Aaliyah Album One in a Million

Aaliyah
Album : One in a Million
Release Date: August 27, 1996
Label: Atlantic Records

Review :

Aalyiah’s second CD, "One in a Million," displayed her artistic growth and moved her to the forefront of R&B artists. Whereas her first CD was produced completely by R. Kelly, Aaliyah went for a more varied sound on this CD by using a number of producers, notably Timbaland. In addition, Missy Elliot provides "vocal arrangements" and raps on the CD - it’s probably the best incorporation of Missy’s sound ever. The CD was one of the first big hits produced by Timbaland with Missy Elliot, and it really signaled a change in the sound of R&B music.

"If Your Girl Only Knew" was the first single (#11 on the Top 100) and features Timbaland rapping. It still sounds really contemporary, even though the sound has been copied by innumerable producers and artists. "One in a Million" is perhaps the best song on the CD, with Missy Elliot on background vocals and a great "chirping cricket" sound effect. Although it wasn’t released as a single, it went to #25 on the Top 100 Airplay chart. The biggest song off the CD was the ballad, "The One I Gave My Heart To," which went to #9 and was certified for gold sales.

However, nearly every song on the CD is great - several more songs should have been released, particularly "Hot Like Fire" and the remake of Marvin Gaye’s "Got to Give It Up" (with a rap by Slick Rick). "Choosy Lover" is another one of my favorites; a remake of an old Isley Brothers’ song that has a great, laid-back groove that flips part-way through to become more urgent. Even though "One in a Million" was released back in 1996, I still really love listening to this CD. A real breakthrough that still sounds great: a real reminder of Aalyiah’s tremendous talent.

Track Listing :

1. Beats 4 Da Streets (Intro)
2. Hot Like Fire
3. One In A Million
4. A Girl Like You
5. If Your Girl Only Knew
6. Choosey Lover (Old School/New School)
7. Got To Give It Up
8. 4 Page Letter
9. Everything’s Gonna Be Alright
10. Giving You More
11. I Gotcha’ Back
12. Never Givin’ Up
13. Heartbroken
14. Never Comin’ Back
15. Ladies In Da House
16. The One I Gave My Heart To
17. Came To Give Love (Outro)