Aaliyah
by Aaliyah
  • Record Label: Virgin
  • Release Date: Jul 17, 2001
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 107 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 86 out of 107
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 107
  3. Negative: 13 out of 107

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  1. MarlinB.
    Aug 9, 2001
    6
    I FELT IT COULD HAVE BEEN A LIL MORE UP BEAT , I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BY THE FIRST IMPRESSION OF "RESOLUTION" THAT THIS WOULD BE A "DISSAPOINTING" ALBUM, NOT LIKE HER PAST WORK WITH ONE IN A MILLION DID SHE SEARVE THE SAME LOVE THAT SHE LACKED 2 SONGS OUT OF THIS WHOLE ALBUM, WELL 3 WITH "RESOLUTION" WHATS YOUR PROBLEM AALIYAH, CAN WE HELP YOU RESOLVE IT.
  2. Hubert
    Aug 6, 2001
    9
    She's the bomb ! Cool grooves, fluid vocals, catchy lyrics (somewhat funny). She's a good a one ! Rock the boat !
  3. TP
    Sep 8, 2001
    10
    Every track is a winner. I really like the ballad "I Care 4 U". It's hot. "We Need A Resolution" and "Loose Rap" are infectious. Aaliyah handles the sultry laid back style that makes her music great. She's not trying to be anyone but Aaliyah. She is true to herself and the music and lyrics that her producers and writers created. I've respected and enjoyed her talent and Every track is a winner. I really like the ballad "I Care 4 U". It's hot. "We Need A Resolution" and "Loose Rap" are infectious. Aaliyah handles the sultry laid back style that makes her music great. She's not trying to be anyone but Aaliyah. She is true to herself and the music and lyrics that her producers and writers created. I've respected and enjoyed her talent and vocal delivery since her first album.… Expand
  4. EneE
    Oct 30, 2003
    10
    A great CD, her best by far. Pity she'll be leaving us without a dope beat to step to. Rest in peace baby girl!
  5. NadineR
    May 23, 2003
    10
    I love every single one of these songs...I feel like I can relate to all of them!! I miss Aaliyah, her music makes you feel like you know her. Aaliyah we miss you babygurl we know u're up in heaven lookin down on all of us!!!
  6. Phoenixforce
    Jan 17, 2005
    10
    This is what RnB should really sound like. Aaliyah's album hits the core of the genre with every sultry note and intoxicating line. "We need a resolution" stands out as the definitive single which truly encapsulates a unique contemporary style with every middle-eastern beat.
  7. MartyC.
    Sep 19, 2001
    10
    I think this cd is some of Aaliyah's best work. I love her soft and sultry though at times empowering voice. I think Aaliyah comes across with this album with much sex appeal without saying the word sexy once. Rest in peace our queen
  8. F.F.
    Jan 13, 2002
    10
    "Aaliyah" was a peek into the adult world of Aaliyah, no longer anyone's Babygirl, this cd is worth the cost if only to hear the sensual whispers of "It's Whatever". "More than a woman" is a tight groove that from the intro grabs you and makes you want to dance. "I Care 4U" is wonderful, with a final note that bounces around in your head for what seems like moments after the "Aaliyah" was a peek into the adult world of Aaliyah, no longer anyone's Babygirl, this cd is worth the cost if only to hear the sensual whispers of "It's Whatever". "More than a woman" is a tight groove that from the intro grabs you and makes you want to dance. "I Care 4U" is wonderful, with a final note that bounces around in your head for what seems like moments after the track has ended. "Loose Rap", "Extra Smooth" and "Those were the days" are fun, uptempo fare, and "Rock the Boat" is so "naughty naughty" that the fact that you find yourself blushing as you sing along is not enough to make you find the strength to turn it off. A wonderful cd, with rarely a disappointing moment. "Aaliyah" offers you far more enjoyable tracks than most artists offer on a single disc.… Expand
  9. JoseaL.
    Oct 18, 2002
    10
    Aaliyah had one of the most beautiful voices in this world; this album is outstanding in my opinion. The songbird will be missed dearly.
  10. KimberrleyJ
    Nov 20, 2003
    10
    As, Aaliyah's biggest fan, you might think that Iam just saying this album is the bomb! But, watching her grow from a young girl behind shades, to a classy woman...makes me proud. This album is the best R&B album of 2001. Its a classy artistic statement. Is dark, light and beautiful all at once. Thank you aaliyah for making music for those of us who love the darkness! RIP my special girl!
  11. LyanH
    Jun 30, 2006
    10
    The critics are wrong for this low rating. This CD of Aaliyah's is one of her greatest. Aaliyah smooth soulfull voice made this album gold. the beats of"More then A Woman" and her voice did a perfect blend of singing and rhythm.
  12. rickn
    May 8, 2007
    10
    excellent r&b album rip aaliyah
  13. IanRobinS
    Nov 6, 2002
    10
    I love her 3rd album... My most fave song is: Rock The Boat, What If, Never No More, More Than A Woman, I Care 4 U, We Need A Resolution, I Refuse, I Can Be, Extra Smooth. I miss you Aaliyah! I thought you could have met me in person again when you're supposed to be back in Melbourne, Australia for promo tour but you're gone! You are too young to die! Thanks for the music and I love her 3rd album... My most fave song is: Rock The Boat, What If, Never No More, More Than A Woman, I Care 4 U, We Need A Resolution, I Refuse, I Can Be, Extra Smooth. I miss you Aaliyah! I thought you could have met me in person again when you're supposed to be back in Melbourne, Australia for promo tour but you're gone! You are too young to die! Thanks for the music and movie biz, Aaliyah! I love you!!!… Expand
  14. TroyF.
    Sep 19, 2002
    10
    Aaliyah was simply the best r&b album realesed in 201. more than a women,rock the boat, what if, its whatever.well all the tracks on Aaliyah's self titled album were great.it so sad that she had to go and at the prime of her life.R.I.P Babygirl
  15. GhettoT
    Mar 15, 2003
    10
    It is Aaliyah's hottest and best cd along with Age Ain't Nothing but A Number and One In A Million. This album truly shows here maturity not only through her singing but also with the mood and the tone of the music. She has truly shown that she is truly one in a million with the help of Missy Elliotte, Timbaland, Static from Play and many others.
  16. MartinL
    Aug 28, 2004
    8
    Very good.
  17. Lela
    Nov 25, 2005
    10
    Aaliyah is an album that embodies the sista of the millenium, sassy, sensual, gentle brash, rebellious and sometimes dark. Her singing was even more jazz than before, her silky and snake-like vocals tend to overwhelm the listener. The production of course is top notch ranging from Tim's futurisic, freaky-hip-hop electronica, to the melodic production to the industrial, this album is Aaliyah is an album that embodies the sista of the millenium, sassy, sensual, gentle brash, rebellious and sometimes dark. Her singing was even more jazz than before, her silky and snake-like vocals tend to overwhelm the listener. The production of course is top notch ranging from Tim's futurisic, freaky-hip-hop electronica, to the melodic production to the industrial, this album is arguably the most muscially diverse album out. And the thing is, it still stick after 4 years. Whether Aaliyah is trying to love you, seduce, ignore or hate you, this what Urban music is about! GET THIS ALBUM!!!… Expand
  18. AnnabelleB.
    Nov 14, 2001
    10
    Aaliyah, Aaliyah, Aaliyah its so sad that you can't ever feel how much the world still loves you. We always will. Its also a shame that you can't be with us and hear the lovly sayings about you last cd. It seems like most of the ones that have heard it really enjoys it, likes it. I'll miss you and I belivie i always will, til the day I see you on the otherside. if I got a Aaliyah, Aaliyah, Aaliyah its so sad that you can't ever feel how much the world still loves you. We always will. Its also a shame that you can't be with us and hear the lovly sayings about you last cd. It seems like most of the ones that have heard it really enjoys it, likes it. I'll miss you and I belivie i always will, til the day I see you on the otherside. if I got a guarding angel, God, i hope its you. Bye for now. … Expand
  19. Missy
    Nov 15, 2004
    9
    One of her best cds.
  20. AnalyDewa
    Jan 20, 2017
    10
    O “Aaliyah” de 2001 é o último disco em vida de uma das mais influentes artistas de r&b. Em seu registro final, um álbum intitulado, com uma capa vermelha fotografada por David LaChapelle, que a cantora descreve como o seu próprio “Control” - álbum de Janet onde a artista assumiu o autonomia e poder criativo de sua carreira - a cantora aposta em seus já consagrados parceiros - que ela temO “Aaliyah” de 2001 é o último disco em vida de uma das mais influentes artistas de r&b. Em seu registro final, um álbum intitulado, com uma capa vermelha fotografada por David LaChapelle, que a cantora descreve como o seu próprio “Control” - álbum de Janet onde a artista assumiu o autonomia e poder criativo de sua carreira - a cantora aposta em seus já consagrados parceiros - que ela tem o mérito de ter descoberto - Timbaland e Missy Eliott, que aqui são coadjuvantes das produções e composições de Stephen Garrett (Static Major), Eric Seats e Rapture. A cantora que aqui é mais sexy e madura que em seus trabalhos anteriores, tem a ousadia de deixar Missy Eliott e Timbaland que eram apostas fáceis de sucesso com apenas 3 das 15 faixas de sua edição normal. O álbum traz uma sonoridade sem compromisso com os charts da época, apesar de “Try Again” - trilha sonora de seu filme auto-estrelado “Romeu Tem Quem Morrer” - ter sido um grande hit que alcançou o topo do Hot 100 da Billboard e deu a Aaliyah prêmios como o MTV VMA. A artista traz sua modéstia em faixas de R&B como “Extra Smooth” que teriam chances tranquilas de serem grandes hits do gênero na época. Diferente de suas concorrentes da época, Aaliyah consegue ser mais variada que Alicia Keys, mais autêntica que Beyoncé e experimentar muito mais que Janet tenha neste século XXI. A artista sabe muito bem como alocar suas influências e até nos surpreende com faixas que mesclam o r&b com o rock como em “What It”, faixa que tem Nine Inch Nails - um de seus artistas favoritos - como inspiração.
    “Aaliyah” não é só um álbum bom, por méritos de uma produção polida, ele é um disco que consegue vencer o tempo, tem qualidade, vence obviedade e tem além da modéstia, a ousadia. As letras do disco são um verdadeiro grito de independência, autoconfiança e maturidade. Em sua maioria das faixas, a cantora transmite um discurso de sempre estar no controle de suas relações. “What If”, faixa já citada, tem uma letra que fala sobre quebrar esteriótipos femininos, assim como “Never No More” - uma das baladas do disco - trata de uma relação abusiva, que a cantora luta contra.
    Quase 16 anos depois, “Aaliyah” permanece como um clássico do gênero, um álbum que redefiniu conceitos, que inspirou toda a geração atual - artistas como o rapper Drake se inspiram nela - e que hoje, é um trabalho que encontra poucos concorrentes à sua altura.
    Quando muitos diziam que a artista teria um futuro brilhante não só na música, como no cinema, era a certeza de observar que Aaliyah deixou em vida trabalhos que ainda hoje soam frescos e que vários de hoje tentam refazer. Uma artista com personalidade e sempre à frente do seu tempo, Aaliyah é firmemente a eterna princesa do r&b.    … Expand
  21. Wanyaxo
    Aug 20, 2014
    10
    This album is pure perfection. Aaliyah is confident in her vocal ability. Her self-titled album showed her artistry. Aaliyah knows how to make good music. From the futuristic "We Need a Resolution" to the sensual "Rock the Boat" to the classic, emotional ballad of "I Refuse" every song is interesting in every way. When Aaliyah jumped out of her usual R&B roots on "What If" it was like sheThis album is pure perfection. Aaliyah is confident in her vocal ability. Her self-titled album showed her artistry. Aaliyah knows how to make good music. From the futuristic "We Need a Resolution" to the sensual "Rock the Boat" to the classic, emotional ballad of "I Refuse" every song is interesting in every way. When Aaliyah jumped out of her usual R&B roots on "What If" it was like she was comfortable with that genre of music. Aaliyah is and was a true musician. This album showed true musicianship and shows that Aaliyah created a classic not only R&B, but classic album of all time.… Collapse
  22. Colourofsin
    Dec 16, 2014
    10
    One of the best R&B albums of all time, she was crossing over to other genres. What other R&B artist was doing this? None. I can say so much more but I'm not going to. If you've listened to the album then you know what I mean.
  23. LispectorLTX
    Dec 26, 2017
    10
    One of the best albums in the 2000's. Timbaland's work on this is absolutly fantastic, and Aaliyah's talent is powerful.
  24. mertbugraa
    May 8, 2016
    10
    This album is the best project of her. Producing is unique and lit. (hands down to Timbaland)
    (by the way my favourites are 'more than a woman, try again, we need a resolution, loose rap and what if)
  25. TryAgainGata
    Sep 13, 2016
    9
    We Need a Resolution 4/5
    Loose Rap 4/5
    Rock The Boato 4/5
    More Than a Woman 5/5
    Never No More 4/5
    I Care 4 U 4/5
    Rap Tracks Publishing 3/5
    Read Between The Lines 4/5
    U Got Nerve 3/5
    I Refuse 4/5
    It's Whatever 4/5
    I Can Be 3/5
    Those Where The Days 4/5
    What If 4/5
    Try Again 5/5
  26. jaredamullins
    May 11, 2020
    10
    This is an R&B classic! Its legacy is still being carried on today through the voices of Solange, Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, etc. This album is Aaliyah's masterpiece and I hope to see it on streaming platforms one day. RIP Babygirl.
  27. stardavis
    Jun 18, 2020
    10
    Still a modern album 2001 wasn't ready for it with plenty of hits Rock The Boat
    More Than a Woman
    I Care For U
  28. Mj1995
    Jan 12, 2021
    10
    Aaliyah just nailed it!!!!A truly golden and timeless pop/R&B record of early 2000's!!!!!
  29. SebastianJoJo
    Mar 15, 2021
    10
    With this album Aaliyah gave way to great artists. Her unique and futuristic style for her time gives a great and majestic touch to this album. Everyone should listen to this masterpiece. Where she dabbles in R&B, Soul, Electropop, Neo-Soul and more. It's an album that if you listen to it in 2021 you will feel like it was new with its sounds. Her voice of angel added to the rhythms andWith this album Aaliyah gave way to great artists. Her unique and futuristic style for her time gives a great and majestic touch to this album. Everyone should listen to this masterpiece. Where she dabbles in R&B, Soul, Electropop, Neo-Soul and more. It's an album that if you listen to it in 2021 you will feel like it was new with its sounds. Her voice of angel added to the rhythms and chorus will sweeten your ears.… Expand
  30. iisseyesco
    Mar 17, 2021
    10
    Aaliyah's best album! Aaliyah experiments with many different sounds like pop, r&b, some rock, etc...! She truly earns the title of Princess of R&B.
  31. Scarliyah
    Mar 20, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Perfect album i miss u aaliyah This album is simply magical, each song has a different feeling, it has excellent lyrics and aaliyah has a very angelic voice.… Expand
  32. MKUltra7
    Jul 17, 2022
    0
    An album of dull, vocal virtuoso ballads." I agree. This album is mediocre.
  33. AlexRedfieldd
    Dec 7, 2022
    10
    Esse álbum, assim como todos os outros da Aaliyah são uma obra prima R&B, consigo sentir a música.

Awards & Rankings

80
#80 Best Album of 2001
25
#25 Most Discussed Album of 2001
14
#14 Most Shared Album of 2001

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. Sonicnet
    80
    Take away the album's lone misfire -- the cliché-filled "Rock the Boat," produced by Rapture and E. Seats -- and this work is nearly perfect.
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  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    70
    What's most pronounced is the subtlety of it all, the tastefulness, the lack of bombast and histrionics.
    Read full review
  3. Spin Cycle
    75
    When it clicks, "Aaliyah" transforms the confusion of young adulthood into exhilarating freedom
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »