Alicia Keys - Songs in a Minor
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Free Music Notes for Songs in a Minor
Free Music Review: Alicia Hits All The Right Keys
Hit: 5 Stars
This is the best album to come out in 2001 and an essential for any R&B fan. There's a song on here for everybody:1. PIANO & I (intro) - I hate interludes/intros/skits/whatever, but the nice piano skills are good, though I hate the whole spoken word thing Alicia does on this one - 3/5
2. GIRLFRIEND - Jermaine Dupri's production adds some hip-hop flavor to this upbeat Alicia classic - 5/5
3. HOW COME YOU DON'T CALL ME - Originally a Prince tune, Alicia does the song justice with the way her smooth voice melts over her usual on-point piano skills; one of the best songs on the album - 5/5
4. FALLIN' - Not much needs to be said about this one, other than it definitely deserved the #1 singles position - 5/5
5. TROUBLES - A moving song that clears the clouds on a rainy day by ensuring that "all your troubles ain't for nothing" - 5/5
6. ROCK WIT U - A good, catchy tune, though the opening instrumentals are a bit too long; Isaac Hayes adds a soulful edge to this one - 4/5
7. A WOMAN'S WORTH - This, the second single released, is a bit boring, but sends a well-needed message - 4/5
8. JANE DOE - Another one of the best songs on the album, this one also has a more urban feel to it with a beatbox-like background melody laced with the usual piano - 5/5
9. GOODBYE - A gut-wrenching, Brian McKnight-produced ballad with softspoken vocals and an understated elegance - 5/5
10. THE LIFE - This one could virtually go hand-in-hand with #5 as far as theme goes, though this one is more upbeat, and Alicia's voice holds more meaning and conviction - 5/5
11. MR. MAN - Alicia trades verses with labelmate Jimmy Cozier on this Latin-tinged gem that probably best showcases her diversity as a vocalist - 5/5
12. NEVER FELT THIS WAY (interlude) - Yes, another interlude, but this one is beautiful because it's just Alicia and her piano - 5/5
13. BUTTERFLYZ - Another simple song with a beautiful melody, stirring vocals, and heartfelt lyrics - 5/5
14. WHY DO I FEEL SO SAD - This one is mellow, yet more upbeat than most of the songs on here. Though it does have some hip-hop flavor, similar to #'s 2 and 8, it's easily forgettable - 4/5
15. CAGED BIRD - Similar to "Butterflyz" in its simplicity and depth. One of my special favorites, though a bit TOO simple - 4/5
16. LOVIN' U - This is a hidden track that only the loyal few who listen to this album all the way through will get to enjoy. This one is upbeat and demonstrates real Aretha-worthy soul - 5/5
Free Music Review: The Next Diva of Soul
Hit: 5 Stars
'Piano and I' is a very nice intro for this type of LP, but I dont get the placement of 'Girlfriend' as the first songs, dont get me wrong its a great track, I thought I'd never here Ol Dirty Bastards 'Brooklyn Zoo' beat on an RnB album, but J.D., the co-king of remixes pulled it off well for her. another good track is up next with 'How Come You Don't Call Me', its nothing great, but it is a good album track, 'Fallin' the first single, you probably have already formed your opinion about this song, my opinion is that its a great one. 'Troubles' is a real live gem, I cant get enough of this one, on another album this would be a reason in itself to buy that album. The Isaac Hayes produced 'Rock Wit You' doesnt need to be here, mainly because its an Isaac Hayes track which his production drowns out the singing, not feeling this too much. 'A Womans Worth' starts showing some of the values Alicia was raised on, she talks about how a man comes first, but at the same time how the man recognizes a womans worth. 'Jane Doe' is nicely produced upbeat joint to add to the album. 'Goodbye' is another nice one, nothing special about it though, kind of seems like its been done before. 'The Life' starts out sounding like something out of my Dads car, just great great production, and molds very well Alicia's voice to make a great track. The Duet 'Mr. Man' with labelmate Jimmy Cozier is also very good, althought i thought, they could have gotten a better male singer for the part. The 'Never Felt This Way' interlude, really reaches your soul, well if you have one it will. 'Butterflies' does more of the same, this girls voice is amazing. 'Why Do I Feel So Bad' is another good track, doesnt stand out too much from anything else, but a good fit here. 'Caged Bird' just showcases her voice mostly. After a day of listening, pretty much constantly, I can say that this might be the best female album since Lauryn Hill's first effort, and only Jill Scott's album nearing it since then. This girl has a truely beautiful voice, comparable to Faith Evans. And it nice to hear someone her age singing at and above her age, I'm tired of the 13 year old topics coming for 20 year olds like Destiny's Child all the time on the radio, and for me personally,its nice to hear someone that seems to have some maturity level. So check it out its going to become a classic.Free Music Review: You will definitely be "Fallin'" for Alicia after this
Hit: 5 Stars
The 1st time I heard "Fallin'", I knew Alicia was working with something special. Once I learned that she wrote and produced most of her songs, I was interested to see what her CD would actually sound like. When the released date for "Songs In A Minor" was announced I was all set to buy the CD when it was pushed back two weeks later. "Songs In A Minor" is an excellent debut by Alicia Keys. I have heard a lot of good debut CD over the past year and a half: Jill Scott, Amel Larrieux, Musiq Soulchild, and the Jazzyfatnastees. Alicia Keys' CD ranks right up in there. After the intro, Alicia starts off with "Girlfriend". The song is produced by Alicia Keys and Jermaine Dupri. The song contains an interpolation of ODB's "Brooklyn Zoo" and it get things off to a good start. From then on, it's Alicia basically taking over things: Alicia shows that she is not afraid to take risks either. She remakes two slow jam classics: Prince's "How Come You Don't Call Me" and turns it into a midtempo track and she definitely impresses me with the "Never Felt This Way (Interlude)" where she takes the Brian McKnight song off of his debut CD to another level. There is a mixture of everything on this CD: R&B, soul, jazz, and blues. "Fallin'" is still the best track on this CD, in my opinion, but there are others that stand out as well. "Troubles" will remind people of Erykah Badu's "Otherside Of The Game". This is my 2nd favorite song on the CD. This track should definitely be the next single. Other noteworthy tracks include "Goodbye", "A Woman's Worth", "Butterflyz", "Caged Bird", and "Lovin' You". The best compliment I can give to this CD is just like Jill Scott's CD, when an artist can actually write the words themselves, you can get more of a feel of the artist and their personality, unlike the "studio r&b artists" of today. This CD definitely gives you a genuine feel of Alicia Keys. This is the best r&b CD of 2001 so far. Remember, Jill Scott & Musiq Soulchild were released in 2000.Free Music Review: To much hype and to many people being to dang critical!!!
Hit: 5 Stars
Yeaj Alicia Keys is over-hyped as with any *NEW* promising artist, the problem is living up to all the hype. I think that if Alicia Keys were'nt as big as she was and she only sold a few copies of this CD people wouldn't say she's such a terrible artist, pretty much ANYONE who get's huge is ragged on, because people are *always* happy to pick out people's flaws, and my point is proven many times over by reading the bad reviews. I mean she can sing and play piano quite well, have you seen her live? I have, and ANY DOUBT that she wasn't a true talent was wiped away once I did. For the songs she wrote and produced they are quite good, if you just open your mind and stop expecting some life changing artist maybe you'll enjoy it!!! STOP BEING SO DANG CRITICAL!!! Oh and I don't think Alicia Keysis the best ever, no where close, but I have an open mind and I think she has quite a large amount of talent. One thing on "Fallin" Incase you were to blind to see, the backup singers are for a GOSPEL FEEL, and also for naive people DUH MOST 19/20yrs can't afford diamonds or pearls ITS A SONG!!! And also people do date older men as well. + Its just saying you know I'm worth all this stupid stuff so you should show me some love!!!
It took me 6months to listen to the whole album, I couldn't get into it had other CD's to listen to. But once I did listen to it last week I was suprized at how good it really was, there are influences sprinkled in here such as Stevie Wonder. And I dunno why y'all are so critical about originality, LIGHTEN UP!!! Music is music and as long as its good who really cares, that's all that matters is that its good. The Prince cover is good, The tracks I like best would be the opener "Piano&I", "Troubles", "Butterfliez", and "Luvin you". Alot of the tracks here are good, but there are some that are'nt all that great too, but oh well its still worth the cash unless you are as close-minded as half these people, which chances are is that you are!!! But I'm not gonna judge you I don't know you, so don't judge Alicia Keys so easliy, nor me...
God Bless ~Amy
Free Music Review: A Heavy Hitter
Hit: 5 Stars
When first hearing, "Fallin", I knew this artist had talent. But after finding out that she had studied piano for 7 years, I knew that she had true talent. "songs in A minor" is a must have. These days it is hard to find an artist who writes, produces, sings and even plays an instrument on their debut album. The entire album is pure listening enjoyment. Her piano skills alone would catch anyone's attention who enjoys classical piano but then to add her melodic, soulful voice enhances the album by far. I found that the intro, "Piano & I" was truly amazing. The archaic tones of original classical music flipped into a new school beat was brilliant. Track 2 entitled, "Girlfriend" will have your head bobbin' and your feet tappin'. Not only can you feel the groove with "Girlfriend", you can also relate to what she is saying. Track 11 entitled, "Mr. Man" feat. Jimmy Cozier provides a 20th century blues feel. My favorite tracks which are tracks 12, "Never Felt This Way"(which happens to be an interlude) and track 13, "Butterflyz" are not only well written but performed beautifully. In these songs, her voice reflects tones of Mariah Carey and Tina Marie. If you enjoy either of these artists, you will definitely enjoy, "Never Felt This Way." This album not only reflects her writing skills but the skills of well known artists/producers such as Jermaine Dupri, Kandi Burruss and Brian McKnight just to name a few. Overall, this album is a classic. This girl has real talent, she's not one of these bubble gum artists who made it because of her looks. It may have taken her a couple of years to cop a deal from a major label, but she made it because she displays not only vocal abilities but instrumental abilities as well. If you like the original R&B music of the 80's and 90's with a twist of new age hip hop, you definitely need to get, "songs in A minor."