As I Am

by

Alicia Keys

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This was new & different from "Songs In A Minor & The Diary Of Alicia Keys." Which is fine, I just do not think that the album in total is equal to the aboves? From slow to midtempo these songs are hard to classify other than their having a 60's-70's R&B sound. But, this album does seem to be her most personal & intimate. Some complain about her overuse of the Piano? I could not disagree more, it is a very neglected instrument. Alicia also plays it exceptionally well.

"Like You'll Never See Me Again, No One, I Need You, Tell You Something, & The Thing About Love," are my five favorites from this album. The latter has an Al Green early 1970's feel to it with an angry middle which most folks at some time in their lives can relate to. While the former may eventually challenge "Fallin" as her best song to date? It has lucid lyrics & a depth of feeling to it that many modern tunes lack. "I Need You has Alicia pulling you into the song & "Tell You Something" is a thoughtful get you to think tune. While "No One" is a sensual speaks for itself song. I'm not big on top forty hits since so many songs that make it are awful. But in this case, "No One" flew to the top for a reason.

I did not care for the Intros. "Prelude To A Kiss," was too short, "Lesson Learned & Sure Looks Good To Me" were pretty good, & the rest of the album was rather good. In closing, I think it is overly harsh to constantly compare her music to what came before as so many of the negative reviews harped on. She is not even thirty, & may have a few more decades to grow as an artist. I would wager that when many of her contemporaries are just a memory, she will still be producing fine music?

Okay, the only albums that I actually go to the store to buy are Alicia Keys albums. She's wonderful. But after listening to this album, I may decide to download all of my music. Actually, I'll probably buy her next one too because she is going to come back harder due to the mixed reviews of this album. She has to know that this album is decent, but not a classic.

This album has a lot of different sounds. In fact, there are a lot of moments in this album where I really believe that I am in the 80s. That doesnt have to be a bad thing with songs like "Sure Looks Good to Me" and "Like You'll Never See Me Again"...

But in short, this album isn't a Diary. And I wasn't even saying that Diary was a classic until I heard this album. It seems as if these songs are lacking the quality that makes me want to listen to them again.

If you're into buying individual songs, definitely buy these from itunes:

1. Wreckless Love

2. I Need You

3. Like You'll Never See Me Again

4. Lesson Learned

I like these songs but they're kinda borderline:

5. Where Do We Go From Here

6. Go Ahead (I really like this but a lot of ppl don't. But I have an affinity to "screw you" songs).

Everything else... it's whatever. They're aight songs but I wouldn't include them in any mix if I wanted to burn a cd for a long ride on the road or something (because they would get skipped, lol).

Oh yeah, I just KNEW that Alicia was going to remake Duke's "Prelude to a Kiss". That was the only reason I bought the album ASAP even though I heard "No One". I was so disappointed when I saw that this was just some random song. I shouldn't say random. It's aight. But that got me thinking -- she should definitely bring back the piano emphasis next time and try covering some jazz standards. She would shine.

If you want to buy some good "jazzy/soulful" yet kinda "street" albums (you know, the kind you expected Alicia to produce this time around), then check out:

1. Emily King - East Side Story (You have to get this album. Im going to review that album next.)

2. Jill Scott - This album is a lil freaky though. NC17.

3. Chrisette Michele - Laid back album that you think isn't that serious but you find yourself repeating it for 2 days straight.

ALICIA KEYS FANS -- buy the album. You're going to anyway (like I did and will continue to).

EVERYONE ELSE -- download the first 6 songs I mentioned (from a site like itunes of course...)