Editor Reviews:

Amazon.com's Best of 2001:
Seven years after her debut at just 15 years old, Aaliyah assembled a third studio album that was astonishingly mature. Sadly, her death just a little over a month after its release stilled a promising voice in R&B. At 22, when most artists would just be getting started, Aaliyah had already progressed from pop to street to an unconventional retro-modern, risk-taking version of R&B. While lead track "We Need a Resolution" is as mainstream as it gets, there are fewer hits on this album than on previous efforts. Instead, this collection is an extraordinary romantic exposition of passion and pain. While Missy Elliott is cranking out jams for all her "club freaks," Aaliyah is like a modern-day (if less vocally gifted) Minnie Riperton, exploring the pains of moving from child star to adult sex symbol. Tracks such as "Never No More" and "I Care 4 U" (featuring Missy) are slinky, twisted ballads imbued with film-noir sultriness, as diva Aaliyah steps catlike away from the bubblegum R&B of her contemporaries. There's also the obligatory rock track tacked on near the end ("I Can Be"), but even this excels above the standard hip-hop/rock/R&B crossover fare with its Prince-like influences coupled with Aaliyah's own instinct for seduction. Aaliyah also signaled a move away from her long-standing musical relationship with producer Timbaland, who contributes just three cuts. Having started out heavily supported by R. Kelly, it appeared that Aaliyah was more than able to go it alone. --Jake Barnes

Rating : - Aaliyah's final (and best) album!
"I've got something for all the fools, It ain't just rhythm and blues." Aaliyah sings in "Loose Rap," the second song off her (unfortunately) final studio album. This is true, because even though most of the album is R&B or Neo-Soul music, she also includes some dance/electropop music ("More Than A Woman") and even some rock music ("What If", "I Can Be") to make a very interesting and listenable album that proves Aaliyah knew how to change up her sound, but still make it work.

The album opens with "We Need A Resolution," which is a very unique sounding song that is still R&B, but doesn't sound like anything she's done before. This is one of the standout tracks that you will find your self playing over and over. This is followed by "Loose Rap" featuring Static Major of Playa. This song is catchy as usual. The second single and thrid track from "Aaliyah" is "Rock the Boat." It is the most sexual, but most amazing songs on here. The vocals Aaliyah delivers to the relaxed beat will send chills down your spine! The only thing is the first few times I listened to it, it was hard because all I could think about was her dieing in a plane crash coming back from the music video shoot. It immediately leads into "More Than A Woman," the fun pop music track that will have you singing along with the chorus.

Things get more serious as Aaliyah addresses her lover who is abusing her in "Never No More" and comforts a heartbroken man in "I Care 4 U." They both are five star songs and the latter was Aaliyah's favorite track from this album. In "Extra Smooth," Aaliyah sings about being hit on by guys trying to be slick, or as she says it 'extra smooth.' "Read Between the Lines" is about exposing a liar, and is a decent track. Then she gets p'oed (pissed off) in "U Got Nerve."

Track number ten gives us the piano-driven ballad, entitled "I Refuse." This song could easily go down as one of my favorite Aaliyah songs. Aaliyah delivers phenomenal vocals on this track. It was released as a very minor single in France, but I think if it was released in the US, it would have been successful. Clocking in at nearly six minutes (the booklet says 5:57, iTunes says 5:59) it is the longest song on the album, but you won't notice it. Followed by "It's Whatever" which is a nice ballad, but kind of forgettable if you listen to it back to back with "I Refuse."

Once we get to "I Can Be," you will be in the mood for an upbeat song. It starts out like a ballad, but then a surprise twist. An electric guitar kicks in and makes it an upbeat ROCK song! Some people don't like it but I think it worked. After that, we are given "Those Were the Days." Its a nice mid-tempo that has a good beat. It reminisces on a love that once was strong but now is weak.

After thirteen wonderful tracks, all that's left is "What If." I'm going to have to be honest... This is a horrible way to end! It starts of with annoying guitar feedback, and then a messed up NU-metal track that just doesn't quite work. However, on some editions, you are treated with the bonus (hidden) track "Messed Up," which is a much better way to end. Or, there is another edition that ends with four bonus tracks! They are Try Again from "Romeo Must Die" and "Miss You", "Don't Know What to Tell Ya", and "Erica Kane." That is the edition I own and (as of December 2008) is the only version of the album that is still available to by from Amazon (the others are only Used & New.)

Seven years after her debut and five after her second album, Aaliyah proves that she has matured over the years. This is undoubtedly her best work in my opinion.