How Many Ways


"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, while production was helmed by Herbert. The song is built around a sample of "God Make Me Funky" 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 US Billboard Hot 100 on January 21, 1995. A remix version of "How Many Ways", produced by R. Kelly, also was released to radio and music television stations. An accompanying music video features Braxton and actor Shemar Moore riding in a car, frolicking in a playground, and on a veranda.

Critical reception

Larry Flick from Billboard magazine 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?" Ralph Tee from the Record Mirror Dance Update called it a "somewhat stodgy ballad", but praised Braxton's "top-of-the-range soul vocal."

Music video

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

Track listings

US double A-side CD/cassette single
  1. "I Belong to You" – 4:21
  2. "I Belong to You" – 5:41
  3. "I Belong to You" – 3:53
  4. "How Many Ways" – 5:46
  5. "How Many Ways" – 4:45
  6. "How Many Ways" – 4:17US 12-inch maxi single
  7. "How Many Ways" – 5:46
  8. "How Many Ways" – 7:02
  9. "How Many Ways" – 6:53
  10. "I Belong to You" – 4:21
  11. "I Belong to You" – 5:41
  12. "I Belong to You" – 5:57US promotional CD single
  13. "How Many Ways" – 4:20
  14. "How Many Ways" – 4:02
  15. "How Many Ways" – 4:17
  16. "How Many Ways" – 4:17

Credits and personnel

Credits lifted from Toni Braxtons liner notes.
  • 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