Starts Off Very Strong, But Gradually Goes Downhill

Review Score: (6/10)
I love Alicia Keys. She's very talented and has an obvious talent for piano and songwriting. Her radio singles are always strong and great R&B/soul songs. Her albums are a mixed bag, though. "The Diary" has the same problem as her debut. Both start off with a punch, but just grow tiring and repetitive halfway through.

The first half of this album is awesome. "Harlem's Nocturne" is a cool opening. "Karma" and "Heartburn" are catchy R&B songs and I love the medley of "If I Was Your Woman/Walk on By." The first single "You Don't Know My Name" definitely catches yoour ear with its retro soul vibe. The real stand-out is by far her soul ballad "IF I Ain't Got You" which was one of the best singles of the past year. She sounds flawless on it. "Diary" was also very good, but after it, you can't help but start to tune out. The rest of the songs run together and are hard to enjoy. "When You Really Love Someone" is ok, but it kind of similar to her 2001 breakthrough "Fallen."

This is a decent purchase from an outstanding artist, but be prepared for some outstanding soul cuts and some downright typical, boring R&B.

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