With her latest release As I Am, Alicia Keys has proven to listeners who she is as an artist. Even though this is her fourth release since 2001, Keys only had a few singles top the charts. However, As I Am is sure to produce even more hits for the musician.
While the album begins with an unnecessary instrumental intro, the first true song, Go Ahead,"" is possibly the best on the album. Its upbeat rhythm and unique sound gives it definite single potential for Keys.
""No One,"" her newest single, is popular for a reason. It showcases a distinctive piano intro and instrumentals, not to mention the feeling Keys brings to the song through her powerful vocals.
Keys shows off her voice in ""The Thing About Love,"" ""Where Do We Go From Here"" and ""Prelude to a Kiss,"" as well. Even though these aren't the three best songs on the album, her soulful singing makes them definitely worth listening to. In particular, ""The Thing About Love"" builds at the bridge while Keys wails the last chorus with heart-tugging emotion.
Keys is clearly an experienced singer, but a few of the songs on the album make it sound as if she is still new to the R&B genre. There are probably 100 songs by other artists dealing with the superman/woman idea, and Keys didn't need the song to make her repertoire less unique with the very cliche track ""Superwoman.""
""Teenage Love Affair"" is another song that makes you wonder how much Keys has matured throughout her career. The catchy chorus saves the song from failing after a spoken interlude that begins: ""Hey, boy / You know I really like being with you / Just hanging out is fun."" The 27-year-old songstress shouldn't try to connect with the younger portion of her audience when the song makes her sound juvenile herself.
Keys established her own style back when she released her first album, Songs in A Minor, and she has stuck to that style since then. The only exception of this on As I Am is with the last song, ""Sure Looks Good to Me."" Even though there are clear remnants of Keys' style with the piano intro, the drums and guitar give the song rock music qualities. This is also one of the best songs on the album and will hopefully inspire more of her songs on her next releases.
Keys also changes things up by featuring John Mayer in her song ""Lesson Learned."" The combination of the two artists definitely had the makings of a great song, but Mayer's only real contribution to the song is by interjecting with the phrase ""It's alright"" throughout the chorus.
Besides these few songs, As I Am is what listeners would expect of Keys' newest release. There aren't many surprises, but the album continues with Keys' smooth sound and will not disappoint those who are already fans.
Even though many artists who produce hit songs also create sub-par albums, Keys proves once again all she has to offer wasn't in her first hit, ""Fallin'"" and won't end with ""No One."" If you like her style, As I Am is also definitely worth listening to.
