If you got a chance to record your eighth studio album, what would it look like? For Alicia Keys, it's more than 90 minutes long, and it has 26 tracks. Her self-titled project has been released this year. Not only does it stay true to her original laid-back piano vibes, but, it's fused with new sounds and so much more. This double album is just what you're looking for. The fact that there are songs that have already made it to the Billboard 200 chart is the proof that you need. This mix of laid-back songs and level-up drums was produced by none other than Keys herself. Although other remarkable producers such as Mike Will Made-It helped bring it to life, Alicia Keys has made sure to be part of the whole production. Read on to find out more about the new Keys album.
Originals vs Unlocked
When you've been in the industry for as long as Alicia Keys has been it's expected of you to create something different. Sometimes this comes as two versions of your most fascinating work to date. This is likely what this singing sensation had in mind when she created this double album. Even though she has named the entire album Keys, each version has its name. You start off by listening to the Originals album. By virtue of its name, you should expect to be serenaded by her stretching voice-over melodic piano sounds. The type of music that she released when she first started out in the music industry.
According to her devoted fans, this is exactly the type of nostalgia that you get when you listen to the first album in this double offering. In fact, this is what some of them shared about this work of musical art:
"Do not sleep on Alicia Keys album! I repeat.. do not sleep on Alicia Keys album!" @jamerica
"Alicia Keys is a singer, songwriter AND producer. Put some respect on her name." @IamKeithan
Alicia Keys wants to take you back, and each song that you listen to delivers on her intention. You are transported back in time, and you remember why she has managed to remain one of the most prolific musicians in the era. With 20 years under her belt, the Originals album is enough to remind you that you're listening to one of the greatest female singers and pianists in this lifetime. Songs like Best of Me take you back in time to when she first started out in the music industry. You can tell that she has left pieces of herself in the making of this album.
When you're done listening to her laid-back sounds, you're taken aback by the fresh sounds of the second part of the album, Unlocked. This one is made for the millennial ear. With features from the likes of Swae Lee, you're bound to bop your head and move your body like you just don't care. The drums and funky upbeat sound will make you forget that you're even listening to an Alicia Keys album. In the second part of this album, she has given her fans more than they anticipated. The great thing is that she's also been able to take the easy-going songs in the first part of the album to remix them in the second part. This means that you don't have to wait longer than necessary to listen to remixes of your favorite songs from the Originals album.
What album you end up liking depends on your mood. There are different reviews on which one is more enjoyable. At the end of the day, you get one album to cater to your different moods. How much better can it get? One thing for sure is that Keys is still one of the strongest female vocalists. And judging from this double album, she still has a lot in store for the music industry for many years to come.
In summary, Alicia Keys has given her fans and the rest of the world something old and something new in one album. It's packed with nostalgic sounds, as well as fresh beats that have never been heard before from her. If you want to learn a thing or two about reinventing yourself after 20 years in the game, take some time to listen to this album.
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