In honor of what would have been Baby Girl’s 24th
birthday today, I wanted to pay tribute to a short but remarkable R&B
career. We miss you…
10.) “Miss You”
(from the album I
Care 4 U)
A very ironic song that just happened to be leftover from
previous recording sessions, it was used as a special all-star tribute in honor
of her memory, a chance for friends, colleagues, and fans to say their goodbyes
in a beautiful song. It was as if she was speaking to us from heaven.
9.) “Enough Said”
(featuring Drake)
(from a supposed
upcoming posthumous Aaliyah album)
Back in August, there was a lot of controversy over a
supposed new album from Aaliyah that was allegedly executive-produced by Drake,
and that did not sit well with regular producers Timbaland and Missy Elliott.
Regardless, there is an elegance and groove to this song that brought Aaliyah
back to life into this day and age where old fans and new fans could appreciate
and miss her beautiful voice.
8.) “One In a Million”
(from the album One
In a Million)
Coming from a strong debut album, Aaliyah went into a
different direction with producers Timbaland and Missy Elliott, bringing to
life a new style of R&B that was cool and funky but still had all the
sensuality of 90’s R&B at the time.
7.) “The One I Gave
My Heart To”
(from the album One
In a Million)
This is arguably her strongest vocal performance ever
recorded. It is a sweeping ballad about heartbreak that really shows Aaliyah’s
range in such a good light. Not to mention that is was written by the
incredible Diane Warren who has a way with words, only brought to life by
Aaliyah.
6.) “Back and Forth”
(from the album Age
Ain’t Nothing But A Number)
What started it all, this song was the beginning of Aaliyah.
Listening to it now, it certainly has the power to take you back in the day to
a time that was cool and hip and happening.
5.) “At Your Best (You
Are Love)”
(from the album Age
Ain’t Nothing But A Number)
Her first big slow song was this beautiful Isley Brothers
remake. From the acapella intro into the sweet sweet harmonies, this song is
poetry and beauty at its best.
4.) “Rock the Boat”
(from the album Aaliyah)
It’s often hard to watch this music video and not think
about her untimely death, but then I’m reminded of just how beautiful she truly
was inside and out and it really shows in this song. Never mind the fact that
it is such a sexual song, it is memorable and relaxing to listen to.
3.) “Try Again”
(from the album Romeo
Must Die)
Her first acting gig was somewhat overshadowed by this
monster of a song that had us all popping and dropping (in good ways of
course). Timbaland was still in his prime and brought all of his tricks to the
table for this infectious song.
2.) “We Need A
Resolution” (featuring Timbaland)
(from the album Aaliyah)
The song that most people forget is easily one of my
favorites (and definitely one of her strongest) songs in her short catalogue.
After years of showing off her pretty thug style, Aaliyah started to show a sexier,
sensual side in this thumping, out-of-this-world song.
1.) “Are You That
Somebody” (featuring Timbaland)
(from the album Dr.
Dolittle)
Arguably her best song, this needs little explanation. It’s
essential Timbaland at his best and Aaliyah bringing her A-game. From the beat,
to the lyrics, and those ridiculous baby cries, this song was genius and is
still a staple in music today.
