"No One"
Alicia Keys
(iTunes)
Alicia Keys' new album, As I Am, doesn't drop until Nov. 13, so for the time being fans of the adorable and outrageously talented pianist/singer/songwriter must settle for the lead single "No One," which just might be the best pop tune released this year. A soaring ballad about the power of love, Keys completely sells the rather maudlin lyric with a vocal that's as impressive for its expressiveness as it is for its range and acrobatics. A stately piano melody augmented by heavy yet tasteful bass thumps and synthesizer flourishes that recall a muted trumpet, it's that rare song that should appeal to fans of both Aretha and, Lord forgive 'em, Britney.
This article appears in Oct 24-30, 2007.