Readers of That Grape Juice know what avid music lovers we are – especially of hits past.
So, as our retrospective features ‘From the Vault’ and ‘TGJ Replay’ allow us the chance to re-spin the gems and jams of yesterday of one artist, our newest feature Chart Rewind – a variation of our current Retro Rewind assay – accedes salutes to an entire era of music history.
The one we’ll salute this week? Late R&B star Aaliyah‘s 1997 hit, ‘The One I Gave My Heart To.’
By late 1996, famed singer-songwriter Diane Warren had penned megahits for the likes of Toni Braxton and Celine Dion as well as been a featured penman for some of the biggest divas in music including Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Gloria Estefan, and more. Yet, despite being one of the most sought after writers in the industry, it was she who reached out to the camp of singer Aaliyah Haughton to be included on the then-teenager’s sophomore album, ‘One in a Million.’
Her contribution? The heart-tugging tune ‘The One I Gave My Heart To.’ Originally tapping Babyface (Kenneth Edmonds) to produce, the song was later handed to Edmonds’ longtime musical partner Daryl Simmons to helm.
‘Million’ (the album) had already broken personal ground for Haughton as it – thanks to contributions from then up-and-coming producers Missy Elliott and Timbaland – much more aggressively advanced the sonic agenda of her debut release, ‘Age Aint Nothin’ But a Number.’ Merging her ‘street, but sweet’ persona with progressive fusions of Hip Hop and R&B, ‘Million’ (the album) not only showcased Aaliyah’s growth musically through its hard-hitting title track, ‘If Your Girl Only Knew,’ ‘4 Page Letter,’ and more, but also demonstrated vocal maturity as well – a feat best evidenced by her soaring performance on ‘Heart.’
One of few recorded demonstrations of the full range of her singing ability, the heartfelt ballad was also an anomaly for the era as it was the only release from ‘Million’ (the album) to crack the Hot 100’s top 10 (where it was found this week in 1997). And, despite not landing recognition from the industry by way of Grammy Awards, the song not only endures as a fan favorite but has also stood the test of time as a “must hear” among the decade’s top R&B ballads.
As we reflect on ‘Heart,’ look below to see who joined Aaliyah in the top 10 this week 22 years ago:
Hot 100 This Week in 1997
Hot 100 This Week
Click here to read this week’s full ‘TGJ Chart Check.’
Camila is here to take her place. Camila should have sang this song.
The b**** beyonce will never be. love me some Aliyaah girl.
Y’all are so pressed Billboard just named Mariah top female artist of all time , yesterday, and Beyoncé don’t even make top 10.. is that why ur not reporting the epic release of billboard? This site not showing that speaks volumes ?
Beautiful, just as beautiful as Aaliyah was and always will be. This is my first listen to this song, thanks to “That Grape Juice”.