Songs in A minor by Alicia Keys

To the pop music industry, the current success of newcomer Alicia Keys is proof that Clive Davis, one of the greatest music producers of all time, remains a massive force to reckon with. The man behind the recording success of names like Barbra Streisand, Neil Diamond, Simon and Garfunkel, Kenny Loggins, Blood Sweat & Tears, Barry Manilow, Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton and so many others has also had one of the most tempestuous careers ever.

Davis started out with CBS, which he steered to new heights and sent rocking into the ’70s. Unfortunately he later left the label under very unpleasant circumstances. Then he founded Arista, which also became very successful until the moneymen behind the label decided that it was time he "retired" to make way for new blood. After again some unpleasantness, Davis did retire from Arista but in exchange for that he got a new label, J Records.

Now all those who thought he was ready to become an older statesman for pop music, who woud be great for display and occasional tributes are eating very unpalatable humble pie. Barely a year into J Records, Davis is back on top with a very strong one-two punch. First act out was the talented boy band O-Town, which became a hit. And then recently there came the sensational Alicia Keys who has the number one selling single in the US of A today, Fallin’.

I do not know if 19-year-old Alicia is really surnamed Keys. If she is, then you can truly call it serendipitous that she is making her mark as a singer who also plays the piano when she performs. If not, then whoever thought of giving her the surname had a stroke of genius. It makes for easy identification and distinguishes her from all the other teen-aged pop divas around. Otherwise, she will just be another pretty girl with a great voice like Mariah, Christina, Brandy, etc., etc. But as Alicia Keys, who is so distinct from the rest.

And distinct she really is. Alicia Keys is a genius. She was born and raised in Manhattan where her mother guided her through piano lessons in preparation for a career as a classical pianist. But her fantastic lung power, unique pop touch with the piano and the ability to compose her own materials, plus being surrounded by R&B while growing up in New York City, took her away from the concert stage and brought her to the pop charts.

After having her pick of the top music labels today, Alicia signed to a recording contract with Arista when she was only 16 years old. It was after this that she began to work in earnest writing and producing the songs for her first album, which she had been working on since she was 14. Despite this she still managed to graduate from high school early because of her outstanding grades. When Davis left Arista, Alicia followed him to J Records, and it looks like she made the right decision.

Alicia was introduced to the public via her own song Rock Wit U with which she got the chance to work with the legendary Isaac Hayes. This was used in the soundtrack of the motion picture Shaft and Hayes and his Orchestra provided the string and flute arrangements. He also played the Rhodes Piano while Alicia played the other keyboards. The song is almost a mirror image of the famous Theme from Shaft thanks to Hayes but it is also new and very Alicia.

Hayes is not the only big name who gladly turned up to work with Alicia in the album. Also along for the ride are Jermaine Dupri who came in as co-writer and co-producer of Girlfriend, Prince, who is using that name once more with his original How Come You Don’t Call Me, Brian McKnight as producer of Goodbye and as composer of Never Felt This Way, an interlude that segues into the stunning ballad Butterflyz, and then there is Jimmy Cozier who duets with Alicia in Mr. Man.

Alicia is responsible for nearly everything else in the album. She is singer, producer, songwriter, arranger and even plays most of the instruments. And she is exceptionally good. She has a feel for melodies with unique turns. Her music is hip hop mixed with folk and pop. It is a very surprising combination. She is Aaliyah in one instance and Tori Amos in another and Whitney Houston in still another. The result is something that grows and grows into the listener and gets you into listening to her over and over again.

I can’t wait to hear her next album. And I can’t wait to find out what Clive Davis will release next.