Alicia Keys, Perfect Way to Die | Track Review 🎵

Alicia Keys remains woke to what’s concerning and plaguing the world, particularly black Americans on her single, “Perfect Way to Die.”

Despite the fact that her seventh studio album, Alicia, was pushed back, it hasn’t stopped Alicia Keys from releasing songs set to appear on the album. The singles that Keys released in 2020 have been very woke to what’s happening socially and politically in 2020.  “Underdog” earned a much-deserved spot on my list, 51 Best Songs of 2020 (So Far), predating COVID-19’s U.S. impact as well as the racial turbulence. “Good Job”, however, was tailormade to the coronavirus pandemic, and appeared on Songs That Capture & Embody the Pandemic, Vol. 2.  Of course, “Perfect Way to Die,” her fifth single from Alicia, would’ve been a perfect fit for 13 Powerful Songs Where Black Lives DO Indeed Matter.

“Perfect Way to Die” captures the racial inequality and police brutality that has dominated the headlines beyond the ongoing pandemic.  Numerous black musicians have used their platforms to express their thoughts no these senseless deaths resulting from racism and bad policing.  On this piano/strings ballad, Alicia Keys tugs at the heartstrings as she depicts incidents where innocent black lives were lost.  “Simple walk to the corner store,” she sings on the first verse, continuing, “Mama never thought she would be gettin’ a call from the coroner / Said her son’s been gunned down.”  The second verse is similar, this time with a girl being the victim – the martyr if you will.  Of course, the centerpiece is the chorus, where “the perfect way to die” comes into play.  There is no perfect way to die, but in a sense, it seems Keys is trying to find the positive that can come from such tragedy, including necessary change.

Worth noting, musically, I love how Keys begins singing lower, but ascends into her powerful upper register as the song progresses.  She’s definitely high on the bridge, where the devastation of “Another dream lost / Another king and queen lost / Another broken promise they refuse to make right” is definitely felt. Interestingly though, she descends back into her lower register on the final chorus, which adds to the somber nature.  Also, she doesn’t complete the final line – another stellar touch.

Final Thoughts 

“Perfect Way to Die” is upsetting, but it’s an upsetting song that needs to happen.  Again, Alicia Keys is woke to the events plaguing the world, particularly black men and women.  That’s the most important takeaway.  That said, “Perfect Way to Die” is also a very well-rounded song for her artistically.  It shows incredible maturity, and overall satisfying vocal performance.  Are there a few pitchy moments? Yes, but they are easy to look past considering what Keys is presenting is more important than being slightly flat or sharp.  “Perfect Way to Die” is a winner.

Alicia Keys • Alicia • RCA • Release: TBD

Photo Credit: RCA