Album Description: Japanese two CD pressing of the 2007 release from the R&B/Pop diva featuring a bonus CD containing four tracks: 'Waiting For Your Love', 'Hurt So Bad', 'Superwoman' (Live) and 'No One' (Curtis Lynch Reggae Remix). As I Am is Alicia's most innovative album to date, a collection of music with no boundaries. Influenced by everything from Hip Hop to Soul to Rock to Classical music, As I Am is every bit a sense of rebellion and empowerment. Features collaborations with some of the biggest hit makers in music (Linda Perry, Jack Splash, Mark Batson, Swizz Beats and Kerry Brothers) and includes the first single 'No One.'
Amazon.com: By the time this long-awaited album saw its release date, most fans had probably read at least a couple of interviews with Alicia Keys in which she explained that first single, "No One"--a firestorm of a song clearly born of a sore heart and steeped in serious soul-searching, was about her decision to retreat from the obligations of stardom when she found out a loved one was in need of her care. The anecdote sticks not just because it explained the song so well--you can actually hear the pain, commitment, and determination in her sultry voice--but because it gets at what makes the woman behind the music so appealing. There's only one way R&B artists grow to become legends, and it's by drenching the words they sing with feeling (think Gladys Knight, Roberta Flack). The skeptical listener might have had her doubts before As I Am, but there's no mistaking it now: Alicia Keys is well on her way to sharing a category with them. This record radiates not just old-soul maturity, the kind Alicia fans say makes her modern rarity, but real soul. Vintage-leaning hooks and horns grab hold on "Where Do We Go from Here" and an assortment of other songs, but Keys can also get by just fine without them, as she proves on more pop-flavored numbers like "Lesson Learned," with John Mayer, and "Superwoman." The genres may be smearing, she seems to say, but bring them on: she won't shrink back. Her commitment is not to a single style but to what's stirring her soul. Because of it, she's moving R&B, or something like it, from the hips back to the heart. --Tammy La Gorce
Ah Alicia wonderful job! As I Am is the long waited release from one of my favorite R&B stars.She shines brightly on this effort with all the right songs.I think this time her songs are more memorable and catchy,but not too commercial.Super woman Lesson Learned with John Mayer and an Teenage Love Affair ring nicely.If you are a new fan of Alicia Keyes you might want to get introduced to this one first.If your a long time fan like me I'll be playing this until its scratched and then buy it again....Its that good!
"I don't really care what nobody tell me/I'm gonna be here" Alicia Keys - As I Am (J, 2007)
Judging by her track record, it's safe to say that if Alicia Keys released her voicemail greeting as a single, that too will go to #1 on the charts. That shows that she knows how to make a song and her albums are either great or pretty decent. This album, As I Am, is one of her best.
Ms. Cook always tried to channel the old-school through her songs but on this album it's more evident and feels less forced than on previous attempts. Songs like "I Need You" and "Teenage Love Affair" recall old Motown singles from the '60s and even the non-retro songs like "Superwoman" sound good. It's only when she tries to cross over that she falters: "No One" and "Sure Looks Good to Me" aren't Alicia at her best but "Lesson Learned" with John Mayer is surprisingly solid.
I find myself playing this album more than her other ones, even though she still has a few flaws (i.e., sometimes screaming instead of singing). But she isn't gonna change so we might as well just take her as she is. -EJR
Beautiful and Great Artist! Alicia Keys is really doing her thing. On this album she has matured and experienced alot. She's one of my three best artist that I admire in R&B. And I wish her the best of LUCK on her next album. SEXY D, Houston,TX
another great one i've enjoyed every album that she's put out. this one has a different sound to it, but it's still good. no favorite tracks, i like them all.
Love Every Song I found that the songs on this Alicia Key's album is wonderful and clever. She is a remarkable woman with her amazing voice and inspirational piano playing. I wish I could play the piano.
I like this entire album, and I must say this is the first artist where I have said that. The lyrics are smart and catchy. Her voice is powerful and sultry. The music is right on point, not overdone at all. At times, I feel as though it touches on the sounds of the 1960's, but more modern.
My absolute favorite song..that is so hard to choose..but if I had to chose one is "I Need You". I felt this song, understood it completely, opposites need each other.
Now, I don't know if you will like this album. Honestly, I enjoyed it a lot, and really like with anyone's music, it's about your personal taste. If Alicia Keys can do no wrong in your eyes, then you may love this entire CD.
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