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.
