User ratings in Music are temporarily disabled. More info

The Diary Of Alicia Keys
by
The Diary Of Alicia Keys Image
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 94 Ratings

  • Summary: The neo-soul singer returns two years after the success of 'Songs In A Minor' with this sophomore disc.

Top Track

If I Ain't Got You
Some people live for the fortune Some people live just for the fame Some people live for the power, yeah Some people live just to play the game Some... See the rest of the song lyrics
See Full Track List »
Powered by

Critic Reviews

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]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Dot Music
    90
    Another masterpiece.
  3. 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.
  4. Mojo
    70
    An hour of heartful, artful singing enhanced by dense, yet fuss-free arrangements. [Jan 2004, p.106]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. PopMatters
    70
    The project is clearly laboring to be relevant to the current marketplace and thus suffers from a serious lack of cohesion.
  6. Stylus Magazine
    62
    There's "Karma" and "I Don't Know Your Name." You and your iPod know what to do.
  7. Uncut
    40
    If she's going to make us read her diary entries, she's going to need something more compelling than this litany of cliche and hackneyed need-a-man Bridget Jones-wailing. [Feb 2004, p.72]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 39
  3. Negative: 2 out of 39
  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:)… Expand
  2. jgxgfjfj
    Mar 16, 2004
    10
    this album is better the the 1st one
  4. JaniceG
    Dec 5, 2003
    10
    Just when you think Alicia Keys is amazing...she comes out w/ an album like the Diary of Alicia Keys. It is a fabulous piece of art. Her Just when you think Alicia Keys is amazing...she comes out w/ an album like the Diary of Alicia Keys. It is a fabulous piece of art. Her voice and piano skills are amazing and the work on this cd is priceless. … Expand
  5. AllyG
    Jun 8, 2005
    10
    i love ALICIA KEYS....she is the best...i dun noe how she's gonna top this one and i cant wait till she puts out her next cd
  6. SherrellM
    Dec 5, 2003
    9
    Keys proves that there is no sophomore slump for her. This almost is refreshing during a period of hip-hop commercialism where music is only Keys proves that there is no sophomore slump for her. This almost is refreshing during a period of hip-hop commercialism where music is only talking about bling-bling, pimps, hoes, selling drugs and glorifying the "hood" lifestyle. Keys introduces musical concepts and ideas previously unheard of since the soul singers of the 60 s and 70s. She is a throwback to an age when music had purpose and message. From the soulful first-single "U don't know my name" to the gospel-like ballad "If I ain't got you" to the hard beats and urban grooves of "So Simple" "Diary" has everything that music has been missing. Real music.… Expand
  7. alex
    Mar 9, 2004
    9
    i really like this cd especially track #7 Diary.alicia keys is my fav artist and my idol.(im even gonna start taking piano lessons)
  8. R.H.
    Dec 15, 2003
    1
    Hopelessly boring, another piece of bland aural bugglegum totally devoid of originality or purpose. Will sell millions and play in the Hopelessly boring, another piece of bland aural bugglegum totally devoid of originality or purpose. Will sell millions and play in the background at many poers dinner parties this year. … Expand

See all 39 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

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

Current Music Releases

Full List »
99 Band on the Run [50th Anniversary Edition] - Paul McCartney & Wings
95 The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow - Charles Lloyd
92 This Could Be Texas - English Teacher
92 COWBOY CARTER - Beyoncé
91 The Carnegie Hall Concert - Alice Coltrane
90 1989 (Taylor's Version) - Taylor Swift
90 Iechyd Da - Bill Ryder-Jones
89 I Got Heaven - Mannequin Pussy
89 Black Bayou - Robert Finley
89 Tigers Blood - Waxahatchee
89 Only God Was Above Us - Vampire Weekend
89 Hey Panda - The High Llamas
88 Ozarker - Israel Nash
88 What Now - Brittany Howard
88 Orquídeas - Kali Uchis
88 The Past Is Still Alive - Hurray for the Riff Raff
87 Filthy Underneath - Nadine Shah
87 i/o - Peter Gabriel
87 Lahai - Sampha
87 Blue Lips - ScHoolboy Q
All Current Music »