On Nov. 4, 2016, Alicia Keys released an album entitled Here, her first album since Girl on Fire in 2012. A single from the album, “Blended Family (What You Do For Love),” was released on Oct. 7, 2016. With 16 tracks (there are 2 additional songs on the deluxe edition) that blend Keys’ signature vocals with a laid back R&B vibe, this album is sure to give the listener a nice way to unwind with great music.

The first single released, “Blended Family (What You Do For Love),” was an instant hit from the album. Featuring A$AP Rocky, the song starts off with guitar, and begins to pick up with the addition of piano and a catchy drum beat. Keys’ vocals shine through during the chorus as she belts about a family’s love for each other. A$AP Rocky comes in towards the end, adding an unexpected element to the song.

5 of the tracks on the album are powerful interludes, including: “The Beginning (Interlude),” “Elaine Brown (Interlude),” “Elevate (Interlude),” “Cocoa Butter (Cross & Pic Interlude),” and “You Glow (Interlude).” All of these incorporate unique vocals that exude a sense of purity and elation.

Keys’ voice is in the spotlight in “Kill Your Mama,” a song in which it is her singing only accompanied by an acoustic guitar. It is a raw representation of how her vocals alone are enough to create a popular song that satisfies listeners.

“Girl Can’t Be Herself” is filled with lines that make it evident Keys’ wants to make a statement with this album. Focused on how girls are encouraged to mask who they are in order to fit in, lines ring true throughout the song such as “Who says I must conceal what I’m made of? Maybe all this Maybelline is covering my self-esteem” take powerful shots at the unfair societal standards girls face.

Keys’ first album in 4 years was worth the wait – a combination of letting her beloved vocals be heard while still experimenting with new aspects of music make this album deserving of a listen, with some of the hits definitely worth putting on repeat.

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐∙

4 out of 5 stars