A musical superstar who started playing the piano when she was seven, Alicia Keys’ roots in New York City shine through in MTV Unplugged, her latest release. It's bold, showy, groovy and soulful - the perfect party CD.

Most people will remember MTV's Unplugged series as the show that gave us the unexpectedly moving Nirvana concert, or any number of rock acts who pared down their sound and showed us another side of their music. The format has been revived giving more musicians the chance to diversify with some of their most well-known songs.

Don't be fooled by the minimalist acapella introduction. Unlike previous Unplugged sets, which are all about the stripping down, Keys beefs up her act with a full string section and horns. Technically speaking they are unplugged, but this is a show with a big sound and a warm heart.

Recorded at the Brooklyn Academy of Music this past July, Unplugged showcases a performer at the top of her game, with a mixture of old songs, new work, new arrangements and blissful cover versions.

‘Woman's Worth’ and ‘Heartburn’ get makeovers and, of course, ‘Fallin'’ is included on this CD in an arrangement that makes it sound less like the overplayed, over-hyped hit that it once was and more like something fresh and enticing again.

Keys introduces guest performers that include Common and Mos Def for ‘Love It Or Leave It Alone’, Damian Marley for the reggae-tinged ‘Welcome to Jam Rock’ and Maroon 5 lead singer Adam Levine. Maroon 5! I know! But their cover of the Rolling Stones classic ‘Wild Horses’ is a standout track on this CD.

Keys is probably used to hearing comparisons with Aretha Franklin and Roberta Flack, which is perhaps why she also chose to cover the soul classic ‘Every Little Bit Hurts’, although it doesn't quite explain why she includes a version of Prince's ‘How Come You Don't Call Me’.

Two new songs get a run through on Unplugged: ‘Stolen Moments’, co-written with soul legend Al Green, and ‘Unbreakable’, the new single.

I can't say that I was ever a huge fan of Alicia Keys, but this is a lively album, pure showbiz, that’s sure to introduce her to new admirers and cement her talent in the hearts of old.

MTV Unplugged, by Alicia Keys
Label: BMG
Released: 10 October 2005
ASIN: B000B7BST4
Catalogue Number: 82876718082

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