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The Element of Freedom (by Alicia Keys, R&B/Pop)

common sense media says

Another standout (and kid-safe) LP from soulful singer.

parents & educators say
See all 11 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this is a great album for tweens and teens eager to listen to some R&B tunes. Unlike many pop divas today, Alicia Keys doesn't use sexual innuendo or sexy images to get her point across. Sure this album is all about love and relationships, but most of the songs present positive female images. A few references to going to bed with someone and touching them pale in comparison to most modern pop songs, and Keys' musical arrangements should present a nice alternative to the over-produced, synthesized vocals most kids are used to.

Positive messages: There are several songs that present positive messages about sticking by your beliefs and not giving up on your dreams. "Wait 'til You See My Smile" is a song about not letting other people get in the way of your aspirations, and "Distance and Time" speaks to being faithful and enduring tough times, but finding your way through.
Positive role models: Keys offers up a strong female image on a few songs, with her taking the lead in relationships and demanding to be treated well: "You give me a feeling that I never felt before, and I deserve it, I know I deserve it." Other times her whole world revolves around a love affair and the acceptance of a man: "When you're gone it feels like my whole world's gone with you."
Sex: Several songs talk about touching, wanting, and feeling someone, and the most explicit lyrics might be: "wishing we could do it, do it right...this bed is too lonely without you." Still, most of the songs focus on love affairs rather than sexual escapades.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: "Empire State of Mind" includes a reference to "selling rock," but this term for crack cocaine is in the context of singing about the ups and downs of New York City life.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on The Element of Freedom

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

  • Families can talk about healthy romantic relationships. It's okay to fall head over heels for someone, but can that emotion be taken too far? Can falling in love distract you from other parts of your life or make you forget your own identity? Do you see women falling into this trap more than men in the media? Do you think TV shows and movies present an image of sex and relationships that tweens and teens try to emulate?

     

  • Families can talk about good role models. Do you think Alicia Keys is a good model for young girls? Why or why not? How does she differ from other female pop stars?

  • How can you separate appropriate lyrics from iffy content? Should you judge an album by its cover, or is it important to investigate all of the songs?

  • This album made history on Facebook as the first album to stream completely via an application. Do you think social networking sites might become the new source for music? How will that change the music business and your activity level on these sites?

What's the story?

What's the story?

It's a softer side to Alicia Keys on her latest release, THE ELEMENT OF FREEDOM, as the singer/songwriter tackles depression, vulnerability, want, and longing, all while adding some unique sounds courtesy of vintage keyboards. The album itself will go down in history not for its antique instruments, but its technological breakthrough, as the first album to stream completely via an application on Facebook.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Sometimes an album will feature a few stellar tracks and a whole lot of filler, but it's obvious that Alicia Keys wasn't phoning in any of these tracks. The R&B diva has never been one to hold back on emotion, but this release in particular appears extremely raw and accessible. Tracks like "Love is Blind" and "Doesn't Mean Anything" are beautifully arranged, and as a whole, the album performs a nice balancing act between bluesy jazz and straight-up pop. There's a whole lot of longing on this album, but fans of the genre couldn't ask for much more.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: December 15, 2009
Label: J Records
Genre: R&B/Pop
This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

sassynsweet
teen, 13 years old
11
 
l hate it when ppl tell me what to do XD
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (3)
emzy248
kid, 13 years old
9
 
i love Alicia she is one of my fave singers and she has really nice songs in this album
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keyshialove
parent of 10 year old
9
 
this is so so fun :)
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (4)
gozi
kid, 12 years old
2
 
i love alicia keys and every single song
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carmen gomez
kid, 13 years old
12
 
ANGEL ICE HEART
U CRAZY OLD LADY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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tphox
educator and parent of 16 and 19 year old
10
 
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ladibuq
teen, 16 years old
10
 
any age should listen to her
i love her she is a great role model !!!!
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kayoh9
teen, 16 years old
2
 
This song is perfect for anyone who wants to listen to it. :D
I Love love love Alicia Keys because she gives a positive message to everyone. Her music can be heard by anyone and it gives several meanings. I love all of her songs because she is a true artist that knows what she is doing. She is also a strong female figure.
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kkkarkarsis
kid, 12 years old
9
 
its very very great!!
I love alicia keys!! very beautiful and soul-ful voice!! she can also rap like not raping like soul-ful u can understand type rap
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lily vargas
kid, 12 years old
12
 
I love it so much that my child will be on it every day.
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Christian gurl
teen, 15 years old
10
 
One iffy song
its pretty good except the one iffy song "this Bed" otherwise its fine
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