Alicia Keys

The Diary Of Alicia Keys

Love it...

Review Score:

(8/10)
I am so, so tired of the pop culture -- so many times the ones who get credit for "great" songs write songs with materialistic, sexually-overblown and violent drug-influenced themes. That's why I was so happy that Alicia Keys released a second album -- it was like a saving grace from the destroyed pop culture. Her single "You Don't Know My Name" was what convinced me to buy the album; the total theme of the song is so sweet and the background music is BEAUTIFUL. When I heard the CD, I listed to practically the whole thing without skipping. I prayed and prayed that "If I Ain't Got You" wouldn't be released as her second single (I hate when really good songs are made into singles, because they are hot and get SO played out), but I knew it would be because the song is so beautiful and talks about deep, meaningful themes. Not only does Keys appreciate the edgy, funky style of the '60s and '70s -- and generously incorporates it into her music; the style is very apparent on this album -- but she also knows that she doesn't have to buy into this sex-crazed world to make real music. None of Keys' songs come off as sleazy or contrived. Although the songs really don't seem to document her life much, I think "The Diary..." is an appropriate title because it exhibits her personal style, giving you more insight into the *kind* of person she is. Best hits -- "Heartburn" (don't let the Timbaland fool you, this song is a funk throwback), "You Don't Know My Name" (even the talking interlude in the middle is sultry and drawing), "If I Ain't Got You" (beautiful), "Dragon Days" (wonderful, funky tune, and an odd likeness), "Wake Up" (very sixties!), "So Simple"

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