There are certain musical artists who take the world by storm when they step into the limelight. They come with original sound, relatable lyrics and, most importantly, impeccable voices. Unfortunately, artists such as these are hard to come by in today’s music industry.
Years ago, every singer had their own style, each with a tone that was identifiable and raw. RnB has been the one genre that has stayed most constant in terms of artists knowing exactly who they are and staying true to that. Today most artists do everything but actually perform the music they are known for. Artists such as Chris Brown and Rhianna are known more for their personal disputes and downfalls than for their current songs.
Alicia Keys is the perfect example of an RnB artist who has done nothing but beautifully grow as a performer in the eyes of the public. Songs in A Minor was Keys’ first album that was released in June 2001, and she quickly became the best selling artist of the year with songs such as “Fallin’,” and “A Woman’s Worth.”
From that time on, Keys steadily grew until she was soon dubbed an RnB diva, along with fellow greats Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.
Keys was never an artists known for her “super-market disasters,” or “baby daddy drama,” so it was hard for the public to realize when she faded out of the limelight for a while.
Just this past month, however, a song was coming on the radio titled “Girl on Fire,” and as soon as the powerful voice boomed across the airways, it felt as if your favorite childhood memory was happening again before your eyes. The voice was unmistakable, and it was only then that everyone began to realize just how much they missed Alicia Keys.
“De Novo Adagio,” which translates loosely to “Adagio Again,” is the first track on this album. Like all of Keys’ other albums, it opens with this short piano piece. This reminds everyone of Keys’ roots and that she is a classically trained musician, not just someone who sings what others tell her to. “Adagio Again” symbolizes that Girl on Fire is an album demonstrating the principles of rebirth and renewal.
My personal favorite track on this album has to be “That’s When I Knew.” It is easy for an artist to sing about love, but it is hard for them to make it touch a listener deep down where emotions begin. Although “love” is probably the most popular subject to center a song around, it is hard for the song to be raw enough to reach people. There is always a fine line between cliché and honesty. However, Keys seems to always have a way of making her songs seem just conversational enough where a listener will believe that she came home after a first date and wrote down these words.
It is easy for an artist to change with the times for maximum radio play and an expanded, new-generation fan base. It is not so easy, however, to adapt in this way while still staying true to your roots as a musician. Keys is the perfect example of a real artist who only continues to flourish over time.
Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Girl on Fire (yes, actually go out and buy a physical copy of the CD and support an artist who is keeping the industry alive), sit back, and remember what music used to and is supposed to be.
