The Diary Of Alicia Keys
by Alicia Keys
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Vibe
    90
    Brimming with updated old-school joints, original balladry, and classic-sounding R&B, Diary finds Keys more relaxed, confident, and committed to the tunes of the '70s than ever before. [Feb 2004, p.127]
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  2. Q Magazine
    90
    A proper soul album which hooks you with the first pneumatic beat and draws you deeper with every heady atmosphere and vivid emotion. [Jan 2004, p.111]
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  3. Dot Music
    90
    Another masterpiece.
  5. AllMusic
    80
    Those expecting another album where Keys sounds wise beyond her years will bound to be disappointed by The Diary of Alicia Keys, since her writing reveals her age in a way it never did on the debut.
  6. CultureDose.net
    80
    With one album, Alicia Keys jumps up from the most overrated R&B artist since Michael Jackson to the best young talent R&B has seen in a very long time.
  7. Blender
    80
    An enthusiastic album full of masterful strokes and electrifying intensity. [#23, p.98]
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  8. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    Give Keys' simmering voice and evident instrumental skills... the results are all the more frustrating. [5 Dec 2003, p.94]
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  9. E! Online
    75
    Keys, however, proves to be a better singer than songwriter, as most of the latter half of the album slips into sleepy piano numbers.
  10. PopMatters
    70
    The project is clearly laboring to be relevant to the current marketplace and thus suffers from a serious lack of cohesion.
  11. Rolling Stone
    70
    An assured, adult statement.
  12. Mojo
    70
    An hour of heartful, artful singing enhanced by dense, yet fuss-free arrangements. [Jan 2004, p.106]
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  13. ShakingThrough.net
    66
    Keys plays it far too safe here: There's nothing that will offend, and the content is patently generic enough that almost anyone, lovelorn or heartbroken, can build a personal soundtrack of romantic woe from its raw materials.
  14. Stylus Magazine
    62
    There's "Karma" and "I Don't Know Your Name." You and your iPod know what to do.

Awards & Rankings

36
#36 Most Discussed Album of 2003
23
#23 Most Shared Album of 2003

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 94 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 81 out of 94
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 94
  3. Negative: 5 out of 94
  1. LydiaR
    Nov 30, 2006
    10
    Absolutely brilliant album, its good to hear actual instruments in the background as so many artists don't do this. Everyone can listen Absolutely brilliant album, its good to hear actual instruments in the background as so many artists don't do this. Everyone can listen to this album despite age..my whole fam loves this album:)… Full Review »
  2. KlitosT
    Dec 10, 2003
    7
    I would prefer to buy this cd as a live performance with just her voice and a piano. Nobody doubts that Alicia Keys is super talented and I would prefer to buy this cd as a live performance with just her voice and a piano. Nobody doubts that Alicia Keys is super talented and very promising as an artist. This album though was rather disappointing with no songs that really stand out from commercial soul standards. I feel that she has a lot more to offer and she should try to incorporate more of her classical training in her songwriting. … Full Review »
  3. Stevie1972
    Apr 28, 2022
    9
    Great Debut Album
    Neo Soul and R&B style as its Best with Alicias unique Piano Playin and her unusual Sexy Voice
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