It feels like Alicia Keys has been in the game for a long time, since the New York native helped revive R&B in the early 2000's. Each of her albums has been uniquely successful and she's put out hit after hit throughout the years. All the while, she's stayed relevant with her piano-driven tracks and soulful voice. After 14 Grammys and a career spanning more than a decade, it seems hard to believe that Alicia Keys turns 32 today. In honor of her phenomenal talent and career, HNHH has broken down 15 of her best tracks for you to enjoy.
As I Am
It's Yo Birthday: 15 Best Alicia Keys Tracks
15. Superwoman (2008)
As I Am
It may not be as quotable as her other tracks, but its message - to unite all women, sisters and mothers - is simple yet effective.
The Diary Of Alicia Keys
It's Yo Birthday: 15 Best Alicia Keys Tracks
14. Karma (2004)
The Diary Of Alicia Keys
Hell has no fury like a woman scorned. A vengeful Alicia unleashes as she smoothly blends hip-hop and classical music in the form of a spiralling violin loop. The effect is dramatic.
The Diary of Alicia Keys
It's Yo Birthday: 15 Best Alicia Keys Tracks
13. When You Really Love Someone (2003)
The Diary of Alicia Keys
Boom-clack drums, cloudy keys and lessons for future suitors. Alicia's vocal mastery makes this song just beautiful.
Gallery 10
It's Yo Birthday: 15 Best Alicia Keys Tracks
12. Unbreakable (2005)
Unplugged
The lead single from 2005's Unplugged is still bumped in cars and clubs (as remixes) for a reason.
The Element of Freedom
It's Yo Birthday: 15 Best Alicia Keys Tracks
11.Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart (2009)
The Element of Freedom
Damn, if this is what Alicia sounds like with a broken heart, we want more. Singing about the joys of love and devotion, Alicia's vocal range is second-to-none.
As I Am
It's Yo Birthday: 15 Best Alicia Keys Tracks
10. Like You'll Never See Me Again (2007)
As I Am
Alicia is softer, sweeter, and more vulnerable than ever on this track with her pleading whispers. This one's a tear-jerker.
The Element of Freedom
It's Yo Birthday: 15 Best Alicia Keys Tracks
09. Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready) (2010)
The Element of Freedom
Drake co-wrote this track, showcasing Alicia in a light we've never seen before.
Songs in A Minor
It's Yo Birthday: 15 Best Alicia Keys Tracks
08. Butterflyz (2001)
Songs in A Minor
Alicia's voice proved to be more than enough on this track. It's only accompanied by a sparsely beautiful and simple guitar and piano arrangement.
Songs in A Minor
It's Yo Birthday: 15 Best Alicia Keys Tracks
07. Troubles (2001)
Songs in A Minor
Showing crazy maturity for someone so young, Alicia is ahead of her time as she sings melodically over one of her signature piano riffs.
Songs in A Minor
It's Yo Birthday: 15 Best Alicia Keys Tracks
06. A Woman's Worth (2001)
Songs in A Minor
This beautifully crafted ballad demonstrates exactly what meaningful songwriting is all about. The New York native demands what every woman should: respect from her man.
You Don't Know My Name
It's Yo Birthday: 15 Best Alicia Keys Tracks
05. You Don't Know My Name (2003)
You Don't Know My Name
Alicia won a Grammy for this Kanye West-produced track as her superb lyricism and artistry was top-notch.
The Diary of Alicia Keys
It's Yo Birthday: 15 Best Alicia Keys Tracks
04. Diary (2004)
The Diary of Alicia Keys
Alicia croons about trust, loyalty and soul as the singer likens herself to a page in a diary.
Gallery 3
03. If I Ain't Got You (2004)
The Diary of Alicia Keys
This track is quintessential Alicia Keys. With a soul-sample, classic-swing vibe and the New York native singing about her favourite topic, unconditional love, this is a track for the ages.
Songs in A Minor
It's Yo Birthday: 15 Best Alicia Keys Tracks
02. Fallin (2001)
Songs in A Minor
The song that catapulted Alicia's career, it is her signature for a reason. Alicia walks the line between love and pain, showing true emotion in the lyrics while having a catchy hook. The song also won three Grammys. Not bad for a debut into the game.
As I Am
It's Yo Birthday: 15 Best Alicia Keys Tracks
01. No One (2007)
As I Am
Despite Fallin's success, it's "No One" that takes the plaudits as Alicia's biggest hit. With Alicia's soaring, beautiful alto contrasting the soft piano beautifully, it created an anthem that was downloaded over 5.6 million times.
