Story updated Sept. 22.
Alicia Keys’ self-titled, seventh studio album “ALICIA,” which dropped Friday, was definitely worth the wait for fans who have been looking forward to it since March 20 when it was first scheduled for release. The twice-delayed album delivers comforting lyrics, soothing melodies and is full of life advice.
Since January, Keys has periodically released seven of the 15 songs on “ALICIA” as singles to keep fans satisfied as the album kept getting pushed back.
In this new album, Keys pivoted from her traditional feminist songs like “Girl on Fire” and “No One” to more in-depth socio-political messages in songs which uplift minorities who are sidelined in society.
Keys wrote most of the songs on the album, with the exception of a few collaborations with musicians like Ed Sheeran in “Underdog,” Miguel in “Show Me Love” and Khalid in “So Done.”
“ALICIA” is rife with comforting words to the listeners and many of the song’s lyrics are filled with reassuring advice reminiscent of a friend or loved one speaking directly to you.
Keys’ passionate lyrics are accompanied by fast drum beats in some songs and soothing guitar and piano melodies in others that accentuate her vocal ability which she sometimes reduces to a
mere whisper.
The song “Love Looks Better” embodies peppy, catchy and insightful lyrics where she lovingly sings, “My love looks better on you/ Promise you baby.”
Keys’ lyrics “So can we talk for a minute? Stop for a minute?” allows listeners to reminisce about the missing elements of their lives as people are constantly caught up in the everyday rush, often ignoring loved ones.
The song “Underdog” which was co-written with Ed Sheeran, is loaded with energy and encouragement. Keys calls this song a “prayer” and hopes people remember how resilient they are in defying the odds in life. She asks people in the song to be the best they can be as individuals.
The lyrics, “So I sing a song for the hustlers trading at the bus stop / Single mothers waiting on a check to come,” are very catchy and you will for sure find yourself humming them all day long.
The song “Good Job” was released in spring as a single and is a shout out to the dedication and work of doctors and nurses during the pandemic. This feel-good song will make you feel both emotional and happy.
Lyrics like “You’re the engine that makes all things go / And you’re always in disguise, my hero / I see your light in the dark,” is a reminder for all of us to cherish the hardworking and caring people in our lives.
Repetition of the lyrics “You’re doing a good job, a good job / You’re doing a good job” is almost meditative and provides motivation to a needy soul.
The album does however have some low points like in the song “Time Machine,” which isn’t as impressive as the other songs because of its slow, lulling melody and it just doesn‘t compliment Keys’ strong vocals as well.
The lyrics “No, we can’t rewind, life ain’t no time machine,” are inspiring, but the pace of the song is slow and doesn’t work well. The song does however, have a positive message of being happy and living your life to the max even during the pandemic because we can’t rewind time.
Track nine, “So Done,” features fellow R&B artist Khalid and is reflective of Keys’ personality and her growth as an artist. In the song, the listener understands that Keys is a strong woman who knows what she wants and lives by her own rules.
The theme of breaking free from the norms of society and being fine with her assertive attitude caters to the rebellious nature in all of us.
“ALICIA” is a great seventh album for Keys, with foot-tapping music and beats, inspiring lyrics and star-studded collaborations. She is really embracing a new musical maturity while reassuring her listeners with some much needed advice during these dark times. The album does lack in a few areas because of some slower songs, however, Keys has done a wonderful job with her newest material.
