Self-confidence, together with talent, cultivates excellence. Such is certainly the case for Alicia Keys, who on her third studio album, As I Am, presents her strongest, most consistent effort yet with songs that defy superficial expression.
Indeed, the woman heard here imparts so much uninhibited conviction that her music often sounds like it was spiritually channeled rather than skillfully composed. Some songs evoke an old-school flavor while others feel entirely of the moment. Whatever the mood or the muse, though, Keys commands each one with a voice that’s matured into one almighty instrument.
While the emotive power of her voice exceeds almost anything she’s done prior, the album wouldn’t fare as well as it does if the songs themselves weren’t this good. “Teenage Love Affair” for instance, draws on a retro vibe and playful lyrics, with Keys as a coy schoolgirl who fools around with her crush before she sneaks back home. In a more grown-up scenario, “Lesson Learned,” which features John Mayer on both backing vocals and guitar, Keys guides a subtle groove with her piano while relating the heartache of a woman scorned yet strengthened by a broken relationship. And, with its Hip/Hop rhythms infused with dominant percussion, she wields “Wreckless Love” into a shameless plea for passion amid a fizzling romance.
It’s on “Sure Looks Good To Me,” the album’s closing track, that Keys exhibits the full breadth of her abilities. A piano begins the song, whereupon Keys sings in a voice achingly raw and soulful. The music evolves in its texture and progression, the sound of drums steadily rising toward a sonic plateau where the singer lets loose and wails, “I’m gonna risk it all/No freedom, no fall.” Organic in its tone, virulent in its intensity, and direct in its delivery, this song summarizes the album’s foremost theme of self-assurance.
As I Am constitutes the most cohesive album that Alicia Keys has created to date. While her preceding albums have illustrated a prodigious artist with formidable talent, this effort demonstrates an improvement and expansion of that talent.
Article comments
1 - Chris Beaumont
Not typically my speed, but I am seriously considering getting this album, the song that's in the commercial sounds great.
2 - la femme fatiguee
I wholeheartedly agree. Although the opening single No One didn't wow me as a regular track, I loved the rendition at the VMAs. This is Alicia's best album from end-to-end, and it manages to channel her stage presence into a studio album. Outstanding! It was far superior to my expectations (and I was excited about it anyway!)
3 - BlayzenBeauty
This is the single most awesome album I have ever experienced next to Fred Hammond's something about love. Carefully crafted and considered, you can tell Ms. Keys poured her own spiritual essence into each of these songs. These are the things that cause on lookers to admire those in the limelight. Throwback beatz & melodies, unlike anything debuting in the hip hop scene - carries it's own as a viable Grammy contender, "No Needs Yes" is the preferred cut number 1 due to the hidden lyrics brought to the forefront by only her experience, are these concepts I've never known or love it because I've never heard it put such a way. So much can be said of this young lady, but this is for sure, when someone is truly gifted in their craft, excellence & passionate fruits will be yeilded, this is the ultimate harvest - let us all be partakers of her labor of life.
4 - 123danielle123
best album i have ever listend to it has feeling and mood she really puts pictures in to our heads she is a great artist defo my favorite artit along side beyonce :D