Alicia Keys, “Good Job” | Track Review 🎵

With “Good Job,” the 4th single from Alicia, Alicia Keys delivers an encouraging and uplifting song aimed at everyone affected by COVID-19.

Alicia Keys was set to release her seventh studio album, Alicia, in Spring 2020.  Then, the coronavirus pandemic shifted her plans, among many other musician’s plans.  While some artists have went on with the release of their planned albums, others have postponed project indefinitely.  Look at preorders for many albums, and the expected date of arrival is December 31, 2020 – yikes! Regardless, some artists (Keys included) continue to release singles, giving fans something to sink their teeth into during a state of utter flux.  Keys released her fourth single in advance of Alicia (we presume, but who knows), “Good Job.”

There are lots of things to like about “Good Job.”  First and foremost, it is incredibly thoughtful, giving thanks to everyone affected and helping to combat the devastating COVID-19 pandemic.  Yes, this record should definitely appear on an updated version of 10 Songs That Capture and Embody the Pandemic. Alicia Keys is being encouraging and uplifting, providing that positive reinforcement that educators seek to give their students.  “Good job, you’re doin’ a good job, a good job,” she sings on the chorus, continuing, “Don’t get too down / The world needs you now / Know that you matter, matter, yeah.”  Essentially, lyrically, Keys says all the right things.  Also, as she sings, she infuses her soul into it, given it that next level of authenticity.  While the production eschews a bunch of bells and whistles, it suits the tone of this record.

Final Thoughts

As aforementioned, Alicia Keys does a lot of things well on “Good Job” – more things than not.  My one rub would be a couple of vocal moments are pitchy.  Perfection is never expected, but there are a couple of runs for example that don’t quite lock-in on the pitch with accuracy.  Ultimately, it’s nitpicking, because the most important takeaway from this record is the messaging.  All in all, Keys does a ‘good job’ on “Good Job.”

Alicia Keys • “Good Job” (Alicia) • RCA • Release: 4.23.20

Photo Credit: RCA