What does The Element of Freedom sound like?

Alicia Keys blends soulful melodies with introspective lyrics over lush, contemporary R&B production. Rooted in contemporary R&B and hip-hop. Start with "Love Is Blind".

Is The Element of Freedom a good place to start with Alicia Keys?

Yes, The Element of Freedom is recommended as a starting point for new Alicia Keys listeners. Alicia Keys blends soulful melodies with introspective lyrics over lush, contemporary R&B production. Released on December 11, 2009, 'The Element of Freedom' is Alicia Keys' fourth studio album, following the commercial success of 'As I Am.' At this point in her career, she was transitioning into a more mature sound while exploring deeper emotional themes. This album marked her continued evolution as an artist and solidified her presence in the R&B genre.

Who is The Element of Freedom for?

The Element of Freedom works well if you're into steady emotional exploration throughout, intimate moments for personal reflection and uplifting anthems for resilience.

How many songs are on The Element of Freedom?

The Element of Freedom has 14 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

The Element of Freedom

Alicia Keys · 2009

53 min · 14 tracks · contemporary R&B · hip-hop · soul

Alicia Keys blends soulful melodies with introspective lyrics over lush, contemporary R&B production.

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Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady emotional exploration throughout
intimate moments for personal reflection
uplifting anthems for resilience
soulful melodies for quiet evenings
engaging narratives of love and

Maybe skip if you want

need for fast-paced excitement
prefer standalone hit tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established Alicia Keys' continued relevance post 'As I Am' with commercial success.
Themes: New York City resilience· heartbreak and longing· personal evolution
Career context: Released on December 11, 2009, 'The Element of Freedom' is Alicia Keys' fourth studio album, following the commercial success of 'As I Am.' At this point in her career, she was transitioning into a more mature sound while exploring deeper emotional themes. This album marked her continued evolution as an artist and solidified her presence in the R&B genre.
Stylistic neighbors: John Legend· H.E.R.· Anderson .Paak
If this clicks, go next to: Girl on Fire — It expands on the themes of empowerment and self-discovery with a more vibrant energy.
Sounds like this from elsewhere: Evolver by John Legend — Shares lush R&B production and introspective lyrics, exploring themes of love and personal growth.

The ArchAndroid by Janelle Monáe — Combines soulful melodies with a rich sonic palette, addressing identity and emotional depth.

Our Version of Events by Emeli Sandé — Features powerful vocals and emotionally resonant themes, with a contemporary R&B soundscape.

New to Alicia Keys? Find your way in →

Tracklist

New here? Start with "Love Is Blind".

1 Element of Freedom (intro) 0:12
2 Love Is Blind Start here 3:49
3 Doesn’t Mean Anything 4:32
4 Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart 4:09
5 Wait Til You See My Smile 4:01
6 That’s How Strong My Love Is 4:04
7 Un‐Thinkable (I’m Ready) 4:09
8 Love Is My Disease 4:01
9 Like the Sea 4:13
10 Put It in a Love Song 3:15
11 This Bed 3:45
12 Distance and Time 4:27
13 How It Feels to Fly 4:42
14 Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down 3:36

What to play next

This album is considered a Breakthrough in Alicia Keys's catalog. Established Alicia Keys' continued relevance post 'As I Am' with commercial success.

Listen next

Girl on Fire

2012

It expands on the themes of empowerment and self-discovery with a more vibrant energy.

Go back to

As I Am

2007

It sets the stage with similar soulful melodies and introspective lyrics.

Full Alicia Keys discography Where to start with Alicia Keys Artists like Alicia Keys

contemporary R&B hip-hop soul

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