{"product_id":"as-i-am-by-alicia-keys-soulful-third-studio-album","title":"As I Am by Alicia Keys - Soulful Third Studio Album","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of As I Am, the third studio album by Alicia Keys, the bottom line is simple: listeners seeking a mature, soulful collection of songs will find lasting value here. Recorded between 2005 and 2007 and released by J Records, As I Am showcases Keys' songwriting and vocal control across a blend of contemporary jazz, R\u0026amp;B and subtle hip-hop influences. The album's production, led largely by Keys alongside Kerry \"Krucial\" Brothers, Jack Splash and Linda Perry, delivers a warm, full sound that highlights the artist's voice as the central instrument.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eArtist and songwriting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Alicia Keys wrote and co-produced much of the album, giving it a cohesive, personal tone that benefits listeners who value artist-driven records.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProduction team:\u003c\/strong\u003e Produced primarily by Keys, Kerry \"Krucial\" Brothers, Jack Splash and Linda Perry, the album offers consistent, high-quality arrangements that support the vocals without overwhelming them.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGuest contribution:\u003c\/strong\u003e A guest appearance from John Mayer adds a complementary musical texture, offering variety without distracting from the album's core sound.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGenre diversity:\u003c\/strong\u003e The record moves comfortably between contemporary jazz, R\u0026amp;B and hip-hop-tinged tracks, providing a varied listening experience for fans of adult alternative and pop.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRecording period:\u003c\/strong\u003e Recorded across multiple studios from 2005 to 2007, the album benefits from careful crafting and attention to detail that shows in the sound quality.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis album is ideal for listeners who appreciate strong vocal performances and intimate, well-crafted songwriting. Fans of soulful adult alternative and contemporary pop will find the album's blend of styles and the warmth of the production particularly appealing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose seeking experimental electronic music, heavy rock, or dance-floor oriented pop may want to look elsewhere, as As I Am favors organic instrumentation, piano-driven arrangements and vocal-centered songs over club-ready production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConsistent, high-quality production that highlights Alicia Keys' voice and songwriting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoulful performances and varied genres that keep the album engaging across several listens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGuest contribution and collaborations add tasteful variety without detracting from the album's identity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe album's restrained, organic style may feel too mellow for listeners seeking energetic, upbeat pop or electronic sounds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTitle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAs I Am\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eArtist\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAlicia Keys\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLabel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJ Records \/ Legacy Recordings\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRelease date\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNovember 9, 2007\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecording period\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2005 - 2007\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrimary producers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAlicia Keys; Kerry \"Krucial\" Brothers; Jack Splash; Linda Perry\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGuest musician\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJohn Mayer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs I Am is a thoughtfully produced, vocally driven album that will satisfy listeners who value songwriting and soulful performances. Its varied yet cohesive sound and high production quality make it a good value for anyone building a collection of adult alternative or contemporary R\u0026amp;B records.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen was As I Am released?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs I Am was released on November 9, 2007, after recording sessions held from 2005 to 2007.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho produced the album?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe album was produced primarily by Alicia Keys, Kerry \"Krucial\" Brothers, Jack Splash and Linda Perry, with a guest contribution from John Mayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat styles of music are on the album?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe record blends contemporary jazz, R\u0026amp;B and hip-hop influences, favoring organic arrangements and vocal-led songs.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Legacy Recordings","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48192784826587,"sku":"B000WVZ9GC","price":34.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/81WMRVC8acL._SL1500.jpg?v=1770221207","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/as-i-am-by-alicia-keys-soulful-third-studio-album","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}