'Alicia': Keys delivers a layered feel-good album full of love, upliftment and assurance of better days ahead
Following the release of her memoir 'More Myself', Alicia Keys returns with her equally honest and profound seventh studio album 'Alicia'. The appropriately named release sees the singer emerge from grappling with self-love and acceptance and share layered, nuanced advice for her listeners on how to rise above their circumstances and reach a similar space of healing and growth for themselves.
Keys was born in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan, and after her father left when she was just two years old, Keys was raised by her mother, a paralegal and part-time actress. Despite a rough childhood and the resulting self-esteem issues Keys endured, her mother encouraged her to "find her muse," and for the budding singer, it would turn out to be music. By 13, she was writing and performing her own music to applause, and after struggling to retain creative control at Columbia Records for years, Keys finally found her first musical home in Clive Davis' Arista Records in late 1998. When Davis was ousted and formed J Records in 2000, Keys followed. And finally, her debut record 'Songs in A Minor' was released in 2001.
Keys has had quite an intense journey. From the violence and horror she was exposed to as a child to having to battle the industry just to retain control over the industry, to having her demand met with ridicule and sexual harassment, Keys has clawed her way to where she is now. And yet, she never saw the need to drag anyone under in the process. And after her near two decades in the industry since her official debut, she can finally declare she's "living the way I want" on her latest release, 'Alicia'. Singing about the experience on 'So Done' (featuring Khalid), Keys shares the journey hasn't been easy. And after decades of fighting herself, her insecurities and the expectations of the world, she's ready to be true to herself. And it is this 'Alicia' that we get all across this record.
On 'Time Machine', one of the standouts of the record, Keys implores her listener to see the "beauty in everything" even in the face of insecurity, on 'Underdog' she reminds them of their worth no matter how inferior the world might make them feel, on 'Authors of Forever' she shares words of comfort for better tomorrows. Songs like 'Truth Without Love' and 'Time Machine' see Keys dabble in some jazz/funk, 'Gramercy Park' sees Keys delve into a bit of country, 'Wasted Energy' and 'Me x 7' deliver some gorgeous reggae vibes, and Keys' own established pop/R&B sound punctuates every sound. '3 Hour Drive', another standout, this one featuring Sampha, is an exquisitely calming slow, percussion-laden track that, true to its name, makes you feel like you're on the best drive of your life. Musically, this is a stunning record that demonstrates Keys' musicality from start to finish.
Lyrically, this album sees Keys tackle concepts like self-doubt and finding strength in one's own convictions. She offers advice and support, showing her listener a way forward. 'Underdog' and 'Good Job' both recognize the struggles of everyone fighting their daily battles, and is certainly timely given the daily fight of every person currently battling the ongoing pandemic, raging fires, and continued violence in the streets. 'Perfect Way to Die' takes this several steps further, however, and Keys' message comes full circle: she hopes for a better future and wishes each listener can find their own voice, but she is not incapable of the anger and fury of a Black woman experiencing what it means to fight for freedom in America. And while Keys has never been particularly shy when it came to addressing everything from abuse and addiction to police brutality and racism, the nuance and depth in her message this time around reveals the singer has advanced her lyricism to a whole new level.
Keys' journey began with a young girl fighting for her own seat at the table. The last few years have seen her slowly recognize just how much of the world's expectations she internalized, her righteous anger as a woman flowing through and prompting her to start a movement of self-love. On 'Alicia' she elevates herself once again, finding new strength and this time, helping share that message and journey in a way that serves as an inspiration for her listener. After crafting her own path, Keys now shares the tools for her personal growth and journey with the world.
'Alicia' is out now on digital streaming platforms.