Former ‘The Voice’ Coach Alicia Keys Releases New Album ‘Keys’
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Alicia Keys is back with her eighth studio album Keys.The double album comes on the heels of the 20th anniversary of her debut album, Songs in A Minor. Her latest body of work has two versions of each song, the original and the unlocked version.
Keys is an album that shows an artist coming full circle from when they were first introduced. After selling 65 million albums throughout her career, Keys is an artist who can experiment with her artistry, and that is what Keys sounds like.
The album opens with the former The Voice coach spotlighting her piano skills that she is known for. “Plentiful” goes into a full on early 2000s Hip Hop verse until Keys comes in. The opening of the album automatically captures where Keys has been spiritually these last couple of years.
“My new album Keys will have two types of songs” Alicia explained in a tweet. She mentions that Side A will have “laid back piano vibes” and Side B will have “upbeat, drums, level up vibes.”
Alicia The Great
Keys produced the original side of her double album. For the unlocked version of her songs, she produced alongside super producer Mike Will Made-It. The Neo-Soul influenced album makes sure to showcase all parts of what makes great music. From the songwriting to the instrumentals. Nothing is left to the imagination.
“I feel like I can finally let it be,” Keys sings on “Daffodils.” She shows a woman who has a new sense of freedom. Love, empathy, and acceptance are all themes felt throughout the album. For inspiration “Skydive” has her singing to us that it is okay to “Fall down, but we cant give up” a timely message reflecting how many have been feeling over these last two years.
The unlocked version of her original songs shows that Keys know that music has changed since she first hit the scene in 2001. On Side B she collaborates with rapper Lil’ Wayne and Khalid just to name a few.
Another added bonus that shows Keys in her own lane is the visualizers that she includes on YouTube. The artistic motion videos set the mood for each song that is played. Standouts on the album include “Billions” and “Come For Me” (Unlocked).
Keys shows why The Voice came knocking on her door. I highly recommend music lovers pour a glass of red wine, sit by the fireplace, and enjoy Keys.
