The Diary of Alicia Keys

( 41 )

Editorial Reviews

Barnes & Noble - Mark Schwartz
Alicia Keys made one of the most startling debuts of 2001 with the Grammy-winning Songs in A Minor, which introduced a raw, 20-something talent exploring R&B, hip-hop, and jazz. While haters called the disc wildly overpraised, many more devotees made it a multiplatinum smash. Her much more accomplished follow-up, The Diary of Alicia Keys, should put an end to all arguments between naysayers and fans. Suffused with a deep soul vibe, the disc capitalizes on the Harlem-born prodigy's gifts in every way. Start with the single "You Don't Know My Name," a mid-tempo burner of the kind seldom heard these days, which boasts a spoken interlude that's a perfectly timed ...
See more details below
CD
$6.99
BN.com price
(Save 12%)$7.99 List Price
Pick Up In Store

Pick Up In Store

Reserve and pick up in 60 minutes at your local store

Other sellers (CD)
  • All (31) from $1.99   
  • New (13) from $3.95   
  • Used (18) from $1.99   

More About This Product

Editorial Reviews

Barnes & Noble - Mark Schwartz
Alicia Keys made one of the most startling debuts of 2001 with the Grammy-winning Songs in A Minor, which introduced a raw, 20-something talent exploring R&B, hip-hop, and jazz. While haters called the disc wildly overpraised, many more devotees made it a multiplatinum smash. Her much more accomplished follow-up, The Diary of Alicia Keys, should put an end to all arguments between naysayers and fans. Suffused with a deep soul vibe, the disc capitalizes on the Harlem-born prodigy's gifts in every way. Start with the single "You Don't Know My Name," a mid-tempo burner of the kind seldom heard these days, which boasts a spoken interlude that's a perfectly timed emotional payoff in an R&B sea of lame "intros," "outtros," and skits, Keys shows how it's done. Keys may have ushered in a wave of neo-soul with her Grammy wins, but few retro crooners try on as many '70s styles so successfully. She invokes gospel, piano blues, Burt Bacharach, Gladys Knight & the Pips, and the Isley Brothers -- even her collaboration with Timbaland, "Heartburn," is a note-perfect send-up of blaxploitation soundtracks. Keys doesn't rely on old-school sounds to signal her authenticity, however; her strikingly emotive vocals the "If I Was Your Woman" remake is shades of, dare we say it, Mary J. Blige and sensitive co-productions with Kerry "Krucial" Brothers do that. Only one clunker, the Lord of the Rings–decked "Dragon Days," tries too hard. Everywhere else, the piquant orchestrations and muscular funk make for a right-as-rain backdrop to Keys's romantic musings. It's easy to forget that she is accompanying herself on piano, as Aretha did, until she tosses off some virtuosic run or short, classically inspired instrumental. While Alicia Keys draws inspiration from the past, with Diary she can look forward to a long and promising career.
Rolling Stone - Rob Sheffield
Keys evokes Gladys Knight ("If I Was Your Woman") and Dionne Warwick ("Walk On By"), but the seductive adult spell of "You Don't Know My Name" is all her own.
Entertainment Weekly - David Browne
As if recognizing the need to shake things up, The Diary of Alicia Keys kicks off with some of Keys' liveliest music. [B]
Blender - Kris Ex
Still a fresh face at 22, Keys has created an enthusiastic album full of masterful strokes and electrifying intensity.
New York Post
1/2 On this record, Keys shows nothing but love for traditional R&B and gospel, yet the record is stylistically diverse, displaying an equal talent for contemporary pop and hip-hop. Dan Aquilante
Daily News - Jim Farber
A Keys original like "If I Ain't Got You" has the full melody and shout-to-the-rafters chorus that fired songs like Aretha's "Ain't No Way." "You Don't Know My Name," mines the smooth soul of a Stylistics classic.

As if recognizing the need to shake things up, The Diary of Alicia Keys kicks off with some of Keys' liveliest music. [B]
Read More Show Less

Product Details

  • Release Date: 12/2/2003
  • Label: J-Records
  • UPC: 828765571227
  • Catalog Number: 55712
  • Sales rank: 1,167

Tracks

Disc 1
  1. 1 Harlem's Nocturne (1:43)
  2. 2 Karma (4:16)
  3. 3 Heartburn (3:28)
  4. 4 If I Was Your Woman/Walk on By (3:06)
  5. 5 You Don't Know My Name (6:06)
  6. 6 If I Ain't Got You (3:48)
  7. 7 Diary (4:44)
  8. 8 Dragon Days (4:36)
  9. 9 Wake Up (4:27)
  10. 10 So Simple (3:49)
  11. 11 When You Really Love Someone (4:09)
  12. 12 Feeling U, Feeling Me (2:07)
  13. 13 Slow Down (4:18)
  14. 14 Samsonite Man (4:12)
  15. 15 Nobody Not Really (2:56)
Read More Show Less

Album Credits

Performance Credits
Alicia Keys Primary Artist, Synthesizer, Piano, Keyboards, Background Vocals, Multi Instruments, fender rhodes, Synthesizer Piano
Artie "Blues Boy" White Guitar
Sanford Allen Violin, Concert Master
Elijah Baker Bass
Julien Barber Viola
Katreese Barnes Background Vocals
Pablo Batista Percussion
Fred Cash Bass
Robert Chausow Viola
Barry Finclair Viola
Eileen Folson Cello
Stanley Hunte Violin
Cindy Mizelle Background Vocals
Timothy Christian Riley Piano
Joe Romano Horn
John Jubu Smith Guitar
Peter Vanderwater Viola
Willie Weeks Bass
Richard Brice Viola
Avril Brown Violin
Artie Reynolds Bass
Dale Stuckenbruck Violin
Maxine Roach Viola
Marisol Espada Cello
Marion Pinheiro Violin
Alexander Vselensky Violin
Caryl Paisner Cello
Ronnie Drayton Guitar
Xin Zhao Violin
Andre Harris Multi Instruments
Onree Gill Hammond Organ, fender rhodes
Arcel Vickers Organ
Lori Miller Violin
Andricka Hall Background Vocals
Steve Jordan Drums
Vidal Davis Multi Instruments
Kurt Briggs Violin
Rich Harrison Multi Instruments
L.C. Green Background Vocals
Paul Alexandre John Drums
Harold Lilly Background Vocals
Gwendolyn Laster Violin
Jerimiah "Jermaine" Paul Background Vocals
Ricky Quinones Guitar
John Legend Background Vocals
Erika Rose Background Vocals
Taneisha Smith Background Vocals
Technical Credits
Burt Bacharach Composer
J.R. Bailey Composer
Tony Black Engineer
Sam Hopkins Composer
Easy Mo Bee Producer, Digital Programming
Ray Chew String Arrangements, String Conductor
Hal David Composer
Melvin Kent Composer
Herb Powers Mastering
Pam Sawyer Composer
Timbaland Producer
Andre Harris Composer, Producer
Ann Mincieli Engineer
Kanye West Composer
Vidal Davis Composer, Producer
Peter Edge Executive Producer
Rich Harrison Composer, Producer
Alicia Keys Composer, Producer, String Arrangements
L.C. Green Composer
Harold Lilly Composer
Vincent Dilorenzo Engineer
Chris LeBeau Artwork
Wouri Vice Assistant Hair Stylist
Candice Nelson Composer
Erika Rose Composer
Taneisha Smith Composer
Walter Millsap Composer, Engineer
Read More Show Less

Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4.5
( 41 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(31)

4 Star

(6)

3 Star

(1)

2 Star

(0)

1 Star

(3)

Your Rating:

Review Guidelines
Add Recommendations
Your Name: Create a Pen Name or

Barnes & Noble.com Review Rules

Our reader reviews allow you to share your comments on titles you liked, or didn't, with others. By submitting an online review, you are representing to Barnes & Noble.com that all information contained in your review is original and accurate in all respects, and that the submission of such content by you and the posting of such content by Barnes & Noble.com does not and will not violate the rights of any third party. Please follow the rules below to help ensure that your review can be posted.

Reviews by Our Customers Under the Age of 13

We highly value and respect everyone's opinion concerning the titles we offer. However, we cannot allow persons under the age of 13 to have accounts at BN.com or to post customer reviews. Please see our Terms of Use for more details.

What to exclude from your review:

Please do not write about reviews, commentary, or information posted on the product page. If you see any errors in the information on the product page, please send us an email.

Reviews should not contain any of the following:

  • - HTML tags, profanity, obscenities, vulgarities, or comments that defame anyone
  • - Time-sensitive information such as tour dates, signings, lectures, etc.
  • - Single-word reviews. Other people will read your review to discover why you liked or didn't like the title. Be descriptive.
  • - Comments focusing on the author or that may ruin the ending for others
  • - Phone numbers, addresses, URLs
  • - Pricing and availability information or alternative ordering information
  • - Advertisements or commercial solicitation

Reminder:

  • - By submitting a review, you grant to Barnes & Noble.com and its sublicensees the royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable right and license to use the review in accordance with the Barnes & Noble.com Terms of Use.
  • - Barnes & Noble.com reserves the right not to post any review -- particularly those that do not follow the terms and conditions of these Rules. Barnes & Noble.com also reserves the right to remove any review at any time without notice.
  • - See Terms of Use for other conditions and disclaimers.
Search for Products You'd Like to Recommend

Recommend other products that relate to your review. Just search for them below and share!

Create a Pen Name

Your Pen Name is your unique identity on BN.com. It will appear on the reviews you write and other website activities. Your Pen Name cannot be edited, changed or deleted once submitted.

 
Your Pen Name can be any combination of alphanumeric characters (plus - and _), and must be at least two characters long.

Continue Anonymously
See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 41 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    No Match For Anyone

    Wow. Thats all I can say. Alicia keys has an amazing voice, and is even more amazing at playing the piano. She also seems like a good role model. Thanks for entering the music industry!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Sassy Soulful Sensation

    I listen to Ms. Alicia Keys self-titled diary when I feeling blue and when I am empowered. It lifts me up to higher grounds. Her deep-rooted symphony of music allows one to feel the pain, empathy and happiness of it all. In her words, "What you say to me; Don't play with me; What goes around comes around; What goes up must come down". Enjoy the music and seductive sound of an artist who is truly unique and blessed with God-given talents.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    This Album is Awesome

    This album is awesome. Everybody will like it

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    I LOVE THIS ALBUM!!!!

    I just thought this album was g-r-e-a-t!! My favorite songs were: If I ain't got you, If I was your woman, Karma, and So Simple.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    pretty good

    i *really* like alicia keys, but i really wasn't blown away by this cd. at first, i really didn't like it. but eventually a lot of songs grew on me and i really like them now. i still like the first one better but this album seems like she's more mature. i really like "diary" "you dont know my name" and "when you really love someone". at first i hated these songs but they grew on me: "karma" and "if i ain't got you". like i said, i like alicia keys but i don't think this is the best, thats why i gave it 3 stars. i do think she's very talented though. i hope to hear great things from her in the future

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    a rising star

    Alicia Keys stands out with her amazing talent in a way that no one has for me since Mary J Blige and Aretha Franklin. She's got a gorgeous voice soulfully hitting notes I can't get near too (trust me I've tried) yet her youth comes through is her spirit and uplifting lyrics. she's got that spunk of other great girls like TLC and Destiny's Child, but no offense to them far better lyrics. so keep doing your thing Alicia you're a queen baby girl!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    A Real Gifted Young Lady

    Alicia really is sincere and is not afraid to be herself not following the crowd. I love the fact she has REAL, HEARTFELT music. I truly enjoyed listening to "Diary" and "If I Ain't Got You."

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Sweet and soulful

    When I hear her sing "If I Ain't Got You" that song is for my 8 month old son, Tyler. I sing that to him & he smiles and it makes me cry. The words in that song are exactly the love that I feel for my son. It truly does make me cry.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    ALICIA KEYS IS HOT LIKE FIRE

    ALICIA GIRL YOU DID IT AGAIN, YOU ARE ON FIRE WITH THIS ALBUM ITS ABSOLUTELY GREAT KEEP DOING YOUR THING, YOU ARE VERY TALENTED AND YOU DESERVE MORE THAN 5 STARS...KEEP IT UP!!!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    This is the worst Cd ever

    I can't believe anyone would by this Cd. People that buy this Cd must be def cuz they don't here how bad the songs are. Alicia Keys needs to stop making soulful music like "you don't know my name" and go something along the lines of Aaliyah.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Amazing

    This is a beautiful album.Alicia has done a great job."Diary" is a beautiful song,the whole album is fantastic.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Songs in A Minor was only minor, but this is MAJOR.

    I think that Alicia really showed what she could do on this one. It is grammy-worthy just as much as the other one was. I am sort of surprised that Rolling Stone gave it 3 stars instead of 4, though. The thing that I absolutely love about this c.d. is that the first song is a classical type peice but she makes it here own,(Harlem Nocturne), she did the same thing on Songs in A Minor except with Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. The songs are extremely good on it, you don't tend to skip over the rest of the songs after the fifth song like you might have with the last c.d. There is a Motown sort of feel too it, with jazz, r&b, hip-hop, soul, classical all in one in each song. Her vocals soar through the roof.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    I can't believe how good this was.

    Alicia Keys proved herself as a multi-talented musician with the release of her first album, Songs in A minor. Her follow up album matches her first in both quality and soul. With each song Alicia presents we see a different aspect of her life. She allows you to both see and feel what she does through her music. This is a talent not often seen in someone so young and also a breath of new life from the previous greats in her genre. More than anything Alicia Keys has real talent. This, paired with her inner and outer beauty, is sure to create even more award winning hits and a new following of both the young and the old.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Second CD is Awesome!!!!!

    Alicia Keys continues to bring that "Soulful Sound" that reminds me so legedary artists like Areatha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, and Gladys Knight, and so on. I recommend this CD to anyone who wants to hear "real" music.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Off the Hook

    Excellant go and get it

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Alicia does it all~ again

    Only this time, she puts alot more soul into this album. Her vocals are amazing, as always, and the piano on this record is very original and goes well with the smooth, sexy rhythms and urban beats. It seems as though this woman put alot of effort into "The Diary of Alicia Keys", it shows. It really does.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Soulful

    A beautiful cd with very touchng lyrics. A nice break from all the booty shaking!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    A. Keys hits high note for Diary

    In a world full of Booty shakin and non talent, I know I can count on A. Keys to deliver REAL soul music that touches the heart. This young woman is in a class by herself. Songs like "Diary", "If I Ain't Got You" and "So Simple", make this album soulful yet funky. I love this album and A. Keys because she has the guts to make music that she loves and doesn't care who likes it or not. GO ALICIA!!!! (Make room for more Grammy Awards!!)

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    A young lady bringing the pain!

    I've admired Alicia Keys since the first time I heard her sing Fallin. Her talent is as original as her style. Her music is unbelievably mature for such a young woman. The lyrics are thought provoking and for those of us that have been in love, we can truly relate. Like I said, she's bringing the pain!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    To Alicia Keys from Alicia Herbert

    I absolutely enjoy listening to Alicia Keys she has inspired me from the first time that i saw her on television and no-one can tell me anything to change my mind about her. i went to her concert and enjoyed watching perform infront of her audience she was so energetic i was sooooooo happy to see and would've loved to go back stage and meet her i wass soooooo happy when i was told that i was going to go see her at London Arena that i even cried.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 41 Customer Reviews