Alicia Keys Gets Ready For Another Recital
ARTIST: Alicia Keys TITLE: “No One” WEB DEBUT: Aug. 28, 2007
ONE-LISTEN VERDICT: When I first heard Keys’ debut single “Fallin'” back in the day, I complained to anyone within listening range that its backing track sounded like one of the piano etudes I spent hours on end practicing in high school–an irritating thing if only because her marketed persona at the time revolved around her supposed piano-prodigy status. (I will say, though, that the arpeggios on “You Don’t Know My Name” are absolutely lovely.) The backing track on “No One” has a similar pounding-out-the-scales feel, although it’s full of so much pomp and circumstance that I felt the urge to find a nearby aisle and start marching down it. Also, like Fergie on “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” Keys was apparently instructed to eschew enunciation of her lyrics to the point of distraction, although at least she tried to channel Robin S while doing so. WHERE TO FIND IT: whatz-new, which has apparently recovered from having haterade poured all over it.
[Photo: Getty Images]
