ALBUM REVIEW: ALICIA KEYS

With a subtle, under-performing lead single such as "Doesn't Mean Anything," the prospects for Alicia Key's fourth studio album, "The Element of Freedom" seemed bleak. However, the new set could arguably contend for Best Album of 09' in the R&B World. If Key's previous set "As I Am" was any indication of a new musical direction, creating a heavily produced archetype of soul by infusing indie and pop with urban music, "...Freedom" confirms the transition. Despite collaborations with Jay-Z, Drake, and Beyonce, Alicia transitions her music, delivering it to a new, non-traditional place as if she is trying to create her own R&B sub-genre. Though, some of the tracks give off a heavy Prince vibe ("This Bed" and "Trouble Sleeping With a Broken Heart"), a majority of the album is more reminiscent of imaginable modern-day creations from 70's singer-songwriters such as Carol King and Roberta Flack.

All in all, musically Alicia Keys has really released a revolution by reinventing her sound. Her lyrics have become more personal, and less trite. This album is entirely about love - her love for new collaborator Swizz Beatz. Rumors suggest Keys is the cause of Swizz's divorce from wife Mashonda. Many of the set's song titles hint towards' Alicia's lust for the married man, and their decision to act on their emotions (ie. "Love Is Blind" "Pray for Forgiveness" and "Unthinkable (I'm Ready)" - "moment of honesty... i was wondering baby, could i make you my baby, could we do the unthinkable...if you ask me, i'm ready"). Nevertheless, Alicia's subtle inclusion of personal trials really worked for her with this album. Instead of her trying to plaster herself as a fool by defending the drama, the album subtlety does so for her in a beautiful, non-aggressive and inadvertent manner.

The Album's Main highlights: "Love Is Blind," "Trouble Sleeping With a Broken Heart," "Unthinkable (I'm Ready)," and "This Bed"