Alicia Keys | songs in A minor: 10th Anniversary Collector’s Edition
Alicia Keys
songs in A minor: 10th Anniversary Collector’s Edition
(J Records)
A Record Reflection by A. Scott Galloway
I was not feeling Alicia Keys when she first arrived on the scene. To be specific, I was not feeling all the hype that surrounded the Piano 101 James Brown-derived track of “Fallin’” or the schizoid nature of songs in A minor as a whole. Sure, the sista was talented, driven and easy on the eyes (from her braids to that boo-tay), and she did have one undeniable classic on the disc (“A Woman’s Worth”). Still, what I heard more than anything was promise…not already-there excellence to the tune of 12 million copies sold. Adding fuel to my discontent, come Grammy time, the girl just swept everything, leaving another amazingly gifted and purposed new singer/songwriter India.Arie with nothing to show for her inspired culturally significant efforts. It just felt like a locomotive industry engine was steamrolling Keys into pop immortality before her time. In some ways I still feel the same way but looking back 10 years on as Ms. Keys rightfully celebrates this milestone anniversary of her debut with the deluxe box set treatment, I have some new thoughts.
In hindsight, I have to give credit to J Records President Clive Davis, A&R ace Peter Edge and primary co-producer Kerry “Krucial” Brothers. It is clear that Alicia had more going on in ambitious musical and thematic directions. And while I still believe India’s debut warranted at least an even split between those Grammy statuettes, time reveals that – to date - Keys has evolved far more while India’s song has pretty much remained the same – her debut a gem of its time, Alicia’s a signpost of greater things to come.
.
The new 2-CD/1-DVD edition of Keys’ songs in A minor reminds us of the spunk of Keys’ early work. It begins raw and percussive with many tracks no more than voice, beats and piano (which people forget is a percussion instrument). The Jermaine Dupri-produced “Girlfriend” is emblematic of the hip hop swagger Keys would later bring to epic anthems like “Empire State of Mind (New York)” w/ Jay-Z. Things warm up a few songs in on the tender Quiet Storm ballad “Troubles” and later still when she gets some seasoned assist from the late, great Isaac Hayes on a cinematic headphones treat “Rock Wit U,” spring-coiled strings and horn stabs fleshing out the mean and meaty street heat.
She shows good taste in the tender 1-2- punch of covering Brain McKnight’s evergreen “Never Felt This Way” as an interlude segue into her own heart on sleeve missive “Butterflyz.” Closing her album with a nod to Maya Angelou via “Caged Bird” revealed her allegiance to the poetry of women of strength. And what can be said about her cover of Prince’s “How Come U Don’t Call Me Anymore?” Though she wasn’t the first female to tackle it (respect to Stephanie Mills), she introduced it to a new generation with a fervor that was not to be denied.
The new Collector’s Edition package includes a second disc of outtakes and remixes that also point to greater things ahead and the evolution she made within the years she and her album bolted from Columbia to J Records. I especially love the funky original demo of “If I Was Your Woman” (a cover that wound up on her next album in a more polished form), the autobiographical “Typewriter” and three live in Seattle tracks that show she was bringing transcendent energy to her concert game from jump, especially on a searing version of The Doors’ “Light My Fire.” The DVD is an insightful behind the scenes documentary reflecting back on the personal and professional tribulations of Alicia for the debut that would not die, complete with archival footage and photographs that let you know she was comin’ at ya one way or another, by any means necessary.
In closing, my admiration for Alicia Keys has elevated exponentially since the release of this album. My interview encounters with her have always been refreshingly unguarded, candid and real. I saw her perform solo piano only, up close and personal, in one of the very first events held at the Hollywood & Highland complex – holding an audience spellbound with her talent and charm. I saw her vulnerable in Barbados before an audience that was simply too uptight to warm up to her. I saw her transplant herself back to the days of the Cotton Club on the Hollywood Bowl stage with a far-reaching concept concert that challenged her fans (with no less than the Isley Brothers opening for her). I’ve watched her delve into the movie world with roles both serious (“The Secret Lives of Bees”) and fun (“Smokin’ Aces”). The work she does globally via her various foundations such as Keep a Child Alive is sincere and on-point in its urgency. And with each successive album, I’ve been most impressed by Alicia’s daring to take chances and shake things up with the unexpected. Plus she’s making this one available for the first time in 180g vinyl. She’s still no Patrice Rushen on that piano…but I guess I’ve grown to dig more of my songs in A minor after all.
A. Scott Galloway
June 22, 2011
The Urban Music Scene
Posted by Administration at 6/22/2011 4:10 PM 
Categories: Rhythm and Blues, Collections, Video
Tags: Rhythm And Blues Music Videos
Categories: Rhythm and Blues, Collections, Video
Tags: Rhythm And Blues Music Videos
This is what real writers write about. A. brother, you brought it out with another excellent piece dude. I totally agreed with just about EVERYTHING you said in the 1st paragraph. i also thought she was rushed into the scene. I wasn't feelin' none of 'songs in a minor'. but over a period of time, it finally connected. The review was tight all together bra...Peace, Charles
Reply to this
Thank you, Charles (call me Scott). I was pretty sure I wasn't alone on this. I have a natural aversion to anything being shoved down my throat. I had to warm up to Alicia in my own space and time. Not mad at her...now!
Reply to this
At first glance, I too was resentful of her being shoved down my throat. "Fallen" was everywhere and I had to start purposely avoiding it. When a friend of mine brought the cd over, I was really into "Girlfriend" and I didn't come to appreciate "A Woman's Worth" until I had to mentally use it as ammo against a stripper-promoting song that came out by some fool who said that (basically) a woman's ass was her worth. daaaaaang.
Now, I just admire her greatly in her ability to stay relevant on the music scene without selling her soul. We can look back to her beginnings in a whole new light of appreciation as you have done here. Full-circle rethink!
Reply to this
Dear Wendy,
Wow - Now that's what I call feedback! Thank you so much for sharing your personal account of early Alicia. We are kindred for sure because I, too, initially gravitated most to the stripped down funk of "Girlfriend" along with the smoothie "Troubles." In an industry where take-no-prisoners is too often the credo, there really is something to be said for folks like us accepting fine artistry in our time. Like The Eagles sang, I'm lookin' for those that can go "The Long Run" and Alicia clearly can. However, I guess if a record company can flex its political muscle and bottomless budget to lock down the knee-jerk crowd and firmly establish a new artist by indomitable airwaves domination/saturation...well, that's another "art" to be respected. As for the music, I say if its truly "worthy," I will find it on my own...eventually.
Much Respect,
Scott
Reply to this
Scott,
Thanks for the solidly conceived, well-rounded thoughts you've dispersed on this notable reissue. I was just thinking the other day about this album's 10th anniversary. After reading your take on its significance, I'm now planning to go out and buy one. Much respect!
~Justin
Reply to this
Hey Justin,
It's available in four different versions. I know you still have at least 1 turntable (smile) so you might wanna cop that version or the super deluxe collector's CD box set edition which has all of the elements I described above. I have no doubt you will appreciate both the musical artistry and the fresh insights that come with hindsight.
Enjoy!
Scott
Reply to this
As can always be expected from Mr. Galloway,this is an excellent and thoughtful piece. I also admit that I really didn't dig "Fallen" and I don't think "A Minor" holds a candle to my favourite album of 2001, Angie Stone's "Mahogany Soul," also released on the J. Records label. I can't help thinking that if maybe a sliver of the promotional budget of "A Minor" went towards "Mahogany Soul" more people might have heard "Mahogany" and Angie Stone, hands down is a far superior artist than Keys. Anyways,it took Keys' sophomore release for her to hook me and I look forward to picking the re-issue up.
Reply to this
Matt my man,
I feel the exact same way YOU do about Lamya whose J Records debut, Learning From Falling, came out at the exact same time as Alicia's. Now THAT was a talented woman I immediately recognized as amazing. Lamya's music remains a staple of my iPod and I miss her so much (may she rest in peace). Fate and destiny are sometimes so unkind, and yet I know now for a fact that beyond her talent, Alicia was bullishly driven to succeed...something probably both Angie and Lamya were not...at least not with the same level of energy and relentlessness.
As always, respect Matt.
Scott
Reply to this
So Scott, I know I hit you up on FB but I think it important that my opinion is voiced here as well, so here goes … I agree with you, I will tell you I was at first appreciative but not floored by the appearance of Ms. Keys in mass production. What I mean is, I was thrilled to see an ARTIST and MUSICIAN of upcoming substance breaking thru a depleting culture and establishing again validity to a craft. At the time I felt it was good beginnings, a new voice but not yet...all that...still I knew it was heading that way. However, I was disappointed that once again some really relevant sisters with a hugely profound voice were being pushed to a distance that the roar became but a whisper. Angie Stone and India Arie I feel deserved the same marketing approach which makes me wonder on another level if that time tested truth of light vs. dark, thin vs. not, image vs. crossover appeal etc came into play yet again. This coming from a caramel colored sista with no color baggage to cloud my opinion.
You say Key’s has evolved more but I say had the attention (and with that freedom, to create joyfulness as opposed to the angst that comes from showbiz bull), been equally distributed; it may or may not have resulted in a more evolved reflection of song. As a songwriter we are influenced by our journeys and the weight of it. Also exposure to different elements and experiences provide different views. That is just my abstract view. I have grown to appreciate the growth of Ms. Keys and in some ways the lack of. I feel there is still more to the lady than what we have been given. Success has a way of distracting your potential smile. You did a bang-up job constructing this article and I enjoyed you honest insight into it, as always…L.M.
Reply to this
Dear Luci,
Where do I begin? You know how much I've LOVED reading your stream of consciousness musings since MySpace! (LOL) Makes me all the more anxious for the time we close an Italian restaurant at 2AM with pasta, wine and convo!!
I have no doubt Ms. Keys benefitted from her "beigen" beauty as did Mariah Carey and so many before them..."That's the Way of The World." Can't blame Alicia for that, just her "luck" of the draw. Skin tone didn't help MY girl Lamya - the Egyptian Princess turned amazing poetess that Clive signed and released simultaneously with Alicia which all but sealed her commercial doom. If you've never heard her music or experienced her way with words, I'd love to hip you. Much as I like India, Alicia and Angie, she shuts them ALL down put together...and she only got to do one album before she passed away unexpectedly.
The bigger issue for me is the "industry" heaping WAY too much praise on "chosen" artists to the point where they "sweep" Grammy Awards ceremonies with their very first effort. What greatness has Lauryn Hill or Norah Jones dropped on us since their debut CDs? And, HEY - I am NOT dissing them or their subsequent efforts. I think they are both talented women and own all of their material. But it's NOT HEALTHY or artistically sound to give these people 5 and 6 Grammys out of the gate.
Of all of them though, I am most impressed with Alicia because she just seems to do what she damn well pleases. Her albums are STILL "schizoid" if more expansively so. And I have NO DOUBT she has a "That's the Way of the World" (EWF's breakthrough Lp at release #6) in her. Perhaps marriage, motherhood and deeper reflections on her trip to Egypt will all inform that future classic I am prophesizing.
"All we are saying is give cats a chance" ... to grow into greatness.
When Stevie won 5 Grammys, it was two albums AFTER Innervisions!! Keep it real.
Love you, Luci. One day we will have a meeting of the minds in person. Until then, my sister in music, be ever wonderful, thought-bursting and Y-O-U.
Respect,
Scott
Reply to this
Exactly my view Scott, Thanks for the response and hello !! Lamya !!! way to deep for the commercial dollar and pushed to far back to soon in my opinion. shame but yes such is the world of business..corporations seem to have difficulty multi-tasking. its a shame that some people in power are born with tunnel vision.
Reply to this