Ranking the Best Aaliyah Albums
It seems a bit weird to rank Aaliyah’s discography when she was taken from us so early in her career. But in the scant seven or eight years she was with us, she absolutely revolutionized R&B in ways that are still felt today.
With her entire discography FINALLY now available on streaming (and folks asking me to give her the ranking treatment for years) I figured there’s no better time to discuss Aaliyah’s impactful career than right now.
From serving as Missy and Timbaland’s muse for their groundbreaking writing and production to style icon for my 90s ladies to becoming the accidental architect of today’s moody R&B, Aaliyah’s impact is downright historic.
And now that her music is widely available for new generations to explore and embrace, Baby Girl’s legacy might just be everlasting.
3. Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number (1994)
Soul In Stereo rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
Edd said: I know, I know, the placement of this one certainly isn’t a surprise. Doesn’t mean it’s a terrible album, though. Take it from someone who was around during its release – Aaliyah’s debut was noteworthy culturally, especially striking a cord with the girls in my freshman class. But sonically? Ehhh. Besides the singles that still define it today and a strong album cut here and there, Aaliyah’s debut was pretty standard for the releases of the time. But don’t worry, Aaliyah would change the game soon enough.
Forgotten favorites: “Young Nation,” “Street Thing,” “I’m So Into You”
2. One in a Million (1996)
Soul In Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5
Edd said: Picture it, Virginia, 1996 *Sophia Petrillo voice.* I’m riding with one of my best friends and his girl as he drives us to the mall. Aaliyah’s new single “One in a Million” comes on the radio. We are absolutely STUNNED into silence. The sparse, haunting production. The weird background effects – like locusts chirping on the track. Aaliyah’s subtle rap-sung delivery. We have never heard a song – R&B or otherwise – that sounded like this. EVER. Y’all talk about “cultural resets” and “classic moments” when your faves drop a single that trends for four ours today? One in a Million, the song and album, gave listeners something absolutely brand new – a true reset. Though it boasts several career highlights for Aaliyah, One in a Million does have its share of lesser tracks, some of which don’t quite fit the vibe of the album. It’s not perfect but still one of the most important LPs of its era.
Forgotten favorites: “Never Givin’ Up,” “Choosey Lover (Old School/New School),” “A Girl Like You”
1. Aaliyah (2001)
Soul In Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5
Edd said: Is Aaliyah’s final album five stars? Nostalgia and sentimentality aside, nah, playa. But is it a classic? Well, if you’re using my definition for “classic” – the only one we SHOULD be using – a strong argument certainly could be made. A great (but not necessarily perfect) album? Check. An album that has defined that artist’s career? For better and, sadly, for worse, check. And most importantly, an album that has had an impact on the industry at large? Check – Aaliyah’s self-titled album has been the blueprint for a decade of atmospheric sounds, from the bleak sparse production to the light, airy vocals to the elements of electronica. Even with its shortcomings (like its predecessor, a few album cuts miss the mark) its legacy as one of modern R&B’s most influential albums is set in stone.
Forgotten favorites: “It’s Whatever,” “Loose Rap,” “I Can Be”
One in a Million or the self-titled Red Album – which do you consider to be Aaliyah’s best? Let us know below.
3) 3.5/5 Aaliyah
Yep, will be the sole proprietor on this’ one in this analysis. This was the starting point of a season that was to shoot her to the moon before the..unthinkableas with the beautiful counterpart_ “Queen of Tejano” in 95. Backed by the biggest promotional period of her career: Movie contracts, brand endorsements, and exposure to a broader audience. The first single was a nice misty, ‘Quiet Storm’ -like return since her sophomore in 5 years. It was something different. It was the awakening of a newly grown young woman.
Pretty much most of the singles were the best cuts… (honestly). However, in between the middle it gets a bit “daydreamy.” Tracks tend to feel
like…”it’s not bad but…it could use a dash of something here and there.” You at some point just get tired of nodding’ and want maybe a little more depth to the washed out rap n’ sing alongs. It does pick up a bit, but not until the end.
This one may’ be the majority’s golden pick because of it’s ‘breakthrough era.’ But the main lasting impression was unfortunately mostly left when it was marked as her last studio effort before Babygirl got her wings.
2) 3.75/5 One in a Million
Now 17 and fresh out of a “situation,” this was a new avenue for her. No more “all baggy/ fully clothed from head to toe/ride-o-die street chic.” Sporting longer hair, Maybelline, crop tops and Tommy Hilfiger exposed underwear. She is now a young sex kitten and a teenage dream.
Most of the singles released showcased a more relaxed vibe of the singer. The title track gave her her signature song that eventually became a staple of the 90s scene. She has a sexy mystique-like presence now. Poster all over a 12th grade’s locker. Girls want to be just like her/guys just want to…well..
This album highlighted more features with other rising artists at the time and more current’ production where this album is now more of a mix of ‘Lay-in-da-Cut & Bounce.’ A few fillers here and there, but not enough to make you want to pause and grab a bag of Flamin’ Hots and Pepsi real quick like the proceeder.
3) 5/5 Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number
Young, but ready’ as they say. Coming through as one of the new waves of super young and fresh R&B/Hip Hop stars. The genre was now merging with HipHop more than ever before. New Jack Swing had now just ended (which was considered the glam’ era of R&B as Hair Metal was to Rock). Everything is now funky with a gangsta-lean.
As a former padgent and Star Search contestant, it was quite a drastic “sculpted” change of pace for the 15 year old before the start of her music career. But who cares. First listeners say hmm, this girl is a bit..different. Beautiful/ yet nothing but shades, sleek swept hair and the new trend of 10lb oversized clothing of the pre Y2K decade.
The first single came through swinging with an irresistible stereo bump that can be replayed at least 3 times in syndication…and still want another round. But nothing stops there. It’s a party record in the trendiest way possible. Filled with swift “Plaid and Ripped Jeans” Hip Hop and floating smooth R&B vocals over midtempos. Then there is of course that undeniably amazing cover of 70s soulful ballad that was evenly suitable for Pop and Soul radio. The title track, despite it’s controversial lyrics is a track for the streets and crooners combined. Too smooth to the point that it can… somewhat’ overlook it’s meaning.
So..her sound, style and presence was ultimately constructed by one’ person. And despite the kind of person he may be- he ruled the R&B scene for much of the decade with prestigious songwriting and studio Rhythm and Blues magic. So he knew what to do to help bake a star. All in all, one of those things where you have to learn to separate the artist from the person.
Also the low key featured female MC on a few of the cuts spat some of the best bars ever heard in the game at the time and rides along like a homegirl in the passenger seat of a red lowrider.
Her vocals were actually used the best on this album now thinking about it. Yes…at fifteen years old, she had a more groovy’ voice in her debut. Maybe.. 4 years ahead of her time. It ultimately never really deteriorated, just preserved for more featured’ ballads like the one from Anastasia’ and the title track of her..”half” compilation album in 02. Meanwhile, a whispery melodic vocal tone carried much of the rest of her career.
This album may be not a “fan” favorite. But as an album that is a car ride full of no skips on a worn out cassette tape. Just all rewinds. It is to simply have fun and grab a pixie cup of Gin n’Sprite. Cause it’s only Friday,’ let loose…and just get ready to swag then swing.
The underrated ones are the best.
_BGranger
One In A Million was Aaliyah’s breakthrough but her self titled is her magnum opus and one of the most influential R&B albums of it’s time . She came into her own as an artist and found her own unique sound on this album.
Aaliyah’s self titled is a timeless classic and a near experimental r&b masterpiece, so it is definitely her best album.
It’s whatever is one of the beautiful songs I’ve ever heard in my entire life
I’m not even capping
Loose Rap and A Girl Like Me are sublime. Self-titled is a great album.