Alicia Keys Discusses 'The Element of Freedom'

Good music makes you feel, it moves you and allows you to free yourself. So it's no surprise that Alicia Keys titled her fifth album "The Element of Freedom" because the 14-track project is in fact--good music. Since her first single, "Girlfriend," in 2001, Alicia has wowed us with her talent, and drawn us in with her voice. Although we now witness a softer and more delicate Alicia Keys than before, the emotion behind her music is still very raw and forthright.

Keys newest work reminds the masses why she continues to stand alone in a mix of artists that don't seem to mind being duplicates. She explains the concept of "The Element of Freedom," saying, "This album reminds us we're all looking for a way to spread our wings, a way to be limitless. Who wants to be boxed in? Nobody. This album allows us all to be free to fly."



From an lyrical standpoint "The Element of Freedom" delivers, but due to inferior production on many of the tracks, it's hard to call the album stellar. Alicia's newest release mirrors her philanthropist lifestyle, and offers music that has more of a world music sound. Her trips to Africa and abroad seem to have infiltrated her artistry.

"I've learned how to pace things better, I've learned to balance things better. One time in my life the only thing I was thinking of was getting where I was going. So finally I found through this process how to be all the things I want to be, and not go crazy in the process. Freedom set me in a whole other zone," Alicia confesses.



If you're looking for the Alicia to sing the same old song, you may be disheartened. If you don't appreciate change and growth, this album may disappoint. However, if you're not bound by a closed mind, you'll be able to experience all the elements of Alicia's new freedom.