As I Am opens with a scratchy recording, barely audible to the listener. A melodic piano line enters the quiet track, though it seems more suited for a classical performance than an R&B or soul album. The music pauses, and a drumbeat begins to transform the song into a modern, catchy instrumental piece. And so, the introduction to Alicia Keys' third album - her first in four years - immediately introduces listeners to her immense talents on the piano and prepares them for the selection to come.
The album has a retro feel, reminding the listener of the powerful female singers of a past era. Most of the songs rely less on piano than her previous albums did, but the few that incorporate Keys' piano skill provide a great contrast. The first track with vocals, "Go Ahead," is a powerful song about getting over a relationship. The tempo is upbeat and energetic, and Keys' voice carries strong. The second song, "Superwoman," adopts a quieter, softer tone, and its lyrics match the mood to become a testament to the hidden strength within every woman.
John Mayer collaborates with Keys on "Lesson Learned," but the song remains her time to shine. Mayer sings background lyrics and plays guitar, but without the mention of his name in the liner notes, he would easily be missed. The result of this collaboration is a more somber but still positive song about learning from mistakes and bad experiences.
Keys showcases her vocal range on songs such as "No One" and "I Need You." In "No One," she sings, "When the rain is pouring down / And my heart is hurting," her voice flows through the notes invoking the image described in the lyrics. The slow and melodic track "Like You'll Never See Me Again" features Keys singing in a softer voice than on her other tracks, where the power comes from her vocal strength and volume. The result is a romantic love song that is more traditional than another track, "Teenage Love Affair," a playful song about high school love.
The album begins with beautiful piano and ends with a moving combination of piano and vocals. The finale, "Sure Looks Good to Me," begins slowly and builds to an upbeat, optimistic tone perfect for lyrics like "Life is cheap, bittersweet / But it sure tastes good to me." This last song seems to summarize the messages given throughout the other tracks - life has troubles but should be enjoyed. A-
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