I bought this album the other day (not from amazon, I hasten to add, but almost as cheap). I'd listened to Alicia Keys on the radio ever since she first released 'songs in the key of life' but never bought any of her albums, until now. Her latest release has prompted me; I have often bought albums on the strength of a great single, and beeen disappointed, so I thought that, rather than shelling out on the new one, I'd get a good flavour across all of her old work when I saw this for sale, and see if I liked it.
I can honestly say its a brilliant compilation, (actually just her first three albums, so its more than a traditional compilation). I'm not going to do a blow by blow analysis, more an an overall comment.
I liked all three albums from the off, with nothing really standing out as weak or poor. Great piano, arrangements, voice, lyrics.
From 'Songs' particularly liked Fallin, (naturally), How Come You Dont Call Me, Rock Wit U, A Womans Worth, great arrangement, lyrics and vocals, although they are all great.
From Diary, Harlems Nocturne, If I Was Your Woman, You Dont Know My Name, Diary, and If I Aint Got You.
And from As I Am, hard to pick any out, as they are all very good.
Great value for money, in this package, buy it, if you dont have any of her albums!