First Time Listening to Aaliyah | REACTION + ANALYSIS

[@ericmason6540]

If you grew up watching Aaliyah's rise to fame, I'd love to hear about your memories and experiences with her music and your favorite songs of hers. :)

[@mshpablo]

I discovered Aaliyah very recently.. I think on her birthday this year. I already knew "Try Again", but had never listened to other work of hers.. then I listened this album and fell in love for her, her voice, her influence over a whole generation and her timeless sound

[@popunderrated]

More Than a Woman and Try Again are R&B masterpieces

[@bajeboi]

I was a fan from 98 and this was her greatest work. This album has served as the blueprint for most modern R&B but doesn't get the credit it deserves. Also on What If Aaliyah states hot grits is the new game she plays and she will cut and kill the guy so its pretty dark.

[@SomeGuy-mg5jy]

I enjoyed this. I wore this album out in 2001-02 when i lived in Atlanta. I used to bring the cd to work and my co-workers loved it, too. I haven't listened to it in years, so this took me back! I always loved Rock the Boat, Read Between the Lines, and I Refuse. This is definitely her best album-- the other 2 don't come close. The production on this still sounds fresh and inventive. And as always, your analysis and deconstruction of the lyrics and themes are always fresh and interesting.

[@thedeepdarkwebb]

I adore her so much and still listen frequently. Personal favorites are Are You That Somebody, Back In One Piece, Those Were The Days, Hot Like Fire Remix, Messed Up. So many. I hope her music is on streaming soon. Her estate came on Twitter saying they’re in the talks of adding her albums.

[@steemusic10]

"Loose Rap" is cool song because it actually tells 3 Stories. The First verse is about people talking reckless about her behind her back, jealous & hating but when they see her, they smile in her face, she's tired of the "Loose Rap". The Second Verse talks about a guy coming up to her with weak game, no authenticity, but she might still give him a shot, she's tired of the "Loose Rap". The Third Verse is about people talking about the "Supa Friends" (Aaliyah's crew, Missy, Tim, Magoo, Ginuwine, etc) and down playing their genius. She's saying, you could be amazing if you'd stop competing, just be yourself. Tired of the "Loose Rap". Very cool song! What's cool about the album as a WHOLE is that, it talks about cycles in relationships. It cycles through about 3 or 4 relationships and how they may go. A really cool concept.

[@princerob425]

Exactly this

[@adam.muzzik]

Exactly right!

[@got2bjosh]

Aaliyah’s best album. What a way to go out. A complete mic drop. So many Contemporary R&B albums owe their roots to this album and Janet’s All For You. Timbaland produced songs on this album, Justified, and Nelly Furtado’s Loose. I’d say Timbaland, Pharrell, and Darkchild were the leading producers of 2000s R&B Pop.

[@cjacja21]

A modern classic. The Red Album is essentially a break up record, but the break up breeds independence. This era was all about Aaliyah taking full control, she had grown into a mature woman who could be self sufficient. That’s empowering! Although this album is 20 years old, it still sounds fresh. I never tire of it.

[@Camille4Real]

RIP Static 💔 I believe he wrote 11 songs on this album. He passed in 2008. My favorite Aaliyah song is "All I Need" which was a special release after her passing.

[@goodvibesonli7052]

Yes static writer & producer and Eric Seats and Key Beats production as well The 2 songs from Tim

[@mattmorganflash]

This is her best album and one of the best r&b/urban pop albums ever. The production, the lyrics, her singing was just amazing. Till this day this album sounds so fresh and futuristic. Aaliyah and her team were light years ahead of their time. You can see her inspiration in a lot of artist today. Drake, Rihanna, Ciara, Chris Brown, Jhenè Aiko, Tinashe, Normani and many more. RIP to the Queen 🕊

[@cdk198127]

Aaliyah and I were about the same age. I remember on the red carpet of the VMAs, probably 1999, she was asked which performance she was most excited to see that evening and she said Nine Inch Nails. At the time I thought that that was so unexpected but it also makes total sense. There was always something dark and twisted about her music and style. Super cool and unique.

[@AJ-kd3yo]

This was such a cool catch. I always think of that moment from her.

[@RaulRodriguez-vt5dc]

Yep, she was exploring rock and was wanting to incorporate some if it into her music. She also mentioned that she liked Britney Spears, which kind of surprised me. Her music was dark and Britney’s was so bubble gum pop. I love how she was inspired by Sade and looked up to Stevie. Another surprise was learning that she was a Barbara Streisand fan.

[@RaulRodriguez-vt5dc]

Oh, and she liked Boy George’s music! She just loved music. It was in her soul.

[@danaholmes9431]

Aaliyah wanted to collaborate with Nine Inch Nails too. She stated In a MTV interview that she met with Trent Razor at the VMA’s and they talked for a while, they even talked a few times on the phone and she though he was a nice person and thought the groups sound and her sound would mesh well together.

[@gglovesgorillazmj7784]

yasss we stan a queen who likes NIN

[@nthuthukomdluli1052]

I appreciate the fact that U complimented her voice ,her singing

[@marquisecarter1887]

Me too

[@DajuanH.]

The self-titled “Aaliyah” is by far my favorite album from her catalogue( lyrically, visually, vocally and sonically it’s so powerful) it’s definitely her magnum opus. You should do a analysis of her “One In A Million” album very smooth.

[@DarieonLong1]

Fun fact; “I Care 4 U” was recorded in 1996. It was supposed to be on her “One In A Million” album, but the song didn’t match the vibe I guess, that the album had. So it was put off for a little bit. And before her passing, she was already working on her fourth album

[@DajuanH.]

She never got around to recording the song in “96” she just heard the demo and held onto it(her engineer confirmed that it was recorded around late 00/early 01)...her technique and skill is vocally much stronger than the OIAM era.

[@wandasmith9536]

I though that was "Rock the Boat"

[@youngnation9285]

Dajuan H. No she did in fact record it as she stated in a 2001 interview. She finished the song to late. The OIAM album was already mastered & was no way to put it on. She most likely re recorded IC4U in 2000 or 2001.

[@jayalexander6630]

So where’s the music she started recorded for her 4th album?

[@DajuanH.]

Yeah for the longest I thought she re-recorded the song, then a few years ago I read something that made me go hmm 🤔 maybe she just held on to the original demo, thanks for clearing that up 👌🏾

[@Eimaj1991]

This album was the reason I love different genres of music and wanted to become an artist. It's my favorite album of all time!!!

[@ashrick718]

You analyzed this album so well I didn’t even realize she said “bones/skeletons in closets” reference on two different tracks! Omg you’re amazing!

[@ericmason6540]

Thank you so much! :)

[@ashrick718]

This album was such a successful experimental album for her. One thing I loved was she evolved her sound and explored all at 21/22 years old OMG

[@UnreleasedUnderratedRnBgrooves]

Excellent analysis on "We Need a Resolution". Possibly one of Timbaland's hardest beats he laid down for Aaliyah - and it's funny you bring up JT's "Cry Me a River" because literally one year after this album dropped, "Cry Me a River" was set to production and official release in late '02/early '03. Timbaland is the King of the Beats. Miss his signature futuristic, out-there sound.

[@ericmason6540]

Thank you so much! Yes, I absolutely love Timbaland's production! :)

[@sunnesunne4039]

This album especially among those in the music industry is considered a groundbreaker particularly in giving rise to the kind of "alternative R&B" sound that would be huge in the 2010s. Aaliyah was a nine inch nails fan and Trent Reznor was initially supposed to produce what if......she was very interested in experimenting with industrial and metal sounds within R&B but sadly passed before she could ....

[@RaulRodriguez-vt5dc]

One of my favorite albums and performers of all time. She would have been huge if she were still here.

[@drb1157]

She was the first artist that I liked every single song from her catalogue, including both soundtracks and features... She was just, something else. By the way, you should react to her (now infamous thanks to R. Kelly) debut album and the ICONIC One in A Million.

[@manglik3815]

Album of the century for me, right along with Back to Black by Amy Winehouse. I Can Be is the absolute for me in this one. the way we lost her, man. she's just different. it's all about her aura which is coming through her (any) self expression.

[@obaolori]

aaliyah was just the definition of flawless

[@kevaunmitchell1316]

She died after finishing making the music video of rock the boat in August 2001 she was on her way to see her family in new York 😭

[@Lindsay1581]

You listened to her masterpiece. I'm glad you got to experience it. I remember exactly where I was when I heard she'd passed. And just a couple of weeks later, the September 11th attacks happened. Dark days.

[@alexandervelez9507]

we need a resolution is especially sad because they never come to a resolution. timbaland spoke from the man’s perspective at the end and he basically dismissed everything she said so we can imagine that they either continued fighting or they separated. loose rap had a double meaning. the first verse was dedicated to a female rapper who dissed her (i forget her name) which was a “loose rap” and the second verse was dedicated to men who think they can catch her attention with lame pickup lines which are “loose raps”.

[@Tylan0l]

More Aaliyah!!!

[@shaunac.1949]

Aaliyahs album is timeless! AALIYAH IS TIMELESS!

[@santiago-ke3hz]

please listen to sade’s album love deluxe!!!! you can hear the band’s influence all over this, all the early 00s sultry r&b albums and 00s alt r&b that we all love 🥺

[@DajuanH.]

Yes it’s so good and Sade is also one of the top people who influenced Aaliyah growing up.

[@youngnation9285]

Your reaction was perfect. You were so detailed & picked up on everything.

[@ericmason6540]

Thank you so much! :)

[@herthaaa9171]

Please do more Aaliyah😊 very much enjoyed watching this. My Aaliyah story: I was born the year she died. I think as a child I’ve probably seen her videos or heard her music here and there but I was kid so I don’t remember much. Fast forward to when I was like 12/13. Back when people still watched tv lol, I was scrolling through the music channels but nothing good was playing. I switched to this channel that exclusively plays throwbacks(a channel I NEVER had any interest in). Her song try again starts playing and I get HIT with a wave of deja vu. I’m even singing along to it without trying to. I go on KZbin to search for her and I click on We Need a Resolution and the same thing happens where the deja vu comes in. Same thing with Are You That Somebody. Then More Than a woman. That’s the video where I realized she passed and it was like as soon as I “discovered” her, she was taken away from me. I was heartbroken. I soon got into the rest of her work and now she is one of my favourite artists of all time. Talent, beauty, class, intelligence...she had it all. One in a million should probably be the next album you do, it would be like working backwards through her work. Then you can see how much she evolves through all her eras. Edit: saw another comment asking for a TLC reaction and I second that! I’d start with their first album “Ooooh...On the TLC Tip”

[@kaideegan261]

I bet you’re an Aaliyah fan like me now 😁🥳 if you want a more powerful Aaliyah song try ‘the one I gave my heart to’ and new music of Aaliyah is ‘Go crazy’ with Chris brown and Nicki

[@veronicajade20]

I love how you sonically broke down this album! More Aaliyah.

[@Sylstyle07]

This album had so much impact on me. first being that I bought it the day she died. Still remember it like it was yesterday, just came back home, with it was reading the leaflet while puting MTV on and learning she just died. Listened to the album cyring. My favorite ones are we need a resolution, I care U and messed up(which wasn't released in France we had try again instead)

[@taniasouth]

Big ups to you for doing the entire album, I love every song of hers. I can't even choose just 1.. I miss her so much! Love from New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@bktee8182]

I only knew 3 songs by her and that was We need a Resolution , try again , and one in a million. But during quarantine (March) I stumbled onto I care 4 u song and I decided to give the whole Album a listen and.. listen I was so surprised on how long I went without listening to this Album and her previous Albums!! Btw my favorite song on this Album is extra smooth so different & groovy lol

[@musicnerd9411]

Similar story to mines. I love extra smooth too. Every song on this album is smooth and unique though lol

[@Markadown]

Great reaction and analysis. I grew up with Aaliyah from the day her first track dropped until the last. This album was amazing and I played the hell out of it. So many songs I love that she recorded like "One in a million", "4 page later", "the one I gave my heart to", "miss you", "John blaze", "man undercover" and so many more. She was an amazingly smooth dancer as well. Some of my favorite tracks, and majority of the Aaliyah album, were written by Static Major (rip) who paired amazingly well with her. You should definitely check out her album "One in a million."

[@ericmason6540]

Thank you so much! OIAM is on my list for sure. :)

[@issaread5937]

I think Aaliyah’s ”What if” was my peek feminist phase 😆

[@devonnarae628]

My favorite singer of all time. Been a fan since her first song. Love all of her music and think she just got better and better. I Care 4 U is from 1996 but sounds like it could have been released today. Her One In A Million album changed R&B. This album is amazing. I always thought Aaliyah and Static Major together was musical genius. I really wish we could have gotten a lot more music from them working together. Who knows what she could have been.

[@jeremymoore145]

I care for you was recorded in 2000 but yes, it could be released today and be amazing!

[@TheNraveles]

RIP babygirl 😢😢

[@swikarkalden]

I knew of her cause I'd read a newspaper article on her unfortunatel death when I was about 5/6 but only listened to her music when I was 15 and I was absolutely in LOVE with her sound and style especially her second album One in a Million. Such a shame about how her life ended and how her music hasn't been available on streaming platforms for years 😔 but hopefully that looks to be changing.

[@nthuthukomdluli1052]

Your smart ,reading at 5/6 ,which country U from

[@mshpablo]

this is the reaction I always wanted to watch!! I love this album that unfortunately isn't available to listen in the platforms

[@ericmason6540]

Thank you so much! :) I heard Aaliyah’s estate is considering making the album available on streaming sites, but nothing’s confirmed yet.

[@mshpablo]

@@ericmason6540 I hope it does

[@reydneesouza7647]

Pablo Morais after as this years her team confirmed that the’re trying to make them available everywhere in a “near future”. Finally ❤️✨✨✨

[@babyshaun82]

ATTENTION: OIAM is on AmazonMusic, BUT it is listed as "Heartbroken" & the track listing isn't in order. Just type in her name & scroll to albums & u'll see it. Spread the word!!

[@cakepudding3220]

My fav Aaliyah song is more than a women and rock the boat. She died when I was 7 in 01. I'm 26 and still listen to hermusic to this day. Please react to Aaliyah Back in one piece vid with dmx

[@symphowiththeinfo]

please react to her one in a million album! such a dynamic and hard hitting album with peaks and valleys. 😍

[@santiagov7163]

Fun fact she had a very diverse love for music. Janet, Trent Razor, and others she really wanted to work with both but couldn't due to film commitments and other time issues she was having bc she was literally becoming a international superstar (plz note she was already a big name here in the USA)

[@killezbums]

This is a really good review. I never really paid that much attention to the lyrics, but when you explain it you really understand what Aaliyah was going through. R.I.P Aaliyah 🖤👑

[@ericmason6540]

Thank you so much! :)

[@razz2552]

Love Aaliyah so much, sadly her untimely passing happened after she finished filming the music video for Rock the Boat. Amazing album and voice that will always be remembered.

[@jazzbaker5806]

It is such a beautiful Album!! From beginning to end! ♥️♥️♥️🕊🌹Beautiful reaction!

[@ThaGentleman512]

Amazing analysis. Ur very clever. Thank u for this! Aaliyah was so beautiful and talented

[@ericmason6540]

Thank you so much! :) She truly was!

[@Lacrymosa3018]

My favorite Aaliyah songs are One In A Million, If Your Girl Only Knew, Got To Give It Up (ft. Slick Rick), 4 Page Letter, The One I Gave My Heart To, We Need A Resolution, I Care 4 U, I Refuse, & Try Again. Great songs!!

[@madame__bizarre]

This is my favourite Aaliyah album 😍 I'm not from the USA, I discovered her music by accident (they played "Try Again" on VH1) and fell in love instantly. I think without her we wouldn't have such artists as Ciara or Rihanna today. She was a huge star at the age of 22, just think about what she could've achieved if she was still here 🥺 Anyway, thanks for making this video. It was fun to watch, and since most of her catalogue is hard to access for younger people, keeping Aaliyah's legacy alive is up to us, fans. (Also, maybe you'd like to react to "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" by Lauryn Hill?)

[@skkygavin5791]

My favorite Aaliyah song hmmmmmm All of them 😂😂😂😂♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@aphilkasi]

🌴 *Talofa Eric* 😜 I LOVE this whole album but 3 of my favorite joints from the _Aaliyah_ album are *_'I Care 4 U'_* , *_'It's Whatever'_* , and *_'Those Were the Days'_* ♡ Album of the Year!

[@hysteric4u]

first i like the video. then i watch it. this album aged so well! she was such a classy woman

[@garrettwiley6195]

I appreciate you for doing this reaction. #KeepHerLegacyAlive

[@popunderrated]

Just a note that on the U.K. album the final track is Try Again. I guess because it was a big hit. Didn’t realise it was different in the US (which is where I guess you’re based?) don’t think we had a hidden track either

[@reydneesouza7647]

Yes!! Here in Brazil “Try Again” was the last track, because it was a huge hit as well. But the north-American edition, only goes until “What If”. And some of the US editions came with “Messed Up” as a hidden track ❤️✨✨

[@au-ni6ejsas]

ohhh did you not have i care 4 u on this album? maybe it was just on the UK version but she recorded it at age 18 and vocally it was (in my opinion) her best performance on the album. grew up with aaliyah, her being the youngest performer at the oscars, performing journey to the past from the anastasia soundtrack, is something i'll always remember watching, it was truly stunning!

[@openyourchakras918]

My favorite is “We Need A Resolution”

[@real1540]

So many artist and amazing singers in this World But *AALIYAH* was something else. I don't know what it is But she got this Energy and halo..Still I miss her 😇 I think she could done so many new albums in these years. RIP baby girl 💔💔💔😔🧜🏿‍♀️🏳️‍🌈😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭🥱😭😭😭

[@mathisbailey794]

Wow...such a great analysis...very thorough. React to One In A Million album by Aaliyah

[@ericmason6540]

Thank you so much! :)

[@TheKingtonioShow]

Aaliyah best album in my opinion. So innovative and before it's time. Aaliyah said herself in the DVD included with album that the album was about relationships in general, all types of relationships to show her growth as not only an artist but a young woman.

[@rustysinfuego6507]

Yay! I suggested "Aaliyah" on your "Erotica" analysis. Thank you, Eric. 🇵🇭

[@ericmason6540]

My pleasure! Thank you for the recommendation. :)

[@nthuthukomdluli1052]

What's that flag ?

[@charliep9432]

@@nthuthukomdluli1052 philippines i believe?

[@ashrick718]

Eric pleeeeease react to Tamar Braxton’s “Calling All Lovers” (2015) album. OMG it was sooo good

[@smakdab30]

The song back and forth is 🔥

[@ashrick718]

Is from her first album, this is her third album

[@thequeenbabeno]

your analysis and reaction was great. i've been listening to this album for years now and you made me realize different nuances in the lyrics.

[@lasparks112]

This was an amazing analysis…you made me see things so differently I’m a huge Aaliyah fan and you did her justice!

[@beautyisdabeast]

Your commentary is impeccable you did well fu Shang I really enjoyed you telling the story cause that’s exactly how it is and this album is a masterpiece Rest In Peace Aaliyah

[@jackie_jrml]

I never heard this album only know her popular songs off of it but I loooooove her One in a Million album when I was 18. Maybe cuz the bass shook my car so hard in the late 90s haha. 🤪Sooo good

[@laquettaowens6120]

You should get it I bought it I loved it

[@flashboy6149]

@@laquettaowens6120 can u send it online please???

[@giljandradoran8418]

Queen Aaliyah😍🥺💍🤍

[@stephaniehouston521]

I Love All The Songs Of Aaliyah .

[@stamp400]

Thank you. You did well. I actually enjoyed that

[@Tylan0l]

React to the One in a Million album and the videos from this 2001 album you reacted to.

[@r.a.l.p.h]

Was What if was the first time r&b and rock mixed? I need more of this this my life.

[@kevaunmitchell1316]

RIP aaliyah

[@Brayden4987]

My favorite songs by Aaliyah is u got nerve, we need a resolution, don’t know what to tell ya, don’t think they know, more than a woman, extra smooth, and read between the lines

[@ginapayne744]

Aaliyah was on her way 😭one of the best albums period. Timbaland produced Justin's works after Aaliyah passed away. She was upset that Timbaland and Missy's input wasn't there as it was with one in a million. Static Major was a beast. Check out Playa's Cheers 2 U album. Some of his finest works. Rock The Boat is my favorite.

[@laquettaowens6120]

Her videos are amazing

[@Luxiferah]

My favourite would probably have to be I Care 4 U, One in a Million, I Miss You or Journey to the Past

[@nickolascf]

i love this! thank you. but now im sad the album isnt on spotify :(

[@iamnohamme]

You are so cute I really liked your kind words about Aaliyah the Goddess you were very respectful gentle and great with Aaliyah. Thanks for your wonderful reaction on Aaliyah's Red album. Aaliyah was all the R&B music industry about to conquer the whole entertainment world what a loss 😭😭😭 still heartbreaking

[@bunbunxo]

Pls react to Aaliyahs other albums as well !! 😭😭

[@Nperidot04]

I am a year late to this vid but I enjoyed your interpretation of the album, good job.

[@InfernoD26]

Thank you for this video this was a very interesting video I really enjoyed how you listened to every song and explained breaking down the meaning behind them great content 👍👏👌

[@jeremymoore145]

You should do the review for One in a million. It is a classic Aaliyah album.

[@haughtonsangel]

And I love the video!! Your so detailed and you explain the lyrics so well. I never really pay attention to the lyrics but now I understand a lot more❤️

[@peachflower3292]

My favorite song of Aaliyah’s is If your girl only knew!❤️

[@haughtonsangel]

If your girl only knew is on one in a million. This is her self titled album

[@sumbodysmiracle0326]

I hope you can react to dannii minogues “girl” album from 1997. I’d react to the expanded version, skip the remixes but listen to someone new flexifinger edit and keep up with the good times on the second disc! It’s a great piece of british trance!!! :)

[@TheGamersGuide819]

THAT ALBUM IS FIRE!!!!! HER VOICE IS SO HAWT

[@alexandervelez9507]

can you check out shakira’s oral fixation vol. 2? (vol. 1 is basically the spanish version) she touches on a lot of topics and it’s my fav shakira album.

[@musicnerd9411]

What’s your top 3 songs off of the album?

[@kristophervenegas5748]

Can you listen to Full Moon by Brandy next and maybe some albums by TLC like CrazySexyCool, FanMail or 3D

[@ashrick718]

Forget these, I just got into Brandy’s “Afrodisiac” (2004) album.. it is AMAZING

[@bktee8182]

Yes please react to Full moon a classic album !

[@a2301.]

YOU NEED TO REACT TO HER ALBUM AGE AIN'T NOTHING BUT A NUMBER. PERIOD.

[@jasonbarajas1347]

Hot like fire 🔥 4 page 📄 If your girl only knew Are you that somebody and Try again.. just to name a few, but there isn’t one I don’t like or like the least, not even a feature!! #BABTGIRL 🥰🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@dayzour123]

One in million album is her best album vocally listen to that album

[@mikebalestra8348]

Yesss such an iconic album ❤️

[@brent5728]

Fever Ray - Fever Ray (you’ll love it)

[@BAMOORE94]

Please react to TLC Crazy Sexy Cool.. Fanmail.. or 3D

[@flashboy6149]

Can someone send the album online for me because I want to hear it???

[@jay_bee7681]

Comes out Sept 10th to streaming.

[@VeraCasaca]

LOOSE Rap ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@melclibra]

I give the album a 8 out of 10. Most songs are good and different. Only 2 songs I wasn't into.

[@justbeinghonest1]

I don’t have mess up on my Aaliyah album it’s try again where u get ur album from ?

[@infectedfunerals5670]

This album gives me Janet Jackson vibes

[@infectedfunerals5670]

I Refuse shouldve been a single it would of become a hit

[@stetsonthomas8327]

Where the hell did you get this album??? It’s not available anywhere!!!! 😱🥺🥺😭

[@ericmason6540]

It's on KZbin! :)

[@stetsonthomas8327]

@@ericmason6540 🙏🏽

[@laquettaowens6120]

Unfortunately you cannot purchase her music

[@Xpipian12]

@@laquettaowens6120 I just converted all the KZbin files to MP3 files so now I have all of her music on my iTunes library

[@haughtonsangel]

Have you reacted to one in a million yet??

[@ericmason6540]

Not yet, but it's on my list! :)