In Review: "Here" by Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys ends off 2016 with her first full-length recording since “Girl on Fire” in 2012, and Keys brings all talent to the table in her new album “HERE” (2016). Despite being occupied with diversions such as being a coach on “The Voice” and playing a role in “Empire,” Keys keeps her focus on music and surely hasn’t lost any momentum in her career whatsoever. However, it seems that Keys has almost altered her disposition in terms of lyrical meaning. In her past albums such as “The Diary Of Alicia Keys” (2003) and “As I Am” (2007), Keys focuses mainly on love and seems to be drifting along with her increasing fame. With “HERE,” Keys looks back on her career and makes this album seem so much more attentive and meaningful, while still managing to please the public ear.Keys starts her album with a powerful interlude, “The Beginning,” which loosely follows the format of a spoken-word poem. The first interlude sparks the emotion and concept that is sustained throughout her whole album, speaking about how she is the “dramatic static before the song begins,” and “the wind when the record spins”. Following the interlude comes “The Gospel,” with Keys sing-rapping her rough past and the build up to her fame, looking back at her past that lead her to become the artist she is today. Next up is “Pawn It All,” in which Keys expresses her desire to ‘pawn’ her current lifestyle to achieve a fresh start; to start all over again. Farther into the album, “Blended Family” features A$AP Rocky, who unexpectedly sings to introduce his short verse in the song. Towards the end of the album is my personal favorite, “More Than We Know,” where Keys uses an 808-style beat to add an interesting undertone to the Motown-style call-and-response rhythm found in this record. From the gospel style vocals displayed in various tracks to the sample of Nas’s “One Love,” Keys uses all corners of New York music to bring us “HERE”. This album uses little to no easy-to-listen to, new-age style music. Instead, Keys uses soundtracks that are curated with meaning and story. Altogether, Alicia Keys brought forth an excellent album to be set on replay.