For years now, I have been a dedicated Alicia Keys fan - as far as I am concerned, she is the true embodiment of an artist who inspires and delights many with her classical and modern style of music and writing. Her book of poetry, "Tears for Water", is a beautiful insight into the mind of Alicia and is an amazing piece of writing which highlights her literary gifts which I hadn't appreciated fully until I read this book.
So when her fourth studio album, "The Element of Freedom", was released in early 2010, I couldn't wait to hear the next installment from this accomplished songwriter and musician. But after quickly listening to a few tracks, I felt a state of confusion setting in. I wasn't feeling that instant love for the tracks that usually happens with Alicia....I just wasn’t feeling “it” and I was confused!
The first song I heard was "Doesn't Mean A Thing", which had a catchy piano melody throughout but I thought it sounded raspy and and a little bit whiny to be honest. Then the track with Jay-Z, "Empire State of Mind" hit the airwaves and after hearing it almost every hour on the hour on all local radio stations, I developed an instant dislike for the song and I wrote this album off completely. Brokenhearted, I mourned the absence of Miss Keys latest production from my music collection.
And then one day, I heard “Empire State of Mind (Part II) – Broken Down”...the original track that was then remixed by Jay- Z....and I listened to it – really listened. And in an instant, the eerie melody and Alicia's vocals transported me across the seas in my mind to the streets of New York and I was in a cab with her, driving through the city in the early hours of the morning..... on our way the Brooklyn Bridge. The song made me believe in New York, and I wanted to be there, to be made “brand new”... on the streets of New York. My "eyes" were finally opened and I realized that I had been too quick in my judgement of Miss Keys.
And then one day, I heard “Empire State of Mind (Part II) – Broken Down”...the original track that was then remixed by Jay- Z....and I listened to it – really listened. And in an instant, the eerie melody and Alicia's vocals transported me across the seas in my mind to the streets of New York and I was in a cab with her, driving through the city in the early hours of the morning..... on our way the Brooklyn Bridge. The song made me believe in New York, and I wanted to be there, to be made “brand new”... on the streets of New York. My "eyes" were finally opened and I realized that I had been too quick in my judgement of Miss Keys.
I immediately located the rest of the album online and listen to the whole album again, with a fresh "palate" and at the end, I got that feeling you get when you discover something really special. Like a true artist, she wasn't blatant or obvious with her genius. There isn’t that obvious commercial hook in her songs, just a concept that is planted in your consciousness that grows organically. "Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart" is a song of a lost love and pain and you definitely feel the pain and loss. She crafted this album to reflect something different and more mature. It feels real and personal with a strong undercurrent of the joys and pains we experience with love in adulthood which she translates in the second track “Love Is Blind”.
It is the next chapter in the Alicia Keys story and it gives the listener something richer and more refined. Her voice has changed but it actually suits the songs and the musical arrangements. “Wait Til You See My Smile" is a beautiful song with a strong drum beat which partners well with the inspirational message of the song. “That’s How Strong My Love Is” has a simple melody that reminds me of the feeling you get when you watch gentle rain falling outside while cuddled up under warm blanket at home. “Love is My Disease” is one of my favorites and it begins with a powerful reggae/rock tone and her rugged vocal tone and emotion carries the song really well and delivers a powerful punch.
The whole album just works well and is a great addition to any music collection – it is different and fresh and I think I understand the “Element of Freedom” a little better now. To me, this woman is amazing and is inspires me endlessly - a songwriter, composer, poet, humanitarian all rolled into one. Her beauty shines from within! All I can say now is well done Miss Keys for stepping up again and giving us something phenomenal. I look forward to your next offering....
The whole album just works well and is a great addition to any music collection – it is different and fresh and I think I understand the “Element of Freedom” a little better now. To me, this woman is amazing and is inspires me endlessly - a songwriter, composer, poet, humanitarian all rolled into one. Her beauty shines from within! All I can say now is well done Miss Keys for stepping up again and giving us something phenomenal. I look forward to your next offering....
