I don't think anyone really knows how talented a musician Alicia Keys is anymore than they knew how talented Little Steveland Morris was back in 1962.

violator said:

On really?

violator said:

[b]I'm interested in how you're able to assess everyone's ability to recognize talent. Obviously Clive Davis knows.

BlaqueKnight said:

"anyone" was a bit of overstatement. Let me clarify. She's young. She's a pop artist under the thumb of an established hitmaker. Much like Stevie was with Berry Gordy. And he too was trumpeted as a genius at a young age. But it wasn't until he enrolled in music theory classes and broke away from Motown and Berry Gordy that the true genius began to show. Alicia Keys' primary function for Arista is to move music. Period. There's a lot of shit, I'd be willing to bet, that Clive Davis wouldn't even accept from her. No matter how good it sounds. She could be a virtuoso and you'd likely never hear it the vapid stuff she releases.

The likelihood is that she's going to grow as an artist. And perhaps with a little more freedom to create we'll be in a better position to judge her talent. I just don't think it's readily apparent one way or the other right now.

I said this many times. She always has one great song, usually the first single, but the rest of the songs are either mindlessly boring or just wack songs. A Woman's Worth? Give me a break, fake feminism, and a badly written song, to boot.

Fallin and I Don't Know Your Name are the only two great songs from her. The Prince song doesn't count.

2freaky4church1 said:

FWIW, I like "If I Ain't Got You" the best. I think "Fallin'" is overrated.

I feel her live shows are better than anything she has laid down on wax. She is incredible live. There is no doubt about that. I have yet to hear the Alicia Keys CD that I want from her yet. I will see her in concert everytime out because that is where she shines.

sofunky said:

I totally agree with you. I have seen her many times live. It seems like she is more at home on stage. As for that comment that was made on the board concerning"A Woman's Worth", What is fake about her telling women, especially black women that they are worth something? That has nothing to do with feminism....It has everything to do with self worth.

sofunky said:

Really? Do u like that off key mess she released a few months ago?

Graycap23 said:

U mean the unplugged CD? I for one enjoyed it. I was at that show so, it was a really treat to hear the finished product. U say "off-key" like she is the only singer that has sang off key once in awhile. Many singers have made a living singing off key....Brian McKnight is a perfect example and yes, even Erica Badu. She has also made a couple of bad notes. The thing is, people are so wanting to find a reason not to like Ms. Keys that they will pick something that every performer does from time to time. Again I say, Ms. Keys came along at a time when music was on life support. If you asked me, it still is. However no one will ever mention the Toni Braxton's and the Janet Jackson's of the world who have either resorted to sampling other artist in their music or wear skimpy outfits and sing stuff like, that mono toned, "He wasn't man enough, for me". Alicia's music might be based on stuff from the past, but at least she throws in her ideas within the mix.

shorttrini said:

Don't miss understand me. I like Alicia and I appreciate her skills.....but she is NOT what they hype her up 2 be. In my opinion, PROFESSIONAL artist should NOT be missing notes on a regular basis. It really turns me off.

shorttrini said:

It sounds forced

Yeah I kind of find her to overrated too. But I do like that "Unbreakable" song. That is good and cool lyrics. But yes her music doesnt' make me go wow or anything...but you have to give her credit...at least she is trying.