Lately I haven’t really been in the mood to write any opinions since my idol passed away but then I thought I should write an opinion on her beautiful music. She was a very talented woman and even though she is gone her music should still be recognised.
Firstly I cannot believe nobody has written an opinion on this magnificent album before! It is such a classic and even though it was released in 1994 it is still a brilliant album and people should go out and here it! This album has certainly not passed its sell by date! Its brilliant! It’s not like other albums of that time, it’s different and so good to listen to!
It is hard to believe but I’ve been listening to Aaliyah’s music since I was about nine years old. My brother was and still is a huge fan of hers, and he bought quite a lot of her singles. At first I was forced to listen to her music but I definitely grew to love it. It was because of his loud speakers I came to hear her songs.
This album was given to me a few years after its release. I had heard of Aaliyah from “back and forth” fame so I was quite interested in hearing what kind of music she sang. I was curious because I really liked “back and forth” and thought if any of the other songs were anything like “back and forth” then I would adore this album, and I did! It was definitely my kind of music.
The album has fast up beat hip hop tunes and other softer and sweeter
ballads, it’s definitely a mix of music genres.
I had heard when she released this album she was only 14. Trust me when I heard this album she does not sound 14. I was shocked she sang the album when she was so young. She had genuine talent unlike a lot of young artists. The music is really mature and they’re all really good and enjoyable to listen to. If you’re thinking because a young teen sang this its not very serious but in fact Aaliyah was 100% serious to get this album perfect and it is! :) At the time of release of the album Aaliyah wouldn’t tell people her age just to be taken seriously because she claimed she wanted people to recognise her music, not her age.
R. Kelly produced the album. He wrote every single song besides Track 6 “At your best”. The album was very street just like Aaliyah’s style. She looked completely different to what she looked like before she died. The pictures inside the album cover are quite cute because she looks like a little kid!
The cover of the album is also quite good. Aaliyah is leaning against a wall with her trademark baggy clothes and sunglasses. In the corner of the cover it also says (ah – lee – yah) which is how you pronounce her name. Once the cover is unfolded out there is a larger full-length image of Aaliyah wearing her street clothes.
INTRO – “Listen to instructions carefully” This is an intro to the album, it has a gospel choir vibe until Aaliyah starts to hum to music, a nice start to the album.
THROW YOUR HANDS – “The time has finally come to say my peace” A great feel good song. This song has excellent beats and the rap is really good as well! A classic!
BACK AND FORTH – “It’s just the L I Y A H” definitely my favourite song off the album, I absolutely adore this song! This was Aaliyah’s first single and was a huge hit in the states. The song also has a rap, which R. Kelly does. It definitely adds an edge to the song. The video to this song was also very street and was definitely perfect for the song.
AGE AINT NOTHING BUT A NUMBER – “throwing down ain't nothing but a thang” A much slower song which is definitely a song to chill out to. Its got great lyrics and the beats are soft and very enjoyable to listen to. I absolutely love the intro. Definitely a classic!
DOWN WITH THE CLIQUE – “let me hear you say (I'm down wit it)” This song is just so cool. I love the beats and the rap on top of Aaliyah’s singing adds such an edge it just sounds so chill out!
AT YOUR BEST (YOU ARE LOVE) – “Confusion can give way to doubt” This song is so slow and sultry. Its just so relaxing, it has soft beats and a piano and Aaliyah’s angelic voice makes it perfect. The intro to this song is just so nice, when u hear her voice you can’t believe she’s only 14!
NO ONE KNOWS HOW TO LOVE ME QUITE LIKE YOU DO – “Liyah you're the only one for me” This song starts out slow but turns out to be a hip hop song which is definitely dancing material. It has good beats and the intro to the song definitely highlights Aaliyah’s beautiful voice.
I’M SO INTO YOU – “Baby can't you see I got a thing for you” this song is so great because its got great lyrics and the beats are good. It’s a very catchy song, I kept singing it after I heard it for the first time, the chorus especially! The rapping is also good on the song.
STREET THING – “You and me got a street thing going on” a sweet slow song, its got sweet lyrics and I enjoy chilling out to it. Aaliyah’s voice sounds quite different in this song but she still sounds great.
YOUNG NATION – “Young nation under a groove” A smooth song which has really soft beats. It’s a slow and I love it because it’s so soft.
OLD SCHOOL – a slightly faster tune, which is really good to listen to, it’s got a soft side and an edge to it. I know this song is a classic for many people, and for me, it just brings back brilliant memories!
I'M DOWN – “Put a message in a bottle baby” This is really a brilliant tune, which is such a hip hop tune, its got great beats and Aaliyah sounds great singing the lovely lyrics.
THE THING I LIKE – “Boy you know just what to do when it comes down to lovin' me” This song is just brilliant. It is such a feel good song and the beats are brilliant. She sings really well on this song. I love the tune and it’s a very catchy tune. I always remembered hearing it on the radio because it was definitely a classic.
BACK AND FOURTH (REMIX) – This is the remix of track 2, it is a good version and I love it, it sounds similar yet very different! R. Kelly and Mr. Lee did the remix and it had more rapping and much more heavier beats. It is catchier than the original.
This album is definitely a classic, it brings back memories of the early nineties and the songs are just pure class and definitely of quality. R. Kelly rapped really well on some of the tracks and he definitely produced some excellent tracks here.
Aaliyah never worked with R. Kelly after this album and moved along to some top producers like Missy Elliot and Timbaland who gave her, her own definitive style.
If you like hip-hop and R’n’b you should most definitely check this album out, its Aaliyah’s debut album and it is a brilliant debut for that. This album was simply superb because I enjoyed every single song, which is definitely something good because I rarely enjoy all the songs off one album. This album will always be a classic to me and if you ever get the chance to listen to it, you wont be sorry! Trust me!
I loved this album and was listening to it from an early age like you due to my brother! This is the one album of hers that I will always listen too. Great review x
base453 08.06.2004 22:15
This is a great review. Aaliyah deserved and earned her worldwide respect as she was truly a outstanding preformer and its great to see that such a beatiful and talented artist is loved by many and missed. base453 great op
eve6kicksass 13.11.2003 14:52
You know, Chicky, have to be honest...I've never heard a song by Aaliyah...I know, dont worry...I hitch my ass over to HMV when I can to pick up a copy...I will also give Justin Timberlake a chance in the process. Chris xxxxx
Advantages: Brilliantly Talented Artist, R&B, Soul & Hip-Hop In A Near Perfect Blend. Disadvantages: Hard To Find Any, In My Opinion, There Could Have Been Different Songs.
exceptional by (2%):
very helpful by (98%):
