Alicia Keys & Maxwell: Fire we make
920028
I heard this song on the radio one morning and instanly fell in love with it. The DJ was playing it as the next hit on her new CD. From the first note I paused stopped what I was doing and turned up the radio. The rich warm sultry tone of her voice, the sweet melody, and when Maxwell starts to sing - OMG! It took me back to the days when couples slow danced, swaying to a rhythmic beat and vibe that you just don't hear in music much anymore. I instantly went to Amazon to download it and play it several times a day. I have recommended it to family members and they are enthused as well. Anyone who loves Alicia Keys and Maxwell will want this song for their collection. Anyone who likes wonderful music that takes them back to their yesterdays will want it as well. I recommend this song. It will bring a smile to your face and have you swaying to the music.
2590509
I bought the album when it came out. Very disappointed Alicia has done better before with her music. I still Love her as an artist though.
1289351
I brought alicia's album with a little hast, i had liked the last two singles but had heard that her album was more a relax album (which i think is always good for the fast living of today)so i started listening to it and found that it was becoming my favourate album of the year. With many of the songs being favourite. i suggest that you go and buy it because allthough it has a few slow songs it also has cool fast songs that i find to be easy listening. This album appeals to ALL if you are interested!!!
4912022
Alicia Keys is probably the greatest performer of our time. But, this is not her best CD. After the tour-de-fouce that is As I Am, this is a disappointing entry. However, there are several tracks that remind us once again that Alicia IS the best around. While you may not feel like it's the greatest purchase you ever made, Alicia will not disappoint you.
4221362
Takes off where the Black Keys paused.  This collaboration of creative musicians is substantial.  Listen to it over & over.
1244706
I did had to buy her second album 1st before I start getting her first album. I hear she's has a wonderful talent and a good voice 'cause she reminds me some greats I listen while in my childhood incl. Marvin Gaye, Ray Charles, Prince, Michael Jackson, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Duke Ellington, Aretha Franklin, Grover Washington Jr., Kool and the Gang, R. Kelly, Etta James, Mary J. Blige, Charlie Parker, and especially some hip-hop greats like 2Pac, Biggie, A Tribe Called Quest (who are my favorite rap groups 2 date incl. Kanye who is my other favorite), Jay-Z, Nas, Missy, Busta, and so on and on.

This is one of the original R&B/Neo-Soul Albums she put out in 2001. As to say, she's a classically-trained pianist (which many may request) and she has her own talents and proving that she'll make a success in the music industry. I believe that Alicia has it all since I start hearing her on TV (e.g. MTV, Vh1, BET, etc.) and on the radio too. The problem is I don't understand why a lot of people are calling her "A no success person" or why they say that this album sucks. 'cuz it's full of dull songs and/or ballads in or something. Believe me, I don't care. 'Cause I love the album and for those that don't but it would miss out a whole new era of R&B.

Anyway, long period short, When I start listen to this album, I heard originally about 6, 7, or so songs off the album. The reason why I didn't buy it yet while I was at school 'cause I had a lot of education to do. But now that I graduated from high school, I still have the oppurtunity to go out and get it.

Because I'm a big supporter to her and she's my inspiration to follow.

I luv the way when she walk out with 5 Grammys(back in '02) alongside Beyonce, Norah Jones, Lauryn Hill, etc. and begin talking a lot of interviews about where she begin a success as a solo artist and how she learned to play the piano at an early age. Orignally, she is a native of New York, a part of Manhattan, NY which I recall. I would love to come and work with her in the future. 'cause I'm 19 years old and I play the trumpet very professionally.

Well back to the album some of my favorite songs to date are Fallin, A Woman's Worth, How Come U Don't Call Me, The Life, Loving U, Troubles, etc. I hear she has special guests on the album incl. Brian McKnight (who is my favorite influence), Issac Hayes, Jimmy Cozier (whom I don't like much, but maybe 1 day I'll listen to him to see he's good), and Miri Ben-Ari (the hip-hop violinist who is about to put out an album in the spring of next year, I hear that her new single is doin' great since I download it.).

I still luv her as an artist and hope that she'll put more albums in the future. Peace and love ya'll.

(And especially check out her upcoming memoir entitled THE DIARY OF ALICIA KEYS of the same album coming up next year)
3089617
I have been listening to Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite CD since 1996. I have enjoyed every note of the music that he produces. Maxwell has many God given talents and many gifts. He has  shared these blessings with music  lovers such as myself and my entire family. I am constantly encouraging the  "uninformed" who don't know about Maxwell, to check him out. To  explore the wonderful world that he has created for us to enjoy. I thank  God for this young man and the talents that he has blessed him with. But  most of all I am most thankful for Maxwell recognizing his talents and  sharing with us, his visions.
4893107
If you like R&B, then Alicia Keys' 2nd CD - The Diary of Alicia Keys - is definitely for you.  This is a fantastic sophomore effort.  The smooth vocals on hip-hop beats is great.  Her songs really inspire you, and there is at least one song that somebody can relate to.  A great turn from her 1st CD, which was also great.
2976576
In case you're wondering about the title of this review; Sex Without An Orgasm: 1, 2 and 3 would refer to Alicia Keys' three studio releases. It isn't that I dislike what Laura Izibor has done here, in fact, it is often times quite refreshing and inoffensive for the most part; I still find myself wanting, however. The first sensation that I got from an inital listen was: "Now this strangely reminds me of Alicia Keys, but somehow deeper and more emotionally penetrating." Laura's more consistent use of live instrumentation and the bouncy, piano-driven "From My Heart to Yours" made this CD purchase of $9.99 a worthwhile endeavor (Sadly there isn't anything else like "From My Heart to Yours" to be found on the album and any suggestions of a higher price would've been totally unacceptable.) The tracks previous to "From My Heart to Yours" build up somewhat nicely with their carefully constructed string and guitar sections, but I keep finding myself with a lingering aftertaste of generic adult contemporary formulae even after repeated listenings. The two tracks directly following "From My Heart to Yours" and the final track on the album are far more palatable and actually left me pondering the possibility of a collaboration between Ms. Izibor and Ms. Keys. Maybe even the formation of a supergroup or sorts. Overall, this isn't a bad debut album. It sounds thoroughly different from all the other tired R&B offerings out there and like the work of John Legend it has the potential for crossover appeal that doesn't stifle it's soulfulness. I will close out this review stating that I have rarely felt a craving to revisit this album so for deeper satisfaction I would be more inclined to recommend the latest releases from Anthony Hamilton or Chrisette Michelle.
1259410
Keys continues to shine with her sophomore effort, "The Diary of Alicia Keys".  I was starting to worry since it had been quite a while since we've heard from her in solo format, but she's come through again...a bit softer and a bit more reflective.
The disc starts out with Harlem's Nocturne, which I swear was left off "Songs In A Minor", it mirrors that material to a T.  Then comes (a tie) my favorite track, Karma.  Such wicked strings, vocal harmonies and underlying beat...not to mention great lyrics and performance by Keys.  The other track (favorite tie) is If I Was Your Woman/Walk On By.  You can describe this track in one word: soulful, just check out the bass line - smoothness!  Another standout was If I Ain't Got You, a nice jam.
I was a bit shocked/surprised after a full listen that You Don't Know My Name was selected as the debut single.  It's ok, but far from the best song or material on this disc.  One track that really got on my nerves was Heartburn, track 3.  This song was not in synch with the rest of recording, but oh well.
This is a solid release and should score her a few Top 10 singles.  The magic is still there...there's just not as much of it.
2918561
Maxwell's debut CD was nothing short of amazing. It has a mix of smooth r&b, funk, and sensuality to it. When i first heard it, i knew i was listening to a guy who was mature and his music is for grown folks. The funny thing is, when it first came out in 96, i was only 21, but i was always into more mature music even back then. With songs like Ascension, Welcome, Til the cops come knockin, Dancewitme, & Whenever, Wherever, Whatever, he gives you a wide range of sounds. It's a diverse CD for different listeners and it has been my favorite since it first came out. I can't imagine anybody who likes r&b for grown folks who don't have it, but if not, go get it and don't keep missing out on incredible music from a really talented artist.
849248
The first Keyshia song I heard was actually her 4th single "Love". I honestly HATE that song, and it was so overplayed on the radio and on BET's "106 and Park" at the beginning of 2006. It seems like "Love" was too big of a song for Keyshia - when I listened to that it sounds like she can't sing and doesn't have a good voice, but that isn't the case with the rest of her album, that I was to find out later. "Love" was the only song of Keyshia's that I had heard and assumed that the rest of her CD was like that.

Just recently for the heck of it I previewed the rest of the songs on her album, and they sounded really good. I bought the CD and I absoultely LOVE it! I am constantly playing it on repeat all day at work, and find myself not listening to anything else but this CD. KC's got beautiful harmonizing and background vocals in the tracks, and her voice just flows over the songs like velvet. A great way to describe Keyshia is that she sounds like a cross between Alicia Keys and Shareefa.

My favorite tracks are:  (I Just Want It) To Be Over, I Changed My Mind, I Should've Cheated, Guess What, Situation, and Never (a cute cover/sample of Luther Vandross's "Never Too Much.")

Excellent CD, Keyshia! I can't wait for your next CD!
2858494
I really love this CD the music is just great for listening pleasure, and dancing and for modeling . Maxwell has a very beautiful voice. We received it in no time .
4421460
Monsoon is delicious! A sensual blend of love and life. This sexy couple blends their talents into a collection of songs that will delight the senses while asking those important questions of our conscience. Each song caressing the ears with beautiful melodies that touch the heart and soul. I can't wait to hear their next album!
2563013
I must admit, I no longer buy cd's anymore but download it legally from iTunes, where I have the power to choose the songs I like in an album, and I loved every track in this fantastic album.  When I first heard of Alicia Keys, I didn't understand what the big hype was about.  I thought her first album wasn't very good.  I thought she had the talent but the debut album was borderline pop.  Perhaps Quincy Jones had too much of an influence; the album seemed too simplistic, made ready for the MTV audience.  Whatever the case, her lyrics have matured somewhat but her style of delivery has changed immensely.  This is the best R&B/hip-hop album I've heard since Lauryn Hill's Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.  The 1st track, "harlem's nocturne" hooks you in as she prepares you with the events that's about to unfold, delivering a pulsating piano rhythm as Alicia welcomes you into her diary.  There's not a track wasted in this wonderful album.  From the playful talking on her cell phone of "You don't know my name" to the piano playing in the background that sounds like water cascading through stream, I was transported back to the sounds of the sixties and seventies of Gladys Knight, Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield, but with a modern hip-hop style.  I really liked the addition of a violin to the track, "karma", which gave it more layers to the traditionally strong bass and drum rhythm.  Kudos to "Heartburn" with the addition of horns.  Although many songs have strong energy derived from the drum and base rhythm, there are several ballads such as "If I ain't got you" and "When you really love someone" that are delivered with elegant piano playing with playful and soulful singing by Alicia.  Soul is something that you feel and not something that's just produced for the sound and I feel her emotion on these beautiful tracks.  It's rare these days in the midst of MTV-lead pop and rap domination on subjects of the bling bling and the art of being cool, that an album can produce much emotion from a listening experience, but this album delivers that, and more, especially on the ballads.  Even on the track, "So simple" - a favorite when I workout - the piano works as a smooth over-layer on the pulsating drum and bass line.  If you long for the R&B/Soul style of the late 60's and early 70's; the greatest period in its' genre, fusing with the style of modern hip-hop, adding a touch of jazz and classical instruments: this is the album for you!  An extremely polished album that deserves every accolade that comes along the way, I love listening to this album with my iPod in tow.
2412944
Not one to buy "popular" music very much, imagine my surprise when after purchasing this CD based on a review I read that it has become one of my favorite pieces of music.
This young lady has more talent in her right hand than I have heard in a very long time.  Her voice is amazing and her talent on the keyboards is astounding.
Beyonce can get the accolades and the others can take turns seeing who can show the most skin in their videos but talent, true talent, trumps all.  Alicia Keys is true unadulterated and amazingly wonderful talent.
Buy this CD. You will be rewarded with an amazing piece of work.
3320499
As a certified white boy, I've been pretty disillusioned with R&B lately.  What used to be a lively, exciting music genre full of remarkable artists has been weakened by overproduced songs, lackluster writing and too many sound-alike divas.  Now, along comes Alicia Keys to renew my faith with her outstanding album, Songs in A Minor.
Keys is a genuine talent, with real vocal chops, and she's made music her priority.  While others are trading in embarrassing displays of sexuality or glass-shattering caterwauling (Mariah) or trying to obscure their weak singing behind layers of studio gloss (Janet), Alicia gives it to you direct.  Just good songs, clean production and simple arrangements... and what could be sexier than that?
I can't give this five stars because it's a bit uneven overall, but some of the songs are totally killer (including "Girlfriend", "Fallin'", "Butterflyz", "Mr. Man" and the stellar Prince cover "How Come You Don't Call Me").
If you've been waiting for a great R&B record to come along... even if you're a hopelessly square white boy like me... Songs in A Minor won't disappoint.
On a side note: How come Alicia chooses to spell out the word "You" in the title of her Prince cover (something Prince would NEVER do!), but she abbreivates her own composition as "Rock Wit U"?  What's up wit U Alicia?