Aaliyah - One in a Million
List Price:
Our Price: $5.58
You Save: $21.41 (79%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $4.21 (click here)
Category: Music CD
See more new music releases
Buy this Music CD at online store in your country
Canadian Music Store
Canadian Music Store
Music CD Cover
Artist: AaliyahEdition: Music CD
Format: Enhanced, Extra tracks, Import
CD Release Date: 2004-03-01
Music Label: Geffen
Soundtracks:
- Beats 4 da Streets (Intro)
- Hot Like Fire
- One in a Million
- Girl Like You
- If Your Girl Only Knew
- Choosey Lover (Old School/New School)
- Got to Give It Up
- 4 Page Letter
- Everything's Gonna Be Alright
- Giving You More
- I Gotcha' Back
- Never Givin' Up
- Heartbroken
- Never Comin' Back
- Ladies in da House
- One I Gave My Heart To
- Came to Give Love (Outro)
- Come Over
Free Music Notes for One in a Million
Free Music Review: The Blueprint for Modern R&B : An Underrated Masterpiece
Hit: 5 Stars
First of all, let me just say that this my favorite R&B Record of all Time. Nothing else even comes close. Aaliyah did with this one album what generations of women after her have tried and failed (Ashanti, Tweet, Amerie, even Lauryn Hill to an extent) - and not even Aaliyah could top this album in her later career.
Note that this album was the first album to ever feature Missy Elliot and Timbaland, and its because of this CD that they were even noticed by the music industry. Credit Aaliyah for that.
We're talking music history here, so please take the time to go through this review in detail.
As an RnB teen star, Aaliyah is, or at least was, a more intruiging proposition than the other light-skinned, thin-voiced females who pose for men's magazines and sing hooks for young men more prone to enthusiastic bursts of offputting elitism than actually making good music. But just why is unclear and difficult to articulate. She may have possessed a slightly superior voice than her (more popular, until her immortalisation due to a tragic death) successors and contemporaries, but her beats-orientated songs rarely proved testament to this fact (exception: "At Your Best"- see her first album). She is often said to have had an intangible air of mystique and intruige- she rarely shed clothing in her videos (exception#2: "We Need A Resolution"), and this seeming modesty, coupled with an uncommonly mesmerising charisma and the moody, Timbaland-led production infused in her last two records, is perhaps why. Or maybe it's just the unshakeable R Kelly (commercial RnB's sinister answer to the Pied Piper) rumour and her premature death.
Either way, if you're looking for a rarely demanding, enjoyable slice of millenial RnB, look no further. This will please the MTV crowd and more discerning listeners simultaneously. As long as you don't go in expecting a Miseducation-style sonic revelation, you won't go far wrong.
"One In A Million", Aaliyah AKA Babygirl's sophomore effort, begins not with the titular chanteuse's vocals, but with "Beats for da Streets", a track rapped by Missy Elliott, at this stage a behind-the-scenes entity and not the rump-shaking, unlikely but loveable icon of 2003. This is highly appropriate (as is the fact that, in her own intro, Aaliyah is reduced to bit-part singing about beats). Once "One in A Million" is over, you'll have enjoyed some songs and skipped others, but you will not have got a feel of what Aaliyah is capable of or truly about, who she is as an artist. You will, however, be hugely familiar with the preoccupations, talents, and scope of the star's producers. The songs are frequently structured around the admittedly stellar production as opposed to the lyrics and vocals. Indeed, such considerations often feel like afterthoughts: the non-Beyonce components of Destiny's Child, the other parts of Assifer Lopass (you mean there are other parts!?!). Aaliyah is her producer's sidekick, and not vice versa (as it arguably should be). However, the production is so seductive it's doubtful you'll care.
The first 'proper' song on "One In A Million" is "Hot Like Fire" (2.5/5), a catchy but meaningless piece of fluff, again notable only for the production. The more famous remix is better.
Next up is the mid-tempo "One In A Million" (4/5)- often said to be the ultimate Aaliyah song, though at first I found it mediocre. I didn't understand the hype until I heard it on big, bassy speakers: and, miraculously, it transformed, Cinderella like, before my ears. Her voice suddenly sounded richer, the beats more vital. The plain Jane became the belle of the ball. I think I've wasted this somewhat redundant metaphor, and so will swiftly move on :D. Anthemic.
Fourth is "A Girl Like You" (4/5). Despite the presence of a generic, utterly irritating rapper, her voice is sweet and likeable, the chanty chorus addictive, and the production expertly smooth and langorous. Ignore the annoying rap intro and discover one of the most listenable songs on the album. It also changes as it progresses. One for the repeat button.
Fifth is "If Your Girl Only Knew" (4/5), another of the many singles from the album, the others being "Hot Like Fire (remix)"; "One In A Million"; "4 Page Letter"; "Got To Give It Up" and "One I Gave My Heart To". Backed by a kickier beat than the last few songs, this sassy but contained little number again doesn't get stale, has a great beat, and is very addictive.
"Choosey Lover (Old School/New School" (4/5) is the next track. The song has the virtue of neat but obvious gimmick- the first half is produced like a Toni Braxton power ballad, complete with histrionic guitar solo, and the second half is backed by an altogether more slinky hip hop beat. Expanding on the sound of the previous tracks yet retaining the winning formula, this is less addictive, perhaps due to the six minute running time. It has the virtue of both parts working (though oddly I personally prefer the first section despite the awesome but redundant beat of the second. Good and clever, but too repetitive- you are SICK of the simplistic chorus by the end of it. Outstays it's welcome.
The single and Marvin Gaye cover "Got To Give It Up" (3/5) is next, and despite having quite possibly one of the most cringeworthy rap lyrics this side of P-Diddy ("Like everyone was chasin' my fine a*s; but when Aaliyah walked in the whole place went bananas"- um, there's a reason they're called 'RHYMES', fellas), this is pretty mediocre despite Aaliyah putting in a good vocal. Ironically, considering this is the designated 'par-tay' track, it's a bit wet and too mid-tempo. The production is also pretty generic in the context of the tracks surrounding it. Gets old fast.
Like "One In A Million", I didn't understand why "4 Page Letter" (4/5), a seemingly bland effort had been chosen as a single when I first heard it. Big, bassy speakers sang back the answer. The production, with the haunting, synthesised 'vocal' at the end. However, it's a bit too similar to "One In A Million" and once again relies more on production gimmicks than vocals and lyrics.
"Everything's Gonna Be Alright" (2/5) is enjoyable when I listen to it, but as I type, having heard it about five seconds ago, I genuinely can't remember it. Doesn't stand out and has inane lyrics, but is more up-tempo than the other songs. I'm listening to it again and it DOES sound good, just bland. Again, gets old quick and screams filler.
The same can be said of "Givin' You More" (2/5) and "I Gotcha' Back". Both sound nice, but simply don't stand out, or keep interest for more than a minute. It's boring, redundant background music- too much chorus, not enough, song.
The sensual "Never Givin' Up" (4/5) is better. Aaliyah's vocals SHOULD shine on this, but don't for three reasons. Firstly, her guest singer is better than her, or at least sounds it on this. Secondly, she still isn't changing her range- her voice still stays the same as it has in the past songs- it works, but it gets dull. Thirdly, when she actually DOES go for it on this song about three quarters of the way through, breaking away from her normally very reserved vocals and warbling Mariah style, she simply doesn't sound all that. It's not that her voice is bad, it's just that she's clearly used to singing a certain way, and isn't yet trained for a more melodramatic approach.
"Heartbroken" (2/5) again sounds nice, and her vocals are allowed to shine more than usual, but the song itself is forgettable in the long term.
"Never Comin' Back" (2.5/5), a faux live track, is better, but not good enough. The beat, despite the mediocrity of the song, feels a little too `experimental' to be listenable.
"Ladies In The House" (3.5/5) features lovely, laid back production and is catchy and quite addictive, but by this point in the album a set formula is all too clear, and so the listener begins to feel dj vu ever so slightly.
"One I Gave My Heart To" (2.5/5) is the sort of song I normally LOATHE- trite, unspectacular production (one of the few songs clearly NOT produced by Timbaland and crew), but on this album it actually stands out as it sounds so different from everything around it. It's also without a doubt Aaliyah's best vocal performance on the album, making it better than it should be. Had this been sung by, say, Beyonce Knowles, or Christina Aguilera, they would have overdone it with superfluous warbling and unnecessary stressing of every other syllable. Aaliyah, however, puts in an admirably assured performance, proving she genuinely does have the talent- it's just the type of music she's gone with, good as it is, doesn't show it off to it's full extent.
And so, after an unmemorable outro, "Came To Give Love", "One In A Million" is over. I've used several words quite a lot over the course of this review, and they pretty much sum up the album: addictive; listenable; samey; great production; inhibited vocals. The main problem is simply a lack of variety- this is corrected on the less fatty, superior follow-up "Aaliyah". While not one song when individually picked out is bad, only one song vastly stands out from the rest (One I Gave My Heart To)- and it's not a particularly good song. While Aaliyah's sweet but sultry vocals, and Timbaland's ultra smooth production, is the perfect marriage in relaxed chic, this admittedly effective formula allows neither to show what they are fully capable of. Aaliyah herself cannot do anything other than sing-by-numbers until she is released from his production. Equally, Timbaland never goes all out and produces the hot club track he is capable of on this album, seemingly wanting to keep to an overall "feel" of mid-tempo chilled grooves. Don't expect variety.
This is a great album to play while hanging out with friends; as a pre-night-out singalong or a post-night-out relax; or for going to sleep. However, don't expect any ear catching, vital, shake-that-a*s standouts like "We Need A Resolution" or "Try Again", or shimmering ballads like "I Refuse" or "At Your Best" (with the possible exception of "One In A Million"). Just gloriously, if rather numbingly by the time it comes to an end, calm and confident RnB. If you're looking for an Aaliyah album, buy her eponymous follow up first- it's perhaps less consistent, but when it's good, it's better than this. If you're looking for some commercial RnB, this is definitely one of the more sophisticated offerings from that most plastic of genres. However, this is good only because of how it sounds- the lyrics are average at best in terms of commercial fare, and poor in comparison to more demanding "urban" genres like neo-soul or underground hip-hop. Overall though, solid and recommended.
A Timeless Classic, this album is the Blueprint for our Entire Generation of Hip-Hop/R&B Artists - get this original and be blown away. More than a decade after its' first release, this still is just as amazing!
One in a Million Poster
2004 reissue of Aaliyah's 1996 album features 18 tracks including 1 bonus track, 'Come Over' (feat. Tank). Blackground Records/Edel.2004 Reissue of the Late R&B Star's Second Full Length Album that features Production Work by Jermaine Dupri, Carl So Lowe, Vincent Herbert, Kay-gee, Craig King, Rodney Jerkins and More. The Majority of Tunes were Co-written by Missy Elliot. Among the Standout Tracks Are "One in a Million", "if Your Girl Only Knew" and "The One I Gave My Heart To". Also Includes the Bonus Track "Come Over" that Did Not Appear on the Original Edition as Well as Enhanced Material.
Blues Music CDs
Music Genres
Top music charts in Music Collection Part I
Aaliyah - I Care 4 URelease date: 2003-02-03; Music CD
Price in other shops:
Aaliyah - AaliyahRelease date: 2001-07-17; Music CD
Best price: $22.00
Price in other shops:
Aaliyah - One in a MillionRelease date: 2004-03-01; Music CD
Best price: $6.11
Price in other shops:
Aaliyah - Age Ain't Nothing But a NumberRelease date: 1994-05-24; Music CD
Best price: $8.89
Price in other shops:
50 Cent - Get Rich Or Die TryinRelease date: 2003-02-06; Music CD
Best price: $7.49
Price in other shops:
Outlawz - Thug in Thug OutRelease date: 2007-09-11; Music CD
Best price: $10.63
Price in other shops:
Fatal - In the Line of FireRelease date: 1998-03-31; Music CD
Best price: $6.00
Price in other shops:
Fatal - FatalRelease date: 2002-12-10; Music CD
Best price: $12.85
Price in other shops:
Stic.man, Young Noble - Soldier 2 SoldierRelease date: 2006-10-03; Music CD
Best price: $10.00
Price in other shops:
Layzie Bone, Young Noble - Thug BrothersRelease date: 2006-02-07; Music CD
Best price: $9.99
Price in other shops:
Top Rated Albums
Aaliyah - I Care 4 U (with Bonus DVD)Release date: 2002-12-10; Music CD
Best price: $12.99
Price in other shops:
Monica - After the StormRelease date: 2003-06-17; Music CD
Best price: $5.55
Price in other shops:
Keyshia Cole - Just Like YouRelease date: 2007-09-25; Music CD
Best price: $6.95
Price in other shops:
Destiny's Child - The Writing's on the WallRelease date: 1999-07-27; Music CD
Best price: $4.86
Price in other shops:
Rihanna - Good Girl Gone BadRIHANNA; Release date: 2007-06-05; Music CD
Best price: $6.99
Price in other shops:
Aaliyah - AaliyahRelease date: 2006-05-22; Music CD
Best price: $13.20
Price in other shops:
Aaliyah - Ultimate AaliyahRelease date: 2005-04-11; Music CD
Best price: $15.98
Price in other shops:
Aaliyah - AaliyahRelease date: 2001-07-17; Music CD
Best price: $19.99
Price in other shops:
Aaliyah - AaliyahRelease date: 2004-03-01; Music CD
Best price: $6.00
Price in other shops:
Aaliyah - Age Ain't Nothing But a NumberRelease date: 1994-05-24; Music CD
Best price: $8.83
Price in other shops: