We Need a Resolution

"We Need a Resolution" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah, featuring a guest appearance by American producer–rapper Timbaland for her eponymous third and final studio album (2001). Written by Static Major and Timbaland, with the latter producing it, it was released as the album's lead single by Blackground Records and Virgin Records on May 15, 2001. Musically, it is a "bouncing" alternative R&B, hip hop, and electro-funk song with Middle Eastern influences. Lyrically, "We Need a Resolution" speaks about a passive-aggressive relationship that has hit a rough patch in which the narrator (Aaliyah) asks for solutions while her partner dismisses her feelings. Upon its release, the song received generally positive reviews from most music critics, who praised Aaliyah's vocals, the lyrical content, and the production. A moderate commercial success, it peaked at number 59 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Internationally, it reached the top 40 in Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Wallonia. An accompanying music video for "We Need a Resolution" was directed by Paul Hunter. Its initial plot involves providing viewers with an "exclusive peek" into Aaliyah's life. The video's underlying theme also utilizes snakes. Certain scenes show her lying in a snake pit with Pythons crawling over her body. Throughout the years, the video earned praise for its dark tone. Many critics have noted how Aaliyah has come into her womanhood in the video.