Alicia Keys - HERE

Alicia Keys
HERE
2016
Spotify

HERE symbolizes a change in Alicia Keys' career. This sixth album follows more than a few in which she seemed to loose her soulful R&B inspired sound and move towards the middle. It was frustrating to see an artist of her caliber to be seen as pandering but her actions over the past few years have shown that she is now coming into her own as an artists. HERE is easily Her most expressive album to date and deals with many complex issues swirling around the African American community. She has made the news lately with Her refusal to wear makeup on television and Her not allowing Her children to watch "Snow White". "Gospel" set the tone and has this minimalistic production that allows each instrument to shine in it's individual way. This scaled back production also allows Keys' vocals and lyrics to shine, the most important part of her music anyway. Musically the record is a bit of a throwback with songs like "She Don't Really Care_1 luv" in which the arrangements are really well worn R&B sounds but nothing feels dated it is right in line with modern music. There is also this very loose sense to the record, as if the expectations have been lifted off of Keys and she is finally able to just be in the music rather than trying to do what other people want.

The album has plenty of interludes featuring a variety of people, and while some may have some poignant things to say, for the most part they seem like more of a distraction that essential to the songs. HERE feels much more personal than it does political though there are political stances peppered throughout the record. On "Illusion of Bliss" Keys gets Her most raw allowing her voice to crack and strain as she attempts to get the words out. Many comparison will be drawn between this record and The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill due in part to it's message but also because of just how refined the sound is. There is not a wasted note or moment here Keys takes full advantage of the moments she is given. "Blended Family (What You Do For Love)" seems like a heavy title, but the light kind of head bobbing tack ends up being one of the more fun on the record. This record really seems like the kind that will be celebrated now, but just get better and better as time goes on. With this record Keys has proven that she is not just an adult contemporary artist slated for slow song obscurity but a true pioneer who deserves respect. Do not miss this one.

8.6 out of 10