What does it mean to be the proprietor of your destiny? If you’re a singer, songwriter, pianist extraordinaire, producer, author, news correspondent, award winner, philanthropist and actress like Alicia Keys, it’s probably perceived as affluence. For Keys, prosperity isn’t measured monetarily but through passion, self-fulfillment and life experiences. It’s this philosophy that has made the… Read more in Amazon's Alicia Keys Store
Alicia Keys has more than lived up to the promise of her formidable debut Songs in A Minor, pushing beyond her flirtation with old-school soul and venturing into the modern world, even hiring Timbaland to guide her through the shoals of anthemic hip-hop on the breathless and funkified "Heartburn." Sounding like a hyperthyroid cheerleader, Keys unleashes a quirky sense of humor that no one even suspected she possessed. Her effortless singing on the beat-driven "Karma" is a wonder of sonics on this uplifting piece of pop philosophy, giving countless anxious woman hope that everything will work out as it's meant to, or on "Samsonite Man," where it won't. But despite her edgy styling and jazzy vocal posturing, Keys hasn't abandoned her love for old R&B and travels back in time, giving Gladys Knight's "If I Was Your Woman" a face lift it may not have needed, then turns around and recasts the song as the winsome and dramatic "You Don't Know My Name." But at its heart, The Diary of Alicia Keys is a gross misnomer. After listening to the disc, fans will know little more about the elusive diva than they did before, her lyrical style consistently more narrative than confessional. In fact, the title track doesn't delve into the singer's inner life, but instead is about a long-distance love affair, with Keys promising the object of her affection that: "I won't tell your secrets/Your secrets are safe with me/I will keep your secrets/Just think of me as the pages in your diary."--Jaan Uhelszki
This review is from: The Diary of Alicia Keys [Limited Edition w/ Bonus DVD] (Audio CD)
I am completely stunned by this cd! I really enjoyed Ms. Alicia Keys' first album, but i am so overwhelmed at her outdoing herself on "The Diary..." that i find myself putting this album on repeat 24/7 for the past few weeks. This cd definitely has a more retro-60's-soul-style in it. You can hear the influences of the past and it is much more gorgeous than any album i've heard lately. My favorite tracks here are everything, 1 through 15. Especially "if i was your woman," "you don't know my name", "if i ain't got you", "diary", and all the rest of them. I won't list them all. Go out and cop this album, NOW!!!!!
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 starsDo not hesitate to take a peek into this diary!, January 24, 2004
By A Customer
This review is from: The Diary of Alicia Keys [Limited Edition w/ Bonus DVD] (Audio CD)
Two years ago, it was Alicia Keys madness here in the United States of America. She won tons of Grammys, "Fallin'", the first single off Ms. Key's debut album, "Songs In A Minor" was being played every twenty minutes on the radio, etc., etc. Clearly, everyone and his grandmother thought that Alicia Keys was the best thing since sliced bread. I attempted to join this craze. For Easter 2002, I recieved "Songs In A Minor". Being eleven at the time, the whole album went way over my head. I remember enjoying "Girlfriend" and "Jane Doe", the faster and poppier songs of the bunch, but pretty much slept through the rest. Anyway, when Alicia released "Diary", I was determined not to get sucked into the hype. However, one day after seeing Alicia on some morning talk show, my mother asked why I hadn't asked for this album for Christmas. I figured, "What the heck?", and told her I'd love to have it. Anyway, I started listening to "Songs In A Minor" again in mid December. Being thirteen now, I enjoyed it a little more. But as I started listening to it more and more, I realized that it is actually a great album. Two years ago, my collection was full of that Britney and N'Sync crap, but now it is full of people like Beyonce, Mya, and Mary J. Blige, Ginuwine, and Outkast so my tastes in music had changed greatly. I prepared myself for an excellent album... and was crushed. I hated "The Diary of Alicia Keys". However, unlike with Songs In A Minor I did not give up. Two days ago, I popped this CD in my player and loved it. The beats are terrific, the lyrics poetic, and Alicia's voice is better than ever. I love Alicia Keys, but I just need some time to get used to her CDs. The same thing will probably happen with her third effort. Many males here have said that this album is to emotional for them and that only women will enjoy it. Well guess what? I'm a teenage guy and I love this CD. My favorite songs are "Karma", "If I was your woman/Walk on By", "You don't know my name", and "If I ain't got you". I enjoy the second half as well. All in all, Ms. Keys is one of the most talented musicians of our generation. Please do not pass up the oppurtunity to enjoy one of the most sexy, mature, soulful discs ever!
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 starsClassic R&B, January 1, 2004
By A Customer
This review is from: The Diary of Alicia Keys [Limited Edition w/ Bonus DVD] (Audio CD)
The Diary of Alicia Keys is VINTAGE R&B. This CD is definitely better than her first. But this production is more mature.
Unfortunately, some think that R&B is what most of her contemporaries are doing. But it isn't. It's more pop/hip-hop. And that's okay, I have many of those CDs. But Alicia's CD is true rhythm & blues with a hint of jazz. It's what R&B used to sound like when I was growing up, and I'm 29. Her CD is current, but with a classic vibe.
If you want to listen and LEARN about the kind of music the real R&B Kings and Queens used to make, then I would start by buying The Diary of Alicia Keys. She's the closest thing without having to pull out the old vinyl. Particularly, if you're younger and can't groove with the older stuff, or just haven't had much exposure to R&B, then definitely give her new CD a try.
Warning: If you're hoping for Beyonce or Ashanti, which I happen to like, then you will be disappointed. So, I would keep an open mind and not let recent music trends influence your opinion. Alicia has a lot of talent. If you listen closely, you'll find it.
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5.0 out of 5 starsGreat Album
Alica is so talented. I love her voice. Its so powerful and soulful. The problem with other very talented artists is that they dont have very good material (ie- chritina...
Published on June 27, 2006 by Fleseastorm
1.0 out of 5 starsDisappointed
The version thatI have seems to be different than the other reviewers, I have one that has the subtitle of "A Documentary Film" with this diffences noted, I found this to be one...
Published on May 5, 2006 by L. Irv Cousin
5.0 out of 5 starsWhat!?!?
I am really shocked to see the negative reviews.. Im not gonna call ya'll "haters" as was predicted in your reviews, but how can u deny the greatness of this album...
Published on May 10, 2005 by nickd
5.0 out of 5 starsAlicia Keys Rock
This is one of the first CDs I ever bought and it is one of the best in my collection. The songs on here are so well crafted and put together that it makes Alicia seem like she...
Published on February 10, 2005 by Dominator
3.0 out of 5 stars3.5 stars......Alicia's Incomplete Diary
I'm sorry, but I couldn't help that pun there, even though it was weak.
I know you are going to look at my album review and be like "he's a hater".
Published on January 25, 2005 by Jamaal A. Bivens
5.0 out of 5 starsi cant believe that some people like britney more than her!!
Alicia Keys is one of the only purely talented musicians/singers of 2004. Her voice draws you in, sooths you, just like her unbelievable ability to play the piano.
Published on August 27, 2004 by iluvkanyewest
5.0 out of 5 starsYou Don't Know Her Name yet?!?!
Well, it's time for you to get "familiarized" with New York's Finest! Since the debut of "Songs in A Minor," I have been completely antsy in anticipation of my girl's next CD.
Published on August 12, 2004 by Amy
5.0 out of 5 starsamazing album
yeah so some people say her music is outdated, but the last time I checked, many of the songs that were motown material in the 60's and 70's sound timeless and sound fresh even...
Published on July 13, 2004
4.0 out of 5 starsSmooth
this is the first R&B CD i've listened to and really loved. tracks that stand out: Karma-great chorus, funky beat-4/5 Heartburn-fun and catchy-4/5 If I Ain't Got...
Published on June 25, 2004
5.0 out of 5 starsSUPERB!!!
To all the naysayers who believed that her first disc was better, they don't know true music. Alicia is phenomal on this CD.
~ Alicia Keys
~ Alicia Keys
~ Alicia Keys
~ Alicia Keys
DVD ~ Alicia Keys
![The Diary of Alicia Keys [Limited Edition w/ Bonus DVD]](http://www.prcommentary.com/images/i/51t-qf4ypjl_sl500_ss75_.jpg)
