What makes Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart by Alicia Keys notable?

This album features a hit single that peaked at number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100, demonstrating Keys' continued relevance in the music industry. The song's themes of love and loss resonated widely, contributing to discussions around emotional vulnerability in contemporary R&B during this period. By the time Alicia Keys released 'Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart' in late 2009, she was already an established artist with three Grammy Awards under her belt. This single marked a pivotal moment following her commercial peak with the album 'As I Am', showcasing her ability to evolve while maintaining her signature sound.

How many songs are on Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart?

Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart has 2 tracks, running approximately 7 minutes.

Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart

Alicia Keys · 2009

7 min · 2 tracks · contemporary R&B

Alicia Keys blends soulful melodies with contemporary R&B rhythms, creating an emotionally charged atmosphere of heartache and resilience.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart — This title track encapsulates the album's emotional core, showcasing Keys' powerful vocal delivery against a backdrop of lush instrumentals that elevate its themes of heartbreak.
→
Lover Man — In this track, Keys explores longing and desire with a jazzy influence, highlighting her versatility and depth as a vocalist.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong melodies and emotional depth, though its impact is limited to its genre.

What we noticed

The title track features a prominent piano line that drives the melody, while layered harmonies build emotional intensity throughout.
The second track introduces a more jazz-influenced arrangement with a slower tempo, contrasting with the upbeat energy of the first.
Both tracks utilize dynamic shifts in vocal delivery, with Alicia Keys alternating between soft verses and powerful choruses.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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: Deep Cut — A solid single that showcases Keys' sound but isn't a primary album or standout in her catalog.
Themes: heartbreak resilience· late-night vulnerability· emotional longing
Moods: Cathartic· Nocturnal
Career context: By the time Alicia Keys released 'Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart' in late 2009, she was already an established artist with three Grammy Awards under her belt. This single marked a pivotal moment following her commercial peak with the album 'As I Am', showcasing her ability to evolve while maintaining her signature sound.
Stylistic neighbors: John Legend· H.E.R.· Anderson .Paak