Alicia Keys’s new album, The Element of Freedom, is full of that fallin’ into the depths of emotional pain and heartbreak that commonly abounds in the Princess of Soul’s song writing. Nevertheless, with sedated vision, precise words, and controlled vocals, Keys has still managed to produce some diverse and meaningful tunes. Even with critics jumping all over her “limited” song writing and her sometimes wailing voice, Alicia remains unchanged, having never been phased for a second. Her music has certainly expanded over the years, evolving from bluesy piano patterns to more supple house and R&B compositions (you can decide what you like better). However, her style and form of expression, both lyrically and vocally, hasn’t budged an inch in the face of praise and criticism. Songs like Love is My Disease exhibit everything that this artist is about – pained vocals that try to convey the hurt her words try to capture. Certainly, there’s simplicity, a kind of candidness that lacks an edge. But she does this well. And her vocals may drift from her range but it is sustained and strong, showing that she knows precisely what she’s doing. Still, her collaboration with Beyoncé on Put It In a Love Song is a bit offsetting. Admittedly, I’m not a big fan of Beyoncé; her talent is unquestionable, but I never get her songs, and this one with Keys is no different. I always thought Keys should go a grittier, less glamorous route with her music, but this album definitely doesn’t do that. Albeit I like the ballad form of Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down just the way it is. Either way, she’s an impressive singer and this definitely stands as one of the better R&B albums coming out right now.
David Rozon
Key Tracks: Love is My Disease, Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down, Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart
Moods: Intimate, Passionate, Confident, Sensual, Elegant
related
- Alicia Keys @ Centre Bell – 02.28.10
- Jay-Z – The Blue Print 3
- The Black Keys @ Ottawa Bluesfest – 07.08.09
