Most definitely. For participating in a study by the Eagleton Institute of Politics, I was rewarded two $5 gift cards to Amazon.com. After much debate, the verdict of what to spend my free money on was this - Alicia Keys' album "As I Am." I've mentioned it before and said that I'd review it when I finally got around to purchasing it. With pleasure, I present what my blog has aimed to do all along - relay my feelings about music to others.
"As I Am" is a powerful album. It's strong but petite. When the music is quiet, it speaks loudly about being loved or being lovesick. When it's loud, Keys' voice contains a tone that still feels calm and conserved. The notes are hit well and the beats are catchy. It's smooth but still rough around the edges, in the best way possible.
"As I Am [Intro]" - a melodic piano solo in which I had to double check I turned on my Alicia Keys cd rather than some classical music. Nearly a minute in, the bass begins to pump and the rhythm and blues R&B stands for are soon to follow.
"Go Ahead" - The words explain it all; the life of a woman who realizes her rights allow her much more than anyone could ever control her to do. If you just read the lyrics, they're not nearly as strong as the powerfully swaying chorus speaks.
"Superwoman" - A while ago I called this as being the next solo off of the album. Turns out I was wrong (see later tracks), but if I was a radio broadcaster I would choose "Superwoman" to play any day on my station. Again, Keys chooses to show her strength as a successful African American woman, but eventually the song speaks to all those "fighting for better days to come," and the fact that they can get through the day.
"No One" - The first of the solos from the album as well as the first track about being in love. She assures her listener that "everything's gonna be alright," no matter what others say. Good vibes connecting much to the invincible stage of love.
"Like You'll Never See Me Again" - Second album single. At first I thought I was hearing "Take My Breath Away" by Jessica Simpson(?) and didn't understand exactly what I was listening to. Turns out to be much more bluesy and continues along the love song path.
"Lesson Learned" - What do you get when you combine my favorite male and female vocalists? Musical perfection. John Mayer and Alicia Keys are always a winning combination...always.
"Wreckless Love" - Sporadically placed staccato words followed by the sound of a horn repeated create a beat like none accomplished thus far on the cd. It's a song you'd put on and dance strangely around your room with abrupt movements just because you're in a good mood.
"The Thing About Love" - I can see many people relating to such a song. Even though love will build you up then pull you down and make you feel like "you're the only one going through it all," people still go look for it again, and this song provides a push to keep looking and that "it's the time for you to shine."
"Teenage Love Affair" - Synonym: puppy love. Ah...what a funny way to approach this topic. It's what you'd say you'd never do, but teenagers do it all the time - think their first love's "the one." It's interesting to look at the way love changes from this song to more "lovesick" songs about being broken up with or being hurt.
"I Need You" - I love the lyrics. Contrasting so many different things all leading up to one.. "North needs South, East needs West and no needs yes yes yes, up needs down, life needs death and no needs yes yes yes - I need you."
"Where Do We Go From Here" - It's more about the end of a relationship or the stage known as "Trouble in Paradise." Something's gone wrong, but it's surely not this song.
"Prelude to a Kiss" - In the search of something higher to guide her elsewhere, Keys' second-shortest song on the album still has power and explores her dynamic sound and range just as much as any other.
"Tell You Something (Nana's Reprise)" - I almost feel strange writing about this because I'm sure it was written with the most heartfelt nature. It's unfortunately true for many, however the way it can speak to us may even make it better.
"Sure Looks Good To Me" - A song about living life to the fullest every day, no matter what. It's about throwing everything out there and not wasting one minute of it. Pretty empowering stuff.
So there you have it, a cd that could actually be summed up in one word: quality.
- Ashley
