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Alicia Keys’ passion for that piano-feel made her change her name to then singer-song writer. Alicia Keys has gone on to establish herself by far as the current princess of R& B. The 27 years old has already won 11 Grammys and her third studio album. As I Am, released last year, debuted as #1 on Billboard and has since had record sales the world over.

There is a classic intro to kick start with As I Am on tender keys, followed by Go Ahead, one of the songs featuring Kerry Brothers, with the diva crooning with some attitude. Keys’ says she “believes in the power of us”. (Reader’s Digest January, 2006) and so up next is the empowering Superwoman featuring Linda Perry Keys, who grew up in Hell’s Kitchen, dedicates the song to “all my women, sitting here trying / To come home before the sun.”

Clearly the best track of As I Am, and the one which earned her two more Grammys this year, the fast-paced and innovatively up-tempo No One follows. It is definitely one of Key’s all time best songs, and the story behind it (it was written for loved one in need) is even more heart-wrenching yet beautifully inspiring.

Like you’ll Never See Me Again, has a slow yet infection melody, and Keys then pairs up for some pop with hit-maker John Mayer in the groovy Lessons Learned, using her amazing vocal range to its max.

Both the vocals and musical arrangements display considerable diversity as the album progress. The crazy Wreckless Love is on of a couple of love songs on the album. It has been argued that some of the material seems borrowed which is not wholly wrong. Nevertheless, it comes across in a fresh way.

Teenage Love Affair is another fun song and I Need You and Where Do We Go From Here are vintage soul.

If at this point you think the album is dragging, the short and soulful Prelude to A Kiss will bring you back to track Keys’ sultry voice sounds simply outstanding here. Tell you Something is another winner and shows the singer is definitely maturing at as an artiste.

Sure Looks Good to Me gives the perfect ending and is soothing, as Keys vows to ‘risk it all’ in contrast to the heavy keyboard of some of the earlier tracks. The title suffices as a description of the record and though this can’t be called her best efforts to date, it is for the most part quintessentially great R&B with love, hope, heartache and rebellion. Keys calls herself an ‘old soul’ and if you are one too, then don’t pass on this one.

Posted: Friday, December 25th, 2009 @ 2:59 am
Categories: Alicia Keys.
Tags: Alicia, Coming, Keys’, Second.
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