The Review

Issue date: 11/13/07 Section: Mosaic

Media Credit: Amazon.com

"As I Am"
Alicia Keys
Sony
Rating: 3 stars (out of 5)

It seemed like Alicia Keys came out of nowhere with her breakthrough debut album "Songs in the Key of A Minor," proving the title of "musical prodigy" isn't just a label.

While her third studio album is bursting at the seams with musicianship and soul, she falls short of the masterpiece she was clearly trying to write.

Standout songs like "Wreckless Love" and "I Need You" showcase the singer's powerhouse voice behind quiet but poignant piano and upbeat drumming. At her best, Keys shows her ability as more than just a good pianist with a nice voice, but an expert musician.

However, the album as a whole doesn't showcase her potential. On "Prelude to a Kiss" she abuses the light touch she has developed over the years. The song begins to feel like just a standard love song, of which her album has plenty.

On "As I Am," Keys is never off the mark, but sometimes hovers farther away from her goal than she intends to. More often than not, empowering lyrics and well-written songs sound engaging, but her best is yet to come.

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