VH1 Storytellers cover

VH1 Storytellers

Alicia Keys · 2013

59 min · 11 tracks · contemporary R&B

Alicia Keys delivers a masterclass in emotional storytelling through soulful melodies and intimate arrangements.

Spotify Apple Music
Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    No One Start here — This song encapsulates Keys' signature soulful sound while highlighting her powerful vocal delivery and lyrical depth about unconditional love.
  • →
    Empire State of Mind, Part II: Broken Down — The stripped-down version allows Keys to showcase her emotional range and connection to New York City, making it a standout moment in her discography.
  • →
    Fallin´ — As one of her breakout hits, this track reveals the complexities of love and desire, accentuated by an engaging live arrangement that resonates deeply.
  • →
    If I Ain´t Got You — Keys’ heartfelt rendition emphasizes the importance of love over material wealth, showcasing her ability to convey profound emotions through music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Alicia Keys showcases her storytelling through intimate performances, though it follows familiar R&B structures.

What we noticed

  • Each track is introduced with personal anecdotes, creating a narrative thread that connects the songs.
  • The pacing varies as some tracks build in intensity while others maintain a more subdued, reflective tone.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • intimate storytelling through song
  • steady pacing for reflective moments
  • powerful vocals with emotional depth
  • heartfelt melodies for personal connection
  • soulful arrangements for deep listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer upbeat party tracks
  • seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Live performance that showcases her storytelling and vocal prowess, beloved by dedicated fans.
Themes
New York nostalgia· piano-driven storytelling· love and sacrifice
Career context
By 2013, Alicia Keys was a well-established artist, known for her blend of R&B and pop, with multiple Grammy Awards to her name. 'VH1 Storytellers' was released after her successful album 'Girl on Fire' (2012), showcasing a more personal side of her artistry as she shared the stories behind her songs in an intimate setting.
Stylistic neighbors
John Legend· H.E.R.· Anderson .Paak
New to Alicia Keys? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • If I Ain´t Got You

    The shift from discussing superficial desires to emphasizing the importance of genuine connection reveals a deep vulnerability in the lyrics.

    This transition underscores the song's core message about valuing relationships over material possessions, enhancing its emotional impact.

Tracklist

  • 1 No One Start here 6:09
  • 2 Brand New Me 4:49
  • 3 You Don´t Know My Name 7:00
  • 4 Empire State of Mind, Part II: Broken Down 4:18
  • 5 Not Even the King 4:11
  • 6 Fallin´ 4:44
  • 7 If I Ain´t Got You 7:17
  • 8 Girl on Fire 4:57
  • 9 New Day 4:48
  • 10 Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart 5:49
  • 11 Un-Thinkable (I´m Ready) 5:40

What to play next

Here
Listen next

Here

2016

Continues the intimate storytelling with a modern twist on soulful sounds.
Girl on Fire
Go back to

Girl on Fire

2012

Leads into VH1 Storytellers with its strong themes and powerful vocal performances.
Full Alicia Keys discography Where to start with Alicia Keys Artists like Alicia Keys
contemporary R&B hip-hop soul

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Love in the Future

Love in the Future

John Legend

Shares intimate storytelling and soulful piano-driven arrangements with heartfelt vocal delivery.

H.E.R.

H.E.R.

H.E.R.

Combines emotional depth and personal narratives with lush, soulful production and strong vocal performances.

Blood

Blood

Lianne La Havas

Features a blend of personal storytelling and rich, soulful instrumentation with an introspective vibe.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata