Alicia Keys

Babe Theory is back! Just like the way it all started with Tanya Chua, we're coming back with another musical genius in Alicia Keys! I love music babes because it's the best of both worlds! What does that mean? If you're a fashion model, an actress, a lot of your appeal depends on your looks. Where as your appeal a true musician are derived from your art. Of course, it does not hurt that you look as gorgeous as Alicia for the record company to market you. But Alicia definitely caught my eye with her talent first and foremost.

Some singers get manufactured, others get mentored and guided by producers. Alicia has been able to "write her own check" and determine her direction since the beginning of her career. I regard myself as a contrarian - someone who doesn't always like to go with the crowd or public opinion and I truly relate to, and appreciate a person with Alicia's character and personality. While other R&B singers were making a name for themselves, singing about partying, material objects, and selling sex appeal, Alicia was doing her own thing. She played her panio, she wrote her songs, she dictated how and when she wanted to take R&B to that next level.

Since being introduced to the piano at the tender age of 7, Alicia has been on a journey filled with hard work and perseverance to sharpen her craft. Her music is intelligent in its content. She showcases her creativity in her music, blending blues, jazz, soul and R&B into a genre all its own that is enjoyed by both mainstream media and music aficianados. In my opinion, any woman who digs and gets the blues is already an automatic babe!

Her beauty can only be described as silky smooth, and unparalleled. There are simply too many photos out there of her, all looking gorgeous, classy, sultry and still remaining a strong confident woman. Picking a few of them to display on Babe Theory was not easy task as Babe Theory not only strive to convey our theories through words but also through our layout and pictures.

Growing up on 42nd street in New York means that Alicia is naturally a tough determined girl. Music was her escape from the troubles of the street. A word that's constantly used to describe Miss Keys is that she is as 'real' as they get. Down to earth and very humble, Alicia is not afraid to speak her mind, she doesn't sugar coat over tough topics but is gifted with the sense to know what is truly important.

Signing with Clive Davis when she was 19 started Alicia on her way to mega-stardom. She started doing gigs, appearing in shows like BET as the next thing. When her single 'Fallin' dropped, it confirmed that Alicia has truly arrived. On the strength of 'Fallin', Alicia became a household name, but as the album 'Song In A Minor' was released, it was clear that she would be no one hit wonder. The album bucked the trends of that time and paved the way for more people to listen to other soul singers like Angie Stone, India Arie, and Erykah Badu .

Musically she entertains with a soulful semi-deep voice that retains much of her femininty. Her lyrics are poignant and skillful and describing her message. Alicia is very melodic in her compositions. She draws inspirations from many artists and genres. I really cannot call a favourite song because I enjoy listening to the albums from start to finish - my preferred way of enjoying an Alicia Keys moment. She also likes to cover songs, in her concerts and has covered Prince's 'How Come You Don't Call Me' on her album. Alicia probably made the song more of a hit than it ever did. Admittedly, my favourite version of the song is still Stephanie Mill's cover because or her extraordinary vocal depth in that song.

Another thing that I find unique when I was writing this blog entry about Alicia, I found some of the most beautifully designed fan sites out there for any celebrity. This speaks much to Alicia's credit, as her fans are really just as talented, dedicated and creative as is Alicia.

I'm eagerly anticipating the third album. Her singles and guest appearances in other people's songs have been teasingly showing us that Miss Keys has much more in store. Miss Keys is truly worthy of a top caliber babe mention!

Babe Factor: 9.25

Wikipedia: Alicia Keys
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Official Website: Alicia Keys
Fan Site: Alicia Keys Online
Fan Site: AliciaKeysFan.com