2008 Woodie Awards
New album gets an A+ for Keys
Ezra Dalton, For The Clock
Issue date: 11/16/07 Section: Arts & Entertainment
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"As I Am," the title of Alicia Keys third studio release, which came into stores on Nov. 13, 2007, is everything Keys' fans have come to expect. The classic introdcution of her piano playing, without vocals, only builds the anticipation of hearing this singer's sultry sound.
That anticipation has been building since her 2005 "MTV Unplugged" album, the most successful unplugged album since the 2004 Nirvana appearance. The public has waited patiently for this work and they will not be disappointed.
Alicia does something very different in this album than most artists when it comes to track layout. The first single from her album, "No One," is not the first track, which is uncommon. Instead, the first two or three tracks are songs that have not been released yet, giving the listener time to become familiar with the music before coming to a song they recognize.
"No One" was an instant hit for Alicia. It reached number 3 on Billboard Hot 100 list and number 1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs. Keys told MTV News Canada that the song, "Is really talking about the way that in relationships, the way that so many things are around you all the time to try to distract you. And even though people may talk and say whatever they may want to say, but then no one can get in the way of this."
The next track, "Like You'll Never See Me Again," has a raw vinyl sound to it. This track is the next single off "As I Am," and is already at number 15 on the Billboard Hot R&B.
Another track on the album, "Lesson Learned," is a collaboration with John Mayer. Alicia is no stranger to collaborations, having worked successfully with Toni Tony Tone, Christina Aguilera and Usher in the past, and this one does not disappoint. This song speaks of the mistakes made in life and that they are considered to be just another "Lesson Learned." These two artists sharing a song is nothing less than beautiful.
"Wreckless Love" brings onto the album drums and horns and is an upbeat, head bobbing, smile-on-your-face tune. The lyrics: "Take it back in time/When forever was a minute/and eternity was a second/I'm stressing that we have to go back there/Let's take it there," truly speaks the feeling this track will provide for listeners.
Also worth noting are the collaborations with Linda Perry and Jack Splash. Perry, formally of the 4 Non Blonds, was the co-writer & producer of "Superwoman," "The Thing About Love" and "Sure Looks Good To Me." Jack Spash, another co-writer and producer, also lent his talents to the song, "Teenage Love Affair."
Alicia Keys has outdone herself once again. This CD is sure to please those who buy it. With seamless song transitions and tracks that will make you feel good or reminisce, "As I Am" is one CD that should be in your library.
That anticipation has been building since her 2005 "MTV Unplugged" album, the most successful unplugged album since the 2004 Nirvana appearance. The public has waited patiently for this work and they will not be disappointed.
Alicia does something very different in this album than most artists when it comes to track layout. The first single from her album, "No One," is not the first track, which is uncommon. Instead, the first two or three tracks are songs that have not been released yet, giving the listener time to become familiar with the music before coming to a song they recognize.
"No One" was an instant hit for Alicia. It reached number 3 on Billboard Hot 100 list and number 1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs. Keys told MTV News Canada that the song, "Is really talking about the way that in relationships, the way that so many things are around you all the time to try to distract you. And even though people may talk and say whatever they may want to say, but then no one can get in the way of this."
The next track, "Like You'll Never See Me Again," has a raw vinyl sound to it. This track is the next single off "As I Am," and is already at number 15 on the Billboard Hot R&B.
Another track on the album, "Lesson Learned," is a collaboration with John Mayer. Alicia is no stranger to collaborations, having worked successfully with Toni Tony Tone, Christina Aguilera and Usher in the past, and this one does not disappoint. This song speaks of the mistakes made in life and that they are considered to be just another "Lesson Learned." These two artists sharing a song is nothing less than beautiful.
"Wreckless Love" brings onto the album drums and horns and is an upbeat, head bobbing, smile-on-your-face tune. The lyrics: "Take it back in time/When forever was a minute/and eternity was a second/I'm stressing that we have to go back there/Let's take it there," truly speaks the feeling this track will provide for listeners.
Also worth noting are the collaborations with Linda Perry and Jack Splash. Perry, formally of the 4 Non Blonds, was the co-writer & producer of "Superwoman," "The Thing About Love" and "Sure Looks Good To Me." Jack Spash, another co-writer and producer, also lent his talents to the song, "Teenage Love Affair."
Alicia Keys has outdone herself once again. This CD is sure to please those who buy it. With seamless song transitions and tracks that will make you feel good or reminisce, "As I Am" is one CD that should be in your library.
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