ALICIA KEYS
Girl on Fire
RCA
Delivering the type
of authentic song-based R&B that first made her a superstar a decade ago, Alicia Keys returns in 2012 with a start-to-finish winner — offering maximum killers and minimum fillers.
of authentic song-based R&B that first made her a superstar a decade ago, Alicia Keys returns in 2012 with a start-to-finish winner — offering maximum killers and minimum fillers.
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Produced by Keys, and a crew of accomplished colleagues, including, Dr. Dre, Babyface and Swizz Beatz, Girl on Fire is arguably her strongest effort since 2003's The Diary of Alicia Keys. Clearly a team effort, Keys also collaborates on all thirteen tunes with several of today's marquee songwriters, such as, Bruno Mars, Frank Ocean and Jeff Bhasker as well as frequent go-to guys, Andrew "Pop" Wansel, Warren "Oak" Felder and Amber "Sevyn" Streeter — even classic arena rock legend Billy Squier makes a contribution.
The opening piano instrumental, "De Novo Adagio," makes for a mighty intro to the delicate, yet soaring "Brand New Me" — a supremely well-crafted song that is by far one of the record's best and most powerful tracks.
"When
It's All Over" initially presents a sort of schizo jazz vibe that morphs
successfully and seamlessly into a smooth-tasting "More, More, More"
flavor — another record highlight to be sure.
Keys' music always has been at its magical and organically soulful best when she simply (and fully) embraces her classic-style R&B anointing and focuses less on trying to appeal to the "now" crowd. Hence, the honest and pure, "less is more" approach on such gems as "Listen to Your Heart," "New Day" and "Not Even the King" makes for songs that are delectable, ambient delights.
Keys' music always has been at its magical and organically soulful best when she simply (and fully) embraces her classic-style R&B anointing and focuses less on trying to appeal to the "now" crowd. Hence, the honest and pure, "less is more" approach on such gems as "Listen to Your Heart," "New Day" and "Not Even the King" makes for songs that are delectable, ambient delights.
But despite the five credited songwriters and
being the record's much-touted lead single, it's the title track, "Girl on
Fire," that actually wins the "Stinker" award. Simply
put, Alicia Keys is a superb talent of the highest order and this is just a (very)
weak song. And while I realize that Nicki Minaj has sold millions of recordings, so did Richard Pryor — but that didn't make him a musician. I also recognize that Minaj is wildly popular among young people who enjoy watching videos of wacky clowns cursing on YouTube. However, her contribution to "Girl on Fire' is a distraction for music
fans and only compromises Keys' top-notch artistry.
However, the passion-filled "Fire We Make" is another of the record's crowning jewels. This Rhodes-driven
duet with Maxwell oozes the steamy soulfulness reminiscent of old school R&B records from the likes of Shalamar, Teena Marie and Rose Royce — but with a little extra stank factor on the back end. And the closing Ace Frehley-style guitar work by Gary Clark Jr. is absolutely blistering.
The six and a half minute epic, "101" would, could and should have been a perfect closer, as it is an incredibly powerful solo piano/vocal piece.
But just as Keys is about to close the deal and take us away to that magical, hypnotic place where all great music is supposed to take us, "101" segues at the five-minute mark into a brash-sounding finale so jarring, it only can be described as a bona fide buzz kill. So much for a "happy ending!"
While Girl on Fire does have a rough spot or two, it is over all, a tremendous record — one of Keys' strongest works to date and without a doubt, one of the best pop/R&B releases of 2012. A+
The six and a half minute epic, "101" would, could and should have been a perfect closer, as it is an incredibly powerful solo piano/vocal piece.
I might as well stand in front of a bullet.
Close my eyes and kick the chair to the floor.
It's like a speeding train is coming.
I know you've crashed it a hundred times before.
-Alicia Keys (2012)
But just as Keys is about to close the deal and take us away to that magical, hypnotic place where all great music is supposed to take us, "101" segues at the five-minute mark into a brash-sounding finale so jarring, it only can be described as a bona fide buzz kill. So much for a "happy ending!"
While Girl on Fire does have a rough spot or two, it is over all, a tremendous record — one of Keys' strongest works to date and without a doubt, one of the best pop/R&B releases of 2012. A+
-Christopher Long
(November 2012)
Author Christopher Long's latest book
is available NOW on Amazon
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