"More Than a Woman" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Single by Aaliyah | ||||
from the album Aaliyah | ||||
B-side | ||||
Released | September 4, 2001 | |||
Recorded | 2001 | |||
Studio | Manhattan Center (New York City) | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 3:49 | |||
Label | ||||
Songwriter(s) | ||||
Producer(s) | Timbaland | |||
Aaliyah singles chronology | ||||
|
"More Than a Woman" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah for her eponymous third and final studio album (2001). It was written by Static Major and Timbaland, with the latter producing it. Initially chosen as the album's second single, Aaliyah began promoting it with televised performances on Live with Regis and Kelly and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in July 2001. Due to premature radio support, "Rock the Boat" instead became the second single. "More Than a Woman" was ultimately released as the album's third single. In France, it was released as a double A-side with "I Refuse".
After Aaliyah died in a plane crash on August 25, Blackground Records executives were initially uncertain about when they would issue the song's physical single and its accompanying video. Blackground Records and Virgin Records eventually released the record on September 4 in France. Musically, it is a pop, electro, hip hop, funk, and R&B song. While its instrumental features digital strings, harsh-sounding synthetic bass, and guitar sounds. Lyrically, the narrator (Aaliyah) makes promises to be everything and more to her love interest.
Upon its release, it received generally favorable reviews from music critics, with many praising Aaliyah's vocal performance and the song's production. In 2003, "More Than a Woman" was nominated for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the 45th Annual Grammy Awards. In the United States, it achieved moderate success, peaking at number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100. Internationally, the song performed even better, peaking in the top 20 in Ireland and Scotland. It also reached number one in Croatia and on the UK Singles Chart, making Aaliyah the first female artist to obtain a posthumous number-one single in the country.
An accompanying music video for "More Than a Woman" was directed by Dave Meyers in early August 2001. It is a dance-heavy futuristic video that takes place inside a motorcycle engine. After its release, the video received acclaim from the music industry, winning Best Video at the 2002 MOBO Awards. Throughout the years, most critics have praised the video for its theme, fashion, and choreography.
"More Than a Woman" was written by Stephen "Static Major" Garrett and Timothy "Timbaland" Mosley, being produced by the latter. Conceived during the recording of Aaliyah, the song was initially produced by Garrett. After recording its original version, Garrett kept going back and listening to the song, saying "I can do something bigger and better to it". Subsequently, he rewrote the whole song. Aaliyah wasn't present at the studio when Garrett recorded the original, so she never heard it. [1]
NME writer Adam Bychawski said "More Than a Woman" was an "anthemic, 80s-tinged" song. [2] It is composed in the key of C Major and is set in time signature of common time with a tempo of 88 beats per minute. [3] According to Complex journalist Lauren Nostro it mixes "pop, electro, and a mesmerizing mid tempo hip-hop feel, which allowed Aaliyah's delicate vocals to take the spotlight". [4] While, i-D journalist Emily Manning states that the song has a "daring" blend of pop and electronic influences. [5] In a review of Aaliyah, Ian Wade from Dotmusic described the song as "Baroque liquid funk", and Jeff Lorenz from Yahoo! Music described it as "breezy hip-hop/funk". [6] [7] Harrison Brocklehust from The Tab labeled the song as R&B and declared that it was "one of the greatest R&B singles to ever be released". [8]
Micha Frazer-Carroll from The Independent stated, "Even at her most poppy, 'More Than a Woman' includes smooth and sweet self-harmonisation amid dark, minor-key strings". [9] Kelefah Sanneh of The New York Times said the song features an "uncharacteristically dense arrangement of digital strings, synthetic bass and lissome rhythms". [10] According to author Tim Footman the songs rhythm is built around "an insistent motif on a Güiro – a Brazilian percussion instrument that's scraped, rather than hit or shaken". [11] In addition to implementing a variety of sounds, it also contains an initially-uncredited sample from the Egyptian song "Alouli Ansa" by singer Mayada El Hennawy. [12] [13]
On the song Aaliyah's vocal range spans from G♯3 to D♯5, [3] as she "sings breathily and economically" over the songs "grinding electronic backdrop" which also includes "a coda of dirty, squelchy synths". [14] She makes "it look deceptively simple the way her understated vocals cut through a glitchy, complex Timbaland beat to take center stage". [15] The song "creeps up on you, its charms gradually revealing themselves through Aaliyah's understated delivery". [16] Lyrically, she "makes an odd promise to a lover: I'll be more than a woman" while, "professing that she "has everything her man is looking for, silencing his need to look further". [10] [17]
Having invested in the commercial performance of Aaliyah, Blackground Records and Virgin Records wanted a single with a high chart peak to help increase the album's sales. [18] Its lead single "We Need a Resolution" had been released on April 13, 2001, but underperformed on radio and reached only number 59 on the US Billboard Hot 100. [18] [19] Originally, "More Than a Woman" was chosen as the second single; however, "Rock the Boat" began receiving heavy radio airplay. [20] Aaliyah fought with the label and pushed for "Rock the Boat" to become the second single. [21] Consequently, Blackground and Virgin serviced "Rock the Boat" to rhythmic contemporary radio in the United States as the second single from Aaliyah on August 21. [22]
In August, Aaliyah filmed the accompanying music video for "More Than a Woman" in Los Angeles and then travelled to the Bahamas to film a video for "Rock the Boat". [23] However, after its completion, she and several crew members who were returning to the US died in a plane crash on August 25. [24] Although Blackground executives were initially uncertain when they would release the album's next single and video, [25] In France, "More Than a Woman" was released as the second international single from the album on September 4. [26] In January 2002, It was released in the UK as the albums second single, debuting at number 1 the week after release. In the US it was released as the airplay-only third and final single on April 30, 2002. [27] [28]
In August 2021, it was reported that Aaliyah's recorded work for Blackground (since rebranded as Blackground Records 2.0) would be re-released on physical, digital, and, for the first time ever, streaming services in a deal between the label and Empire Distribution. [29] Aaliyah, including "More Than a Woman", was re-released on September 10. [30]
Aaliyah first performed "More Than a Woman" on Live with Regis and Kelly on July 18, 2001, to promote Aaliyah. [31] The second and final performance of the song took place on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on July 25; it was Aaliyah's final live performance before she died a month later. [32] Rap-Up included her Tonight Show performance as one of her 10 greatest live performances saying, "In July 2001, Aaliyah appeared on the late-night talk show in what would be her last performance before her untimely death. And if that’s not enough of a reason to watch, let it be the flawless display of her lower register. Or her velour suit-clad band." [33] While, Brian Lisi from New York Daily News commented on the performance saying, "Her voice delicate yet soulful, Aaliyah's "More Than a Woman" would still resonate despite the limitations of the Tonight Show stage recording." [34]
Brad Cawn from Chicago Tribune felt that Aaliyah had matured content-wise and described the song as being a "mid-tempo come-on". [35] James Poletti from Dotmusic gave "More Than a Woman" a mixed review; he praised the song's production by saying it was one of Timbaland's finest productions but felt that the song was lesser compared to Aaliyah's previously released singles. [16] Overall, he felt that the song did justice to Aaliyah's legacy and that it "reminds us that Aaliyah was a truly contemporary soul performer and will be sorely missed". [16] Drowned in Sound writer Anita Bhagwandas gave the song a ten rating saying, "This record is not so much the best thing she’s done, rather a pertinent reminder of her ethos of pushing the boundaries and blurring the lines between the genres." [36] Len Righi from The Morning Call , stated that "Aaliyah's sexy promises bring a dry-ice kind of heat to "More Than a Woman". [37]
Music Week , gave the song a mixed review, as they felt that the song wasn't the best cut from Aaliyah's album, however they praised its Masters at work remix calling it "particularly good"; nonetheless they declared "her talent continues to shine through". [38] When reviewing Aaliyah, British publication NME described "More Than a Woman" as being "grandiose". [39] Quentin B. Huff from PopMatters praised the production of the song by saying: "The production bumps and jerks, contrasting a smooth groove with the spikes and dips of its loops and cadences". He also felt that "Aaliyah manages to croon over this mechanical bull of a beat, and the lyrics are appropriately terse and frugal, as if she only needs a few key phrases to remind her significant other that she is in fact "more than enough for you." [40]
In a review of Aaliyah, Luke McManus from the Irish publication RTÉ compared "More Than a Woman" to the work of French electronic music duo Daft Punk and praised her vocal performance. [41] Sal Cinquemani from Slant Magazine felt that the song would make the perfect cartoon theme song, stating: "If the beyond-burgeoning actress was ever approached to play a cartoon superhero, the synth-heavy "More Than a Woman", with its millennium-ready empowerment and sensitive vocals, would make the perfect theme song for the fictional vixen ("You go, I go/'Cause we share pillows")". [42] Joshua Clover from Spin praised the song by saying: "'More Than a Woman' isn't the Bee Gees song but pushes the jumpy tune until, finally, it meets you in the doorway (or is that the dance floor or the bed room?)". [43] Variety writers labeled the song as timeless and felt that its influence could be heard in various songs such as Kehlani’s "Too Much" (2017) and Ari Lennox’s "BMO" (2019). [44]
Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2002 | Teen Choice Award | Choice Music – R&B/Hip-Hop Song | Nominated | |
2002 | MOBO Award | Best Video | Won | |
2003 | Grammy Award | Best Female R&B Vocal Performance | Nominated |
Year | Publication | Accolade | Rank | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2002 | NME | The Top 50 Tracks of 2002 | 40 | |
2011 | Rolling Stone | Ten Best Apocalyptic Dance Music Videos | – | |
2015 | Out | A Music Video Herstory of the All-Girl Dance Routine | – | |
2020 | The Guardian | The 100 Greatest UK No. 1 Singles | 56 | |
2022 | Billboard | The 100 Greatest Songs of 2002: Staff Picks | 42 |
In the United States, "More Than a Woman" entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart at number 71 on February 2, 2002. [53] It peaked at number 25 in its ninth week, [54] spending a total of 24 weeks on the chart. [55] It also peaked at number 11 on Dance Club Songs during its sixth week on the chart, [56] while peaking at number seven on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart in its 24th week. [57] On June 15, "More Than a Woman" peaked at number 19 on the Mainstream Top 40. [58] It also peaked at number 12 on the Rhythmic Top 40 chart on April 27. [59] "More Than a Woman" was ranked at number 58 on the 2002 year-end Billboard Hot 100. [60] Following its 2021 digital release, "More Than a Woman" debuted and peaked at number 40 on the US Digital Song Sales chart for the week of September 25, 2021. [61]
Internationally, "More Than a Woman" peaked at number 12 on the European Hot 100 Singles on January 26. [62] In Belgium, "More Than a Woman" peaked at number ten on the Ultratip chart in Flanders, [63] as well as at number 31 on the Ultratop 50 in Wallonia. [64] In France, the song was released as a double A-side single with "I Refuse", [65] peaking at number 25. In Germany, the song peaked at number 34. [66] In Ireland, "More Than a Woman" peaked at number 13 on January 31. [67] In the Netherlands, it entered the Dutch Top 40 at number 33 on November 21, 2001, [68] peaking at number 29 four weeks later. [68] On November 10, the song peaked and spent two weeks at number 38 on the Dutch Single Top 100. [69] In Scotland, the song peaked at number ten on January 13, 2002. [70] The song debuted at number 25 in Switzerland on November 11, 2001, reaching it peak at number 16 in its 11th week, on January 20, 2002. [71]
In the United Kingdom, "More Than a Woman" debuted and peaked at number one on the UK Singles Chart for the week ending date January 19, 2002, selling 32,000 copies in its first week. [72] It became the first time that a posthumous release had taken over from another posthumous release in the country, when the song was replaced by George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord", and the first time that a woman had had a posthumous number-one single. [73] [74] [75] According to the Official Charts Company (OCC), "More Than a Woman" is Aaliyah's second best-selling single in the UK, behind "Try Again". [76] In Australia, the song peaked at number 37 on March 10. [77]
The accompanying music video for "More Than a Woman" was directed by Dave Meyers and was filmed in Los Angeles in early August 2001, before the video shoot for "Rock the Boat". [21] [78] While, choreography for the video was orchestrated by Fatima Robinson. [79] Meyers was chosen as the director for the video when Aaliyah met him through Damon Dash. According to Meyers, "She was with Damon Dash, her boyfriend I think, or at least they were friendly. Damon was hiring me for a lot of Jay Z's videos. I think that might've been the way I got into that job. I don't remember exactly. I just remember Damon telling me I better make his girlfriend look good [laughs]". [21]
After getting to know one another, Meyers became familiar with Aaliyah's artistic side. He explained: "I was really impressed with how balanced she was on her whole deal and really had a great understanding of all sides of the artistic equation. She was pulling tears out of magazines and sharing those with me, it was a little bit more of how she wanted to present herself and I built the world around her with the motorcycle and the lights and the dance". The budget for the video was high, which made Myers nervous because "he wanted everything to go as planned, including the light show for the video". Aaliyah, who got the budget approved for the video, also wanted to make sure the light show was included; Myers recalled Aaliyah saying "No, I want to do this right" when speaking about the budget. [21]
The theme for the video was brainstormed at a "little" round table; some ideas drafted included the light show and the motorcycle theme. Myers stated: "I was really excited about the video so I sort of did a little roundtable. The light show was something I've been wanting to do ever since Lenny Kravitz's "Are You Gonna Go My Way", and then the motorcycle motif I think one of the younger guys had initially tossed it out there and I thought it was awesome". [21] The motorcycle theme was taken from the ″motorcycle mania″, heavily prominent with the hip hop crew The Ruff Ryders around that time. [21] The video's theme included a lot of metaphorical aspects, especially within the motorcycle (e.g. the energy from the dance routines is fueling the motorcycle throughout the video). [21]
Aaliyah wore a custom-made Chanel jumpsuit created by designer Dapper Dan in the video. Aaliyah's stylist Derek Lee stated: "Aaliyah looked so good in a catsuit and we wanted it to be designer. He took the idea and he ran with it. It's pretty amazing". [80] Meanwhile, Aaliyah's backup dancers wore faux Chanel buckle belts purchased on Canal Street, "where they would sell really random knockoff things". Their shoes were regular sneakers Lee made into Chanel ones to coordinate with their outfits. [80] According to Emily Tan from The Boombox Aaliyah "lives up to the title of her 'More Than a Woman' visual by ditching oversized menswear and embracing a sleek look", when discussing her Chanel catsuit. [81] Teen Vogue writer Shama Nasinde included her white catsuit look on their "Aaliyah’s Style Evolution: See Her Most Timeless and Influential Looks" list. [82] While comparing Aaliyah's similar jumpsuit look from a live performance, Héloïse Salessy from Vogue France said "it was really the white model she wore in her music video for "More Than A Woman" released in 2001 that made her mark on the fashion scene". [83]
The video starts with a shot of West 4th Street in Los Angeles, looking towards the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Aaliyah riding a 2001 model Triumph Speed Triple, wearing a helmet and a Dainese jumpsuit. The camera zooms inside the exhaust pipe and shows Aaliyah dancing in a white Chanel catsuit with other female dancers between the pistons. Between cuts, she is seen riding the motorcycle and doing wheelies, and in another scene standing in front of a headlight with her back against the camera. Later in the video, the video shifts to a higher, nightclub-styled floor of the motorcycle above the pistons, where Aaliyah is wearing leather pants, gloves, and boots and a black tank-top, and dances with co-ed dancers. British music producer Mark Ronson appears in the club as a DJ, along with then-girlfriend Rashida Jones and her sister Kidada. [49] [84] Various dancers are then shown dancing across the floor, culminating in Aaliyah and the female dancers doing a towel dance at the end of the song. At the end, Aaliyah is seen on the motorcycle, removing her helmet. The final shot is a silhouette of her in front of sunrise with the words "In Loving Memory of Aaliyah" above.
In the UK the music video for "More Than a Woman" became available to stream online via Dotmusic's website on January 7, 2002. [85] On January 12 the video made its television debut on CD:UK, while the following day it debuted on The Pepsi Chart and on MTV UK as the fourth most played video. [86] On January 18, the video made its premiere on Top of the Pops . [86]
In the US there was an uncertainty regarding the release of the video due to Blackground ending their joint deal with Virgin in November 2001. [87] The delay in the videos release angered fans of Aaliyah with one fan saying: "It's very important to keep her memory alive, It would behoove them to go ahead and release it quickly." [87] While the videos release remained in limbo the public was able to see excerpts from it during her VH1 "Behind the Music" special, which aired on January 5. [87] Eventually, Blackground obtained a deal with Universal and the video made its television debut on BET, MTV, and VH1 during the week ending January 14, 2002. [87] [88] During the week ending February 3, the video was the second most-played video on BET. [89] For the week ending February 24, the video was the 26th most-played video on MTV. [90]
Quentin B. Huff from PopMatters compared the video to the work of both Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson, saying: "Aaliyah's dancing in her videos probably owed a debt to the videos for Michael and Janet Jackson's solo work. No doubt that's true of many artists. Actually, the "More Than a Woman" video brings to mind Michael and Janet's "Scream" video, as well as Janet's video for "Rhythm Nation." [40] He also praised her dancing in the video for being "effortless". [40] Rolling Stone praised the video "for adding a touch of vibrant color to its futuristic factory setting". [49] Les Fabian Brathwaite from Out felt that this was "maybe" Aaliyah's best video; He also praised the videos wardrobe styling and choreography. [50] BET said that Aaliyah was "glowing in the video" and that it included "her signature sexy-cool dance sequences". [91] While discussing the video, Nylon writer Steffanee Wang felt that "with the 2000s came the music video industry's obsession with surreal, sometimes absurd, cyber-future plot points; like this one, which takes place entirely inside a motorcycle's engine". [92]
Singer Solange interpolated the chorus of "More Than a Woman" in her song "Borderline (An Ode to Self Care)" from her third studio album A Seat at the Table (2016). [93] In 2017, Welsh musician Kelly Lee Owens covered "More Than a Woman" in two different versions. The tracks were released on a limited-edition 12-inch vinyl and were made available via SoundCloud. [94] Owens stated: "My love and respect for Aaliyah as an artist/vocalist and Timbaland as a producer increased tenfold as I picked the track apart and understood how intricate and layered everything was", adding: "The remix of my cover was something I wanted to write and produce that gave the original track new life, and also gave people a sense of power — it’s unapologetic." [94]
American singer Kehlani interpolated "More Than a Woman" on the song "Too Much" from her debut studio album SweetSexySavage (2017). [95] Canadian rapper Drake interpolated the opening verse of "More Than a Woman" into the song "Is There More" from his fifth studio album Scorpion (2018). [96]
International maxi CD single [97]
European CD single [98]
European maxi CD single [99]
European 12-inch vinyl [100]
| UK 12-inch vinyl and cassette single [101] [102]
French CD single [103]
Australian maxi CD single [104]
|
Credits are adapted from the liner notes of Aaliyah. [105]
Weekly charts
| Year-end charts
|
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
United Kingdom (BPI) [140] | Silver | 200,000‡ |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. |
Region | Date | Format(s) | Label(s) | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
France | September 4, 2001 | Maxi CD | Hostile | |
September 25, 2001 | CD | |||
Germany | October 29, 2001 | Maxi CD | EMI | |
United Kingdom | January 7, 2002 | Virgin | ||
Australia | February 25, 2002 | Maxi CD | EMI | |
United States | April 30, 2002 |
|
Aaliyah Dana Haughton, known as Aaliyah, was an American singer, actress, dancer, and model. She has been credited with helping to redefine contemporary R&B, pop, and hip hop, earning her the nicknames the "Princess of R&B" and "Queen of Urban Pop".
Aaliyah is the third and final studio album by American R&B singer Aaliyah. It was released on July 7, 2001, by Blackground Records and Virgin Records. Because of its packaging design, it is also known as "The Red Album". Aaliyah started to work on the album in 1998, but rescheduled its recording around her developing film career. She resumed recording in 2000 at Sing Sing Studios in Australia, where she shot her role for the 2002 film Queen of the Damned during the day and recorded songs at night. Additional recording took place at Manhattan Center and Sony Music Studios in New York and Westlake Recording Studios in Los Angeles, among other locations. Through her recording contract with Blackground, the singer worked primarily with the record label's in-house crew of writers and producers, including Bud'da, J. Dub, Rapture, and Eric Seats, as well as longtime collaborator Timbaland.
Blackground Records 2.0 is an American record label founded and owned by Jomo and Barry Hankerson. Initially named Blackground Enterprises, the label switched its name to Blackground Entertainment then later Blackground Records in 2000. In 2021, the label rebranded as Blackground Records 2.0, reviving its company and catalogue onto streaming services, with a partnership with Empire Distribution. It co-operated with a publishing company founded by Hankerson, named Black Fountain Music.
I Care 4 U is a posthumous compilation album by American singer Aaliyah. It was released on December 10, 2002, by Blackground Records and Universal Records. Following Aaliyah's death on August 25, 2001, Blackground decided to release a posthumous record in collaboration with Universal Music Group. The album compiles eight of Aaliyah's previously released songs alongside six previously unreleased recordings which were discarded from sessions for her eponymous third and final studio album (2001).
"Got to Give It Up" is a song by American music artist Marvin Gaye. Written by the singer and produced by Art Stewart as a response to a request from Gaye's record label that he perform disco music, it was released in March 1977.
"Don't Know What to Tell Ya" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah. It was written by Static Major and Timbaland for her eponymous third studio album (2001), and was produced by the latter. However, it did not make the final cut for Aaliyah and remained unreleased until after Aaliyah's August 25, 2001 death. The song was then included on the posthumous compilation album I Care 4 U (2002) and was released as its second single on February 11, 2003 by Blackground Records and Universal Records.
"Try Again" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah for the soundtrack to Romeo Must Die (2000). After its initial release, it appeared as a bonus track on international editions of Aaliyah's eponymous third and final studio album (2001). The song was written by Static Major and Timbaland, while production was handled by the latter. "Try Again" was released to Rhythmic contemporary radio stations by Blackground and Virgin Records on March 21, 2000. Musically, it is an R&B, electro, dance-pop, and trip hop song. It also includes influences from hip hop, EDM, and acid house. The intro contains an interpolation from Eric B. & Rakim's song "I Know You Got Soul" (1987). Lyrically, the narrator (Aaliyah) encourages a potential partner not to give up when she initially rejects his advances.
American singer Aaliyah has released three studio albums, two compilation albums, and 31 singles. Aaliyah was born in Brooklyn, New York City and was raised in Detroit, Michigan. At age 10, she appeared on Star Search and performed in concert alongside Gladys Knight. At age 12, Aaliyah signed a deal with Jive Records and Blackground Records. During that time, she met R. Kelly through her uncle Barry Hankerson; eventually, he became her mentor, sole lead songwriter, and producer for her debut album. Released in 1994, Aaliyah's debut album, Age Ain't Nothing but a Number, was certified double Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and sold three million copies in the United States. Months after the release of her album, Aaliyah ended her contract with Jive and signed with Atlantic Records due to allegations of an illegal marriage with Kelly.
"(At Your Best) You Are Love" is a song by R&B group the Isley Brothers. It was originally released on their album Harvest for the World. The song was dedicated to their mother, Sally. Although not a single, the song was a radio hit in 1976, and later became a hit for R&B singer Aaliyah in 1994.
"Are You That Somebody?" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah for the Dr. Dolittle soundtrack (1998). It was written by Static Major and Timbaland, with the latter producing it, in addition to performing a guest rap. It was sent to urban contemporary radio stations in the United States on May 26, 1998, by Blackground Records and Atlantic Records. Musically, it is an R&B, pop, and avant-funk song with hip hop influences. Its production also incorporates other instrumentals such as staccato guitars, beatboxing, and drum and bass. Lyrically, it is about the narrator (Aaliyah) keeping an intimate relationship a secret due to her celebrity status.
"Miss You" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah. Written by Johntá Austin, Ginuwine and Teddy Bishop in 1998, the song was initially recorded in 1999 for Aaliyah's eponymous third studio album (2001). However, it did not make the final cut for Aaliyah and remained unreleased until after Aaliyah's death in 2001. It was then included on the posthumous compilation album I Care 4 U (2002) and was released as its lead single on October 28, 2002, by Blackground Records and Universal Records.
"If Your Girl Only Knew" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah. It was released to radio on July 15, 1996, by Blackground Records and Atlantic Records as the lead single for her second studio album, One in a Million (1996). It was physically released in August 1996. Written by both Missy Elliott and Timbaland, with the latter producing the song, it focuses on a guy who receives a scolding from the female narrator (Aaliyah) for hitting on her when he already has a girlfriend. Musically, "If Your Girl Only Knew" is a "bouncing" funk, pop and hip hop song. Its production also incorporates other instruments ranging from keyboards, organs, and guitar licks.
"Hot Like Fire" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah for her second studio album One in a Million (1996). The song was written by both Missy Elliot and Timbaland, with the latter producing the song. In 1997 it was re-recorded and released as the fifth and final single from One in a Million with "The One I Gave My Heart To" on September 16, 1997 by Blackground Records and Atlantic Records.
"One in a Million" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah for her second studio album of the same title (1996). It was written by both Missy Elliott and Timbaland with the latter producing the song. It was released to Rhythmic contemporary radio as the third single from One in a Million by Blackground and Atlantic Records on November 12, 1996. Musically, the song is an R&B and club ballad with trip hop and drum and bass influences. While Lyrically, it is about the narrator (Aaliyah) professing her love for a man whom she identifies as being her "one in a million".
"4 Page Letter" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah for her second studio album, One in a Million (1996). Released as the album's fourth single by Blackground Records and Atlantic Records on April 8, 1997, it was written by both Missy Elliott and Timbaland with the latter producing it. Musically, it is an R&B ballad in which the protagonist is expressing feelings for her crush in the form of a letter.
"The One I Gave My Heart To" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah for her second studio album One in a Million (1996). The song was written by Diane Warren and was produced by Daryl Simmons. Musically, it is a pop and R&B power ballad with Aaliyah utilizing her soprano tone. Lyrically, the song is about the protagonist asking how the person that she loved could break her heart. The song was released as the fifth and final single from One in a Million with "Hot Like Fire" on September 16, 1997, by Blackground Records and Atlantic Records.
"Rock the Boat" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah for her eponymous third and final studio album (2001). It was written by Static Major, Eric Seats, and Rapture Stewart, with Seats and Stewart producing it. Initially, "More Than a Woman" was expected to be the album's second single; however, "Rock the Boat" garnered heavy radio airplay prematurely, which prompted Blackground Records to make that song the second single instead. On August 21, 2001, it was officially serviced to rhythmic contemporary radio by Blackground Records and Virgin Records.
"Age Ain't Nothing but a Number" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah for her debut studio album of the same name (1994). It was written and produced by R. Kelly and is lyrically about a young girl wanting to date an older man. Containing a lyrical interpolation from the song "What You Won't Do for Love" by Bobby Caldwell, the "soulful" ballad opens with a guitar-piano interplay, with Aaliyah's spoken voice noting her daily diary entry. Blackground Records and Jive Records released "Age Ain't Nothing but a Number" as the third single–and final single in the United States–from Age Ain't Nothing but a Number on December 6, 1994.
"I Care 4 U" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah. Written by Missy Elliott and Timbaland, the song was originally recorded for Aaliyah's second studio album One in a Million (1996), but the recording was shelved. It was re-recorded in 2000 for Aaliyah (2001). A neo soul ballad, "I Care 4 U" features beatboxing, an electric piano and multi-tracked vocals.
"We Need a Resolution" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah, featuring a guest appearance by American producer–rapper Timbaland for her eponymous third and final studio album (2001). Written by Static Major and Timbaland, with the latter producing it, it was released as the album's lead single by Blackground Records and Virgin Records on May 15, 2001. Musically, it is a "bouncing" alternative R&B, hip hop, and electro-funk song with Middle Eastern influences. Lyrically, "We Need a Resolution" speaks about a passive-aggressive relationship that has hit a rough patch in which the narrator (Aaliyah) asks for solutions while her partner dismisses her feelings.
The writer of the article mislabeled the song.
A downward arrow indicates that a single descended the chart, which means the song was at number one the previous week.