I just had to add this… it’s holiday bump within my iPOD rotation… Alicia Key’s new album “As I am” is maturity at it’s finest. A personal dedication to how R&B grows up, matures within one and song writing lyrics (on a personal side) up above commercial expectations. The words are drenched with so much emotion and care, I couldn’t help but feel for Alicia. “As I am” is a commitment to good music that wins more than awards. It’s a Soul album with heart. There’s no corny break up to make ups ballads or freak you in the bed tracks featured in “As I am.” The albums all heart filled with maturity and honesty moving R&B to the right direction.

“No one” truly is the feel good track of the year for me. You can get lost in the words and really feel the music. While her new single “Like you’ll never see me again” is a sweet laid back track that isn’t overkill on saying goodbye…. her opening track “Go Ahead” gives you that early sense of how deep the albums quality is going to represent… I would’ve compared her to Common (The MC and as in the Female R&B version due to her maturity!) One of my favorite tracks in the album is “Lesson Learned” featuring John Mayer which is one of the albums more flavored ballads.

While I wouldn’t say it’s Alicia’s best release to date… she’s all grown up and doin’ good. You can really appreciate this album as to some of the other freaky releases of the year… this one’s a keeper everyone under the fireplace can appreciate. You did good Alicia!