The Thing I Like cover

The Thing I Like

Aaliyah · 1995

28 min · 5 tracks · contemporary R&B

Smooth, sultry grooves intertwine with inventive sampling and Aaliyah's ethereal vocals, creating an engaging blend of R&B and electronica.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Thing I Like (LP version edit) Start here — This edit captures the essence of the album's sound, showcasing Aaliyah's smooth delivery over a catchy bassline that defines the track's groove.
  • →
    The Thing I Like (Paul Gotel's radio mix) — This remix offers a fresh take on the original with enhanced beats and hooks, making it accessible for mainstream radio while preserving Aaliyah’s signature style.
  • →
    The Thing I Like (Paul Gotel's Classic Anthem mix) — This extended version highlights the intricate production elements and allows Aaliyah’s vocal nuances to shine through, making it a fan favorite.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100
Lowland
Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases Aaliyah's evolving sound with varied remixes but lacks strong cohesion as a standalone work.

What we noticed

  • The single features multiple remixes of the title track, each offering a different take on the original's smooth grooves and vocal delivery.
  • The first track is an LP version edit that maintains a consistent tempo throughout, while the subsequent mixes explore varying degrees of electronic influence and rhythm.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady groove for dancing
  • sultry vibes for intimate moments
  • mixes that encourage replay
  • short sessions with smooth transitions

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification
  • seek standalone hits

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Marked Aaliyah's transition to a mature sound, establishing her reputation.
Themes
smooth grooves· mature R&B evolution
Career context
Released as Aaliyah's first single from her self-titled second album, The Thing I Like marked the artist's transition into a more mature sound. Following her debut album, Age Ain't Nothing but a Number, this release showcased her evolution as a vocalist and artist, solidifying her place in the R&B landscape.
Stylistic neighbors
Tinashe· SZA· Jhené Aiko
New to Aaliyah? Find your way in →

Tracklist

  • 1 The Thing I Like (LP version edit) Start here 3:23
  • 2 The Thing I Like (Paul Gotel's radio mix) 3:58
  • 3 The Thing I Like (Paul Gotel's Classic Anthem mix) 6:50
  • 4 The Thing I Like (PG Tips Satellite mix) 7:22
  • 5 The Thing I Like (Paul Gotel's Deep & Dubby mix) 6:27

What to play next

One in a Million
Listen next

One in a Million

1996

Continues the smooth R&B sound while further exploring innovative production techniques.
Age Ain't Nothing but a Number
Go back to

Age Ain't Nothing but a Number

1994

Sets the stage with Aaliyah's early style and introduces her vocal prowess.
Full Aaliyah discography Where to start with Aaliyah Artists like Aaliyah
contemporary R&B funk hip-hop

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

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Erykah Badu

Shares smooth grooves and a mature lyrical approach with an innovative blend of R&B and funk.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata