I discovered an album that was very different from what I expected. As well as several amazingly listenable uptempo tracks, their were some really lovely ballads. The track "It's Whatever" almost makes me cry everytime I hear it. The song sounds so sad, and her voice is so beautiful and fits perfectly.

Many of my friends and my cousin think this album is not that good, but I think they missed the point of this album. Well done Aaliyah, may you rest in peace.


Aaliyah---Still One in a Million   July 23, 2001
Haygn (Denver, CO)
17 out of 17 found this review helpful

It has now been five years since Aaliyah's last studio album "One in a Million", and I can see that the time off was well spent. The singer did not rush back into the studio trying to catch lightning in a bottle and call it an album, but crafted what is sure to be a top 10 release. On "Aaliyah" the singer explores a range of different musical styles. Though radio didn't fall in love with the first single, "We Need a Resolution," the cut does manage to establish its groove. Even better is the erotic "Rock the Boat" in which the singer challenges her love interest to "work the middle" and "change positions". Another standout track from the album is the smooth "It's Whatever" which seems perfectly in line with Aaliyah's soft, breathy vocal. Also impressive is the socially conscious "Never No More" on which Aaliyah recounts the history of an abusive relationship. In all, Aaliyah labored an brought for a respectable album. Though Alicia Keys she is not, Aaliyah breathes life into this album as only she could. I just hope that I won't have to wait until 2006 for the next.


Eclectic, Smooth, Powerful   July 18, 2001
A.H. (New York)
19 out of 20 found this review helpful

It's simply great. Far from the conventional and hyper-commercial albums that have invaded the music industry those days, Aaliyah is undoubtedly one of the best r'n'b album of the year, where Aaliyah's pure voice is underlined by a smooth, effective production signed by Timbaland (on 3 tracks, the irresistibly arabic "We need a resolution", the future hit "More than a woman" and the emotional retro-modern "I care 4 U") and Rapture/Eric Seats (on most of the titles).

Highlights include, not to mention the Timbaland-produced cuts, "Extra Smooth" (my personal favorite) that mixes RnB rhythms with a brilliant jazzy/hip hop atmosphere, "I Refuse" where the powerful lyrics meet orchestral arrangements, the jazzy-inspired "Read between the lines" and the heady "Loose Rap", but each track has its own vibe, its own personality, its own flavor.

At the junction of many different musical genres (R'n'B, hip hop, jazz, ska,...), Aaliyah combines catchy chorus and credible lyrics with a personal and eclectic touch. All in all, this new attempt, her best yet (so much better than the monotonous One In A Million) is a REAL MUST HAVE, that takes ( at last!) contemporary R'n'B to another level.


more than an woman . . . an angel   September 15, 2001
mikah tequila (cali)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

this is the third effort from r&b superstar and legend, Aaliyah. i've heard many people say that it sounds nothing like her "one in a million" cd, and they're right. this may be due to the change in producers and writers (mostly done by static from playa), either way it was a very smart move. there are still 3 wonderful timabaland-produced tracks on here, though. this cd definitely gave Aaliyah the much needed and appreciated style and variety that many artists fail to achieve and was even appraised by rolling stone as one of the most original r&b albums of the year wit the likes of missy's "miss e so addictive" and outkast's "stankonia." she was only beginning to scratch the surface of all that she was capable of, through this cd.

-we need a resolution: definitely expanded and played on different areas of vocals that Aaliyah had never touched on before. great timbaland beat, with soulful and genuine lyrics.

-loose rap: great chorus with a great melody. Aaliyah can definitely hold a tune very well. a nice soul/alternative vibe. one line in this cd definitely describes the new vibe and style of this cd, "we got something for all the fools, it aint just rhythm and blues."

-rock the boat: a beautiful explosion of sexy vocals and amazing lyrics. definitely shows her evolution into a real woman, able of being suggestive, yet maintaining her class all at the same time. one of the cd's many highlights.

-more than a woman: another awesome timbaland track with amazing lyrics and vocals. a simple yet creative chorus really displays all of Aailyah's talent and beauty. she shot this video a couple of weeks before her unfortunate and puzzling death and is planned on being released after "rock the boat."

-never no more: really touches on Aaliyah's new experimental style. a nice, consistent beat showcases lyrics with a great message. another prime example of a good song with real meaning.

-i care 4 u: the third and last timbaland-produced song on this amazing album. very slow and soulful. gives off a real big ghetto-fied soul vibe, like something out of the whole "Shaft" era. very comforting lyrics and vocals.

-extra smooth: one of my favorite tracks. phat beat. indescribable. a great example of why Aaliyah is identified in the r&b, soul and hip-hop crowds.

-read between the lines: intriguing beat. enticing lyrics and creative chorus and verses where Aaliyah's vocals are fluctuated and played with. remind's me of joe's "stutter" but a lot more soulful and funky.

-u got nerve: give's off a real "u buggin me" vibe wit a lot of attitude. still, one of the few times aaliyah lets loose. she fully deserves this and is wise enough to not let that control the content of her career. especially in a world where that's all female artists are capable of doing these days: complaining.

-i refuse: very original and creative beat backed up by a soulful orchestra. Aaliyah's sad, heartbroken vocals really touch something inside me. that's how u can tell a real artist from the rest.

-it's whatever: a beautiful and genuinely heart-felt song. amazing hip hop beat. absolutely beautiful lyrics and vocals. if there's one song i want to remember Aaliyah by, then it's this track. makes my eyes water every time.

-i can be: written by tank, this is one of the many tracks that shows Aaliyah's bravery, diving into and experimenting with all different kinds of music. many r&b stars have tried to attempt this too (en vouge's "free your mind. etc.) but so many times have failed, trying too hard to pick up on an un-needed arrogant vibe and attitude. Aaliyah obviously knows what she's doing here. all other artists, take notes.

-those were the days: a beatiful alternative/soul song with a nice beat and wonderful chorus. this is the song where i realized just how well aaliyah's vocals and static's lyrics go with each other.

-what if: an amazing rock/hip hop vibe. never ever did i think that a mixture of these two genras could successfully be pulled off. but if u want something impossible done, leave it to Aaliyah.

-messed up: this extra track is laced up with a sick beat and a funky, bumpin, and contagious chorus.

Aaliyah's untimley death left me very confused. many nights i cried myself to sleep, full of so many questions. the only thing that will ever get anyone through any tragedy is realizing that they are in a better place. Aaliyah definitely is. i realized, through time, that I was lucky to have gotten to expereince all that i did from her. yes, i would've appreciated a couple more albums and some more videos but i realized it would be selfish of me to wish her back to such an ugly world. i guess the only place an angel like Aaliyah belongs is in heaven.

Aaliyah Dana Haughton
January 16, 1979 ~ August 25, 2001
Rest in Peace


Order is Restored with So Much Style   July 23, 2001
Enlightened (Atlanta Georgia)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

Well with Aaliyah growin up into a Woman at least she hasnt lost her style. This lp sounds more mature than the other two and it should. Gone are the little girlie topics like Are you That Somebody, 4 page Letter, Street Thing, Im So Into You. Instead now she wants you to Rock Her Boat. She tackles more Adult subjects like abuse on Never No More. Gone is Timbalands genius production( not completely...contributing three songs). But Rapture, E Seats, J. Dub and Budda do an excellent job regardless. Her voice has gotten much stronger. This Album sonically and musically is more of a lean towards the first one Age Aint Nothin But A number.

Songs like Rock the Boat, More Than A Woman, and I care For U display this type and are some of the best songs. Also Loose Rap with its superior chorus. Extra Smooth and It's Whatever are also tight. Those were the Days has some rock influences as does What If.

The song We Need A Resolution, you can chalk that in with her other classic songs such as Try Again and One In A Million. It is the obvious gem but suprisingly not the best song. As a matter of fact I cant even pick a best song with so many great songs like I Refuse, U Got Nerve and Messed up as well as the aforementioned ones.

Without Timbaland production this isnt a bang in the car album. and with so many slow jams it is doubtful you would play this anywhere near ya boys. It doesnt have the type of appeal that One In A Million had. But it is PERFECT when ya with ya girl. As Much as I love One In A Million( always be my FAVORITE), This is the BETTER album and her BEST one make no mistake about it. A must have.