Try AgainAaliyah1rank/position

Aaliyah -Try Again (Original Video)

With her sophisticated vocals and fashion, Aaliyah became an icon of the late 1990s and early 2000s.

This track, featured in the 2000 film Romeo Must Die in which she starred, remains an innovative number that still sounds fresh today.

Timbaland’s distinctive, off-kilter beat is highly addictive and pairs exquisitely with Aaliyah’s whisper-like vocals.

The lyrics, which emphasize the importance of trying again no matter how many times you stumble, never feel preachy, and their cool composure has surely encouraged many listeners.

Included on the soundtrack Romeo Must Die: The Album, it also set a record at the time by reaching No.

1 in the U.S.

based on radio airplay alone.

It’s a perfect classic for moments when you want to regain confidence or reset your mindset.

Are You That Somebody?Aaliyah2rank/position

Aaliyah – Are You That Somebody (Original Video)

The latest “Top 250 Songs of the 1990s,” released in September 2022 by the renowned American music site Pitchfork, was boldly revamped to reflect its impact on today’s music industry and culture, and it became a major topic among music fans.

All five of the top spots were taken by female artists, and particularly noteworthy within this edition’s theme of Black music is Aaliyah’s “Are You That Somebody?” at No.

3.

A genius singer who tragically died in an accident at the young age of 22—and someone even Hikaru Utada admired—Aaliyah released “Are You That Somebody?” in 1998.

Interestingly, it wasn’t included on an original studio album; it was written specifically for the film Dr.

Dolittle.

Produced by Timbaland, the hitmaking producer who would dominate the charts from the 2000s onward, the track brilliantly fuses streetwise hip-hop vibes with refined R&B and pop elements, achieving major commercial success.

Aaliyah’s restrained vocal delivery is entirely different from singers who belt with soulful power, and precisely for that reason, the song’s exceptional coolness stands out.

Within such an information-dense track, her composed vocal style influenced many artists.

Now, in the 2020s, many young artists are emerging who are influenced by ’90s R&B.

By listening to this song—which already radiates a classic sheen—you can trace the roots of today’s R&B-oriented singers.

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Miss YouAaliyah3rank/position

Miss You

This R&B classic by Aaliyah—who was celebrated worldwide for her charisma as a multitalented street diva—offers a gently sultry mood that enhances a festive feeling, making it a wistful track perfect for summer.

One In A MillionAaliyah4rank/position

Aaliyah – One In A Million (Original Video)

Aaliyah’s summer classic, where melodious tracks and rich, resonant vocals prove the talent that earned her the title of a genius.

With dreamy lyrics, it’s a refreshing song that enjoys legendary popularity and resonates especially well with women in their twenties.

Best FriendsMissy Eliott feat. Aaliyah5rank/position

Best Friends (feat. Aaliyah)

This is a collaborative track by Missy Elliott, who excels at both hip-hop and R&B vocals, and the songstress Aaliyah, who passed away at a young age.

Their beautiful friendship is expressed through a superb collaboration, and the flawless quality of the lyrics helped drive the song’s success.