|date=December 27, 1997|access-date=December 20, 2019}}</ref> |align="center"|6 |- |France (SNEP)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.disqueenfrance.com/fr/pag-259376-Classements-Annuels.html?year=1997 |title=Classement Singles – année 1997 |language=fr |work=[[Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique]] |access-date=June 4, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326164250/http://www.disqueenfrance.com/fr/pag-259376-Classements-Annuels.html?year=1997 |archive-date=March 26, 2014 }}</ref> |align="center"|29 |- |Germany (Media Control)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/charts/single-jahr/for-date-1997 |title=Top 100 Single-Jahrescharts 1997|language=de |publisher=[[GfK Entertainment]] |access-date=July 15, 2015}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"|13 |- | Norway (VG-lista)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vg.no/rampelys/musikk/lista/html/1997lister.html|title=Årets Mest Populære Singler 1997|publisher=[[VG-lista|VG]]|access-date=March 31, 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980611092609/http://www.vg.no/rampelys/musikk/lista/html/1997lister.html|archive-date=June 11, 1998|url-status=dead|language=no}}</ref> |align="center"|7 |- |Romania (Romanian Top 100)<ref name="rt100"/> |style="text-align:center;"|5 |- |Sweden (Topplistan)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hitlistan.se/|title=Sverigetopplistan - Årslistan 1997 (Note: go to Sök alla listor > Årslistor > Välj år 1997 > Visa!) |access-date=May 28, 2011|language=sv}}</ref> |align="center"|17 |- |Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hitparade.ch/year.asp?key=1997|title=Hitparade.ch - Jahreshitparade 1997|work=Swiss Music Charts|access-date=March 20, 2011|language=de}}</ref> |align="center"|7 |- |UK Singles (OCC)<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Top 100 Singles 1997|magazine=[[Music Week]]|page=27|date=January 17, 1998}}</ref> |align="center|68 |- |US ''Billboard'' Hot 100<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://longboredsurfer.com/charts.php?year=1997 |title=Billboard Top 100 - 1997 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=August 27, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611194337/http://longboredsurfer.com/charts.php?year=1997 |archive-date=June 11, 2009 }}</ref> |align="center"|4 |- |US Adult Contemporary (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0g0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=SL680-PA82|title=The Year in Music 1997: Hot Adult Contemporary Singles & Tracks|magazine=Billboard|volume=109|issue=52|page=YE-82|date=December 27, 1997|access-date=December 30, 2023}}</ref> |align="center"|1 |- |US Adult Top 40 (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0g0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=SL680-PA83|title=The Year in Music 1997: Hot Adult Top 40 Singles & Tracks|magazine=Billboard|volume=109|issue=52|page=YE-83|date=December 27, 1997|access-date=December 30, 2023}}</ref> |align="center"|21 |- |US Dance Club Play (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0g0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=SL680-PA44|title=The Year in Music 1997: Hot Dance Club-Play Singles|magazine=Billboard|volume=109|issue=52|page=YE-44|date=December 27, 1997|access-date=December 30, 2023}}</ref> |align="center"|1 |- |US Hot R&B Singles (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soulsystem.it/yend.asp?date=31/12/1997|title=R&B Rap Hip-Hop Year-End Charts - 1997 - Soul System}}</ref> |align="center"|18 |- |US Maxi-Singles Sales (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0g0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=SL680-PA45|title=The Year in Music 1997: Hot Dance Maxi-Singles Sales|magazine=Billboard|volume=109|issue=52|page=YE-45|date=December 27, 1997|access-date=December 30, 2023}}</ref> |align="center"|2 |- |US Rhythmic Top 40 (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/Billboard-Airplay/1997/BBAM-1997-12-28.pdf|title=Best of '97: Rhythmic Top 40 Singles|magazine=Airplay Monitor|volume=5|issue=52|page=42|date=December 26, 1997|access-date=March 30, 2020|archive-date=February 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226213739/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/Billboard-Airplay/1997/BBAM-1997-12-28.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> |align="center"|6 |- |US Top 40/Mainstream (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/Billboard-Airplay/1997/BBAM-1997-12-28.pdf|title=Best of '97: Top 40/Mainstream Singles|magazine=Airplay Monitor|volume=5|issue=52|page=38|date=December 26, 1997|access-date=March 30, 2020|archive-date=February 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226213739/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/Billboard-Airplay/1997/BBAM-1997-12-28.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> |align="center"|14 |}
===Decade-end charts=== {|class="wikitable" |+Decade-end chart performance for "Un-Break My Heart" !Chart (1990–1999) !Position |- |US ''Billboard'' Hot 100<ref name="1990sbb">{{cite book | author = Geoff Mayfield | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=9w0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=RA1-PA4 | title=''1999 The Year in Music Totally 90s: Diary of a Decade - The listing of Top Pop Albums of the 90s & Hot 100 Singles of the 90s'' |publisher=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]. [[Nielsen Company|Nielsen Business Media, Inc]] | date = December 25, 1999 | access-date = October 15, 2010}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"|4 |}
===All-time charts=== {|class="wikitable" |+All-time chart performance for "Un-Break My Heart" !Chart (1958–2018) !Position |- |US ''Billboard'' Hot 100<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100-60th-anniversary|title=Hot 100 turns 60|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=August 6, 2018}}</ref> | style="text-align:center;"|15 |} {{col-end}}
==Certifications and sales== {{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications and sales for "Un-Break My Heart"}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=1996|certyear=1997|refname=auscert}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Austria|artist=Toni Braxton|title=Un-Break My Heart|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=1996|certyear=1997}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Belgium|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=1997|certyear=1997}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|artist=Toni Braxton|title=Un-Break My Heart|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=1996|certyear=2024|id=13994}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=France|artist=Toni Braxton|title=Un Break My Heart|type=single|award=Gold|certyear=1997}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|artist=Toni Braxton|title=Un-Break My Heart|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=1996|certyear=1997}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Netherlands|artist=Toni Braxton|title=Un-Break My Heart|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=1996|certyear=1997}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|artist=Toni Braxton|title=Unbreak My Heart|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=1996|certyear=1997|id=1997-02-21|source=newchart|access-date=October 24, 2025|note=Physical sales|refname=nzcert1}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|artist=Toni Braxton|title=Unbreak My Heart|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=1996|certyear=2022|source=radioscope|access-date=October 24, 2025|note=Digital sales + streaming|refname=nzcert2}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Norway|type=single|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=1996|certyear=1997|nosales=true}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Sweden|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=1996|relmonth=10|certyear=1997}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Switzerland|artist=Toni Braxton|title=Un-Break My Heart|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=1996|certyear=1997}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|artist=Toni Braxton|title=Un-Break My Heart|type=single|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=2004|certyear=2022|id=7869-243-1|access-date=June 13, 2022|refname=ukcert}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|artist=Toni Braxton|title=Unbreak My Heart|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=1996|certyear=1996|salesamount=2,400,000|salesref=<ref name=bestselling96/><ref name=bestselling97/>|refname=riaa}} {{Certification Table Summary}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Worldwide|title=Un-Break My Heart|artist=Toni Braxton|nocert=true|relyear=1996|salesamount=10,000,000|salesref=<ref>{{Cite book |date=July 16, 2010 |title=Economic Analysis of Music Copyright: Income, Media and Performances |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GYbndQUWxoIC&q=%2210+million+copies%22&pg=PA125 |editor=Springer Science & Business Media |access-date=September 27, 2024}}</ref>}} {{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true}}
==Release history== {|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |+Release dates and formats for "Un-Break My Heart" !scope="col"|Region !scope="col"|Date !scope="col"|Format(s) !scope="col"|Label !scope="col"|{{abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |- !scope="row" rowspan="2"|United States |September 24, 1996 |[[Rhythmic contemporary]] radio |rowspan="8"|[[LaFace Records|LaFace]] |<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1996/R&R-1996-09-20.pdf|title=Selected New Releases|magazine=[[Radio & Records]]|issue=1164|page=49|date=September 20, 1996|access-date=August 21, 2021}}</ref> |- |October 1, 1996 |[[Contemporary hit radio]] |<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/1990s/1996/R&R-1996-09-27.pdf|title=Selected New Releases|magazine=Radio & Records|issue=1165|page=43|date=September 27, 1996|access-date=August 21, 2021}}</ref> |- !scope="row" rowspan="2"|Europe |rowspan="2"|October 7, 1996 |CD single |rowspan="2"|<ref name=ultratop/> |- |Maxi single |- !scope="row"|United Kingdom |October 14, 1996 |{{hlist|CD|cassette}} |<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1996/Music-Week-1996-10-12.pdf|title=New Releases: Singles|magazine=[[Music Week]]|page=31|date=October 12, 1996|access-date=August 21, 2021}}</ref> |- !scope="row"|Sweden |rowspan="2"|November 11, 1996 |CD |<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.click2music.se/product.asp?prd=200&art=61|title=Toni Braxton: Un-Break My Heart|website=click2music.se|language=sv|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020618071156/http://www.click2music.se/product.asp?prd=200&art=61|archive-date=June 18, 2002|access-date=November 29, 2023}}</ref> |- !scope="row"|United States |Remix EP |<ref name=remixes/> |- !scope="row"|Japan |November 21, 1996 |CD |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/285910/products/51784/1/|title=アンブレイク・マイ・ハート {{!}} トニー・ブラクストン|trans-title=Unbreak My Heart {{!}} Toni Braxton|publisher=[[Oricon]]|language=ja|access-date=September 16, 2023}}</ref> |}
==Cover versions== Italian group [[Il Divo]]'s cover of the Spanish version of the track, "Regresa a mí", received positive appreciation from critics, who said the cover "has the potential to be a hit and to open doors for many of opera's most acclaimed stars."<ref name=ildivo/>
American [[alternative rock]] band [[Weezer]] also covered "Un-Break My Heart" in 2005.<ref name="weezer" /> Their version was released on the album ''[[Death to False Metal]]'' in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.americansongwriter.com/2010/10/weezer-cover-un-break-my-heart-an-early-review/|title=Weezer Cover "Un-Break My Heart": An Early Review|last=Schlansky|first=Evan|date=October 12, 2010|access-date=March 25, 2012|publisher=American Songwriting}}</ref> Lead vocalist [[Rivers Cuomo]] explained why the band covered the track:
<blockquote>"I loved that song. It was actually [[Rick Rubin]]'s suggestion. We both loved that song and we both thought it would be great for Weezer, and for my voice, and it'd be great to do like a rock version of it with more of an alternative aesthetic. And you know, just the way I would sing it versus in the way Toni Braxton would sing it. And I love the way it came out, and I think probably the rest of the band really does not like it, and that's probably why it didn't make our [[Make Believe (Weezer album)|fifth record]], in 2005 when we were recording it."<ref name=weezer>{{cite web| url=http://www.americansongwriter.com/2010/10/exclusive-rivers-cuomo-explains-weezers-cover-of-un-break-my-heart/| title=Exclusive: Rivers Cuomo Explains Weezer's Cover Of "Un-Break My Heart| last=Schlansky|first=Evan| date=October 22, 2010| access-date=March 25, 2012| publisher=American Songwriting}}</ref></blockquote>
===Il Divo version=== {{Infobox song | name = Regresa a mí | cover = Il Divo - Regresa a mí.png | alt = | type = single | artist = [[Il Divo]] | album = [[Il Divo (album)|Il Divo]] | language = Spanish | English_title = "Return to Me" | released = 2004 | recorded = 2004 | studio = Metropolis (London, England) | genre = <!-- Do not add unsourced genres --> | length = 4:36 | label = * [[Syco Music|Syco]] * [[Columbia Records|Columbia]] | writer = [[Diane Warren]], Marco Flores (Spanish adaptation) (uncredited) | producer = [[Steve Mac]] | chronology = Il Divo | next_title = My Way (A mi manera) | next_year = 2005 | misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|DJNzmNB48no|"Regresa a Mí"}}}} }} A cover version of Toni Braxton's Spanish-language version of the song, "''Regresa a mí''" (Come Back To Me) was recorded and published as a [[power ballad]] by the multi-national UK-based quartet [[Il Divo]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Caplan|first=David|title=FIRST LISTEN: Il Divo Sings 'Hallelujah'|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20235354,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081025024543/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20235354,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 25, 2008|access-date=December 10, 2013|newspaper=[[People (magazine)|People]]|date=October 23, 2008}}</ref> It was released in 2004 as the first single from their [[Il Divo (album)|debut self-titled album]].
Il Divo manager Simon Cowell bought the rights of the song from Warren.<ref name="IL DIVO">{{Cite web|url = http://www.20minutos.es/minuteca/il-divo/|title = IL DIVO|website=20 Minutos}}</ref> The song was released as the first single from the group's first album ''[[Il Divo (album)|Il Divo]]'', released in 2004.<ref name="IL DIVO"/> The song was recorded at the beginning of 2004 at the Studies Rokstone in London, under the production of the British producer [[Steve Mac]].<ref name="IL DIVO"/> On April 5, 2005, Il Divo appeared on the American television program ''[[The Oprah Winfrey Show]]'' to perform the song.<ref name="IL DIVO"/>
====Charts==== {| class="wikitable sortable" |+ Weekly chart performance for "Regresa a mí" ! Chart (2004–2005) ! Peak<br />position |- {{single chart|France|88|artist=Il Divo|song=Regresa a mi (Unbreak My Heart)|access-date=July 21, 2021}} |- {{single chart|Billboardadultcontemporary|33|artist=Il Divo|access-date=July 21, 2021}} |} {{Clear}}
==See also== * [[List of Billboard Adult Contemporary number ones of 1997]]
==References== {{Reflist}}
==Bibliography== {{Refbegin}} *{{Cite book |last = Willoughby |first = David |title = The World of Music |publisher= McGraw-Hill Higher Education |year = 2009 |isbn = 9780073401416 }} *{{Cite book |last = McCan |first = Bob |title = Encyclopedia of African American actresses in film and television |publisher= McFarland |year = 2010 |isbn = 9780786437900 }} {{Refend}}
==External links== * {{YouTube|p2Rch6WvPJE|Official music video}}
{{Toni Braxton}} {{Toni Braxton singles}} {{Il Divo}}
{{Authority control}}
[[Category:1990s ballads]] [[Category:1996 singles]] [[Category:1996 songs]] [[Category:2004 singles]] [[Category:Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles]] [[Category:Breakup songs]] [[Category:Columbia Records singles]] [[Category:Contemporary R&B ballads]] [[Category:European Hot 100 Singles number-one singles]] [[Category:Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance]] [[Category:Grammy Award for Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical]] [[Category:Il Divo songs]] [[Category:LaFace Records singles]] [[Category:Music videos directed by Bille Woodruff]] [[Category:Number-one singles in Austria]] [[Category:Number-one singles in Romania]] [[Category:Number-one singles in Sweden]] [[Category:Number-one singles in Switzerland]] [[Category:Pop ballads]] [[Category:Song recordings produced by David Foster]] [[Category:Songs about heartache]] [[Category:Songs written by Diane Warren]] [[Category:Syco Music singles]] [[Category:Toni Braxton songs]] [[Category:Torch songs]] [[Category:Ultratop 50 Singles (Wallonia) number-one singles]]