As a self-proclaimed Aaliyah superfan, it pains me to admit that I'm about to go against the grain and be a little bit critical of her music. But despite my admiration for her artistry and legacy, I can't ignore certain flaws in some of her songs - from inconsistent lyrical themes to suspect production choices. That's right folks, we're talking about none other than our beloved Queen Aaliyah - so buckle up and prepare yourselves for a fun ride through some of her more questionable tracks!
As an avid Aaliyah fan, it's too easy to get lost in the love and admiration for her talent. But as with any artist, there comes a time to take a critical look at the body of work left behind. Upon closer inspection of some of her greatest hits, it's clear that not all of Aaliyah's tracks are created equal. While there are plenty of songs that shine with creative production, silky vocals, and profound lyricism, there are a handful of tracks that leave a lot to be desired. In this post, we'll look at some of Aaliyah's more questionable moments in music and see what we can learn from them.
Starting off with a personal admission here, Rock the Boat has always been a bit of a head-scratcher for me. This track has all the makings for an Aaliyah classic with its infectious beat and breezy vocals. But what kills it for me is the inexplicable choice to shoehorn in a spoken-word interlude halfway through the song. It's not just that the interlude feels like an abrupt shift in tone and theme, but the canned recording quality makes it feel disjointed from the rest of the track. It's a small misstep in an otherwise beautiful song, but it's enough to make me cringe every time I hear it.
Next up, let's talk about Extra Smooth. As far as I can tell, this track was released as a bonus song to the UK edition of Aaliyah's self-titled third album. And it shows. Extra Smooth sounds like a throwaway B-side that someone found lying around and taped onto the album. The production is flat, the beat is uninspired, and the lyrics are forgettable. There's nothing distinctively Aaliyah about this song, leaving me to wonder why it was even included in the first place.
Moving on to I Care 4 U, I have to say that I find its inclusion on the posthumous album of the same name somewhat confusing. While the message of the song - a heartfelt tribute to a loved one - is certainly touching, it doesn't feel like it meshes with the rest of the album's tracks. I Care 4 U is a ballad that's a bit too heavy-handed in its sentimentality, breaking the flow of the album in a jarring way. As a standalone track, it's okay, but as part of an album it feels out of place.
Let's take a listen to Age Ain't Nothing But a Number. The title track of Aaliyah's debut album has certainly aged poorly in light of the late singer's relationship with R. Kelly. But taking that controversy aside, there are some questionable choices in the song itself. From the cheesy keyboard riff that permeates the entire track to the schmaltzy lyrics that feel more suited for a middle school dance, Age Ain't Nothing But a Number comes across as a bit too simplistic for Aaliyah's artistic caliber. It's a song that sounds out of place among her more mature and complex work.
Lastly, we have The One I Gave My Heart To. This is a track that I have a weird love/hate relationship with. On the one hand, it's an incredibly catchy song with a memorable hook and an emotional message. On the other hand, it also has some questionable choices in production that detract from its overall impact. Namely, the sampled backing vocals that sound like children's voices singing a nursery rhyme. It's a bizarre choice that gives the song an almost creepy vibe, and it's hard to ignore once you've heard it.
There's never a good way to criticize an artist that you admire, especially when that artist has passed away. But by taking a critical look at some of Aaliyah's more questionable tracks, we can appreciate the rest of her work even more. It's a reminder that even the greatest artists have their missteps, and that sometimes flaws can make great art even more human and relatable. So next time you're listening to Aaliyah, give these songs another spin and see what you think. Who knows, maybe you'll find something new to love.
