In a very vulnerable and raw performance, Alicia Keys spills her heart with nothing but her voice and a piano in her newest single, ‘Like Water’.

Alicia Keys, despite mainstream success, has always been one to explore harmony in ways that most people wouldn’t even dare to venture into. This is very much the case with song, almost every chord an exploration of harmony. The way each chord moves from one to the other will almost catch the listener off guard at first, but the non-linear nature of the sounds makes this song especially unique. It’s that very aspect that makes this song sound so inherently jazzy without having the traditional production or ensemble to be recognized as such. Speaking of the production, it’s absolutely breath-taking what the singer is able to do without the help of an accompanying cast of instrumentalists. Like mentioned before, there is nothing but voice and piano here, yet the dynamics of this song are thoroughly expressed from start to finish. The chorus is especially beautiful, almost reminiscing of a Whitney Houston tune. By the end of the track, where Alicia has already explored so much with what she has, the energy rises as the singer gives the performance of a lifetime, singing from the top of her range in a slew of impressive runs and gritty belted notes.

To say that Alicia Keys is an understatement, but if anyone were to question such a claim, this song could easily be used to prove that point. Through the track, you’ll surely forget that this is simply two components, voice and piano, and nothing more. Yet with those two Alicia makes an orchestra, and a ballad that will be remembered for ages to come. Her exploration of harmony, not through her voice so much as with the piano, is masterful and truly inspiring for your average listener, all the way to professional musicians.

Author: Nicholas Gaudet

Music producer and writer from Dieppe, Canada.