Alicia Keys Returns!
ALICIA is the seventh studio album of Alicia Keys. It consists of 15 songs – seven of which are duets and five are with music videos before the official album release on September 18.
Watch her interview with Apple Music.
There are two keywords to describe this album, beautiful & sexy.
Track 1: Truth Without Love
The first track sounds average the first time I heard it. There are too many playing elements on the background but I am happy Alicia gives it a kick. Her vocals soar high, making me forget how busy this song can be.
Track 2: Time Machine
This sounds sexy. It is underrated but it sounds fun and even sexier when Alicia starts singing.
Track 3: Authors of Forever
The title sounds ambitious but it surprises me that it delivers right on the dot. It sounds friendly to my ears, making me feel happy after a busy day at the office.
Track 4: Wasted Energy
This is the first duet of the seven. Alicia sings it with Diamond Platnumz. It sounds powerful. It sounds soulful. I kind of like it but it is not the kind of duo that can revolve around my head all day.
Track 5: Underdog
This is my favorite. The first time I heard it, I could immediately connect with the message it sends to the world. Alicia Keys makes this song her album signature. This is her brand in the same vein with If I Ain’t Got You, No One and Girl On Fire.
Track 6: 3-Hour Drive
This is the second duo of the seven. Alicia’s voice blends well with Sampha. Its intro sounds like droplets of water on a clean surface.
Track 7: Me x 7
The title of this song sounds a bit weird the first time I read it. What’s this and what’s that. Though when I start listening, it sounds cute. Alicia sings the word “Me” like a candy. Thanks for the rap assistance, Tierra Whack!
Track 8: Show Me Love
It surprises me why this is the album’s lead. I was not into it. Don’t get me wrong, her collab with Miguel is brilliant. Love my man, Miguel, though I forced myself to love the song even if I could instantly felt I neither dislike nor like it.
Track 9: So Done
This is my number one favorite of the seven duets. It sounds sexy, soulful and light to my ears. Every time I hear it, the song brings me joy and it makes me feel inspired. Khalid is flawless here too. His parts add an extra layer of calm to an already smooth surface.
Track 10: Gramercy Park
This is a total surprise! There is something extra special with this song I cannot put into words. Let’s say, it ideally sounds like a powerful lead single than Show Me Love. Watch the live performance during her Tiny Desk Concert starting in 9:08.
Track 11: Love Looks Better
It is a fun song. It is not one of my strong favorites but it is pretty a nice song that can potentially grow on me in the right time.
Track 12: You Save Me
This is another brilliant duet with Snoh Aalegra. Just brilliant!
Track 13: Jill Scott
I love Jill Scott, and I feel happy Alicia sings a song with her and with her name as the title. It seems a smooth flowing song that I can immediately vibe with.
Track 14: Perfect Way To Die
This song articulates what Black Lives Matter means. It is more than a movement. It is a lifestyle 24/7 and 365 days every year. And, listening to this song makes me realize how messy this world is. The inequality and the discrimination narrated in the song made and makes me cry still.
Track 15: Good Job
This is a beautiful song to end an album. Amid pandemic in which everything remains uncertain and everyone feels anxious, this is the kind of song we need to hear every day.
Listen for free.
Deantastic O-Score: 4 of 5 stars!
I AM SURVIVORDEAN 