Aaliyah

Ahead of The Time... Just Wait

Review Score:

(10/10)
Many times there are instant classic albums, but this is not one of those. Aaliyah's self titled album is almost a guide to where R&B is headed. In a truly disappointing world of bubble gum artist and albums, this was a total breath of fresh air. Just listen to the album, and compare it to R&B and pop of 2004 and you will realize that this album kicked down the door of music Genre's forever.

It begins with "We Need A Resolution" the craziest beat ever, next comes "Loose Rap" which is the R&B version of Jay-z "Dirt of Your Shoulder's". "Rock the Boat" is the baby-maker 4 sho'! Next is "More than a Woman" the title says it all. "Never no More" takes on the issue of domestic violence a once never-touched subject by a pop artist. The next song maybe one of the greatest ballads of all time, "I Care 4 U" is a timeless classic that has an old-school feel way before Kanye West "Classic R&B" songs. "Extra Smooth" is a cool groove not my favorite but cool. It took me a few times to get into "Read Between The Lines" because of it's complex beat and phrasing but it has become one of my favorites, and the horns are so complementing to her voice.

The last half of the CD is a beautiful struggle between love and hate that starts off with "U Got Nerve" it's cool but sort of advanced. "I Refuse" is one of the songs better understood live, fortunately I got a chance to hear it live on a radio interview. The busy beat of "I Refuse" over shadows what could have been a classic. "It's Whatever" make my soul light up with the airiness and the genuine affection of her voice, this song is Aaliyah. The next track "I Can Be" showcases why she was the future of R&B, and her growth as a woman. On "Those Were the Days" she shows here human longing for a good man, which makes this song sexy. "What If" is another song that grew on me the beat is crazy and "Wow Aaliyah can get mad?!" "Messed Up" the finally, sort of like a message to the world that you don't know what you've got till it's gone and we didn't.

Although the album received solid reviews and has sold over 4.5 million copies worldwide it has not reached the status it should have. Like the title of this article just wait because pretty soon we will realize how complete and true this album is.

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