Product ReviewsElement of Freedom by Keys, Alicia (CD, 2009)

Great Cd

I was a bit apprehensive with the new album when I heard and saw the video for the first single "Doesn't Mean Anything". It just seemed like it went on and on, and it got boring afterwhile. Then my interest was peaked a bit when the second single "Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart" was released; I didn't care for the video all too much but it was different than her other singles. So when the day came that it finally came out, I figure why not get it (or someone get it for me).
Alicia Keys has never let me down with previous albums, despite the inconsistencies on each album. I put the album in and I haven't stop playing it since.
For starters, she actually put an intro, and it makes sense and its pretty deep given its short.
Then it continues into "Love Is blind" which I really really love because it's not her usual sound and register, I almost thought it was somebody else. The lyrics are 'take 'em or leave 'em' but the music and the production is so addictive, you're jamming anyway.
By the time "Doesn't Mean Anything" came around, it made sense where it was and it was less obnoxious after hearing "Love Is Blind".
Although, I cringe when artists put all there singles in chronological order on the album, it didn't bother me much when the song was followed by the 2nd single "Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart".
There are slight weak moments: "Wait Til You See Smile" is one of those light, fluffy records on the album that teeter between fluff and filler. But I will give Alicia credit for putting those light, airy songs between heavy hitting moments on the album.
My two all-time favorites on the album, three if you include "Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart", are That's How Strong My Love Is" & "Un-thinkable (I'm Ready)".
The lyrics of "That's How Strong My Love Is" are reminscient of the flow of "If I Ain't Got You" & "This Woman's Worth". Her phrasing in the song gives me chills and the haunting chords in the background just knock me out. The chorus is one of her strongest choruses and is a testament of how deep she is as an artist.
I really love "Un-thinkable (I'm Ready)" because it has a nice groove but it also makes you think of those intimate occasions with a special someone. That also gives me chills.
"Love Is My Disease" reminds me of the song featuring John Mayer from her last album, her voice is a bit hoarse which works for the urgency of the song. This girl shows vulnerability like no other female artist, outside of Beyonce.
"Like the Sea" is another light song but its more about her piano skills than it is about the material. so that's about a 3/5
"Put It In A Love Song", O.M.G. I was a little curious how it was going to work with Beyonce & Alicia. Both are strong women but their styles are different but very much high grade. I could've did without the simple beat but they both brought their A-game to this song.
"This Bed" another light song but the beat is a bit addictive
I guess Alicia had to add some more depth and eclectism to her album, "Distance & Time" and "How It Feels To Fly" are what that's for.
"Empire State Of Mind (Part II)" is almost a better version than the original. She kept the chorus, which made sense, but she added her own words. I love it...

all and all, this is one of her more impressive and fun records and it sounded like she was more free on this recordRead full review...

Excellent Album by Alicia Keys

Since her start, Alicia Keys has always been consitantly deliverying the fans great music! I have her other previous albums and I think her most recent album "The Element Of Freedom" is the best...so far. If your looking for soft, exciting, or strait up love, this album will have you listening mutiple times. To me, this album was worth all the money i paid, maybe even more! Before I decided to get the album, I listend to each track 3x to make a sure decision. Now I'm very confident that I made an excellent choice. I recommend this album to any who likes this type of criteria.Read full review...

Alicia Keys - The Element of Freedom CD Review

Great mix of R&B songs in typical Alicia Keys style. "Unthinkable (I'm Ready)" stands out as my favorite. It feels like Alicia is giving her all in this performance. Of course, her 2 releases to date, "Doesn't Mean Anything" and "Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart", both stand out on their own. The duet with Beyonce is a catchy, up-beat change of pace. "Empire State of Mind (Part II)", continuing off just as part 1 was and so right on. This album has no one-track mind, it's a brilliant mix and her best album so far IMHO.Read full review...

good message

good slow and uptempo songs. Worse song is the one with Beyonce (sorry diva). My favorite track is track #4 on the album. Alicia Keys is definitely growing up as an artist and I really appreciate her maturity on this album. Try sleeping with a broken heart is a perfect song to listen to with your boo or when she's not around to remember the good moments. This album is good for people to relate with that are struggling with relationships or finding love.Read full review...

R&B Sweet Girl

Great mix of R&B songs in typical Alicia Keys style
I have the CD Song Promo From Thailand
I Love it She is very dance
>This cd is excellent and it is performed really love this CD. The music is great you are definitely in for a fantastic music experience. I highly recommended, Watch The Throne! Alicia Keys Cheer!!

Check out my shop at : http://stores.ebay.com/Vintage-FusionRead full review...

Classic Alicia Keys

I am an avid fan of Alicia Keys. She's young, beautiful and talented. Has the voice of an angel. One of my favorite female artists in the industry. This cd does not disappoint. She stayed true to what her fans love.Read full review...

Awesome

I listen to this CD everyday great music

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: decluttr_store

The Element of Freedom

I Love Cd Thank You Very Much It So Amazing Once Again Thank You

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: coasbooks

Bought for a friend and he loves it!

Bought for a friend and he loves it!

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: decluttr_store

Element of Freedom GREAT ALBUM

Alicia Keys is a great artist. I can listen to this CD from beginning to end with only one exception thats the song with Beyonce. Sorry not a Beyonce fan AT ALL.