Alicia Keys’ third studio album As I Am arrives in stores tomorrow. Here’s what the critics are saying.
Entertainment Weekly: She’s ascended from R&B upstart to actress-spokesmodel-music diva, all of her varied sensibilities — rap, soul, classical — have folded into a tidier, pop package. The result is Keys’ most polished — if, at times, edgeless — album to date. B
Boston Herald: Keys frequently and undeniably channels Gladys Knight. And her classy, classic sound evokes Knight, too, along with Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. A
New York Times: As I Am radiates not just confidence but also experience. On the whole it’s her strongest effort yet. Her lyrics maintain a professional distance, reaching toward emotional truths that feel universal, or at least relatable.