Alicia Keys 2009 Album Review – The Element of Freedom

Alicia Keys just recently released her fourth studio album entitled, “The Element of Freedom.” Earlier this year she collaborated with the infamous rapper Jay-Z to produce one of the best songs of 2009, “Empire State of Mind”. She closes her 2009 album with a revisited version of this inspirational song about New York City, where she has buried her roots. The song does not house the exciting hype the original had, and it is definitely lacking in swagger. However, Alicia’s vocals prove that she’s a passionate, native New Yorker just like Jay-Z.

The entirety of this singer-pianist’s new album is filled with carefully calibrated statements that continue to follow a specific vocal formula. The album is less about breaking free than it is about holding it together. It is basically a series of wonderfully written songs that put to words the perseverance and personal strength one needs during personal adversity, especially heartbreak. Keys is a little more risky with this album, often times letting her guard down. When it comes to combining classically crafted songs, hip hop, and soul, nobody does it like Miss Keys. She is one of the masters when it comes to young, soul-baring artistries. “The Element of Freedom” is the young star’s most low-key and most consistent album she’s ever put out.

With this 2009 album, Keys attempts to adopt a more measured, mid-tempo approach along side a more introspective tone. In her own words Keys has stated that the album is about overcoming the depression state of a bad break-up. It’s one of those lonely on the bar stool, eat plenty chocolate, and weep to love story classics kind of album. That is made pretty apparent when you simply observe the titles to each track.

1. The Element Of Freedom (Intro)
2. Love Is Blind
3. Doesn’t Mean Anything
4. Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart
5. Wait Til They See My Smile
6. That’s How Strong My Love Is
7. Unthinkable (I’m Ready)
8. Love Is My Disease
9. Like The Sea
10. Put It In A Love Song ft. Beyoncé Knowles
11. This Bed
12. Distance And Time
13. How It Feels To Fly
14. Empire State Of Mind (Part II)

Alicia Key’s debut hit is titled “Doesn’t Mean Anything at All” and another personal favorite is called “Love is Blind.” An emotional song titled “Love is my Disease” is shows us a more edgy, more vulnerable Keys that is quite desirable. She lets it all go with this one. Invest in this pop sensation’s fourth album, “The Element of Freedom” and listen to the voice of an angel for yourself.

Save