Who else has this album?

It would have to be one of my favourite purchases over the last couple of years...packed wall-to-wall with hits and would-be hits, hip hop beats, gentle ballads, and some rock-ier stuff.

And much of it seems very Prince-influenced, I mean apart from the Timbaland tracks.

"What If" (second favourite track)
"I Refuse"
"I Care 4 U" (Missy and Timbaland)
"I Can Be"

all very Prince-ish. As well as that, it's got More Than A Woman which is a beat if I ever heard on, and We Need A Resolution, etc etc.

Overall, a great album...

Opinions?

ecnirpnz said:

Will total agreement with what you just said do?

One of my favourite albums. Some people have said to me that with female R'n'B singers it's all about the producer, one vocalist just replaces another when trends change. I disagree. Aaliyah was something special. I think this album will always remain fresh for me.

I love this album!

What a talent the world lost. She was about 2 explode all over the place...

I think God took her cuz we mere folks were just not ready 4 her!!!

I love her work too although I'm still partial to "One In A Million" since that was the height of my love for her. I think "Rock the Boat" was one of the best combinations of single and video in recent memory. I went to the candlelight vigil held at her private school last year. It was a beautiful thing. I miss her

TRON said:

It WAS beautiful. Nathan and I bought a $25 lavendar candle and lit it for her. As for "Aaliyah," I adore it. "I Care 4 U" is so tender and sensuous- it debuted at #67 on the Billboard Hot 100 this week! Other non-single highlights include "Loose Rap" (would have been a great single), "Never No More" (great emotion), "Extra Smooth" (funky!), "I Refuse" (very powerful) and "It's Whatever" (smooth and breezy a-la "Rock the Boat"). This album is a must-have for anyone interested in her career. It shows a lot of promise for the future.

It was my very first Aaliyah purchase, and although some of the songs are a bit predictable, the great ones outweigh those others so much that it's a keeper.

Aaliyah had a lot of potential. She didn't have a great voice, but she had a capable voice. It's very much like Janet Jackson's at times.

The very first song by Aaliyah that I liked was the one from the Doctor Doolittle soundtrack. Since I didn't want to buy the whole thing for one song I never bought it, and I can't remember the name of it but it was a real big hit a few years ago. Oh! I think it was "Are You That Somebody?"

Before that I don't ever remember hearing anything by her that I KNEW was by her.

Months prior to her death I remember hearing one song off of her last album that I liked a lot, but wasn't convinced that I should buy her album. Then months after her death I'd hear a couple of other songs, "More Than A Woman," and "Extra Smooth" played on my dish network sattelite system. I figured it was time I bought an Aaliyah album.

Like I said, the songs on it that I consider strong outweigh the predictable ones - even if they don't outnumber the predictable ones. It's extremely obvious she had potential yet to be reached, like most recording artists who die young.

There's some real creative tracks on her last album, and it's clearly why they never got play on Clear Channel controlled radio. I guess now I'll look into buying her second album "One In A Million."

In about a week or so it'll be the one year anniversary of her death. It's still hard to believe that she AND Lisa Lopes are gone. And it's a shame because of the total negligence that took those 8 or 9 people away in that plane crash.

Well...I have this album and it reminds me of nothing from Prince. Maybe 'Rock the boat' but not even. Her lyrics and music is nothing like Prince for many obvious reasons.

I think Aaliyah's 'look' might be 'Prince influenced', like the eye liner she wears and the hairstyle. She looked like she was into Prince. Especially when I saw 'Romeo must die', that made me believe that even more. Remember the 'Purple Rain' poster on her wall? To me, that was just her, and not the character of the girl she played.

I very much enjoyed listening to her music also from day one, since 'Back and Forth'. I also loved 'Age ain't nuthin' but a number, and I loooved 'One in million'. That was my all time favorite. I also liked 'If your girl only knew' and 'Are you that somebody'.

Seriously, I was very, very sad when I heard of her death, and couldn't hardly believe it like so many. All those people expressing their condolescnes on AOL, hey, I was one of them. Not just once, but many times. I really felt that man. She had far to go, but I'm glad she accomplished as much as she did, and left behind some songs that made and left her mark with us. God bless.
[This message was edited Fri Aug 16 15:46:01 PDT 2002 by Starmist7]

I like the Aaliyah cd alot ,
plus the one in a million was also good
my favorite song from that one is

THE ONE I GAVE MY HEART TO

How could the one I gave my heart to, break my heart so bad?
How could the one who made me happy, make me feel so sad?
Won't somebody tell me, so I can understand...
If you love me, how could you hurt me like that?

How could the one I gave my world to, throw my world away?
How could the one who said I love you, say the things you say?
How could the one I was so true to, just tell me lies?
How could the one I gave my heart to, break this heart of mine?
Tell me...

How could you be so cold to me?
When I gave you everything
All my love, all I had inside
How could you just walk out the door?
How could you not love me anymore?
I thought we had forever
I can't understand

how do u rate her vocals overall? please analyze.

aaliyah was my favorite female vocalist and tlc was my favorite group so you can imagine how i feel. Their style was so similar to mine. the street but sweet and the baggy look was a strong look for me being a hip hop dancer and all. I really miss both of the girls. I keep magazines on my coffee table to remind me that the little stupid things i get mad about aren't worth it because life is short and i forget that sometimes.

I bought the album after her untimely death and a year later, I still haven't listened to the entire thing. The songs I did like however have all been ran into the ground by mainstream radio & video.

-Rock The Boat
-More Than Woman (I was jammin' this before it got played out, now I can't listen to it anymore)
-It's Whatever
-I Care 4 U
-Extra Smooth (still nice a year later)
-We Need A Resolution (kinda boring now)

In retrospect, I still haven't listened to the whole thing so I can't give a complete opinion on it, but I enjoyed her "One In A Million" album way more.

R.I.P. Aaliyah, I still can't believe she's gone and it makes me mad to think about it.


"The girlies is free, cause the crack costs money, OH YEAH!" -BPD

TRUNKS said:

wow...

She had a "IT" about Her to Me.She wasn't the Greatest at anything or even really close to it but be it Music or Film or Hosting a TV Show etc... you Knew it was Her.I liked Her First Album with R.Kelly Producing Her the Best overall of Her Albums IMHO.She wasn't Timberland's Factory Product or Missy's Aaliyah like so Few Especially Nowadays Had Her Own Vibe.to Me She was the Female Version of 2Pac Because they had no limits as far they could go.they both FLipped the Script when things didn't look so Good&Re-Invented themselves to Shine Even Brighter than Before&were both I Believe gonna truly Shine on the Big Screen.

TRUNKS said:

You know, Aaliyah used to be up there in my list as a favorite vocalist, but I heard her sing live once and I wasn't impressed, but it also could've been all of the dancing she was doing, but I'm not sure, because too many artists I've seen and heard singing while they are standing still and still they sound nothing like how you hear them on the radio or the player (Mary J. for instance at the Apollo when she sang "Sweet thang"). I know that most popular artists' voice are produced at studios, but still they must have some type of vocal ability for me to put them on my A list. (Okay, for instance, Ashanti is definetely not there).

But I did hear a lot of praise for Aaliyah when she sang "The one I gave my heart to" at an awards show. She was was given much credit for her vocal ability and efforts. But I do very much enjoy listening to her soulful heavenly voice every now and then on my radio or CD player.

May Aaliyah rest in peace.
[This message was edited Sat Aug 17 16:08:08 PDT 2002 by Starmist7]

I liken Aaliyah to Marilyn Monroe, on a hip-hop R & B tip. Beautiful, inside and out. She most definitely left her mark on the world, more so than other R & B acts...even those who have had more commercial success. There was a mysterious side to her, that intrigued me. It is almost the 1 year anniversary of her transition to the next life...August 25th. We did not lose her, heaven gained another angel. She will be remembered 4 ever. I would love to see her image imoritalized on clothing and on artwork...kinda like Andy Warhol did with the Marily Monroe image. Being from Detroit...I am proud to claim her as one of our own (though born in New York). My prayers go out to her brother Rashaad Haughton and her entire family, as well as her love, Damon Dash, CEO of Rockafella Records. WE LOVE U BABYGIRL! I WISH U HEAVEN AALIYAH!

I REALLY like this album. My faves are Rock the Boat, More Than a Woman, Extra Smooth & Can I Talk To You.

I wasn't into We Need a Resolution - I waited until Rock the Boat dropped to get it. More Than a Woman is my new favorite.

I was always hit & miss w/ Aaliyah. I bought One in a Million b/c the title song is so great, but the rest of the album wasn't that cool so I sold it back. The remixes of Hot Like Fire & If Your Girl Only Knew are so good I bought them separately, they still sound good.

There was always something about Aaliyah that seemed special. She didn't have a great, powerful voice but it was sweet & seemed honest somehow. I'm still sad that she died & in such a tragic way. Beautiful, talented, about to be a budding actress... such a shame.

why do these no-talents only get famous after they die ?
most ppl had never heard of her until she died
(especially outside the US)

CRAP

On the contrary, my Australian friend, she was a fairly successful R&B singer. Her exposure was likely about to cross over even more into the pop arena -- not to mention her burgeoning film career.

I find that it wasn't so much that NO ONE had heard of her. It's often that, in the States, OLDER WHITES were unfamiliar with her and were left scratching their heads when she died. The mystery was probably greater for such outside of America. I can only guess.

I see a parallel in the ignorance about her talent and in the ignorance that greeted Selena's passing. And, that demographic that was unfamiliar with both women (sadly) tends to assume they must have been all hype. But -- whether it's Tejano,R&B or a "less familiar" music form -- it seems to be relegated to a social ghetto as unimportant/nonexistant/marginal material.

justanotherasshole said:

I might have thought the same thing had I not been exposed to her music.


That's not Aaliyah's fault. A lot of people have never heard of Jeff Buckley either, it doesn't mean he wasn't talented or didn't have potential. Get some perspective.

ThreadBare said:

wow ! i just had to log in to say thanks for such a great response. i love aaliyah and i miss her a lot. a lot of her fans will be doing something in rememberance for her on the 25th and i will be one of them.

and while i'm here i'll say that i love her new cd. every song is good i think and she showed such growth from her last cd. i couldn't believe how good it was when i first herad it. i expected it to be good but i had no idea how far out she would go with her ideas. the worst words i ever heard in my life was when my friend called me and told me that aaliyah had died. i screamed and my mind has not been the same since. i still get angry about it. such potential and talent...just gone like that.

since tomorrow will be the aniversary of aaliyah's death her fans will be holding a candlelight vigil in nyc at 6:45pm in times square.
.
i don't live in new york so i'm gonna do something here at home. i'll probably play her cd's all day and watch video tapes i have of her and maybe write and i'll definitly be online with other fans to share our feelings like we have been doing for the pst year.

the vigil is organized by a group of online fans like myself who love aaliyah and lost our angel on the 25th of last year.

here's the info for those of you who would like to attend. is anyone here going ?

You are invited to the Aaliyahonline Candle Light Vigil - Rain or
Shine
Organized by Aaliyahonline.com and UrbanFanWorld.com

On August 25, 2002 at 6:45pm we encourage you step outside, light a
candle and take a moment of silence to remember Aaliyah. During that
time, fans are invited to join Quinn Mallory of Aaliyahonline.com as
he lights a candle in Times Square between MTV and the Virgin Mega
Store. Other AO staff members will be joining him. Everyone is
welcome, come as you are, bring a candle, but for planning purposes
if you can email us at aovigil@a... and let us know if you plan to
attend it would be greatly appreciated.

NYPD is assisting us in getting a spot and it would be helpful to
monitor how many people are coming. Currently we are expecting about
125 people to attend.
Additional information: Due to overwhelming response, the vigil will
be held on the island between 44th and 43rd st and Broadway. We can
legally assemble peacefully without a permit as long we have no music
or microphones as long as we do not block traffic or pedestrians.
This is directly from the NYPD. We are asking everyone to behave
responsibly and join in observing the moment. The vigil will start
with candles being lit at 6:45pm and end at 7:15pm. We ask that you
peacefully dispearse after the vigil. We thank you in advance for
your cooperation in the beginning of this soon to be yearly event.


The key is not to block traffic or pedestrians. If the island is
full, please assemble peacefully nearby without blocking traffic or
pedestrians. If blocking occurs, the vigil may be endangered. Please
respect others as we pay our respects to Aaliyah.

Thanks,

Some of ya'll folks are DEAD WORNG about the sistah. 4 those who said she didn't have a great voice, I suggest you 2 take a listen at:

-At your best you're loved-Mr.Bigs himslef said she's the BEST one from the long list of artists who covered Isly Bros music. I 4 couldn't believe she was 14 when she sang that song.

-Street thang-R.Kelly said in a chat interview that Aaliyah is the BEST artist he produced 4 and she pre4med his music in the most perfect ways, just like the way he wanted to. And he mentioned this song as an example.

-I care 4 you-In the hottest weather, I feel COLD everytime I hear this song. Damn Missy, that girl know how to make music.

-Journey to the past-PPl prasied and gave her props when she pre4med it in the Oscars. Next thing, the white house called her to sing 4 'em.

-Never no more-You could tell she's highly influenced by the Isly Bros.

-Choosey lover-Another remarkable Isly Bros cover.

Take a listen at these songs and I DARE YA to say she don't have a great voice. Say she don't have a STRONG or FUNKY voice then I won't have problem wit you but saying she don't have a GREAT voice?? Then I suggest you to clean your DEF ears cuz they're sho nuff full with durt.

And 4 those who said Aaliyah is a Missy/Tim factory, its the other way around. Missy was nothing but a rapper in a girl group called SISTA and Tim was nothing but a DJ scratcher 4 Jodici, she invited them in and 2ghether they made FUNKY BEATIFUL music. Later on TV shows, they gave her the credit 4 that saying if she didn't offer them that then they wouldn't be recognized. Set yo facts str8 ppl

Oh yeah her best song is 'Rock the boat'.

Harlepolis said:

No you just have an opinion that is different than most people about her voice.



Its not like R. Kelly was exactly objective considering his past relationship with her.



Newsflash; she didnt have a great voice. A great voice would be a strong one too, wouldn't it? Yes. Youre probably emotional because it's the 1 year anniversary of her death, but I didnt see anyone say anything bad about her in this thread. It's not a criticism of the person Aaliyah to say she did not have a great voice. Her voice was good enough to achieve what she did.

Wolf said:

& what she did was good stuff.

She died a year ago today/yesterday.

Aaliyah2001 i never got,but i heard various tracks from it which were cool,

i still perfer one in a million

Wolf said:

Admittedly,Aaliyah didn't have a strong voice (I've always felt she sounded a little like Janet).But did you guys ever hear her vocals on her 1996 single "The One I Gave My Heart To"? She was really SINGING on that song!

Aaliyah didn't have a strong voice but she was a well-rounded talent. I think the industry was more tripped out about her death because she was about to blow up fo real with the Matrix movies.

I've always liked Aaliyah because she would take chances with her music (with the help from Timbaland).

I know all the pre-teens (and I have one) really tripped out about her death. It was a real loss for some.


I have nothing bad to say about Aaliyah and I did really enjoy her last release.

I love her 1998 song "Are You That Somebody?".The video has some of the best choreography I've ever seen!

DavidEye said:

Complete with babysqueal sample from the 1999 album.

Basically all Aaliyah's singles were tight, there'll be a wonderful "Greatest Hits" CD eventually.