Spanish Guitar 24th Anniversary

24 years ago today Toni Braxton released the third single "Spanish Guitar" from her third studio album "The Heat" (2000) on September 11, 2000 by LaFace Records and Arista Records. The song was written by Diane Warren and produced by David Foster. 

The song received mixed reviews from music critics. Stephen Thomas Erlewine from AllMusic called it "an effective ballad" and picked it one of the best songs of the album, alongside "He Wasn't Man Enough" and "Just Be a Man About It". CD Universe was largely positive, writing that "the appropriately titled 'Spanish Guitar' marks an interruption of the other songs' predominantly electronic textures while remaining consistent with the sensuous, romantic mood." Barry Walters wrote favorably for Rolling Stone, stating that "Braxton's supple alto rests easily within mainstream R&B's smooove sonic furniture, her croons displaying husky quirks as the track goes through the multiplatinum motions on 'Spanish Guitar,' a Latin-conscious 'Un-Break My Heart' clone."

The music video for "Spanish Guitar" opens with Braxton floating on top of the water. The scene quickly changes to a crowded cafe and centers on a man (portrayed by Kamar de los Reyes) playing the guitar. The scene changes to a modern white and red room where Braxton, wearing a red dress, sings her longing to be in his arms. There are several shots of him playing the guitar with the guitar morphing into Braxton in his arms. Towards the end, he and Braxton have a dance scene together. The video ends into a fade-out of Braxton in bed, with a guitar. The video was directed by Billie Woodruff, who also directed the videos for "Un-Break My Heart", "He Wasn't Man Enough", and "Just Be a Man About It".

The song charted better in Europe and Canada than the U.S. (#98 Billboard Hot 100). It reached #1 in Croatia, Top 3 in Poland (#3), Top 20 in Romania (#12), Netherlands (#17), Top 30 in Canada (#22), Czech Republic (#24), Austria (#28), Top 40 in Belgium (#32), Switzerland (#36), France (#37), Italy (#38), and Top 50 in Australia (#44), Germany (#45), and Sweden (#49). The song failed to chart in the United Kingdom. 

Check out a live performance on Top of the Pops from 2000 below.