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Track Listings
| 1. (Girl) I Love You |
| 2. After Laughter (Comes Tears) |
| 3. Skain's Domain |
| 4. As I Am (Intro) |
| 5. Go Ahead |
| 6. Superwoman |
| 7. No One |
| 8. Like You'll Never See Me Again |
| 9. Lesson Learned |
| 10. Wreckless Love |
| 11. The Thing About Love |
| 12. Teenage Love Affair |
| 13. I Need You |
| 14. Where Do We Go From Here |
| 15. Prelude To A Kiss |
| 16. Tell You Something (Nana's Reprise) |
| 17. Sure Looks Good To Me |
| 18. Waiting For Your Love |
Product Description
Amazon.co.uk
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
Review
With her third studio album, As I Am, Alicia Keys has dropped the urban flavours in the previous outing in favour of a more mature soul sound. Her celebrated voice is pushed to the fore, often relegating the prodigious piano playing to the background, save on "Prelude To A Kiss" where they go hand in hand.
Sassy opener "Go Ahead" feels like a statement of intent but the attitude is sadly lacking elsewhere on the album which often feels more Whitney than Stevie. No more so than on the monster single "No-One". Numbers like this, "Tell You Somethin'", "Superwoman" and "Lesson Learned" are slick, safe, and uninspiring. Similarly, "You'll See Me Again" could be from a book of Prince's bad ballads. Lyrically soft rocker "Sure Looks Good To Me" presents the case against and is simply a stream of howling clichés.
When Keys and the team throw caution to the wind the album begins to sound fresh. "I Need You"'s off beat rhythms make you prick up your ears and listen. The modern soul sound that they seem to be searching for suddenly comes right on the seriously classy "Where Do We Go From Here". The Hammond and horns underpin a huge vocal performance that has more emotion squeezed into it than all the ballads together. "Wreckless Love" is Keys at her most funky and sexy; her voice soaring above a crescendo of jazzy drums and horns. "The Thing About Love" a beautiful centre piece. As if reading your mind she states 'it's about time for me to shine' and obligingly does in a big and bold way.
It is a frustrating, mixed bag of an album. You get a sense of her huge talent but it feels like in trying to make a modern classic that is in keeping with Keys' huge stature, they have played it too safe. She is talked about as a female Stevie Wonder, but he is held in such high regard because he was a pioneer. His music sounds timeless now because it was groundbreaking when it was made. This just feels like a step back. --James Young
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By H. Bowles
Format:Audio CD
I got this album for christmas and I would be willing to say that it's my favourite album of all time. Alicia has an incredible voice and each song is beautiful. If you listen to the lyrics you can appreciate that there is genuine emotion and thought behind each song and wahey - she actully writes her own music!! Alicia is also a very talented pianist. The album takes you on a journey - through the beginning of a relationship, breaking up and finding the strength again to go on. Hard to say which song to skip to, by superwoman is incredible - gives me shivers everytime I listen to it. 'Lesson learned' and 'teenage love affair' are also standout tracks. Girls, this album and chocolate is definately a cure for any man troubles!! Buy this album!! You will not regret it.
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
By Poppy Field
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This album is different to Alicia's previous albums but it isn't worse, it's just as powerful and affecting but it's quieter. It's more experimental, there seems to be more variety in the way she uses her voice, the instrumentation and the musical influences seem more diverse but as an Alicia Keys fan I am overjoyed to finally have this cd.
When I first listened to 'As I Am' I was surprised at the number of quieter 'ballad' tracks but it's growing on me and I can see a lot of familiar elements here that I loved in the other recordings, e.g., 'Teenage Love Affair' has a blissful retro summery feel that takes me back to 'You Don't Know My Name' and 'Go Ahead' has a similar driving power to the first couple of tracks on 'The Diary'. Also there are several tracks on here that almost immediately moved me to tears, really well crafted love songs and I could easily compare 'Tell You Something' to the special effect 'If I Ain't Got You' always had on me.
I'm not trying to say that this album is the same as the previous recordings because it isn't, if I wasn't already writing this review after 1 day of owning the cd I'd say it's more of a slow-burn album. To me it has a more profound happiness and a lot of love and a little less thunder about it. I'm happy with the differences and glad to have the things that haven't changed - great songs, fantastic vocals and beautiful piano. To me it's a good sign, artists that change stick around.
When I first listened to 'As I Am' I was surprised at the number of quieter 'ballad' tracks but it's growing on me and I can see a lot of familiar elements here that I loved in the other recordings, e.g., 'Teenage Love Affair' has a blissful retro summery feel that takes me back to 'You Don't Know My Name' and 'Go Ahead' has a similar driving power to the first couple of tracks on 'The Diary'. Also there are several tracks on here that almost immediately moved me to tears, really well crafted love songs and I could easily compare 'Tell You Something' to the special effect 'If I Ain't Got You' always had on me.
I'm not trying to say that this album is the same as the previous recordings because it isn't, if I wasn't already writing this review after 1 day of owning the cd I'd say it's more of a slow-burn album. To me it has a more profound happiness and a lot of love and a little less thunder about it. I'm happy with the differences and glad to have the things that haven't changed - great songs, fantastic vocals and beautiful piano. To me it's a good sign, artists that change stick around.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Alex
Format:Audio CD
1. As I Am. 10/10
2. Go Ahead. 10/10
3. Superwoman. 10/10
4. No One. 10/10
5. Like You'll Never See Me Again. 10/10
6. Lesson Learned. 9/10
7. Wreckless Love. 10/10
8. The Thing About Love. 9/10
9. Teenage Love Affair. 10/10
10. I Need You. 9/10
11. Where Do We Go From Here. 10/10
12. Prelude to a Kiss. 10/10
13. Tell You Something. 9/10
14. Sure Looks Good To Me. 9/10
15. Waiting For Your Love. 7/10
OVERALL GRADE: 10/10
You can't really compare the 3 AK albums as their different.
Songs In A Minor = Classical
The Diary of Alicia Keys = Street
As I Am = Old Soul/Be-Bop/Old Skool-Jazz
2. Go Ahead. 10/10
3. Superwoman. 10/10
4. No One. 10/10
5. Like You'll Never See Me Again. 10/10
6. Lesson Learned. 9/10
7. Wreckless Love. 10/10
8. The Thing About Love. 9/10
9. Teenage Love Affair. 10/10
10. I Need You. 9/10
11. Where Do We Go From Here. 10/10
12. Prelude to a Kiss. 10/10
13. Tell You Something. 9/10
14. Sure Looks Good To Me. 9/10
15. Waiting For Your Love. 7/10
OVERALL GRADE: 10/10
You can't really compare the 3 AK albums as their different.
Songs In A Minor = Classical
The Diary of Alicia Keys = Street
As I Am = Old Soul/Be-Bop/Old Skool-Jazz
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
This girl has become a woman and is totally underapreciated this side of the pond!
12 Dec 2007
Format:Audio CD
Alicia Keys has created something spectacularly honest, raw and beautiful with this album. It's obvious her heart and soul has gone into telling her story in a way that really hits home with people. The vocals are so spine tingling and soul shaking! Do not miss 'Teenage Love Affair', 'Like You'll Never See Me Again', 'Wreckless Love' and 'Where Do We Go From Here'. An absolute masterpiece! An absolute genius!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By J. Rhodes
Format:Audio CD
Now first of all, I'll admit I've never really been a Alisha Keys fan... yes she has certainly dropped some memorable tracks in the past, but I just never felt completely at ease with her airy husky style. That's all changed now with the release of probably one of the finest CDs in R&B (even Nu Soul) history. This really is a masterpiece and an achievement not normally possible for the more mainstream artist these days.
Every single track oozes heart, love and emotion. Alisha touches her audience in a way Jill Scott managed several years ago, but at the same time she engages all with up-tempo beats and a sound that's so completely original its hard to draw parallels with other current releases.
This is a must have for anyone's collection. It's a golden 5 Star effort and a future classic. Well done Alisha.
Every single track oozes heart, love and emotion. Alisha touches her audience in a way Jill Scott managed several years ago, but at the same time she engages all with up-tempo beats and a sound that's so completely original its hard to draw parallels with other current releases.
This is a must have for anyone's collection. It's a golden 5 Star effort and a future classic. Well done Alisha.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By tigg3r
Format:Audio CD
This album is pure class and, unlike the other albums which grew on me, I have fallen in love with this album straight away.
Like the other albums though Alicia's voice is the prime focus and her soulful delivery just knocks spots off all her competitors and, unlike her competitors, the lyrics actually mean something and are sometimes overwhelming in their power.
As for my favourite songs - well, I really like No One but Sure Looks Good To Me is the song that really carries the "WOW!" factor so be sure to get that one if no other.
Like the other albums though Alicia's voice is the prime focus and her soulful delivery just knocks spots off all her competitors and, unlike her competitors, the lyrics actually mean something and are sometimes overwhelming in their power.
As for my favourite songs - well, I really like No One but Sure Looks Good To Me is the song that really carries the "WOW!" factor so be sure to get that one if no other.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Sam
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Audio CD
This is a very good album, which showcases Alicia Keys' talent and vocally it stretches her to her limits (and occasionaly too far!)
1.As I Am-I'm not a fan of instrumental tracks, however even I can appreciate the brilliance of this song. 9/10
2.Go Ahead-A great uptempo start to the album. 7/10
3.Superwoman-An excellent and powerful ballad. 8/10
4.No One-Vocally very strong and a brilliant lead single. 10/10
5.Like You'll Never See Me Again-A super quieter ballad. 9/10
6.Lesson Learned-I really love this song, very catchy. 10/10
7.Wreckless Love-More of an uptempo song. 8/10
8.The Thing About Love-Very enjoyable ballad. 8/10
9.Teenage Love Affair-I think this is great, very well written. 9/10
10.I Need You-Superb ballad. 8/10
11.Where Do We Go From Here-This is vocally a bit screechy and draining to listen to. 5/10
12.Prelude To A Kiss-Beautiful. 9/10
13.Tell You Something-A bit forgettable. 7/10
14.Sure Looks Good To Me-A gentle end to the album. 6/10
15[BONUS]: Waiting For Your Love-The most uptempo track of the album, but a bit of a mess. 6/10
1.As I Am-I'm not a fan of instrumental tracks, however even I can appreciate the brilliance of this song. 9/10
2.Go Ahead-A great uptempo start to the album. 7/10
3.Superwoman-An excellent and powerful ballad. 8/10
4.No One-Vocally very strong and a brilliant lead single. 10/10
5.Like You'll Never See Me Again-A super quieter ballad. 9/10
6.Lesson Learned-I really love this song, very catchy. 10/10
7.Wreckless Love-More of an uptempo song. 8/10
8.The Thing About Love-Very enjoyable ballad. 8/10
9.Teenage Love Affair-I think this is great, very well written. 9/10
10.I Need You-Superb ballad. 8/10
11.Where Do We Go From Here-This is vocally a bit screechy and draining to listen to. 5/10
12.Prelude To A Kiss-Beautiful. 9/10
13.Tell You Something-A bit forgettable. 7/10
14.Sure Looks Good To Me-A gentle end to the album. 6/10
15[BONUS]: Waiting For Your Love-The most uptempo track of the album, but a bit of a mess. 6/10
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4.2 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
& she is...
of strength and truth. Her songs are honest and alive. She has integrity and listening inspires me to be bold and courageous. She's great!
Published 5 days ago by *
4.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant Album but........
I love this album, her superb voice makes my spine tingle but what is the recording company playing at? Read more
Published 5 days ago by David
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved it
One of the greatest female artist of our time and again she has not disappointed. Smooth sounds and wicked tracks. A must have to add to your collection.
Published 2 months ago by Yummy Mummy!
4.0 out of 5 stars
like it!!
I think im biased where Alicia Keys is concerned,i luv her albums as think she is a true talent,vocally and musically
Published 2 months ago by Traki
5.0 out of 5 stars
as i am
I love the album and I was listening it for days when I recieved it. I recommand it for everyone who like Alicia
Published 4 months ago by Monika Sas
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic
This item is arrived in perfect condizioni, cover and cd are like new! I didn't Find any problems with it.
Published 7 months ago by Mighyschirru
1.0 out of 5 stars
please dont hurt that lovely voice
Oh dear oh dear what a tragedy to hear this magnificent voice bogged down in such an uninspiring production that it sounds like one of those one-album only efforts from an X-Factor... Read more
Published 10 months ago by David Spanswick
4.0 out of 5 stars
A very good return after 4 years absence
Alicia Keys has two very successful albums under her belt. No wonder it has taken her four years to release her third as great music is expected from her. Read more
Published 22 months ago by Amillionmiles
4.0 out of 5 stars
Nice surprise
I did not really feel this album when it first came out, somehow it passed quite unnoticed even in the media except for the first single 'No One' which was on the radio all the... Read more
Published on 21 Jun 2010 by MONTSE
5.0 out of 5 stars
alicia
fantastic cd. every track is brilliant.only bought it for one track ~ "no one", but now play it all the time, great disc.
Published on 16 Nov 2009 by Mrs. C. E. Laxton
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