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She might be unplugged--but she's still electrifying.
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This recording bursts with sweet soul that seems to feed off the adoring crowd.
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There's no sense of storytelling or momentum to her performances: she starts the song in one place and stays there riding in circles until the end.
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An abbreviated "You Don't Know My Name," truly a producer's creation, falls flat here, and she treats covers of Gladys Knight's "If I Was Your Woman" and "Every Little Bit Hurts" like vocal auditions and not the blank canvases of an interpretive artist.
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It's great if you like her, not so great if you don't, and right down the middle for everyone else.
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Los Angeles TimesThe problems in this 72-minute package come chiefly when the exquisite singer-songwriter moves to what you'd think would be the creative heart of the album: material that isn't on her earlier CDs. [9 Oct 2005]
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BlenderA stellar set. [Nov 2005, p.135]
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Q MagazineStands as an apt reminder that she is the finest soul talent of her generation. [Dec 2005, p.152]
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MojoUnderpowered covers... confirm the impression of a high-octane artist tired out and running on empty. [Dec 2005, p.105]
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UncutKeys hasn't the charisma to indulge in the inter-song banter here, which breaks up any soulful flow that might develop despite her sharp, hectoring vocals. [Jan 2006, p.108]
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Entertainment WeeklyFor once, Unplugged largely leaves Keys' runaway careerism in the dressing room, where it belongs. [14 Oct 2005, p.148]
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I’m definitely recommending Unplugged--with reservations, but it’s still a recommendation--but damn, I just wish the fun Keys seems to have on stage would translate more clearly to record.
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Just another bloated arena show.
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BillboardThis self-assured, illuminating "MTV Unplugged" performance underscores Keys' boundless passion for her craft. [15 Oct 2005]
User score distribution:
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Positive: 39 out of 45
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Mixed: 3 out of 45
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Negative: 3 out of 45
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DavidCSep 15, 2006This is an amazing album. Alicia has the most beautiful voice I've ever heard. She shows strengh and love, nothing else is needed.
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Dec 19, 2020amazing! alicia is one of the best R&B singera of the millenium. her charisma is so unique
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Aug 10, 2011