Artist: Alicia Keys
Album: As I AM
Genre: R&B
Release Date: 11/13/2007
Label: J-Records

First off I really want to let you know that I give each and every song a listen all the way through and as I'm listening I write what comes to my mind about the song. I have to say I really had to work on this one because there were many times when I wanted to just turn to the next song. With that said I will explain to you why. For whatever reason this time around it seems like Alicia Keys decided to sing in a high key the whole time which yields for a very boring and voice straining album. Honestly most of the songs I was extremely bored with and if it wasn't for the fact that I myself am a songwriter, so I not only pay attention to the beat but the lyrics as well, I would have completely trashed this album.

I am not a huge fan of Alicia to begin with however I have liked a few of her songs in the past. This time around I am more solid on the fact of why I'm not a huge fan of her's eventhough I believe she has incredible talent. Out of 5 stars I give this album 2 mainly due to the amazing writing on some songs. Favorite tracks "No One", "Like you'll never see me again" and "Wreckless love".  

1. As I Am (Intro): No words to this intro but a very solid instrumental. Starts out with a very beautiful piano solo that eventually leads into a bangin' beat. Honestly it's just a waste of space unless she was going to put atleast some words to it. However it still is nice to listen to.

2. Go Ahead: Very mediocre track to me. Beat is pretty average and nothing that really jumps at you. This song is pretty much about her telling the person that did her wrong to go ahead and get out of her life. I'm sure there's someone we all have had to say that to before. For that reason alone it's a relatable song.

3. Superwoman: I remember seeing her perform this song and I was immediately intersted into the words she sang. It's definitely a powerful and uplifting song to any woman struggling to make it. I have to admit though, I like the live version much better. She sang it with much more power and soul and I'm not a fan of the beat with this song. I think it would have been much better as a piano heavy ballad like her performance.

4. No One: The first single off the album and off to a good start as well. While listening to this album, this was the first track that stood out to me. When I first heard this on the raido, I couldn't stand this song, but I have to admit after a few more listens I came to the conclusion that it's not so bad after all. I like the beat on this one, nothing too special but it really works with the song. One complaint I have about this song is Alicia's singing. It sounds to me like her voice is straining to sing and I get annoyed with that about half way through the song. Great choice for a first single considering the fact that there aren't many strong single potentials on this album. See Video

5. Like you'll never see me again: I really like this song but I don't like the singing. It's about loving someone like you'll never see them again mainly because tomorrow is not promised to any of us. It has a real nice old skool vibe kind of sound of it and has a real mellow beat. I feel like if someone else sang this song (maybe Monica?) I would love this song. This is the second single off her album. For what it's worth, it is probably a good choice for a follow-up single. This is one that I'll probably keep on repeat. My pick for best song on the album.

6. Lesson learned (feat. John Mayer): "Yes I was burned but I call it a lessoned learned" sings Alicia, over what I feel is a pretty boring song with good words. By now I am really getting bored with her voice straining singing. If it wasn't for the words to this song, I wouldn't have even taken the time to listen to it. If you looking for a real feature from John Mayer on this track, don't be fooled. He's only doing backgrounds on this so I can't even call that a feature.

7. Wreckless love: This gives me hope that the album can redeem itself and continue to provide something good. Still staying with that new skool/old skool vibe this song has something about it that makes you want to listen. My favorite part of the song is the chorus, the words and the way its sung is very good. The beat is solid, something you can nod your head to. Fortunately, her voice wasn't as annoying on this song either. Definitely not single material but a solid album song.

8. The thing about love: Love can break you down one moment and pick you up the next is what I feel is the point of this song. It starts out a real average song to me. The vocals are just ok and the song seems to drag along. Then all of a sudden the beat picks up and Alicia begins to sing stronger but to me it sounds like she was really straining her voice and I find this part of the song way too over the top and unappealing. Once again, if it wasn't for the message in the song, it wouldn't even be worth listening to.

9. Teenage love affair: Another ok track for me. I think I like the beat more than anything. I'm really not intersted in this song at all but the arrangement of it is pretty good.

10. I need you: One of the more uptempo tracks on the album starts of with a catchy beat and interesting enough lyrics to keep you nodding and listening. I found this one to be a little more listenable then most of the others and really like the chorus. Can't see this one being a single but definitely a standout track on the album.

11. Where do we go from here: By now I'm am really tired of hearing her over singing and annoying vocals. I really don't understand why she is singing so high this time around because it really makes her voice unappealing. This track is not exception. Probably could have been a really good song too but the singing once again ruins it.

12. Prelude to a Kiss: Real mellow short form kind of song that shows why Alicia should stick to singing with just a piano. Really nice song which I think would have been better suited to be the "Intro" into the album because the message is befitting as an opener.

13. Tell you something (Nana's Reprise): A nice mellow track with a simple beat. Clearly the strength and focus of this song is in the lyrics. This song reminds me of the saying "Give them their roses while they can still smell them". I would imagine this is a song for her grandmother who passed away in 2006. Overall a good track, but I would have left out the drum rolls.

14. Sure looks good to me: To finish out the album Alicia gives us her most straining singing on the album. Amazing lyrics in the song but the singing will keep you from wanting to listen to it. I really wish she wouldn't sing like that, I would have liked this song so much more. 


Aaron Fields is the Sales Marketing Coordinator for KSTW-TV in Seattle. All opinions expressed in this column are strictly his.