The diary of Alicia Keys is a brilliant album which combines a wide variety of sounds in a unique way. Alicia Keys uses her raw talent effortlessly to create a vibrant hip hop and soulful classic sound which combined, creates the type of music you do not want leaving your CD player.
Track 1 Harlem’s Nocturne: In this track Alicia Keys has explored the use of semi-quavers in a free and expressive tempo. Such characteristics are usually found in classical pieces. Towards the end of the song the tempo changes to moderate and steady, therefore creating a perfect example of how well classical and hip hop sounds work. By showing this on the very first song she is keeping her audience intrigued and wanting more.
Track 2 Karma: is second on the album. This is a moderately slow song which creates a moody atmosphere. The lyrics also are moody as they involve her talking about someone who no longer wanted to be with her and then all of a sudden they change their mind begging for her to come back. Her response to this is ‘what goes around comes around’.
Track 3 Heartburn: This track is of a relatively fast tempo. This- like ‘Harlem’s Nocturne’-is also made up of many semi quavers emphasising the speed of the song. It’s an upbeat
song which matches the lyrical content as she is singing about a boy who she likes so much that he makes her heart pound and gives her heartburn. It is not however a feeling that she does not like as she says ‘taste so good, I can’t resist’.
Track 4 If I was your woman/ walk on by: Is made up of a consistently basic bass line however, the melody has a very long range on the keyboard. It is an upbeat song and therefore has an upbeat tempo. The lyrical content of this song is of a pleading and maybe even jealous nature. She is constantly comparing herself to the girlfriend of the man she likes making remarks such as ‘she tears you down darlin’, says you’re nothing at all, but I’ll pick you up darlin’ when she lets you go’. This could also suggest that they is an element of possessiveness in there also. Track 5 You don’t know my name: This track is a very audacious song which exploit’s the use of block chords and quavers. The glissandos during each chorus create a happy atmosphere for the listener also. This is because she is happy whilst singing about a man that she likes so she therefore wants us to empathise with what she is feeling.
Track 6 If I ain’t got you: Is a very beautiful song made up of quavered melody accompanied by a basic and easy-to-play bass. The lyrical content is very meaningful and touching as she talks about material things being nothing compared to the one/s you love.
Track 7 Diary: My personal favourite on the album. This track is very relaxing and mellow causing the listener to relax also. I especially found the way she related the song to the album title most effective. In this song she is singing to a boy to assure him that his secrets will stay with her so to think of her as the pages in his diary.
Track 8 Dragon Days: This song consists of a basic bass line, therefore making it an easy-listening song. However, this can also be seen as boring and repetitive. The tempo is quite moderate which adds to the boring vibe.
Track 9 Wake Up: This song’s lyrical content is very strong and one to listen to carefully. But not only is Alicia sending out a positive message to her audience, she has accompanied her words with a strong rhythm and melody therefore creating the perfect song.
Track 10 So Simple: This is also another one of my personal favourites from this album. The chorus includes a beautiful harmony which continues throughout the whole of it. This is the best bit of the song. The bass line is repetitive and therefore consist but in this case it is not boring.
Track 11 When you really love Someone: is another song with a great lyrical content. She is singing about how much men and women should not take each other for granted and what the perfect partner should be like. The piano accompaniment is especially significant to me because she uses a range of different techniques which are all very effective.
Track 12 Feeling u, feeling me: This track is an interlude . It -like ‘Diary’- is another easy-listening and relaxing song. It has a jazzy vibe which is the main aspect which I love. I like Alicia’s vocals on this because its almost like a lullaby sending me to sleep.
Track 13 Slow Down: Alicia’s vocals on this song are very low during the verses and then as the bridge and chorus approaches, she becomes higher. The melody changes frequently in this song which keeps the listener entertained.
Track 14 Samsonite Man: is the penultimate song on the album. It is a negative song lyrically but the tune is quite catchy and it also has a Wild West sound to it. The chorus is quite bold as it consists of many block chords. I think that this is to emphasise her anger.
Track 15 Nobody Not really: This is a sad song with a sad melody. However, the arpeggio sounding introduction and bass line has a very beautiful sound to it. Her vocals are also beautiful sounding as they have a very long range which complements the bass line nicely. To round it off, this song is short and sweet.
Overall, I would say that this album is one to definitely buy if you are into a classical/jazz/hip hop combination. If not then I strongly advise that you still do not hesitate to add this album to your collection. The entire album is very easy-listening and mellow and everyone needs at least one album like this to listen to.
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Sep 12th, 2004
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