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Summer Series 3: Songs In A Minor

© Paula Chase-Hyman

Girl power hasn't resonated this strongly since the Spice Girls gave Pop music a fleeting but jolting tweak where it lives. Alicia Keys arrived this Spring in the midst of a Soul revival -picking up where Jill and India had not quite even left off yet.

The only thing Alicia, Jill and India really have in common are their strong foundation in R&B/Soul. In reality their sounds and styles are very different, but still refreshing and much needed.

Only 19 years old, Alicia Keys has a long career ahead of her. And unlike Pop stars, as an R&B artist she'll have more time to nurture her music and allow her voice and sound to mature. She's already well on her way with 'Songs In A Minor.' The piano plays a prominent part in almost every track and her talent as a classically trained pianst is quite evident.

True to its R&B/Soul flavor, 'Songs' maintains a mellow tone throughout. Even "Girlfriend," a dance track produced by Jermaine Dupri, provides an even, steady piano backdrop.

Keys' piano playing is beautiful and a majority of the tracks are really good listening. Though pleasing, her voice is not as powerful as I expected. I suspect it will strengthen with time as she identifies which style works best for her.

In "How Come You Don't Call Me" a remake of an old Prince classic, Keys picks up the tempo a bit and has fun with the song. But her voice seems strained sometimes as she reaches for a height she's either not ready for or not capable of obtaining.

Despite a few hiccups, very few, the project is good. Some of the CD's highlights include "Troubles", "Jane Doe," and "Mr. Man" a duet with newcomer Jimmy Crozier. Keys voice is powerful when she's in her comfort zone as with these songs.

"Mr. Man" has a funky violin piece and Keys voice floats in powerfully, the way the owner of a duet track should. She doesn't let Jimmy Crozier dominate or overpower her own vocals, so it makes for a nice blend.

On a few tracks, "Butterflyz" and "Goodbye" I almost thought I was listening to a young Mariah Carey. She doesn't have Mariah's range, and Mariah doesn't have Alicia's level of soul, but they have a similiar voice quality all the same.

"Butterflyz" is all Keys - piano and vocals. Its a melodramatic cut, but it lets her shine and like her hit single, "Fallin," gives you a preview of this young star's bright future.

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