Alicia Keys, So Done | Track Review 🎵

Alicia Keys continues to build anticipation for her seventh studio album, ALICIA, with her sixth advance single, “So Done,” featuring Khalid.

It’s amazing how the R&B landscape has changed.  Many of the R&B artists I grew up with in the late 90s and aughts aren’t nearly as popular as they once were.  Alicia Keys was a ‘force to be reckoned with’ in the aughts, dominating the pop charts and earning her fair share of Grammys. However, the 2010s weren’t nearly as kind, particularly her 2016 album, HERE, which had little buzz.

It’s not just that Keys lost support, but also the fact that her sound has changed from her glory days.  After a four-year wait, those of us who fan-girl Keys were excited about her 2020 comeback album, ALICIA.  Unfortunately, the album has been delayed with an indefinite release date – ugh.  Nonetheless, Keys drops the sixth (yes, you read right) advance single from her yet-to-be-released album, “So Done,” featuring Khalid.

Half of the singles from ALICIA have been socially conscious, which is positive.  That said, it’s nice to see “So Done” move away from that direction, giving Keys that desperately needed more ‘commercial’ record. Working with Khalid shows Alicia, a true O.G. of R&B, willing to assimilate and evolve, at least to some extent.  That’s a pro, by the way. “So Done” features a lovely harmonic progression, which helps to construct a chill, sensual, and soulful sound. The production is strong with guitars serving as the main accompaniment.  The sound can be described as throwback but also refreshing in 2020.

The biggest reason why “So Done” is a winner for Alicia Keys is her voice.  I truly enjoy the sound her vocals here, something I haven’t always be able to always say in parts of the 2010s. Keys has had her share of vocal imperfections with some of her later album releases (compared to her early classics), but she sounds strong here. I like the vocal chemistry that she has with Khalid. She ensures that she’s the star, with Khalid serving masterfully as a role player in the overall timbre.

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Final Thoughts

“So Done” likely still won’t earn Alicia Keys the same relevancy she had throughout the aughts and early 00s.  That said, I truly appreciate what she does and achieves here.  Whenever ALICIA finally rolls out, I’ll be waiting for it!

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Alicia Keys • ALICIA • RCA • Release: TBD

Photo Credit: RCA

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