Various 'Romeo Must Die' 2xLP

Though every track on this film soundtrack is produced by Timbaland, it's Aaliyah that dominates its soundscape. With four tracks she's well ahead in the quantity stakes, but it's the quality that shines through: chart hit "Try Again" is the obvious attraction, but "Come Back In One Piece", "Are You Feelin' Me" and "I Don't Wanna" also ooze sensuality and melody. Not bad considering that she also features in the film, alongside Jet Li in a take on Shakespeare's famous tragedy. Her work here with Timbaland marks a complete break from her once co-dependence on R Kelly. Ginuwine's "Simply Irresistible", Dave Bing's "Somebody Gonna Die Tonight" and Timbaland's own somewhat frenetic and skittery "We At It Again" come close to Aaliyah's brilliance but Mack 10, Joe, Chante Moore and the usually indomitable Destiny's Child are left trailing in her wake. Only Confidential's "It Really Doesn't Matter" avoids the competition, serving up a rap-rock fusion that hits a sweet pop spot.