As I Am [ENHANCED]

Alicia Keys

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 13, 2007)
• Original Release Date: November 13, 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: J-Records
• ASIN: B000VEYJP2
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (319 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #844 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  #28 in	Music > R&B > Contemporary R&B
  #84 in	Music > Pop > Adult Alternative
  #84 in	Music > R&B > Soul

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
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

Product Description
Japanese two CD pressing of the 2007 release from the R&B/Pop diva featuring a bonus CD containing four tracks: 'Waiting For Your Love', 'Hurt So Bad', 'Superwoman' (Live) and 'No One' (Curtis Lynch Reggae Remix). As I Am is Alicia's most innovative album to date, a collection of music with no boundaries. Influenced by everything from Hip Hop to Soul to Rock to Classical music, As I Am is every bit a sense of rebellion and empowerment. Features collaborations with some of the biggest hit makers in music (Linda Perry, Jack Splash, Mark Batson, Swizz Beats and Kerry Brothers) and includes the first single 'No One.' --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lush & New? She Is Still The Best Artist Out There., December 21, 2007

By	Steve Guardala "Support The ASPCA. Ignore All... (?????) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

This was new & different from "Songs In A Minor & The Diary Of Alicia Keys." Which is fine, I just do not think that the album in total is equal to the aboves? From slow to midtempo these songs are hard to classify other than their having a 60's-70's R&B sound. But, this album does seem to be her most personal & intimate. Some complain about her overuse of the Piano? I could not disagree more, it is a very neglected instrument. Alicia also plays it exceptionally well.

"Like You'll Never See Me Again, No One, I Need You, Tell You Something, & The Thing About Love," are my five favorites from this album. The latter has an Al Green early 1970's feel to it with an angry middle which most folks at some time in their lives can relate to. While the former may eventually challenge "Fallin" as her best song to date? It has lucid lyrics & a depth of feeling to it that many modern tunes lack. "I Need You has Alicia pulling you into the song & "Tell You Something" is a thoughtful get you to think tune. While "No One" is a sensual speaks for itself song. I'm not big on top forty hits since so many songs that make it are awful. But in this case, "No One" flew to the top for a reason.

I did not care for the Intros. "Prelude To A Kiss," was too short, "Lesson Learned & Sure Looks Good To Me" were pretty good, & the rest of the album was rather good. In closing, I think it is overly harsh to constantly compare her music to what came before as so many of the negative reviews harped on. She is not even thirty, & may have a few more decades to grow as an artist. I would wager that when many of her contemporaries are just a memory, she will still be producing fine music?

26 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'll take Alicia Keys 'As [She] Is'............, November 18, 2007

By	D. Pawl "mariposarosa2" (Seattle) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Grammy winning singer/songwriter, poet, philanthropist and visionary Alicia Keys proceeds to outdo herself with AS I AM, her third and finest album, to date. This 2007 release showcases her range as a musician. Keys is a classically-trained pianist, as well as being a true soul/r&b artist, and the album kicks off on a beautiful note with her original song "As I Am (Intro)," a classical piece. From there, we hear the influences and inspirations that guide this great musician to combine her poetry and eloquence as a lyricist with her flare for hooks and ear-catching instrumental (with a little help from her friends). Some of the best cuts include "Superwoman," (co-written with Linda Perry and Steve Mostyn), an anthem for strong women everywhere and an ear-catching chorus that will get you singing along, the beautiful, reggae-inspired "No One" (co-written with Kerry Brothers, Jr. and George M. Harry), the first single from the album and "Wreckless Love" (co-written with Matthew Kahane and Harold Lilly) which sounds like a throwback to the Motown soul era of the 1960s.

On another note, Alicia Keys' voice has never sounded better. It's deeper and raspier, but, that only adds flavor to her delivery of the more poignant pieces (particularly, "Tell You Something (Nana's Reprise)"). This young woman has been blessed with many talents and we are lucky and privileged that she is sharing them with the world.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Musical growth. A Minor. Diary. As I Am? All Jewels!, January 31, 2008

By	Mikeisha Best "Miss Mikeisha" (Mitchellville, Maryland United States) - See all my reviews

Music nowadays is lousy. Plain and simple. However, in the midst of the sub par sounds the radio administers, Alicia Keys, since she made her debut in 2001, has always been respected by music critics and music fanatics alike. After listening to all of her albums in their entirety, there is no wonder why. Every album is filled with good music, Alicia's pleasant voice, and her best friend, the piano. "As I Am" is inundated with piano sounds, which I enjoy. Alicia is a master pianist, and I respect her for that. Also worth noting is the fact that her voice has grown a great deal since she debuted. I enjoy her voice now more than ever. Her vocal control is impressive. Sometimes she sings a bit too high or a bit too low, but most of the time, she knows what she's doing. "As I Am" has mostly upbeat tracks. Alicia definitely tried to be innovative with this album and the finished product is very enjoyable.

The first song released to radio was "No One." This song had to grow on most of the people I talked to; it also had to grow on me. Once you get into the groove she is trying to administer, you'll find yourself bobbing your head and singing the verse and hook. She took a different approach here; this song is heavy on the bass, she uses a different piano, and is very experimental with her voice. "Like You'll Never See Me Again" was released after "No One." This song is a ballad and a very good one at that. The lyrics here are very profound; when you're around the one you love, show them affection as if it is the last time you will ever see them. Powerful and thought-provoking. "Wreckless Love", "The Thing About Love", and "Superwoman" are all decent offerings. "Tell You Something" and "Sure Looks Good to Me" are highlights. Lyrically, they shine. Alicia's lyrics are never too creative or poetic, but she does have a way with words. She knows how to convey her point and her singing voice has a good amount of personality, which helps her to convey her points more accurately.

This is easily one of the most memorable albums from 2007, which was overall not a good year in music. Honestly, if you don't have "Songs in A Minor", "The Diary of Alicia Keys", or "Unplugged", you need to add them all to your collection. Then, move forward and purchase her fourth album, for you will be taking her "as she is."

Mikeisha's Top 5

1. "As I Am (Intro)"
2. "Go Ahead"
3. "Tell You Something (Nana's Reprise)"
4. "Teenage Love Affair"
5. "Sure Looks Good to Me"