Happy Birthday Aaliyah! (We Miss You)

In honor of what would have been Baby Girl’s 24^th 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.

2012 Countdown: Top 10 Albums (#5-1)

5.) P!nk – The Truth About Love

My love for P!nk grows stronger and stronger through the years and with every album it seems. She came back from a brief hiatus with this blockbuster album that gave her a first #1 album. It has all of the great elements of P!nk that we’ve all come to love: the feisty breakup songs, the harsh vulgarity, the pain in love songs, the somber and beautiful vocals, and the classic fun “don’t give a f***” element. P!nk delivered through and through.

Favorite Song: “Just Give Me A Reason”

(Arguably one of the strongest efforts from this album, this bittersweet duet with fun.’s Nate Ruess is epic and beautiful all at once, and my oh my those harmonies in the second verse and chorus!)

4.) Bruno Mars – Unorthodox Jukebox

Bruno Mars’ very short but certainly memorable second album has so much to offer. From the pop lyrics, the mixing of so many different genres, and the incredible range this man has, this album was sweet, epic, and overall bloody brilliant.

Favorite Song: “Treasure”

(A funky, 70’s-80’s classic throwback that gets you into the perfect groove.)

3.) Alicia Keys– Girl On Fire

Marriage and motherhood certainly made Alicia Keys more strong and independent than she ever was. She comes out ready to fight and prove that she has changed and improved for the better, never losing sight of her enchanting melodies, the ease of her piano-playing skills, and not to mention her memorable hooks. With guests like Nicki Minaj and Maxwell along with songwriters John Legend, Babyface, her hubby Swizz Beatz, and a memorable track from Frank Ocean, this album was another shining example of how relevant and long-lasting Alicia Keys is in the music world.

Favorite Song: “Fire We Make”

(This sensual duet with falsetto crooner Maxwell hit all the right spots with its 5 minute length, making for a very memorable night for anyone that takes a listen intensely.)

2.) Miguel – Kaleidoscope Dream

As mentioned many times before, I have loved and respected this guy’s musical style since I saw him open for Usher and Trey Songz back in 2010. He mixes R&B vocals with overly sexual lyrics and a sick electronic, Prince-influenced beat. His eclectic style is making him more memorable than anything else out there right now in R&B and is an evolving style that will surely influence anyone to follow. It’s certainly a mesmerizing trip that lasts roughly around 50 minutes, but it’s worth every minute. 

Favorite Song: “Where’s the Fun in Forever”

(This thumping, bumping song co-written by Alicia Keys comes towards the end of the album, but it is still a memorable moment nonetheless that kicks it old school for 3 ½ minutes.)

1.) Frank Ocean – channel ORANGE

Much like ADELE’s 21 album last year, was it any surprise that this was my #1 pick for the year? Frank Ocean is mesmerizing and a wonder to the ears. His incredibly strong range and hauntingly honest lyrics will entice and relax you all at once, bringing to mind a new era of R&B that is making the sometimes humdrum and too familiar genre relevant and interesting again.

Favorite Song: “Thinkin Bout You”

(Just listening to this first single says it all, from the wide range jump from verse to chorus, and the honesty in the lyrics, Ocean takes us on a beautiful journey from beginning to end.)

2012 Countdown: Top 10 Albums (#10-6)

There was so much great music to listen to this year, so let’s look back at some of my favorite albums!

10.) Usher – Looking 4 Myself

This one is probably one of the most underrated albums of the year (and certainly in Usher’s catalog). From the cooing falsettos, the electronica influence, and not to mention to classic R&B stylings we’ve all come to love from Usher, he gave us such an eclectic and versatile album this time around.

Favorite Song: “Twisted”

(Funky, fun, and very different from the rest of the album.)

9.) Justin Bieber – Believe

The Biebs came back into the musical spotlight more mature and with a deeper voice and sound to bring us ultimate pop and R&B music for the radio. Hit after hit comes on this album, whether it’s the sweet love songs, the thumping club jams, or even the heavy dubstep, Justin Bieber was bigger than ever with this album.

Favorite Song: “Die In Your Arms”

(Michael Jackson sample at its best, it has a sweet feeling and a great hook to go with it.)

8.) Rihanna – Unapologetic

I wasn’t too ecstatic about this album from listening to the samples prior to its release. Needless to say after giving the whole album a listen to more than once, it has easily become one of my favorite Rihanna albums (after Rated R and before Talk That Talk). It may be a little more scaled down from the dance pop we’ve come to love from RiRi, but it has a sexual, seductive, chill vibe that plays from beginning to end.

Favorite Song: “Stay”

(Beautiful, poetic, and so poignant, Rihanna’s vocals have never been stronger.)

7.) Melanie Fiona – The MF Life

I’ve been rooting for this girl since 2009 when she came out with The Bridge. And here we are finally with her highly anticipated sophomore follow-up that didn’t fail at all. It had an interesting mixture of hip-hop, R&B, 70’s funk, and new-school vibes with guests like NaS, J Cole, Snoop Dogg, B.o.B, and John Legend. Her sultry voice goes all out from high to low and never fails to amaze me.

Favorite Song: “I Been That Girl”

(A somber warning to the next girl in line, this song is slow-paced but so memorable.)

6.) Haley Reinhart – Listen Up!

I have to show much love to my girl Haley Reinhart (the one who SHOULD HAVE won American Idol her year). I was head over heels with that husky voice from that tiny frame ever since she sang “Bennie and the Jets”. Since then I was eager to hear what an album from her would sound like, and it looks like my expectations were met tremendously. She has a great throwback to retro 60’s-70’s summer music and there is certainly not a single weak spot on this impressive debut.

Favorite Song: “Now That You’re Here”

(A fresh, funky throwback that builds to its strongest point in the killer chorus and hook.)