Songs in A Minor

Alicia Keys

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 26, 2001)
• Original Release Date: June 5, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: J-Records
• ASIN: B00005JXS6
• Also Available in: DVD Audio  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (752 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,339 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  #62 in	Music > R&B > Contemporary R&B
  #69 in	Music > Rap & Hip-Hop

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com's Best of 2001
She may be beautiful, but Alicia Keys is a musician first and foremost. She plants herself firmly behind the piano keys on her debut, unlike many of the booty-waggin' junior divas who are crowding the R&B videoscape these days. Though many of the tracks on Songs in A Minor are embellished with adolescent angst, this 20-year-old's substantial, gorgeously soul-drenched alto putties the cracks between notes with astonishing ease. "Fallin'," the album's first single, showcases Keys at her best. She wails plaintively and passionately over rolling blues chords, in the tradition of the greats that this young talent clearly wants to align herself with--Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, and Aretha Franklin. She swoops and soars over the spicy, flamenco-fueled melody that opens "Mr. Mann," one of the many winning tracks gathered here. And she digs deep into a remake of the beloved Prince B-side, "How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore?" packing more heat into her melismatic wails than most singers twice her age. --Sylvia W. Chan

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

95 of 103 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "...A Minor" is Major, August 22, 2001

By	STEVE BASKIN (SPRINGDALE, AR USA) - See all my reviews

As a professional musician/composer/arranger, I was a bit skeptical of this CD. I had first heard Alicia Keys on the Oprah Show and immediately saw some genius. I was skeptical because she appeared to be pretty young and most up and coming artists have "one-hit wonder" potential. Alica Keys is the real thing. When I rate a CD, I base my score on how many cuts appeal to me. If I have to fast forward a couple of times, I give it a 4. This CD receives a 5 based on my never touching the skip button. You should listen at least three times before judging this one--I have found outstanding CD's are usually those that require plenty of listening before you realize it's great. Many musical styles are on this CD of which my favorite cuts include the Latin "Mr. Man" which is very addictive. "Fallin" is receiving plenty of air play and will probably wear thin on me but the remainder of the CD is well worth the asking price. "Caged Bird" is a really well written ballad which all should enjoy. Play "Piano and I" softly if kids are home. If you purchase this CD, you will be writing a 5-star review as I have! Great purchase.

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Soul Is Reborn! Still Her Best, & Better Than All The Rest., January 10, 2008

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

Alica Keys' is the sexy Aquarian that won five Grammy's for this her debut album for a reason, she is that good! Take a piece of Roberta Flack, Al Green, & Stevie Wonder pour into a twenty first century Motown gal & you'll have Alicia Keys'. Rich soulful vocals, warm melodies & catchy lyrics that make this album a winner. Since she is classically trained it is clear after only one listening that her timing is perfect.

There are sixteen tracks including two remakes, "Someday We'll Be Free & Prince's How Come You Don't Call Me." These two were fine but I like her tunes far more. They range from slow, midtempo, to fast. "Fallin," is hands down the best song on the album & for me the best ballad since the Rolling Stones "Almost Here You Cry" from 1989's "Steel Wheels" album. "Fallin" should have been the number one song of 2001, not Christina Aguilera's screaming tune. "Fallin" has an Acapella intro & the violin of Miri Ben Ari that comes in with a smooth feeling. "A Womans Worth," has a satiny flow of lyrics as she tells her guy about her fine qualities & how she deserves to be treated. Then how she will reciprocate because he is worth it. "Butterflz," a fine tune with a jazzy piano & flowing lyrics. "Never Felt This Way," has classic piano sounds & lyrics describing a first love.

Other good tunes are "The Life," its catchy lyrics & an alluring melody give it a sensual 1960's soulful vibe. "Rock Wit You," is a funky song with a rich vocal delivery. "Girlfriend," has a rocking instrumental intro that was a pleasant surprise. With this album you will never have to hit the skip button. I love Alicia Keys' unique approach & the way she can immerse herself into the songs, whether they are her own or remakes. Lastly, she is the best new artist since the Police's first album came out in the late 1970's.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth the Wait, June 27, 2001

By	Haygn "dcrevue" (Denver, CO) - See all my reviews

I have been waiting for Alicia Keys to release an album now since the Men in Black soundtrack came out. With the release of "Songs in A Minor", I can see that all that time spent waiting was definitely worth it. While all of the songs are beautifully crafted, standout tracks are the first single "Fallin'", "The Life" Caged Bird" "Rock Wit U" and a cover of Prince's b side "how Come You Don't Call Me." Alicia has a style all her own, and it truly sets her apart from all the other current R&B divas. It will also keep her from being just a one hit wonder or a flavor of the month. Classically trained, her piano playing and her touching lyrics can ignite. Hers is a talent which is very rare these days in our younger performers. She will have a career that stands the test of time like superstar rock diva Tina Turner, or Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin. All of her talents, coupled with the fact that she is beautiful to boot, will help to make Alicia Keys the star she is destined to be. A young woman that writes her own music, thinks for herself, is well spoken and gorgeous...THAT my friends, is the very definition of 'Bootylicious!'