What makes Karma by Alicia Keys notable?

The single 'Karma' reached number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received extensive radio play, contributing to Keys' continued prominence in the music industry. Additionally, the album's blend of genres helped bridge gaps between R&B, hip-hop, and pop, influencing subsequent artists in these genres. By the release of 'Karma' in November 2004, Alicia Keys was already an established artist, following her groundbreaking debut album 'Songs in A Minor'. This second studio album further solidified her position in contemporary R&B, showcasing her evolution as a songwriter and performer after achieving significant commercial success with her first record.

How many songs are on Karma?

Karma has 4 tracks, running approximately 14 minutes.

Karma

Alicia Keys · 2004

14 min · 4 tracks · contemporary R&B

A blend of contemporary R&B and pop with lush melodies and introspective lyrics that reflect on love and personal growth.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Karma (Radio Edit) — This title track encapsulates the album's themes of love and accountability, featuring a catchy hook that showcases Alicia's powerful vocals.
→
Diary (Hani Mix) — With its vulnerable lyrics and smooth production, this track exemplifies Keys' ability to convey deep emotion while appealing to a mainstream audience.
→
Karma (Club Mix) — The club mix brings a fresh energy to the original track, highlighting its crossover appeal and ability to thrive in both intimate settings and dance floors.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The mixes provide variety but limit cohesion, while solid composition and craft keep it engaging.

What we noticed

The title track 'Karma' features a prominent piano line that drives the melody, while layered harmonies build throughout the chorus.
Each mix of 'Karma' presents a different arrangement, with the Reggaeton Mix incorporating rhythmic elements typical of that genre.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This single helped solidify Alicia Keys' reputation after her successful debut.
Themes: personal accountability· intimate confessions· emotional resilience
Career context: By the release of 'Karma' in November 2004, Alicia Keys was already an established artist, following her groundbreaking debut album 'Songs in A Minor'. This second studio album further solidified her position in contemporary R&B, showcasing her evolution as a songwriter and performer after achieving significant commercial success with her first record.
Stylistic neighbors: John Legend· H.E.R.· Anderson .Paak