(At Your Best) You Are Love

Last updated
"(At Your Best) You Are Love"
Song by the Isley Brothers
from the album Harvest for the World [1]
Released1976
Recorded1975
Genre R&B, quiet storm
Length5:23
Songwriter(s)
  • Ernie Isley
  • Marvin Isley
  • Chris Jasper
  • Rudolph Isley
  • O'Kelly Isley
  • Ronald Isley
  • Chris Jasper

"(At Your Best) You Are Love" is a song by R&B group the Isley Brothers. It was originally released on their album Harvest for the World . [2] The song was dedicated to their mother, Sally. [3] Although not a single, the song was a radio hit in 1976, and later became a hit for R&B singer Aaliyah in 1994. [4]

Contents

Background

"(At Your Best) You Are Love" was written by Ernie Isley and it was originally "dedicated to the Isley Brothers' mother, Sally". [3] It was featured on the groups fourteenth studio album "Harvest for the World" (1976). [2] According to Isley: "The first time I played it after I had initially written the song was for my brother Rudolph, just voice and guitar. When he heard me say, “You’re a positive motivating force within my life,” he got this quizzical smile on his face, like how? The syllables and the notes — he goes, say that again? Then he sort of nodded his head like, yeah, that’s pretty good. And that’s one of the things that I think captures the emotion in the song". [5] While discussing the song's message he stated, "That song was expressing the way I felt towards someone. And sometimes you can feel a certain way towards someone and they don’t always get it. So it was both like an affirmation and kind of a frustration too because it does say, “You may not be in the mood to learn what you think you know". [5]

Personnel

Aaliyah version

"At Your Best (You Are Love)"
Aaliyah-AtYourBest.jpg
Single by Aaliyah
from the album Age Ain't Nothing but a Number
B-side "Back & Forth"
ReleasedAugust 22, 1994
Recorded1993
Studio Chicago Recording Company (Chicago)
Genre
Length
  • 4:52 (album version)
  • 4:30 (remix)
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) R. Kelly
Aaliyah singles chronology
"Back & Forth"
(1994)		"At Your Best (You Are Love)"
(1994)		"Age Ain't Nothing but a Number"
(1994)

Credits and personnel

Credits are adapted from the liner notes of Age Ain't Nothing but a Number. [43]

Charts

Release history

Release dates and formats for "At Your Best (You Are Love)"
RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Ref.
United StatesAugust 22, 1994
United KingdomOctober 10, 1994Jive
JapanOctober 21, 1994 Mini CD BMG

Notes

  1. ↑ R. Kelly co-wrote only the remix of "At Your Best (You Are Love)".

Other versions

Samples

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aaliyah</span> American singer (1979–2001)

Aaliyah Dana Haughton was an American singer and actress. She has been credited with helping to redefine contemporary R&B, pop, and hip hop, earning her the nicknames the "Princess of R&B" and "Queen of Urban Pop".

<i>One in a Million</i> (Aaliyah album) 1996 studio album by Aaliyah

One in a Million is the second studio album by American singer Aaliyah. It was released on August 13, 1996, by Blackground Records and Atlantic Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blackground Records</span> American record label

Blackground Records 2.0 is an American record label founded and owned by Jomo and Barry Hankerson. Initially named Blackground Enterprises, the label switched its name to Blackground Entertainment then later Blackground Records in 2000. In 2021, the label rebranded as Blackground Records 2.0, reviving its company and catalogue onto streaming services, with a partnership with Empire Distribution. It co-operated with a publishing company founded by Hankerson, named Black Fountain Music.

<i>I Care 4 U</i> 2002 compilation album by Aaliyah

I Care 4 U is a posthumous compilation album by American singer Aaliyah. It was released on December 10, 2002, by Blackground Records and Universal Records. Following Aaliyah's death on August 25, 2001, Blackground decided to release a posthumous record in collaboration with Universal Music Group. The album compiles eight of Aaliyah's previously released songs alongside six previously unreleased recordings which were discarded from sessions for her eponymous third and final studio album (2001).

<i>Age Aint Nothing but a Number</i> 1994 studio album by Aaliyah

Age Ain't Nothing but a Number is the debut studio album by American singer Aaliyah. It was released on May 24, 1994, by Blackground Records and Jive Records. After being signed by her uncle Barry Hankerson, Aaliyah was introduced to recording artist and producer R. Kelly. He became her mentor, as well as the lead songwriter and producer of the album. The duo recorded the album at the Chicago Recording Company in Chicago periodically from January 1993 until early 1994.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aaliyah discography</span>

American singer Aaliyah has released three studio albums, two compilation albums, and 31 singles. Aaliyah was born in Brooklyn, New York City and was raised in Detroit, Michigan. At age 10, she appeared on Star Search and performed in concert alongside Gladys Knight. At age 12, Aaliyah signed a deal with Jive Records and Blackground Records. During that time, she met R. Kelly through her uncle Barry Hankerson; eventually, he became her mentor, sole lead songwriter, and producer for her debut album. Released in 1994, Aaliyah's debut album, Age Ain't Nothing but a Number, was certified double Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and sold three million copies in the United States. Months after the release of her album, Aaliyah ended her contract with Jive and signed with Atlantic Records due to allegations of an illegal marriage with Kelly.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Are You That Somebody?</span> 1998 single by Aaliyah

"Are You That Somebody?" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah for the Dr. Dolittle soundtrack (1998). It was written by Static Major and Timbaland, with the latter producing it, in addition to performing a guest rap. It was sent to urban contemporary radio stations in the United States on May 26, 1998, by Blackground Records and Atlantic Records. Musically, it is an R&B, pop, and avant-funk song with hip hop influences. Its production also incorporates other instrumentals such as staccato guitars, beatboxing, and drum and bass. Lyrically, it is about the narrator (Aaliyah) keeping an intimate relationship a secret due to her celebrity status.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miss You (Aaliyah song)</span> 2002 single by Aaliyah

"Miss You" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah. Written by Johntá Austin, Ginuwine and Teddy Bishop in 1998, the song was initially recorded in 1999 for Aaliyah's eponymous third studio album (2001). However, it did not make the final cut for Aaliyah and remained unreleased until after Aaliyah's death in 2001. It was then included on the posthumous compilation album I Care 4 U (2002) and was released as its lead single on October 28, 2002, by Blackground Records and Universal Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">If Your Girl Only Knew</span> 1996 single by Aaliyah

"If Your Girl Only Knew" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah. It was released on July 15, 1996, by Blackground Records and Atlantic Records as the lead single for her second studio album, One in a Million (1996). Written by both Missy Elliott and Timbaland, with the latter producing the song, it focuses on a guy who receives a scolding from the female narrator (Aaliyah) for hitting on her when he already has a girlfriend. Musically, "If Your Girl Only Knew" is a "bouncing" funk, pop and hip hop song. Its production also incorporates other instruments ranging from keyboards, organs, and guitar licks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Back & Forth (Aaliyah song)</span> 1994 single by Aaliyah

"Back & Forth" is the debut single performed by American singer Aaliyah for her debut studio album, Age Ain't Nothing but a Number (1994). The song was written and produced by R&B singer R. Kelly, and lyrically the song is about a teenager's excitement for partying on the weekend with friends. "Back and Forth" has been described as being a dance/pop/R&B and new jack swing song. Aaliyah sings in a "laid back" style. Blackground and Jive released the song as the album's lead single on April 8, 1994, to generally positive reviews with many critics praising the song's lyrical content and Aaliyah's vocal delivery on the record.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hot Like Fire</span> 1997 single by Aaliyah featuring Timbaland

"Hot Like Fire" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah for her second studio album One in a Million (1996). The song was written by both Missy Elliot and Timbaland, with the latter producing the song. In 1997 it was re-recorded and released as the fifth and final single from One in a Million with "The One I Gave My Heart To" on September 16, 1997 by Blackground Records and Atlantic Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">One in a Million (Aaliyah song)</span> 1996 single by Aaliyah

"One in a Million" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah for her second studio album of the same title (1996). It was written by both Missy Elliott and Timbaland with the latter producing the song. It was released to Rhythmic contemporary radio as the third single from One in a Million by Blackground and Atlantic Records on November 12, 1996. Musically, the song is an R&B and club ballad with trip hop and drum and bass influences. While Lyrically, it is about the narrator (Aaliyah) professing her love for a man whom she identifies as being her "one in a million".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">4 Page Letter</span> 1997 single by Aaliyah

"4 Page Letter" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah for her second studio album, One in a Million (1996). Released as the album's fourth single by Blackground Records and Atlantic Records on April 8, 1997, it was written by both Missy Elliott and Timbaland with the latter producing it. Musically, it is an R&B ballad in which the protagonist is expressing feelings for her crush in the form of a letter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Age Ain't Nothing but a Number (Aaliyah song)</span> 1994 single by Aaliyah

"Age Ain't Nothing but a Number" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah for her debut studio album of the same name (1994). It was written and produced by R. Kelly and is lyrically about a young girl wanting to date an older man. Containing a lyrical interpolation from the song "What You Won't Do for Love" by Bobby Caldwell, the "soulful" ballad opens with a guitar-piano interplay, with Aaliyah's spoken voice noting her daily diary entry. Blackground Records and Jive Records released "Age Ain't Nothing but a Number" as the third single–and final single in the United States–from Age Ain't Nothing but a Number on December 6, 1994.

"I Care 4 U" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah. Written by Missy Elliott and Timbaland, the song was originally recorded for Aaliyah's second studio album One in a Million (1996), but the recording was shelved. It was re-recorded in 2000 for Aaliyah (2001). A neo soul ballad, "I Care 4 U" features beatboxing, an electric piano and multi-tracked vocals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Thing I Like</span> 1995 single by Aaliyah

"The Thing I Like" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah for her debut studio album Age Ain't Nothing but a Number (1994). It was written and produced by R. Kelly. The song appeared on the soundtrack for the film A Low Down Dirty Shame (1994). It was released as the fifth and final single from Age Ain't Nothing but a Number exclusively in the United Kingdom on August 28, 1995, by Blackground Records and Jive Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Down with the Clique</span> 1995 single by Aaliyah

"Down with the Clique" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah for her debut studio album Age Ain't Nothing but a Number (1994). It was written and produced by R. Kelly. The song was released as the fourth single from Age Ain't Nothing but a Number exclusively in the United Kingdom on May 1, 1995, by Blackground Records and Jive Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Don't Wanna (Aaliyah song)</span> 2000 single by Aaliyah

"I Don't Wanna" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah. Written and composed by Johntá Austin, Jazze Pha, Donnie Scantz, and Kevin Hicks, it appears on both the Next Friday (1999) and Romeo Must Die (2000) soundtracks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Your Body's Callin'</span> 1994 single by R. Kelly

"Your Body's Callin" is a song by American singer and songwriter R. Kelly, released in April 1994 by Jive as the third single from his debut album, 12 Play (1993). The song, both written and produced by Kelly, peaked at number 13 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reached the top 40 in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Kelly also released a remix as a B-side to the single featuring Aaliyah called the "Your Body's Calling His N Hers Mix". Millicent Shelton directed the song's music video.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Let Me Know (Tamar Braxton song)</span> 2014 single by Tamar Braxton featuring Future

"Let Me Know" is a song by American singer Tamar Braxton, featuring collaborative vocals by American rapper Future. Epic and Streamline Records released it as a digital download on October 7, 2014. Initially promoted as the lead single from Braxton's fourth studio album Calling All Lovers, it was replaced by her 2015 release "If I Don't Have You" and was only included on the record's Walmart deluxe edition.

References

  1. ↑ "www.allmusic.com". allmusic.com. Retrieved October 25, 2022.
  2. 1 2 Easlea, Daryl. "BBC - Music - Review of The Isley Brothers - Harvest for the World". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2023-08-30.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Powers, Ann (January 27, 2015). "From The Isleys To Aaliyah To Frank Ocean, The Evolution Of 'Love'". NPR.
  4. ↑ Mamo, Heran (2021-08-25). "The 15 Best Aaliyah Samples in Modern R&B/Hip-Hop". Billboard. Retrieved 2023-08-30.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Conteh, Mankaprr (August 25, 2021). "Alex and Ernie Isley on Aaliyah's Intergenerational Appeal". Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on August 25, 2021. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  6. 1 2 3 "Aaliyah Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved November 29, 2017.
  7. 1 2 3 "Aaliyah Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 29, 2017.
  8. ↑ Augustin, Camille (August 26, 2016). "Aaliyah Week: 'Age Ain't Nothing But A Number' & The Isley Brothers Cover That Placed Aaliyah On The Map". Vibe . Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  9. ↑ Partridge, Kenneth (May 23, 2014). "Aaliyah, 'Age Ain't Nothing But A Number' at 20: Classic Track-by-Track Review". Billboard . Retrieved April 11, 2024. It's a straight-up vintage soul ballad....
  10. ↑ "Album Reviews". Billboard . Vol. 106, no. 24. June 11, 1994. p. 64. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
  11. 1 2 3 4 Reeves, Mosi (August 25, 2016). "7 Ways Aaliyah Changed R&B Forever". Rolling Stone . Retrieved April 11, 2024. R. Kelly's "Gangsta Child" remix, which relied on a bass-heavy G-funk beat....
  12. ↑ Pendleton, Tonya (September 6, 1994). "Aaliyah: "Age Ain't Nothin' but a Number"". The Washington Post . Archived from the original on July 20, 2018. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
  13. ↑ VanDervoort, Oliver (March 16, 2016). "The top 10 best Aaliyah songs". AXS . Archived from the original on May 25, 2019. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
  14. 1 2 Flick, Larry (September 3, 1994). "Single Reviews" (PDF). Billboard . p. 71. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  15. ↑ "The 25 Best Aaliyah Songs". Complex . May 19, 2016. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
  16. ↑ Martinucci, John (July 15, 1994). "New Releases" (PDF). Gavin Report . p. 27. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  17. ↑ Masterton, James (October 9, 1994). "Week Ending October 15th 1994". Chart Watch UK. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
  18. ↑ Tee, Ralph (August 27, 1994). "Hot Vinyl" (PDF). Music Week . Retrieved August 29, 2023.
  19. ↑ Jones, Alan (October 8, 1994). "Market Preview: Mainstream - Singles" (PDF). Music Week . p. 16. Retrieved April 21, 2021.
  20. ↑ "Album info: Age Ain't Nothing But A Number". MTV . Archived from the original on October 1, 2002. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
  21. ↑ "Aaliyah's 20 Best Songs: Staff List". Billboard . August 25, 2021. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  22. ↑ "Billboard Hot 100". Billboard . September 3, 1994. Retrieved September 4, 2023.
  23. ↑ "Top Hip-Hop/R&B Songs". Billboard . September 3, 1994. Retrieved September 4, 2023.
  24. 1 2 "Aaliyah Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved November 29, 2017.
  25. 1 2 "American single certifications – Aaliyah – At Your Best". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved August 19, 2017.
  26. 1 2 "Aaliyah – At Your Best (You Are Love)" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 2017-11-27.
  27. 1 2 "Aaliyah: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 29, 2017.
  28. 1 2 "Official Dance Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved December 3, 2017.
  29. 1 2 "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 28, 2017.
  30. 1 2 "Aaliyah – At Your Best (You Are Love)". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved November 27, 2017.
  31. ↑ "25 Days of Aaliyah: Millicent Shelton remembers..." BET. Archived from the original on January 24, 2022. Retrieved March 15, 2023.
  32. 1 2 3 Iandoli 2021 , p. 25
  33. ↑ "Billboard Video Monitor" (PDF). Billboard . August 27, 1994. p. 45. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  34. ↑ "Billboard Video Monitor" (PDF). Billboard . September 3, 1994. p. 57. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  35. ↑ "Billboard Video Monitor" (PDF). Billboard . October 8, 1994. p. 62. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  36. ↑ "Aaliyah - At Your Best (You Are Love) (Official HD Video)". YouTube. October 25, 2009. Retrieved May 25, 2014.
  37. ↑ Aaliyah (1994). At Your Best (You Are Love) (12-inch single). Blackground Records, Jive Records.
  38. ↑ Aaliyah (1994). At Your Best (You Are Love) (cassette single). Blackground Records, Jive Records.
  39. ↑ Aaliyah (1994). At Your Best (You Are Love) (CD single). Blackground Records, Jive Records.
  40. ↑ Aaliyah (1994). At Your Best (You Are Love) (12-inch single). Jive Records.
  41. ↑ Aaliyah (1994). At Your Best (You Are Love) (cassette single). Jive Records.
  42. ↑ Aaliyah (1994). At Your Best (You Are Love) (CD single). Jive Records.
  43. ↑ Aaliyah (1994). Age Ain't Nothing but a Number (CD). Blackground Records, Jive Records.
  44. ↑ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 2655." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  45. ↑ "Euro Chart Hot 100" (PDF). Music & Media . October 22, 1994. p. 22. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  46. ↑ "week 45 (5 november 1994)" (in Dutch). top40.nl.
  47. ↑ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  48. ↑ "The RM Club Chart" (PDF). Music Week, in Record Mirror (Dance Update Supplemental Insert). October 22, 1994. p. 8. Retrieved May 20, 2023.
  49. ↑ "Aaliyah Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved April 8, 2022.
  50. ↑ "Aaliyah Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 29, 2017.
  51. ↑ "The Year in Music". Billboard . Vol. 106, no. 52. December 24, 1994. p. YE-26. Retrieved February 9, 2023– via Google Books.
  52. ↑ "1994 Year End Chart: R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". Billboard . Archived from the original on February 6, 2018. Retrieved February 9, 2023.
  53. ↑ "At Your Best (You Are Love)". Blackground Records, Jive Records . Retrieved November 3, 2022.
  54. ↑ "Single Releases" (PDF). Music Week . October 8, 1994. p. 25. Retrieved November 3, 2022– via World Radio History.
  55. ↑ "アット・ユア・ベスト" [At Your Best] (in Japanese). Japan: Oricon. October 21, 1994. Retrieved November 3, 2022.
  56. ↑ "A History of Drake's Obsession With Aaliyah". Complex . July 3, 2018. Archived from the original on March 14, 2023. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
  57. ↑ "frank ocean". Archived from the original on 2015-03-15. Retrieved 2015-01-17.
  58. ↑ "Sinéad Harnett Tributes Aaliyah With Remake of 'At Your Best (You Are Love)'". Ratedrnb.com. 10 January 2021. Retrieved 22 April 2021.
  59. ↑ Benjamin, Jeff (October 6, 2014). "Listen to Tamar Braxton's Aaliyah-Sampling "Let Me Know" Ft. Future". Fuse. Archived from the original on May 20, 2015.

Bibliography

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.