"Age Ain't Nothing But a Number" (1994) Age Ain't Nothing But a Number
Hot 100 peak: #75
Overall score: 7.50 High score: 10 (3x)/Low score: 5 (2x)
Featuring an impressively mature and sultry vocal performance from Aaliyah, this sexy slow jam—which provided the title for this rate—was allegedly inspired by a secret relationship between the 15-year-old singer and the much older R. Kelly (who penned the song). Though no voters showed a strong dislike for the track, the appreciation was fairly muted as well; half of its scores were a 7.
"Love All Over Me" (2010) Still Standing
Hot 100 peak: #58
Overall score: 7.71 High score: 10 (3x)/Low score: 3 (1x)
This soaring, soulful love song was the second and final single from Monica's last studio album, and its joyous declarations of domestic bliss connected strongly with urban audiences, peaking at #2 on the R&B charts. Most voters responded positively as well (a third rated "Love All Over Me" a 9 or higher), but two particularly low scores sunk its final placement by about ten spots.
"Love All Over Me" (2010) Still Standing
Hot 100 peak: #58
Overall score: 7.71 High score: 10 (3x)/Low score: 3 (1x)
This soaring, soulful love song was the second and final single from Monica's last studio album, and its joyous declarations of domestic bliss connected strongly with urban audiences, peaking at #2 on the R&B charts. Most voters responded positively as well (a third rated "Love All Over Me" a 9 or higher), but two particularly low scores sunk its final placement by about ten spots.
"Angel in Disguise" (1998) Never Say Never
Hot 100 peak: #72
Overall score: 7.82 High score: 10 (4x)/Low score: 5 (1x)
Originally just a promotional release, this dark, midtempo hip-hop soul track—in which Brandy sings of her unrequited love for a man who's been burned by an "angel in disguise"—became a modest airplay hit during her run to the top of the charts with "Have You Ever?," reaching the lower region of the Hot 100. Its early scores would have qualified the song for the top twenty of this countdown, but a series of 5's and 6's from the final few voters dropped its overall average by seven-tenths of a point.
"Angel in Disguise" (1998) Never Say Never
Hot 100 peak: #72
Overall score: 7.82 High score: 10 (4x)/Low score: 5 (1x)
Originally just a promotional release, this dark, midtempo hip-hop soul track—in which Brandy sings of her unrequited love for a man who's been burned by an "angel in disguise"—became a modest airplay hit during her run to the top of the charts with "Have You Ever?," reaching the lower region of the Hot 100. Its early scores would have qualified the song for the top twenty of this countdown, but a series of 5's and 6's from the final few voters dropped its overall average by seven-tenths of a point.
********. Ban them all. The harmonies alone are better than almost everything Monica brings to the table. Such dense production.
"What About Us?" (2002) Full Moon
Hot 100 peak: #7
Overall score: 7.87 High score: 9.5 (1x)/Low score: 3 (1x)
Debuting a new, sexier sound and image (particularly in the accompanying music video, which depicts Brandy as the ruler of an alternative universe full of man pyramids), "What About Us?" features a feisty vocal performance and some great urban industrial production from Darkchild. Despite earning an impressive seven 9's from voters, the song was awarded no 10's—the highest-ranking track in this rate without any.
"Like This and Like That" (1995) Miss Thang
Hot 100 peak: #7
Overall score: 7.87 High score: 10 (1x)/Low score: 5 (2x)
This new jack swing track, featuring an uncredited guest verse from no-hit wonder rapper Mr. Malik, was a double A-side single with "Before You Walk Out of My Life," serving as the second release from Monica's debut album, Miss Thang. Though all but six of its scores were an 8 or above, that was not enough to break the song out of the crowded middle pack.