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The Diary of Alicia Keys (by Alicia Keys, R&B)

common sense media says

This CD sounds like liquid silk.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this easy-on-the-ears pop album displays Alicia Keys' vocal talents beautifully. There's a bit of heavy breathing and innuendo, but mostly there's a lot of very good singing. In the role-model department, young girls could do a whole lot worse.

Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: There's nothing explicit -- a few mildly suggestive lyrics here and there.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on The Diary of Alicia Keys

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about creating powerful music while keeping it clean. Do lyrics need to have swearing or sexual references to stand out?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Alicia Keys isn't above a gimmicky moment or two on THE DIARY OF ALICIA KEYS. The thing is, even the gimmicks work on this lovely album. There's a long spoken section on "You Don't Know My Name," for example, in which Keys plays the part of a waitress ("You know, the one with the braids?") taking a huge risk and calling one of her regular customers for a date. A silly conceit, but it ends up sounding pretty real when she fesses up that even though the restaurant manager will "be trippin' talkin' about we gotta use water," she makes this guy's hot chocolate with milk and cream because she thinks he's sweet. We've all been there, in that heart-pounding rejection-risking moment, and there's nothing wrong with sharing such feelings of vulnerability once in a while.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
The music and messages that Keys delivers are of her usual high standards. In "Slow Down," she urges her lover -- and perhaps herself, too -- to take things a little slower. A little contrived, with soft, sexy vocals playing against a classic makeout-room musical arrangement, but the message is there, loud and clear, for girls to hear. Alicia Keys' stunning vocals, set against exquisite piano interludes and dramatic string arrangements, make this diary a true keepsake.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: December 2, 2003
Label: J Records
Genre: R&B

This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 
 

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What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

Grant
adult
 
SHE IS SOO INSPIRING!!!!
III LLLOOOVVEE ITTTT!!!!!

 
I love her music!
I have to say, Alicia Keys has really made a name for herself-not in a bad way though. Her amazing talent is for any age! I would recommend this to anyone who loves great piano playing and singing. Truly an uplifting album!

Karluveva13
teen, 14 years old
 
Perfect 4 all ages
Alicia Keys did a good job on this CD. This CD is beautiful and relaxing. The point of this CD was to show people how love is before money and how you should never put money before the one you love. Alicia Keys voice is very engaging and helped me calm down.

 
It's Deep!
Since her musical breakthrough, Alicia Keys has been one of my favorite artists. She has a style that is uniquely her own, a voice to die for, and the soulful lyrics that speaks to you. For theses reasons, she has reinvented soul for the hip-hop, R&B, and rap generation. However, the issues about love, rejection, and etc. are directed to serve as a voice for a mature audience. While there is nothing offensive about her music, I think you gotta be a little older to understand and appreciate The Diary of Alicia Keys.

 
Alicia Keys' "The Diary of Alicia Keys" is a very soothing CD. It teaches us lessons like you dont need to be rich or own everything as long as you are with the person you love. I loved the way she puts lessons in her songs and makes them seem as if they werent lessons at all.

cutie97
teen, 14 years old
 
I love this song
This song is the best and Alicia Keys is a very good singer

9hemmatip
teen, 14 years old
 
Best album of all time
This is my fave album of all TIME!!!! Make sure you listen to Diary, You Don't Know My Name & Wake Up. AWESOME!

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