Aaliyah
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Aaliyah Image
Metascore
76

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

User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 94 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
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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

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. 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 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.… Expand
  2. 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 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… Expand
  4. 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
  5. 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 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!… Expand
  6. 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.
  7. Mj1995
    Jan 12, 2021
    10
    Aaliyah just nailed it!!!!A truly golden and timeless pop/R&B record of early 2000's!!!!!
  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 31 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

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

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