As I Am CD Review

From the moment Alicia Keys dropped onto the music scene in 2001, one thing was clear, this girl was a star. With a few simple words stretched out to blasting piano underscored intensity, “I keep on fallin, in and out of love with you,” Alicia Keys roared onto radio with an album (“Songs in A Minor”) that would garner her both critical praise and a slew of awards. With 2004’s follow up “The Diary of Alicia Keys,” we saw the singer amp up her game enlisting some of the hottest producers to bring her musical vision to life. A prestigious piano player, all the songs acted as a showcase for her raw vocals, and amazing piano skills.

Next week brings the release of her eagerly anticipated album “As I Am,” and it’s both strikingly different than her past two albums and strikingly similar. Those seeking out more of Keys’ piano driven ballads about heartbreak, newfound love, and euphoric romance will be pleased to know that Keys has delivered fourteen songs with her signature killer hooks that seem radio friendly and original at the same time.

"As I Am (Intro)" - It's short, as one would expect from an intro. But it's good. It' her doing what brought her fame; playing elegant piano.

"Go Ahead" - Her voice starts warm, sounds like her counterpart India Arie. Near the end of the song, you might recognize that the beat is reminiscent to 70s icon Queen's "We will Rock You."

"Superwoman" - Bluesy and soulful while being inspirational and beautiful. One of the best tracks on the album

"No One" - Raw and emotional song. while most people either love or hate this song; this song drew me into the album.

"Like You'll Never See Me Again" - If you've seen Alicia in concert, or even watched her perform live on TV, you notice her voice is smoky and sultry. This song sounds exactly like who Alicia has evolved into. This is what she'll sound like when you see her live.

"Lesson Learned" - This is a collaboration between Alicia and John Mayer. Wonderful! Two talented musicians working together. It's not a duet in the truest sense of the word. John only provides back up vocals, and some singing on the hook. But his guitar is present throughout the entirety of the track. It's beautiful to hear both of the musicians ramp up toward the crescendo. This deserves a video more than anything.


"Wreckless Love" - Not the Alicia you remember. Here, she laments on the loss of wreckless love. She sings about going back to the type of love one experiences early in a relationship. Before things become old, staid, and safe.

"The Thing About Love" - one of my favorites! It breaks away from the expected. This composition shares more in common with Radiohead or U2. The piano takes on a personality, that of a lonely soul. There are rich, yet subtle strings to support the grandiose mood. Also, there is some organ cleverly laced within to add some old time spirit. Alicia shines!"I Need You" - In a word, "funky." This is the one expected to hear repeated over and over from cars passing by. It's complex, and at the same time, smooth. Infections! The hook "I Need You" sounds like a familiar but hard to place 80's R&B hit.

"Prelude to a Kiss" - Intense and powerful at only 2 minutes and 9 seconds long. Prelude for real. The last two songs -

"Tell You Something (Nana's Reprise)" and "Sure Looks Good To Me" - defy simple categorization. They certainly breach the parameters of contemporary R&B. Again, there are vocal arrangements and musical compositions more akin to a rock ballad. It's not the kind of song that would get guaranteed play on black radio, but it could be a breakthrough hit on mainstream pop stations. And don't take that as a jab. She steps outside of the prescribed zone for soul singers, without compromising her integrity. She still packs the soulful punch we expect of her.

There is variety and range, though. Some songs you might choose to repeat, others might require the skip. Most of the tracks might not instantly command your attention. But pay attention, because this is a great CD. Well worth your pocket change.

Grade: A-