Customer Reviews

Alicia Keys: MTV Unplugged

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4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

One of the most phenomenal DVDs in recent memory, "Alicia Keys: Unplugged" is one of the first MTV Unplugged DVDs released since Lauryn Hill's performance dating back to 2002. This DVD has proved to be the consummate entertainment experience. With a wide variety of music displayed in the contents of this video, which include Smooth Jazz, Pop, Funk, R&B, Blues, and Reggae, the genius of Alicia Keys & her band led by keyboardist/producer/musical director Onree Gill literally drive the audience into the past, present and the future of what true musicianship is all about. Every song is conveyed with strong skills and a sensational spirit. There is nothing but sheer quality seeping through this masterpiece! The album starts with an a capella prayer sung by Alicia which covers the traditional gospel pieces "Father, I Stretch My Hands..." & "Remember Me." As soon as the prayer posts, the band punctuated by a powerfully charged orchestra and strings team arranged by the great Ray Chew alongside resolute horn arrangements by Chops lend their staggering musical energy to the hit song, "Karma." One thing that's clearly understated with Alicia Keys is the fact that she is selfless, is always eager to get the crowd involved and offers the other performers an opportunity to access their creative intensity. Such is the case when background vocalist Jermaine Paul sings on "Heartburn" and harmonizes with Alicia on "If I Ain't Got You." Anaysha Figueroa, who sings background for Kirk Franklin, Sara Devine and Denise Stoudmire all blend their vocal talents in background and ad libs. Alicia has also really blossomed in her performance. Vocally, she digs deeper with more soul and vigor. She has so much fun with "Heartburn," "Unbreakable," and literally riffs like crazy on "How Come You Don't Call Me" [giving Prince a run for his money] and "A Woman's Worth," which slickly and gracefully covers the Isley Brothers' "Footsteps in the Dark." Other exclusive performances include, "Diary," [no need to explain that song lol!] "Every Little Bit Hurts," a reference to Nasir "Nas" Jones' classic from "Illmatic," "NY State of Mind" in her original poem "Streets of New York," (a.k.a. "City Life") which has a staggering jazz arrangement coupled with strong vocals that put you in the mindframe of Stevie Wonder's "Living for the City." "Stolen Moments" is one of my favorite songs as well as the fusion of Hip-Hop, Soul, & Reggae in the medley, "Love It or Leave It Alone/Welcome to Jamrock" featuring Common, Mos Def, Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley & Alicia's MBK team. Maroon 5's Adam Levine makes a surprise appearance with his acoustic guitar and amazing falsetto on "Wild Horses." This performance is a gem that has more than lived up to its hype and publicity. Get ready for Alicia Keys' upcoming tour & new album slated for release in the fall of 2006!!!

TOP, TOP notch DVD for your collection. I have 40+ Music/Concert DVDs. This one is one of the special ones. The audio quality is AWESOME. Much better depth and layering of musicians than even great DVDs like Alison Krauss + Union Station. A bit exaggerated with the bass on some tunes, but that can be dealt with.
Her performance (and the band) are STELLAR. She is simply a joy to watch. Camera angles are simple and appropriate. Video quality is excellent.
I watch this 2-3 times per week...and I always think it will be a couple songs...and ends up being the entire disc.

GET IT. You will not be sorry.

This is a DVD with the extras as if you were at a concert of hers. I have gone to one of her concerts, and this is exactly how she plays true, beautifully, and with sex appeal. Her renditions are not only unique and creative, but they keep the very same appeal as their originals. This DVD is shot very well, and sounds great. Just the simple things you should be looking for in the music DVDs. If you enjoy her music, then you surely should enjoy this item.

This live concert is more of the type of thing you watch once or twice. Don't get me wrong, the music is superb and Alicia Keys is excellent, but the visuals are not really all too exciting. Or at least not good enough to buy this DVD. And it doesn't have any exciting special features to offer, so I would just suggest to buy the fantastic album.

Alicia keys live above her times and continues to give incredible performances. This mtv unplugged contains all her hits single released: Fallin, A woman's worth, You don't know my name, If I ain't got you, Karma, Diary. It also have a 4 new songs, "unbreakable", "wild horses" a cover with Adam Levine from Maroon 5, every little bit hurts and Stolen Moments. Also have the dance grovy Heartburn from (diary). This DVD is just filled with amazing performances.

Tracks:
1. Intro: Alicia's Prayer
2. Karma
3. Heartburn
4. A Woman's Worth
5. Unbreakable
6. How Come You Don't Call Me
7. If I Was Your Woman
8. If I Ain't Got You
9. Every Little Bit Hurts
10. Streets of New York (City Life)
11. Wild Horses - featuring Adam Levine
12. Diary
13. You Don't Know My Name
14. Stolen Moments
15. Fallin'
16. Love it or Leave it Alone - featuring Mos Def and Common
17. Welcome to Jamrock - featuring Damian Marley, Mos Def, and Common

Additional Release Material:
Featurettes -
1. Behind-the-Scenes
Music Videos -
1. UNBREAKABLE - Alicia Keys

On July 14, 2005, I was about to fly from Charleston (SC) to my family reunion in Cleveland, Ohio. Little did I know that at that moment, Alicia Keys was rocking the house in Brooklyn in a performance that would later spend a lot of time ion my DVD player.

"Unbreakable" is a beautiful celebration of love and African-American culture (check the lyrics). The duet with Adam Levine "Wild Horses" gets no complaint from me and I particularly like the remake of "Every Little Bit Hurts"

I could go on and on about the songs. The poetry I found interesting and an example of her versatility. But hey, Alicia shows here she has far more talent in one finger than 95% of the Booty shaking bimbos that clutter the industry today (with India Arie, Heather Headley, and Vivian Greene also in the running).

I have to admit to wondering why Common and Mos Def barely appear for a few seconds near the end, and it was kinda nice to see Damien Marley rock it up with the crowd (and Alicia's mother) at the end. But overall, this is an evening with one of the FEW true talents of our time. Get it and see.

There are a few artists who are in a class all their own. Alicia is one such artist. Don't take my word for it. See and listen for yourself. This DVD/CD is a must for anyone who can appreciate genuine vocals, live bands, and real music.

Great performance. She is one of the most talented black female artist of today.

This a great add to the superb CD. MTV showed about 5 less performance. To her stage presence is the words of TOMKAT "Amazing"