Alicia Keys Don't Need NO ONE, performs all Instrumentation for "In Common" @ BET Awards 2016

Alicia Keys is clearly over the polished styling of the Girl On Fire era. Taking to the BET Awards to perform latest single In Common, the Diva impressively handled the entire production herself. How's that for stripping things back!

Encased by various gadgets and gizmos, Alicia cleverly tweaked, pushed and strummed the surrounding instruments to create the track's backing. It was a novel experience that kept the audience's (and my) interest right till the final note. But, maybe more importantly than that, it served a second purpose. In choosing to forgo the conventional, she set herself apart from all others who performed at the award show. And that was something she needed to do, given that Beyonce and the Prince tributes would be guaranteed to grab those column inches.

Much respect, Alicia.

[New Music] Alicia Keys Returns With "Take Care" Clone, "In Common"

Alicia Keys is back!

Having teased new music last week, the Diva made good on that promise with the release of the Illangelo-produced In Common.

Looks to me like she's taken note of the savagery last release Girl On Fire received. From the new stripped back aesthetic- see video image- to a more natural delivery (read:less shout-y), Alicia appears to be changing lanes again with the project.

[Discuss] Is Alicia Keys A Terrible Singer?

When Alicia Keys debuted in 2001 with her smash hit Fallin', she was held up as a kind of wonder kid. Hailing from a deprived area of New York, the Diva was pushed as a classically trained pianist who was as capable on the keys as she was with her own voice. And if that wasn't enough, she was a writer and a composer to boot! Truly the whole package, it was little surprise that she quickly came to Clive Davis' attention.

[Video Spam] Watch New Music From Fatih Evans, India Arie, Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey and Miley Cyrus!

We all know I'm pretty terrible at keeping on top of new releases and such- which is crazy considering I "run" a music blog. But I'm not sure if anyone else even caught the release of this new video from Faith Evans. Knowing my luck, it's an old song/video and Faith's team has only just posted it to her Vevo but since I've never heard it before, I'm posting it!

Dumb- no, I haven't resorted to name calling, that's the song's name- is an energetic, Motown-inspired romp, which pairs Faith's raspy and soulful voice with a quick tempo and playful sound to dizzying effect. Yep, the video is #BUUUUUUUDDGET but a quick wiki tells me why: the song isn't from a new album but from a compilation album, entitled R&B Divas, which was released last year. So I was kind of right and wrong about the song; it's old, but the video is new.

Still, I'm glad to have our first lady of Bad Boy back!

[Music Video] Alicia Keys and Maxwell Get Steamy In Video For "The Fire We Make"

Alicia Keys and Maxwell join forces on new single, The Fire We Make. Taken from last year's album, Girl On Fire, single number four (I think?) is a surprise choice considering the hard time Rnb is having on the charts at the moment- don't believe me, just ask Brandy. But maybe the combined musical powers of these two great singers can reignite the public's love affair with the genre.

As for me, I just can't get into the song right now- what with the sun, blue skies and 22° temperature going on outside my window. Maybe you guys will have better luck! I'll try again once ol' Helios has gone to bed.

Check out the Chris Robinson directed video below.

[Watch] Alicia Keys & Maroon Five Perform Together @ 2013 Grammy Awards

ALICIA KEYS, WHY CAN'T YOU LET GIRL ON FIRE DIE!?! SERIOUSLY!! I HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF HEARING YOU SHOUT OUT THIS SONG! ARGHHHH!

Okay....Breath.....Relax....Calm!

[Someone Get That Diva Some Vocal Rest] Alicia Keys "Star Spangled Banner," Super Bowl 2013

I appreciate what Alicia Keys was trying to do with her interpretation of the Star Spangled Banner during the Super Bowl. She's a Diva who can play an instrument, so why not let that skill get some exposure, too. It turned out to be a smart move in the end, because the truth is, it was the only salvageable component of the whole performance!

[Watch] Pink Covers Alicia Keys' "Girl On Fire"

Ever wondered how Pink's edgy pipes would handle Alicia Keys' bombastic "Girl On Fire"? Well stop it before you hurt yourself, because, through the magic of BBC's Live Lounge, it is now a reality that can be heard via Youtube!

Taking the empowering, feminist mid-tempo track, Pink gives it the "Just Like A Pill" treatment: smooshing the two songs together to form one gorgeous mixed-genre baby! I just wish her vocals had been a little bit more peppy because though good, they were just missing that fire- which Pink usually has in spades- needed to sell the lyrics fully.

Alicia Keys Performs "Brand New Me" At Royal Variety Gala

Having been subjected to a gazillion performances of Girl On Fire during Alicia Keys' relentless promotional trail, it was great to hear something different from her new album when she took to the stage at the Royal Variety Gala.

Being in Britain, and performing for its royalty, it was a smart move picking the song Brand New Me, as it was co-written with British singer-songwriter Emeli Sande. Whether it was an intentional move or not, only Alicia knows, but it was a fitting song choice.  It gave her a chance to showcase some softer vocals, as well as show fans who are worried about the musical direction of Girl On Fire that the new album still has some "classic" Alicia Keys moments on it.

[New Music Video] Alicia Keys "Girl On Fire"

Alicia Keys needs to leave her husband at home when she hits the studio, because every new song I've heard from herself and Swizz Beatz contains the same aggressive beat, and the same aggressive vocal. Just check out the her new single, Girl On Fire, and tell me it doesn't have you reaching for the Paracetamol.

Alicia Keys "A New Day" [New Music]

Alicia Keys has debuted a new song, A New Day, from her upcoming fifth studio album! Yay! Heavy beats, inspirational lyrics and an uplifting sound are what it delivers. As for the vocal, Alicia Keys is sounding coarser and throatier than ever, and much more akin to the live voice that we've heard lately.

[Vocal Profile] Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys

Vocal Type: Mezzo
Vocal Range: 3 Octaves and a semitone Bb2-B5
Whistle Register: No
Vocal Strengths: Alicia Keys is capable of singing complex vocal runs, through the registers, and is able to hold notes for periods of time without wavering in pitch or tone [Fallin'].

The lower range is easily accessed and is supported, dark and of some weight [How To Save A Life]. Unlike other singers, who become foggy, the voice remains attributable at the lower extremes with a clear ring. At the bottom there is a slight breathy quality, but the voice is comfortable and clear despite the lowered larynx.

Alicia Keys' midrange is sweet and warm, with a smokiness and slight rasp to it. There is a dual aspect to this part of the range. She can sing in a hot, breathy style that is soft and wistful [In Common]. Or, though still warm in colour, she can make the timbre rounder and more in keeping with the fuller sound of the whole range [Karma]. Her voice sounds at its most easiest here.

The belting range is weighty and thick and often shares the smoky quality of the lower range. The notes above the fifth octave are most often reached with a chest-dominate mix, and the resulting tone has a good dynamic, fuller sound and a raw edge [Girl On Fire]. Alicia Keys does have versatility here and can alter her belt, shifting it to a head-dominate position [ How Come You Don't Call Me]. The result is a sound that is purer in tone and smoother in timbre, but this comes at the expense of power and fullness.

The head voice is pure and bright with a weight and warmth [Adore]. She is also able to sing in a falsetto-like tone that is light, airy, soft and lends itself well to harmonies [Empire State Of Mind].  

Vocal Weaknesses: The way Alicia Keys maintains her thicker belting tone, without mixing, could have a negative effect on the voice, ultimately inflaming it and producing a harsher sound.

Stars Pay Musical Tribute To Whitney Houston

With a Legacy as great as Whitney Houston's, it's no surprise that singers are continuing to pay tribute, many during their own shows, to the vocal genius since her untimely death. I'm sure this will be a list that grows as time progresses, but here are those I've found so far.

Please let me know of any others missed.

Duelling Divas: "O Holy Night". Which Diva Sang It Best

What better way to celebrate this festive and cosy time of year then by pitting Diva against Diva in a deadly O Holy Night Sing off! Okay, so this isn't a new thing, having done the same thing last year with Silent Night, and it isn't that deadly really, but its still fun for me to do! Besides this year's post features the added bonuses of my comments about the versions, as well as- more importantly- the chance for you to express your opinion via the poll at the bottom!

Some fun facts about the Christmas carol, courtesy of Wikipedia of course, before we begin. O Holy Night was written by French Poet Placide Cappeau and was composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847! The words to the carol have been changed somewhat since then, and for anyone wanting to sing along as they listen, they are as follows;

New Alicia Keys- Speechless (FREE Download)

Eve and Alicia Keys "Speechless"

Alica Keys is back with a late Christmas present in the form of a new song entitled Speechless. The song also features rapper Eve and is lifted from the upcoming Swizz Beatz release, Monster Mondays.

The song has an old school vibe and a simple, laid back feel  that Alicia mirrors with a breezy vocal delivery. It's also good to hear Eve back on the scene, reminding the world how rap can sound poetic and beautiful when its telling a story.

Download Link

Visit the Monster Monday album site here, where you can get other free tracks from the album.