(At Your Best) You Are Love

Album: Age Ain't Nothing but a Number (1994)
Charted: 27 6
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was written and originally recorded by The Isley Brothers and included on their 1976 Harvest For The World album. The Isleys' version was dedicated to their mother.
  • The song was revived and turned into a slow jam by American singer Aaliyah for her debut studio album Age Ain't Nothing but a Number. Released as the record's second single, it peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100.
  • The track was produced by R. Kelly (Aaliyah was R. Kelly's manager's niece). With the release of Age Ain't Nothing but a Number, rumors started circulating of a relationship between Aaliyah, who was 15 at the time and Kelly. It was later revealed the pair married on August 31, 1994, and Aaliyah had lied about her age on the marriage certificate. The marriage was annulled the following February when Aaliyah's parents found out.
  • Drake is a huge fan of Aaliyah and in 2010 he sampled part of her refrain from this for his Thank Me Later track "Unforgettable." Four years later singer Tamar Braxton sampled this song on her Calling All Lovers cut "Let Me Know."
  • In 2015 Frank Ocean recorded a cover, dropping the rendition on his Tumblr page to mark what would have been Aaliyah's 36th birthday. A slightly different version was also included on his visual album Endless the following year, which featured string arrangements by Radiohead guitarist Johnny Greenwood, played by the London Contemporary Orchestra. The credits for Endless reveal that the song was recorded at London's Abbey Road studio made famous by The Beatles.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers

JJ Burnel of The StranglersSongwriter Interviews

JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

James Williamson of Iggy & the Stooges

James Williamson of Iggy & the StoogesSongwriter Interviews

The Stooges guitarist (and producer of the Kill City album) talks about those early recordings and what really happened with David Bowie.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Bob Dylan Lyric Quiz

Bob Dylan Lyric QuizMusic Quiz

Think you know your Bob Dylan lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.