Aaries - Always Remember (2002)

Aaries are a nu-soul duo made up of twins Ayanna & Ayinka Hipps, and throughout their teens and early twenties they worked steadily on Philadelphia’s 'new jack' circuit, finding themselves becoming fast musical soulmates with the likes of fellow Philly artists Jill Scott, The Roots and Musiq. By the time Musiq released his debut album 'Aijuswanaseing', AAries had already been touring with him as back-up singers, and were subsequently featured on his hit single 'Girl Next Door'. This opened a door which led to both the start of work on the duo's official debut album 'Always Remember', and also the subsequent signing of a deal for the album with Atlantic Records. A single was chosen to promote the record, and 'Strangers To Lovers' was their first release under their own name, with the vocals sashaying their way through the jazzy track, complete with warm background vocals. Similarly appealing, with its focus on each sister's individual vocal part, is the ballad 'So Nice', while the title track is an emotional song about never forgetting where you came from, and keeping the important things in life alive. The girls mix it up as well, with the up-tempo 'Waiting', as well as the powerhouse 'Even Though', which bursts with edgy, funk-ridden vocals, and hip-swaying bass. Alongside the original material is a fine rendition of the late Minnie Ripperton classic 'Baby, This Love I Have', featuring some beautiful vocal stylings. Unfortunately Atlantic didn't really know what to do with the girls, and so just cancelled the release, which is a shame as it is a fine nu-soul record. One of the songs did eventually surface, with 'Come Inside' appearing on the soundtrack to the 2004 film 'Johnson Family Vacation', but really the whole album deserves to be heard. 

Track listing

01 Always Remember 
02 Baby This Love I Have
03 Come Inside
04 Cool Like That
05 Even Though
06 So Nice
07 Strangers To Lovers
08 Time Will Reveal
09 Tonight
10 Truly Yours
11 Untrue
12 Your Woman