Songs In A Minor [Bonus Track] [Enhanced, Limited Edition]

The hauntingly atmospheric Fallin' paved the way for Ms. Keys in 2001, and the album contains two versions of the incredibly popular track. The second version, a remix featuring Busta Rhymes, is barely recognisable as it introduces a previously unheard rap section with Keys' voice over a backing track of vocal medley and harmonising. The catchy Girlfriend is similar in tempo to the equally infectious Jane Doe - which will have you humming all day long. Keys' opportunity to showcase her vocal capabilities comes when the ballads arrive: Goodbye holds its course as the champion of the tearjerker collection, with its twangy guitar rhythms and smooth harmonisation. Never Felt This Way and Butterflyz - although seeing Keys where she so obviously belongs tinkling with her piano - seem to lose their direction, if indeed they were ever in possession of one to begin with. Avidly awaiting some kind of progression, neither track seemed to satisfy me in getting off the ground, and retained the same key and tempo throughout. Track fourteen, Why Do I Feel So Sad, sees a return to form with its smooth melodies and progressive tempo.

Some of the latter tracks mentioned are at times difficult to distinguish from each other and are similar to the offerings of more mainstream artists such as Britney Spears. Do not, however, let the mediocre ballads on this album cloud your perception of the outstanding tracks at the beginning: Track six - Rock Wit You, for instance is a laid-back affair, sleekly produced with a thumping beat and strings arrangement. The neighbours may soon be pounding on the wall, although if they have any musical taste whatsoever they'll probably be signalling for you to turn it up a notch.

Those of you who are adamant that a decent musician should not only be able to play an instrument, but also write their own songs will be pleased to learn that Keys wrote (or co-wrote) fifteen of the seventeen tracks on offer. With the Britney/J-Lo/Kylie influence dominating the charts presently, it is refreshing to find an artist who needs to resort to neither mainstream pop nor the stripping of clothes to sell records.

All in all, "Songs in A Minor" is a mixed bag, not only in musical style but also in lyrical content. Many of the songs are performed with such passion that it wouldn't surprise me to discover that they are - at least in part - autobiographical. Keys' voice is able to adapt to a variety of styles and even lends itself to rap in parts. Keys is unique in the diversity she possesses, but in places sounds rather like eighties soul diva Sade. The album could be described as nothing less than a remarkable achievement; one that will surely prove to be timeless.

Songs In A Minor is full of contrasts from the introspective Piano & I through the pensive Caged Bird. Keys's vocal talents are best represented on Prince's How Come You Don't Call Me (testimony to her abilities, indeed) and A Woman's Worth, while Goodbye, Never Felt This Way/Butterflyz and Why Do I Feel So Sad enthral through their throbbing earnestness. The album also dabbles in sassy groove (Girlfriend), Latin flavours (Mr. Man) and rhythmic funk (Rock Wit U). Songs In A Minor is an excellent debut album that stands out from the crowd and, when all's said and done, an artist that is invited to perform at the House of Commons at a show organised by a Labour MP must be doing something right.

I could go on and on about they way she uses dynamics and tempos and how the merge of all the notes make you tingle, but it would be best for yourself to buy the album and enjoy the angelic voice of Alicia Keys.