The Run That Back series is a deep dive into some of music’s most popular or underrated projects. Whether it’s been 5 years or 50, there’s never a wrong time to ‘run that back.’
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It's often said, "when you know, you know." And as soon we heard the opening keys (no pun intended) to Alicia Keys' debut single, "Fallin'" in 2001, we knew she would be one of the ones to talk about for years to come.
Born Alicia Augello Cook, Keys was raised in Hell's Kitchen. When most children were solely consumed with reading comprehension, she began studying classical piano. She developed a deep appreciation for Thelonious Monk, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong— thanks to her mother. She also found herself drawn to the melancholy of Beethoven's compositions and the romanticism of Chopin's. By the age of 12, she was enrolled in the Professional Performing Arts School and soon after she caught the attention of manager, Jeff Robinson.
Robinson considered Keys to be "the total package" and together, the multiracial teenager snagged a deal with Columbia Records at 15. Despite Keys graduating top of her class and receiving a scholarship to attend the prestigious Columbia University, she dropped out after a month to pursue her dream full-time. Jeanine McLean-Williams, Keys' former creative partner and manager, revealed on the podcast, Black Girl Songbook that there were "a few false starts" with Alicia Keys' career.
The album was initially slated for release in 1998, but she found herself disillusioned with Columbia. In a 2001 interview with The Guardian, she revealed, "I tried so hard to make it work, but it was all wrong." Music mogul Clive Davis, came to her rescue, got her out of her contract and then Keys signed on with J Records.
Finally, in June of 2001, her debut album, Songs in A Minor was released. "Fallin'" was a love letter comprised of neo-soul and contemporary R&B. The album both stood out and fit right in with the sounds of the early 2000s, blending the worlds of classical and soul. Out the gate, Keys nabbed four GRAMMY wins— Best R&B Album, Best R&B Song, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and one of the coveted 'Big Four,' Song of the Year.
Songs in A Minor had a bit of everything. From Keys' rendition of Beethoven’s “Piano Sonata No. 14” (formally known as “Moonlight Sonata”) in C-sharp minor on "Piano & I" to the rugged story of "Girlfriend," which samples Ol Dirty Bastard's "Brooklyn Zoo" and Gang Starr's "Take It Personal" to the soulful cover of Prince's "How Come You Don't Call Me" to the anthem, "A Woman's Worth." Not to mention the airy run from "Never Felt This Way" to "Butterflyz," which also happens to be one of the first songs she wrote.
Songs in A Minor may not be regarded on the same level as some R&B classics, but it definitely should be in the conversation. Despite many trying to box her in or mold her to fit their standards, Alicia Keys remained authentic to herself and over the past 20 years, all she's ever tried to be was Alicia. After all, her artistry allowed a powerhouse like H.E.R. to emerge. In honor of the 20th anniversary, Keys rereleased her debut with new tracks and it is currently available to stream.
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