Aaliyah [Japan]

All the songs on this album are diverse with a mixture of different elements, sounds, and instruments thus reflecting the image of the self-titled "Aaliyah". The descriptions of the songs with the asterisk * below are not my interpretations but those of Aaliyah as heard from her other CD/DVD titled, I Care 4 U (with Bonus DVD). While the world of R&B artists continues to grow none can compare to the qualities that best describe this so loved and missed artist. Aside, talent there was devotion, dedication, perseverance, courage, drive, ambition, down-to-earthiness, edgy but classy styles, and most of all confidence without compromising her values, self-worth, or in doubting her faith, dreams, and hopes to succeed in being the absolute best!We Need A Resolution featuring Timbaland is a song that reflects a relationship with a lot of arguing and not really resolving the issues. It's a back and forth blame to finally end up back to were it started: we need a resolution. The beats have much drums, synths, and catchy hooks. I like the fact Timbaland adds certain sounds in the music bringing an aura of Middle-Eastern accents, rhythmic array of instrumental effects, and much diverse sounding elements.*Loose Rap featuring Static from Playa has 3 different stories [told from Aaliyah] on each verse. The first verse is about when people talk behind your back it doesn't matter because it's just "loose rap". The second verse is about a guy trying to score game but sounding kind of weak but her response is that it is okay because that's just "loose rap". And the third verse is the creative part of her crew and how in the industry there is some jealousy but that's just alright because that's just "loose rap".Rock The Boat is one of my favorite songs and the very first video I saw of Aaliyah's. It has a refreshing beach vibe with a nice catchy flow style and sound. There's the breathy at times singing, the high pitch, low pitch, mid pitch vocals, rhythmic bouncy musical effects, and edgy lyrics. This is a beautiful romantic slow song with some mid-tempos flairs definitely one of her strongest!More Than A Woman is about being extra special to your object of affection! It's about morning massages, surprises, and constant pleasure! It's got mid-tempo beats that elevate and maintain throughout incorporating drums, synths, and much R&B.Never No More is another one of my favorite songs. It's about the strong person who is saying "I'm not gonna take it any more". It's about being so hurt and so deeply devastated but at the same time being able to say to yourself, "Never no more!" The song showcases Aaliyah's voice in a confident, firm, yet pleasant style. The chorus is very eloquent in bringing about the R&B effect in a much more catchy style. Some lyrics: "... trust me when I say you have been told.. never to touch me no more... "*I Care 4 U is classic, timeless, and as Aaliyah mentions it's about a woman being strong in a relationship wiping the tears of guy who is going through a rough time and saying, "look it's okay I'm here for you, I care for you." Her voice sounds different as it has some softer and smoother styles. She has said on Interviews I Care 4 U (with Bonus DVD) that this is one of her favorite songs if she had to pick one.Extra Smooth caught me at first when I wasn't familiar with Aaliyah or her music. When I heard this song I found myself remembering all the thugs I've bumped with who have been SO extra smooth. This has a nice sounding Aaliyah and chorus with slow to mid-tempos that glide on extra smooth! Excellent track and definitely one I will never tire of!Read Between The Lines is another song with references to how sometimes the actions or shall I say "lack of" actions are some kind of signal. It's another fabulous R&B track that has faster tempos, nice chorus beats, and lively styles. There's a nice break were the chorus does much singing and the drums with other sounds are highlighted. Some words, "Changing the story, trying to ignore me... you've got to read between the lines... in his eyes..." The overall effect is different as there are some Spanish styles if you listen carefully.U Got Nerve is another of my favorites for the attitude displayed. "Gave you chances in top of chances... took my kindness for a sign of weakness... who do you think you are now?... I don't believe you got the nerve boy... I'm tired of all the games..." She sings in a different tone that she means what she says, however she manages to still keep her listener-friendly style without shouting or yelling! The chorus sings a lot emphasizing the words and stepping in a lot. This song has more breaks, pauses, less dance, less bounce, and more of an "on your face" effect.I Refuse is a very slow song that begins with thunderstorms, rain, and a much dramatic styles. It has the soulfulness of displaying how love can cause such despair as she sings, "I refuse to take it anymore... You don't touch me the same... I refuse to have a tear from eye... I refuse to let you walk back through that door." The repetitive singing and elevating singing with chorus, "No way I can take it x 4" ending in NO MORE NO MORE NO WAY NO WAY I CAN TAKE IT I REFUSE TO TAKE IT ANYMORE!!!!!..." There's violins, piano, and all kinds of instruments and an Aaliyah that is saying it's over!It's Whatever has the super catchy hooks, soft singing by Aaliyah, and unbelievable musical effects. Aaliyah elevates her tones and deepens them in a very unique way unlike some other tracks. It has a dreamy style of describing a guy friend who has something nice and how she may want to hook up. The chemistry is right, the feeling is strong, and the moment is right but are they just friends? The musical production is quite astonishing for it's diverse musical effects. This is a mid-tempos sexy song to light candles, and take it to that next level.The next three are all 5 stars: *I Can Be is the story about the other woman. Sometimes people are in situations were they ask themselves "how did I get here?" and this song just reflects on those issues but in a somber way since the song is rather dark in some portions thus making the message that being the other woman is also a sad experience to feel. Those Were The Days has a more reminiscent style of moments that were special but in the past. What If has an old school sound with electronica, guitars, faster tempos, and much more aggressive sounds, singing, and styles. All three songs having diverse styles thus reinforcing and marking the fact the entire album has a very different sound on each track. All producers, writers, and collaborators definitely had a part in this.Try Again is my favorite song for the fact it has Timbaland and a nice positive message along sensational singing, music, and effects! When Aaliyah sings with Timbaland there is a certain electricity, chemistry, and positiveness that is definitely felt in the listening experience. It's totally indescribable. This has to be the top choice song for me. It's got the cute vocals, "If at first you don't succeed you can dust if off and try again..." plus the R&B, faster tempos, heavier drums, breaks with Timbaland, and high diversity!Aaliyah's personality throughout the lyrics and singing make it a true smashing sound definitely reaching the goal of her project which was geared to reflect her as a more mature person and as the self-title the highest, most exalted one, and the best!*The Import Version I Own is from 2001 and features the same tracks, obi-strip, lyrical booklet, jewel case, and with catalog number AVCD-17345 purchased at amazon.de.

There's nothing else to say. RIP

聴いていただければお分かりになるかと思いますが包みこむような優しさ憂いのある儚い歌声に吸い込まれました押しつけがましさを感じさせない知的で洗練されたアーティストだと改めて実感しました

Classic album! I was able to save it to my computer as well!

Great to find her CD again! CD quality is amazing.

基本的に男女間の肉体的な愛情表現（つまりS○X)をテーマに据えた音楽であるR&Bの表現者として、アリーヤはつくづく孤高だったなと思います。彼女の存命中も現在も、こんなにスムーズに冷んやりと愛について歌える人はいないような気がします。アリーヤは声を張り上げて愛を歌うこともなければ、媚びて愛を歌うこともありません。情念に完全に飲み込まれることなく、どこか冷めた感じで愛を囁いていたからこそ、リアリティを感じるとともに、憧れたものです。アリーヤって歌詞も他のR&Bとはちょっと異なりますよね。4 Page Letter とかTry Againとか。このアルバムのレビューではなくなってしまいました。すいません。本作はの完成度にはため息ものです。Try Againも収録されてます。