Alicia Keys - The Diary of Alicia Keys [Limited Edition w/ Bonus DVD]

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Free Music Notes for The Diary of Alicia Keys [Limited Edition w/ Bonus DVD]

Free Music Review: "The Diary Of Alicia Keys" Is Well Worth The Look...
Hit: 5 Stars

1. Harlem's Nocturne- The intro to this CD is a showcase of Alicia Keys' gift: Playing The Piano. She plays it beautifully and it adds a sort of charm that the opener of "Songs In A Minor" didn't have with "Girlfriend". After her piano solo, the song breaks into an explanation of her "Diary", with a piano-laced urban beat in the background. An amazing entrance. (**** out of 5)

2. Karma- Probably the song that's the most beat-driven on the entire CD. Unfortunately, there is no piano in this song but it's not expected either. Her voice sounds very mature compared to some of the tracks on her previous album in this song in particular. Cliched theme though...(**** out of 5)

3. Heartburn- A 70s-esque jam that sounds disco-like. Not the best but notible at the same time. Still showcases Alicia's newfound mature voice though. (*** out of 5)

4. If I Was Your Woman/Walk On By- I love this remake. It sounds so good! The song is just perfect for her to belt it out when necessary. Plus the chorus is so catchy! Probably my favorite behind the next track...(**** out of 5)

5. You Don't Know My Name- I CAN'T SAY ENOUGH ABOUT THE FIRST SINGLE OFF OF THE ALBUM. It's so different and sounds just like as if it was on Mowtown. If you haven't heard this song, you need to go to the website or something and see what I'm talking about. The track is so soulful and even includes an interlude in the middle of the song like music from the 50s, 60s and 70s. The best song on the CD by far and the foremost reason to purchase it (***** out of 5- Because Of Sheer Brilliance)

6. If I Ain't Got You- A jazzy addition to the album. Just a piano, some low-key drums and her strong voice are all she needs to carry this song. If performed live, this song, in particular, would bring people to their feet. It's that powerful. The lyrics are very well written. Definity a high point. (***** out of 5- Because Of The Greatness Of The Song Lyrically And Musically)

7. Diary (feat. Tony!Toni!Tone!)- Another heavy hitter that reinforces the neo-soul, R&B theme of this CD. Besides not being a really "jazzy" song, just more today's normal R&B like, both "Diary" and "If I Ain't Got You" are very similar in terms of ratings. Refer to song #6- "If I Ain't Got You" (**** out of 5)

8. Dragon Days- Not my favorite on the album but it's not bad. Besides having some quite "peculiar" symbolism and different instruments than a lot of the other tracks, it's not one of the standouts. Even so, lyrically, "Dragon Days" one of the best on the album and Alicia's still sounds good on it. (*** out of 5)

9. Wake Up- I love this song. Another jazzy addition but it includes an orchestra vs. a piano. Alicia sounds very mature and takes this simple song to lengths beyond what it COULD have been. Not a standout, perce', but it's a favorite. (*** out of 5)

10. So Simple- Another one of my favorites. Although the song is very simple (no pun intended), using basic instruments and basic lyrics, it still sounds exellent. Morphing Alicia's voice was an exellent idea and makes the song really stand out. Also, the chorus is going to make anymore start belting it out once they hear it...(*** out of 5)

11. When You Really Love Somebody- Oooh! This jazzy tune goes so well with the album's theme and is another catchy song. Although it is nowhere near the power of "If I Ain't Got You", it still showcases some of the best vocals on the album. Lyrically, though, it really doesn't show any ingenuity. But you won't even give even words a second though after a listen...(*** out of 5)

12. Feeling U, Feeling Me- Put this on and you will be doing one of two things: Pretending your at you're favorite jazz/blues club or pretending your with your girl/guy at that moment. This short and almost wordless song has a bluesy style and is an instrumental wonder for people that like that type of music. Since it's not really a song, though, I'm not going to rate it...(N/A)

13. Slow Down- My least favorite on the album. "Wake Up" is very lackluster for this CD and doesn't test her voice at all. A good message is exploited but it's probably the closest to filler on this the album. (** out of 5)

14. Samsonite Man- YES! It's named after the luggage. So you can probably decipher what it's about just by that. The lyrics are really deep and actually make you feel pitiful about anybody that has to deal with that topic. The R&B beat goes with the song and the syncopation is great on this song. Alicia shows her talent on this as well. (**** out of 5)

15. Nobody Not Really (Interlude)- An outro to this amazing album is driven by a saxophone and Alicia summing up her "Diary". Smooth soul that's as pure as it comes. A notable end to a masterpiece.

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