ADULT
ALTERNATIVE REVIEW
by John Rose
ALICIA
KEYS
(click above to purchase)
"Songs In "A" Minor"
1)"PIANO
& I" (2) "Classical"intro. Beautiful backing
vocals by
Alicia.
2)
"GIRLFRIEND" (4) Flowing melody in the Stevie Wonder
sense
Kick butt programming
3)
"HOW COME YOU DON'T CALL ME" (3) This one really showcases
Alicia's vocal range. Bluesy !!
4)
"FALLIN" (3+) More of the bluesy feel. Wonderful backing
vocals.
Nice violin touch.
5)
"TROUBLES" (4) This jazz will slip-slide your soul.
The piano takes
a backseat.
6)
"ROCK WIT U" (4) "This cat shaft, he's a bad
m___ f____"
Great to hear the wawa effect , Isaac Hayes influence shines
through.
7)
"A WOMAN'S WORTH" (4) Engaging step-wise melody .
Possible
single !! Paul L. Green adds a nice touch on the backing vocals.
8)
"JANE DOE" (3+) Enhancing vocal layering on the refrain
. The
programming adds body.
9)
"GOODBYE" (3+) Balladesque. Anthony Nance's programming
(drums) adds volume.
10."THE
LIFE" (3+) Has a George Benson guitar feel w/ great
bass interplay.
11.
"MR. MAN" (3+) The bass line is pure rolling thunder.
Miri's
violin and keyboards add spice.
12.
"NEVER FELT THIS WAY" (3+) George Winston would be
proud
of the "new age" piano work.
13.
"BUTTERFLYZ" (4) Wonderful mix of guitar and piano.
A phenomenal recording. Kudos to Gerald Flowers and Richie Good.
14.
"WHY I FEEL SO SAD" (4) Again, the vocal tracking
is mesmerizing.
15.
"CAGED BIRD" (3) Wonderful in it's simple production.
16.
"LOVIN U" (3+) Melody reminds me of "'I'll Be
There" and
the vocals of Aretha Franklin,"Queen Of Soul".
OVERALL
COMMENTS: This one should be called "Songs In The
Key of Alicia". Just like Stevie Wonder's landmark recording
.
This album transcends the genre. Her vocals are soulful, and
Her piano work is crisp. Kenny "Krucial" Brothers
influence is
pure genius. Four stars for this one !!!
OVERALL
RATING 4
