Alicia Keys, LALA (Unlocked) | Track Review 🎵

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Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter Alicia Keys taps Swae Lee for the enjoyable, if imperfect, vibe-laden single, “LALA (Unlocked).”

he respect I have for Alicia Keys is tremendous – that’s my girl! In the aughts, the

Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter was unstoppable. In the 2010s, she had her moments, namely

Girl on Fire, but hasn’t had the same degree of success since the early days. Her 2020 album,

Alicia, had some fine moments, easily eclipsing

HERE preceding it, but still failed to reach the glory days. Keys is back with a new single, “LALA (Unlocked)”, 20 years into the game. “LALA,” once more, contrasts the neo-soul days, but does manage to create a vibe. Unsurprisingly, Keys’ featured guest, Swae Lee, loves a vibe.

As an avid Alicia Keys listener, “LALA (Unlocked)” sounds different than much of her past catalog. In some respects, that’s a positive – Keys is trying to ‘evolve’ and fit in with the times. “LALA” dabbles in a tropical sound with a dash of neo-soul. No, “LALA” doesn’t sound like “You Don’t Know My Name”, but it does possess a smidgen of soulfulness (is it the slow tempo and bass line?). In other respects, however, on “LALA,” Keys sounds like an artist unsure what the future holds where sound is concerned. “LALA” has a unique sound, one that I enjoy to an extent, but don’t find myself ‘giddy about’ per se. There are flaws. One, personally is Swae Lee, who isn’t an artist I’d necessarily pair with Keys. Positively, he fits the chill, laidback aesthetic, but I’m mixed on his autotuned, syrupy vocals.

Final Thoughts

I’ve mentioned I heart Alicia Keys. That hasn’t changed. Do I love “LALA (Unlocked)?” Meh, I’m mixed. The vibe is winning. I’d even argue Keys sounds fine – respectable. Still, I guess I still hearken back to the neo-soul days when you know Keys had an indisputable, timeless hit. “LALA (Unlocked)” is sufficient, but it’s not “Fallin’”, “If I Ain’t Got You”, or “No One”.