Alicia Keys, Love Looks Better | Track Review 🎵

Grammy-winner Alicia Keys releases “Love Looks Better,” the seventh single (!) from her forthcoming studio album, ALICIA.  

Alicia Keys has never released so many singles in advance of an album, until ALICIA. As of publication, the album still doesn’t have an official release date which is, um, different.  Nonetheless, Keys has unleashed the seventh single from the unreleased album entitled “Love Looks Better.” Like the six singles that precede, “Love Looks Better” is enjoyable and well-rounded without dare supplanting her classics.

“Love Looks Better” finds Keys writing and producing with some of the biggest names in pop music: Noel Zancanella and Ryan Tedder.  Ultimately, the collaboration pays off as “Love Looks Better” gives Keys a contrast from everything she’s released up to this point.  Musically, things are energetic from the jump, with accompaniment including left hand piano bass notes and of course, big drums. This isn’t a R&B exclusive background, but rather one that blends the best of R&B and pop.  This falls in line with what Alicia Keys has done post- neo soul.  Eventually, more of the piano range enters (right hand), as well as some synths.  Things only grow in scope.

As far as Alicia Keys’ performance, she sounds strong overall.  Her lead vocals are compelling and quite commanding, yet she doesn’t ‘do too much.’ I’ve criticized her pitch at times, particularly when it comes to ad-libs, but she sounds nice overall. Her background vocals are pretty nice as well, adding extra color. Furthermore, boding in her favor, she has a nice melody to work with. Throw in catchy, memorable pre-chorus and chorus sections, and a relatable theme (love), and all is sound overall.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, Alicia Keys delivers another solid, enjoyable single with “Love Looks Better.” Has the pendulum swung? No.  Will it? Probably not, but, even if “Love Looks Better” doesn’t sound like vintage Keys, it’s still quite effective by my estimations.  Not a Hot 100 hit, but, worth spinning by all means.

Alicia Keys • ALICIA • RCA • Release: TBD

Photo Credit: RCA