Aaliyah
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Aaliyah Image
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 82 Ratings

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  • Summary: This is the third album for Detroit-born Aaliyah, who debuted in 1994 (at the age of 15) with 'Age Ain't Nothing But a Number.' Timbaland produces three tracks. The singer died in a plane crash in August 2001, shortly after the release of the album.

Top Track

Rock The Boat
Boy, you know you make me float Boy, you really get me high I feel like I'm on dope 'Cause you serve me on a regular Boy, you gotta stroke Before... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. AllMusic
    90
    Aaliyah isn't just a statement of maturity and a stunning artistic leap forward, it is one of the strongest urban soul records of its time.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Aaliyah only missteps when she tries to stretch outside of her musical comfort zones, indulging in Latin pop and cheesy metal on ''Read Between the Lines'' and ''What If,'' respectively.
  3. E! Online
    83
    Though not as immediate as some of her past mainstream work, Aaliyah's latest has the smoky temptress slowly working her way through R&B, hip-hop and even slightly techno beats...
  4. Spin Cycle
    75
    When it clicks, "Aaliyah" transforms the confusion of young adulthood into exhilarating freedom
  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    70
    What's most pronounced is the subtlety of it all, the tastefulness, the lack of bombast and histrionics.
  6. CDNow
    70
    At times, Aaliyah's somewhat frail, underpowered vocals seem insufficient to meet the emotional heights she seeks to attain (particularly on the epic ballad "I Refuse"), but simultaneously that's a large part of her appeal.
  7. Playlouder
    30
    An album of dull, vocal virtuoso ballads.

See all 14 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. 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 "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
  2. 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 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. 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.
  5. 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 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
  6. 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 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.… Expand
  7. 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 muchOne 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.… Expand
  8. 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 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.… Expand

See all 26 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

80
#80 Best Album of 2001
27
#27 Most Discussed Album of 2001
15
#15 Most Shared Album of 2001

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