It has been an eventful week here in Japan. The flu season has been very active this year as already 1.3 million people have caught the flu. I was unlucky to be one of those affected. However, it is getting better.
In the US, my home country, it wouldn’t be a big deal to have the flu. Just stay in bed, take some medicine, and you be good a new in a few days. But, here in Japan, it is a bit different. I have to take off work for up to five-seven days and be quarantined from the public as the virus is feared here.
So, to pass the time, I been watching videos on Youtube, listening to music, and just sleeping. While I was sick, I nearly forgot it was a birthday for an influential singer in the 90s. Her music was part of my music collection when I was growing up.
The Princess of R&B
Aaliyah’s birthday was last Wednesday: January 16. She would be 40. Sadly, her life got cut short 18 years ago when a plane carrying her and her production crew crashed in The Bahamas. A brilliant light that was extinguished far too early.
Yes, Aaliyah has recently been in the news as there has been a new R Kelly documentary broadcasting in the US. But, we aren’t going talk about R Kelly or his personal involvements with Aaliyah as I want to focus this post on Aaliyah. Yes, I am going to feature a song from the first album, that was produced by R Kelly, but that is because I want to highlight Aaliyah. Also, the album turns 25 this year.
I’m So Into This Groove
Like I said above, I have been listening to lots of music on this bout of the flu. And one the albums I been listening to constantly over these six days is Aaliyah’s 1994 debut album Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number. Now regarded as a classic 90s’ R&B album, Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number is a laid-back album that features not just R&B but other genres like urban dance and hip hop.
The eighth track of the album is “I’m So Into You” and is my current favorite the album. It’s full of energy and a summer-like cool groove. I feel like this tune is styled like a tune from such groups like SWV, Jade, or similar tunes from other 90s’ R&B girl groups. The reason is found in the instrumentation: the high-tuned synthesizer fluttering in the chorus, hardware samplers, and the drum kit’s swing beats.
The song has a great up-beat. Yet, it feels really chill and laid back. Don’t you feel the same? Take a listen with this?
What is your Aaliyah song? Comment below! I would LOVE to hear them! By the way, when I was a kid, my favorite song by Aaliyah was “Journey to the Past”. I was a big Anastasia fan. Then in middle school, “Try Again” was super popular.
When she passed, I cried as if it was someone so dear to me. I felt like we got to know her with her music this includes her first album. She was honest and that is what I loved about it.
That was a great feature about her. I was shellshocked when the crash happened.
I enjoyed your second song. Very pretty & smooth I must say. Also, thank you for stopping by. Here at 4M we have freebie picking every other week & then we have a theme. You can find the theme in my side bar at XmasDolly’s & you can visit other’s playing along also where you signed up. Have a great day & thank you for playing along.
Amy,
I didn’t even know who Aaliyah was until we watched the movie, QUEEN OF THE DAMNED. She was a very pretty girl, so I Googled her and learned that she was a singer but I do not recall any of her mewsic. I listened to her #1 chart hit, Try Again, but it didn’t ring any bells. She has a lovely voice, so I’m not sure why she escaped getting my ear’s attention except to say I was raising my then small children. That always keeps the mind preoccupied. lol Happy Birthday and RIP Aaliyah! Thanks for joining the 4M crew on the dance floor, dearheart!
I was a middle schooler when”Try Again” came out. And that song was everywhere on the radios and TV stations, especially with MTV’s “Total Request Live”. I would run home every day and watch that show because I want to see my favorite artists. After her death, her music was so popular with the youngsters. She is the memories of those who grew up with her music.
I remember when her plane crashed. It was very tragic when a young talents life is cut short.
I love Aaliyah! My favorite song is One In A Million. RIP Aaliyah! Thanks for posting. xoxo
That is a great song!
Fun fact, she was flying up for my old friend’s wedding. She found out about the crash 20 minutes before walking down the aisle. Heart breaking!
Wow, what a tragic story!
Another musical talent gone way too soon! I actually wasn’t aware of her involvement with R. Kelly until watching the documentary this month.
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
My fave Aaliyah song is “Rock the Boat”, which I had no business listening to at a tween age lol. A few years later, I loved “Try Again” and basicall anything with Timbaland the producer.
I love those songs. I first got into Aaliyah because of “Journey to the Past”. Then “Try Again” was all over the TV stations and radio. Then, when she died, “Rock the Boat” was a hit.
I feel bad for the generations to come that will not know this beautiful souls music and story! I have said on numerous occasions that if Aaliyah was still around alot of artist would have some stiff competition because her music was raw and real!
I still remember when that happened, and hearing the news. What a tragic accident. Just so young and when her career was blossoming.
Her untimely passing was so tragic and affected so many of her fans. She was undeniably a great talent and who knows how far she would have gone and what she would have continued to create, had she lived.
She would be a mega powerhouse if she continued on! R&B would be different!
I loved her music. It’s so sad her talent was lost so young. What a great reflection!
This is a really interesting post. I love learning about a new artist (new to me) and your life in Japan. Keep on being fabulous!
Thanks, you too! <3
I loved Aaliyah in fact if my first born was a girl… I was going to name her after her. My son was born the year she died. I never felt such a gut retching sadness like the day I found out.
i love the second song. music is a part of my life. i am not a social butterflyso music is my only escae to this crowded world. =)
So sorry to hear about what happened. Glad that you were able to find things to do while you are suffering with flu.
Thanks a lot! <3
I loved her too! She was the most incredible singer and a big part of my twenties! Such a shame what happened!
She was so amazing and so gifted!
wow! it’s been so long from the last time I’ve listen to RnB. this tracks are really cool!
I also remembered when her plane crashed and all the shock and tributes to her – but I had never listened to her then, and, in fact, I never listened to any of her music until just now. I did like the vibe of the first song. So many young musician lives have been cut short tragically. It’s too bad I didn’t listen to her music the first time around.
What a wonderful tribute! The second song is my favorite. Thanks so much for the dance – hope you’re having a great weekend! 🙂
You too and you’re welcome!