From her debut ‘Songs in A Minor’ to ‘The Diary of Alicia Keys’ Alica Keys has been around long enough to make good music She is another great vocalist who came to fame only in 2001, but has managed to make millions of fans happy with her music.

After a gap of four years, her fourth studio album is a tad different from her earlier work. ‘As I Am’ sums up her musical experience in just a few words. Keys starts off her album playing on the ivory keys to an instrumental and musical intro that prepares the listener to attentively get ready for her musical experience. The lead single off the album is the pumpy organ based No One has caught on well. The well tuned  thumping Teenage love affair and Go ahead displays the album’s hip-hop element. She pulls in John Mayer to contribute on the piano based tuneful Lesson learned.

Keys can be seen as more mature, focused, and confident artist on this album. Her voice and sound is a bit edgier, but it’s still Alicia, keying in the right notes. She’s the all rounder who produces soulful melodies and sounds, meaningful lyrics which listeners can find on this album that consists of R&B, pop and a slice of hip hop. This album cements all her previous work by surely being a top notch entry on the charts.

As Grammy presenter for the second year this year, Keys gave a brilliant rendition of her music at the 62^nd Grammy awards this year.

More power to her and her music.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira