Album: As I Am

Introduction
"As I Am" is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter and pianist Alicia Keys, launched on November 9, 2007, by J Records. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling over 742,000 copies in its first week, making it the greatest first-week sales for a female R&B vocalist given that 2004. "As I Am" got mostly positive reviews from music critics and earned Keys a number of accolades, consisting of 3 Grammy Awards.

Background and production
Inspired by the music of the 1960s and 1970s, Keys wanted to create a project that embodied the spirit of that time duration. Mostly inspired by her love for soul, rock, and blues, the album's noise is a melting pot of different genres. Collaborating with manufacturer Kerry "Krucial" Brothers, who likewise co-produced her previous albums, Keys is credited with writing, organizing, and producing most of the album.

The recording process for "As I Am" took place over a course of more than a year in various studios, such as KrucialKeys Studios in New York City, Oven Studios in Long Island, and The Hit Factory Criteria in Miami. Alongside her long time partner Brothers, Keys dealt with a couple of extra producers and songwriters on the album, including Linda Perry, Swiss Beatz, Jack Splash, and John Mayer.

Noise and themes
"As I Am" is an R&B and soul album that integrates components of rock, blues, jazz, and pop. Keys' powerful vocals and exceptional piano skills are showcased throughout the record, while her introspective and mentally generous lyrics touch on themes of love, self-discovery, development, and empowerment.

The album opens with the gritty "As I Am (Intro)", a short piece including Keys on solo piano, setting the stage for a deeply individual and musically rich experience. The lead single "No One" is an uplifting, emotionally charged anthem that showcases Keys' dynamic vocal range. Other standout tracks consist of "Lesson Learned", a sincere ballad including John Mayer on guitar and support vocals, and "Superwoman", an empowering anthem that ended up being an anthem for ladies worldwide.

Reception
Upon its release, "As I Am" got positive reviews from music critics. Rolling Stone praised the album as "Keys' most cohesive studio album to date", while Entertainment Weekly called it "a stunning work of art". The album was an enormous industrial success, selling over six million copies worldwide and making Keys 3 Grammy Awards throughout numerous categories.

The singles from "As I Am" also gathered prevalent success and honor. "No One" reached the number one area on the US Billboard Hot 100, while "Like You'll Never See Me Again" and "Superwoman" both peaked within the top 20 of the chart. All 3 songs were also nominated for Grammy Awards, with "No One" taking home the awards for Best R&B Song and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.

Tradition and effect
"As I Am" strengthened Alicia Keys' position as one of the most prominent voices in modern R&B and soul music. The album's special blend of different categories exhibited Keys' flexibility as an artist, while her emotive songwriting resonated with a broad audience. The success of "As I Am" functions as a testament to Keys' ability to create music that is all at once innovative and classic, and it stays a vital part of her discography over a decade after its release.