Customer Reviews

Age Ain't Nothing But a Number

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(19)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Aaliyah's debut CD yielded two Top 10 singles - "Back and Forth" and "At Your Best (You Are Love)" (the later or which was written and originally recorded by the Isley Brothers). However, the CD is filled with great songs, including a great balance of hip-hip songs (Throw Your Hands Up, Down with the Clique) and ballads (Age Ain't Nothing But a Number). Almost any of the songs on the CD could have been a hit single. That said, Aaliyah's voice was not as mature as it would be later, and some of the lyrics are a bit juvenile (if you're not down with my clique/ then you're poop on a stick).

The entire CD was produced by R. Kelly (he appears in the shadows on the CD back cover and is name-checked in several songs). With one producer, the CD sounds very cohesive, but it also is not as varied as her later CDs. It was rumored that she and R. Kelly were married at the time, even though she was only 15 years old. Her marriage seems to be addressed in the song, "Age Ain't Nothing But a Number," which argues that she is wiser than her years would seem.

At times, the album sounds a bit dated (the CD "One In a Million" is much better). One of the lyrics states, "Aalyiah's got a 90's swing," which is pretty accurate - the CD sounds very much like an early 90's hip-hp CD. Despite this complaint, I still greatly enjoy this CD. It sounds great and is a lasting tribute to Aaliyah's talent. We will miss out on hearing future recordings from this superstar, but will continue to enjoy the music she left behind.

I took out her 2 cds, that I own, when I heard of her passing. So young. And due to the 2 cds that I have, along with her other non album singles, she was definitely going somewhere and had wonderful talent ahead to show. I think you'll definitely have to like R&B/very soft Hip Hop in order to appreciate the album. Also, keep in mind that she was 15 when she did this album. Some of the 'young me' favorites on the cd are (quite a few off the album); "Age Ain't Nothing But a Number",

"Down with the Clique" (fun beat & rhythm), "At Your Best (You Are Love)" (R&B love song, pleasant), "No One Knows How To Love Me Quite Like You Do" (more of a hip hop love song...unique), "Young Nation", and I like the R. Kelly remix of "Back & Forth" (party song). All in all a pleasant album. And I would rate this a 4 even before her death. Wonderful debut album from a 15 year old, and the songs are what a 15 year old would sing and create (along with her co-creators).

On Aaliyah's debut, it ain't hard to tell that R. Kelly found her. Most of the songs sound like Aaliyah is featured on them instead of them being her own songs like "Back and Forth" and "Old School" (R. Kelly's name is even being mentioned in the latter's chorus). One of the only moments that you can feel Aaliyah's ability is on the remake of The Isley Brothers' "At Your Best". This album is still good to play in your stereo, but if you want a really good Aaliyah album, check out One in a Million (yeah, I know she has another album after that; I meant what I said).

Long before Britney Spears asked to be hit one more time, Christina Aguilera was a genie trapped in a bottle, and Rihanna offered her umbrella (ella, ella), there was Brandy, Monica, and Aaliyah. Brandy was the cute girl with braids begging to be dubbed "down" by a crush and Monica was the "too big for her britches" Miss Thang apologizing to her man for trippin' cuz "it's just one of dem days!" Aaliyah was cool and mysterious with dark shades and baggy clothes. The Detroit native was discovered by Mr. Bump'N'Grind himself, R. Kelly. The results are pretty good to meh and a bit creepy, but it was only the beginning.

Back and Forth was the song that put Aaliyah on the map with it's summery vibe that made you wanna "throw your hands in the air and wave 'em round like ya just don't care". The sloppy remix tacked at the end is pointless. The title track is one of the best slow jams out there, but it's creepy when you take a look at the lyrics. "Age ain't nothing but a number/Throwin' down ain't nothing but a thing/This lovin' I have for you/It'll never change". Anybody remember when Aaliyah and R. Kelly got married when she was 15 and he was 27? Yeah. The short intro of her writing in her diary doesn't help either.

Aaliyah's cover of At Your Best (You Are Love) is the softest song on the set and showcases the ethereal beauty of her voice. She didn't have the widest range, but the angelic pureness of her vocals were her strength. The Gangsta Child remix would've been a better choice for the last track over the Back and Forth mix. Other highlights are the ballad Street Thing, I'm So Into You, No One Knows How To Love Me Quite Like You Do (although R. Kelly's "Liyah, you're the only one for me!" is all kinds of wrong), I'm Down, and the jazzy cool Young Nation.

Down With the Clique is ok, but nearly ruined by R. Kelly's silly mumbling about it being the 90s. I don't know what he was babbling about. Speaking of which, Old School turns into a song all about him and how he broke into the business. Last time I checked this was Aaliyah's cd. Yeah, he's hovering in the background like a weirdo stalker on the cover, but still. I also could've done without the annoying raps from Tia Hawkins (whoever that is).

This album has some pretty good tracks, but Aaliyah would come into her own on her next project, the Missy Elliott and Timbaland assisted One In A Million. The less creepiness from R. Kelly, the better.

Aaliyah. The name of the woman who gave birth to every teen sensation out since her debut. this includes Mya, monica, christina aguilera, britney spears, 3lw, 702 etc. She made it tight to sign a teen to a record deal. With 49 minutes of sheer genius of R. Kelly production and songwriting ( no they were never engaged) catapults this from mediocrity to being a cd for the ages. This beautiful girl with the beatiful voice knock folks on they heels with Back and Forth, then she went for the knockout punch with At Your Best and the title track. All the songs are brilliantly done and sung. Production is timeless. Another opus is Street Thing. Do not sleep on thsi joint anymore. Cream will always rise to the top. Dont get it twisted about Aaliyah. I bet some people think she a new artist which is pretty ridiculous. The mother will return witha album this summer drops on July 17th. She teased u with Romeo Must Die soundtrack but it is now time to restore order in her household of little "teenyboppers". If you consider ya self a true r&b fan then you should already have this cd If you dont you should be at the store in the next 15 minutes u will not be disappointed.

This is a really good debut album, and it has that funky 90s hip hop swing sound that I absolutely LOVE! This is what real hip-hop is about, not that (garbage) that's on radio and TV nowadays. My favorite song on the album is Throw Your Hands Up, it's the best song with the best hook that'll stick in your head for days and you can't help but bob your head and rap to it. It's kind of like an anthem to Aaliyah and similar artists at the time."1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9! Aaliyah's in the house...So if you down with the funky flava throw your hand up,and if you got the flavor for Aaliyah throw your hands up,and if you down with Blackground throw your hands up..." The sassy female rapping voice you hear throughout the album on her songs is Tia, FYI, but for some reason she wasn't credited in the album flap. This album sounds quite different from her subsequent ones because she was teamed with R. Kelly and Tia instead of Timbaland and Missy "Misendeamor" Elliot. The singles are "Back and Forth" (an excellent song) and a cover of "At Your Best(You Are Love)" (this one puts me to sleep, but it's pretty). The title track has a sweet catchy hook and a message I can relate to.

With R.Kelly in the backround whatever aaliyah lacks its made up by resources in the team that surrounds here.. there are definately some good songs on here, This is just the beginning for this chicago based musician.great things are coming.

Aaliyah was one of the most unique R&B artist of the 90's. Aaliyah had a sound that wasnt heard often. Her sweet, soft, soothing, and yet sexy vocal's over hard hip hop beats, wasnt something that would be heard a lot.

In 1994 Aaliyah at just 15 arrived on the music scene with her single "Back and Forth" produced by R kelly. The song was an instant smash reaching the top 10 of billboards hot 100 and topping Billboards R&B chart, the single was also certified Gold for sales of over 500,000 copie's.

In May of that year Aaliyah released her debut album "Age aint nothing but a number" under Jive/Blackground records. The album was a huge success. Peaked in the top 20, and is certified double platinum in the US, and has sold over 5 million copies worldwide. The album was very impressive for someone so young, Aaliyah recorded most of the tracks at the young age of just 14. Aaliyah was so mature for her age, and she wouldn't disclose her age at this time so people wouldnt think "Shes just a teen girl trying to sing" she wanted people to see her true talent.

The second single from the album was the sultry remake of an Isley Brothers classic "At your Best" the song again was an instant smash, again made the top 10 and was certified gold. The album version is similar to the Isley Brothers, a beautiful ballad, which really showcased Aaliyahs vocal ability, but the single version was a upbeat remix not available on the album.

The third single was the title track "Age aint nothing but a number" which was again another sultry ballad. The song was not as big as the first 2 singles, but gained some success.

Those were the only singles from the album in the US, but in Europe they recieved "Down with the Clique" as a single.

The vocal's on this album are simply outstanding, R kelly really had Aaliyah singing. On the powerhouse ballad "Street Thing" Aaliyah really gave her all,and recieved much praise for her vocals on that song.

This album was the start of a very special career from Aaliyah. Aaliyah would later return 2 years later in 1996 with her sophmore effort "One in a Million" which is now considere an R&B clasic album.

Aaliyah was an amazing artist, and will be forever missed, and if you want to hear Aaliyahs early stuff i really suggest you check out "Age aint nothing but a number" it is an amazing addition to your CD collection.

Rest in Peace, Aaliyah.

I have to say, I had this CD ever since it came out, and it's my most favorite out of my whole CD collection. Aaliyah has an original sound so she can stand out from everyone else...I don't think anyone can top her voice, because she sings like an angel. For her debut album, it's beautiful...makes me fall asleep every night when I listen to it because it's calm and makes me feel good.

One of my favorite tracks on this CD is "At Your Best (You Are Loved)" because her remake of the song is really good. The beat to this song is nice and steady, and her voice makes the song very catchy; it's something you would fall in love with.

Some other catchy tunes are "Back And Forth" (her first single), "Young Nation", "Down With The Clique", and the title track, "Age Ain't Nothing But A Number".

I think the CD is very enjoyable, and I highly recommend purchasing this CD.

Aaliyah's debut features a pleasant mix of r&b/hip hop/pop that appealed to a wide audience. What also helped fuel interest in her was the fact that she refused to reveal her age and had some mysterious ways about her during interviews. I know it piqued my interest enough at that time such that I'd try to watch all of her interviews to see if she was really only 14 or 15 years old OR if she was actually in her 20s.

I loved the fact that there was no negative rivalry mess started up between Aaliyah & Brandy since they were both bringing individual flair to the r&b field. It was cute how people called Brandy, a young Whitney Houston while Aaliyah was being touted as a younger Janet Jackson.

This is an interesting album featuring production from then up & coming R Kelly where he utilizes hard hip hop beats in contrast to Aaliyah's sweet airy vocals.

The standout tracks to me are: BACK & FORTH, AGE AIN'T NOTHING BUT A NUMBER, AT YOUR BEST (YOU ARE LOVE), I'M SO INTO YOU, STREET THING & NO ONE KNOWS HOW TO LOVE ME QUITE LIKE YOU DO (although a little monotonous, I still love the beats).

I'd recommend it to Aaliyah fans and to those who are curious about mid-90s r&b.