Released: September 18, 2020

By: Alicia Keys

Nineteen years after the release of her first album, Alicia Keys continues to put her raw vocals on songs that come with a story and leave a lasting impression.

For the most part, the album is kept at a slower tempo and allows for listeners to really connect with the lyrics. This can be best seen on the penultimate song “Perfect Way to Die,” which is a hauntingly beautiful story about a mother dealing with the untimely death of her young son. The lyrics are heartbreaking but real and telling in a time where racial tensions are ever high.

However, the album’s one upbeat number with great production value – “Love Looks Better” – is amongst the album’s best and will have everyone singing along to the chorus.

Final say: Underdog album of the year. ★★★★☆