Here
by Alicia Keys
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Nov 4, 2016
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 118 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 106 out of 118
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 118
  3. Negative: 7 out of 118
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  1. VinitB
    Nov 7, 2016
    9
    HERE is the kind of album that finally fuses the musician Alicia Keys to the person Alicia Keys. She finally approaches themes that are important to her and have defined her sense of activism and powerful social image she pursues. The highlights of the album are "Pawn It All" and "She Don't Really Care".

    HERE is also the album which takes her away from the pop anthem and "I love you, I    HERE is the kind of album that finally fuses the musician Alicia Keys to the person Alicia Keys. She finally approaches themes that are important to her and have defined her sense of activism and powerful social image she pursues. The highlights of the album are "Pawn It All" and "She Don't Really Care".

    HERE is also the album which takes her away from the pop anthem and "I love you, I need you" type generic love ballads and efficiently puts her in the zone she is meant to be - Experimental Neo-Soul. Listening to the record, it will take you to a 1980's New York backyard party... it has the nostalgia and the appreciation for the music that we grew up to. It in fact gives you a feel of listening to those Erykah Badu and D'Angelo albums of the 90's and the opening track might even give you a little 'Miseducation' feel too.

    There are some weak strings in the album, especially the overuse of interludes, and some songs that fail to keep up with the power and message of the album as a whole. But they don't hurt the album overall. Even Alicia's songwriting is overshadowed by the powerful themes she is talking about.

    So forget Songs in A minor, forget As I Am, forget Girl on Fire... HERE is Alicia Keys' most important album. It's placing her at the point in the musical landscape where only a few could manage to touch her.    … Expand
  2. RobbyP
    Nov 7, 2016
    6
    I appreciate what Alicia Keys is trying to do in this album. There's a strong message that resonates through every song. The problem is that the songs themselves don't really make an impression. Besides a few, none of them stick or warrant multiple listens. This is disappointing because Alicia Keys has made so many classics--or at the very least, near classics--in modern R&B that I wasI appreciate what Alicia Keys is trying to do in this album. There's a strong message that resonates through every song. The problem is that the songs themselves don't really make an impression. Besides a few, none of them stick or warrant multiple listens. This is disappointing because Alicia Keys has made so many classics--or at the very least, near classics--in modern R&B that I was hoping this album would be able to top 2012's magnificent "Girl on Fire."… Expand
  3. jw1293
    Nov 7, 2016
    10
    Finally, the album that we've been waiting for from Alicia Keys. Insightful, political, raw, vulnerable, and expertly produced. This belongs in the canon of great R&B/Hip-Hop albums of this generation.
  4. Hinaria
    Nov 7, 2016
    10
    delivery makes Here her most vital release in years--and a welcome addition to 2016’s rich canon of albums from Beyoncé, Solange, Frank Ocean, Common, and Dev Hynes that address black life in America.
  5. Panchogul
    Sep 28, 2020
    10
    Este es para mi EL MEJOR álbum de Alicia Keys, por su atractivo sonido y producción, sus sinceras y directas líricas y por sobretodo, por la increíble voz de Alicia, creo que nunca había sonado tan fabulosamente bien, es una verdadera pena que no haya tenido el reconocimiento y éxito merecido, después del éxito que fue Girl on Fire es raro que HERE haya pasado tan lejos del radar...
  6. someonewhocares
    Nov 9, 2022
    5
    Keys' fails astonishingly to deliver and fully execute the message and impression she was trying to make on HERE. Sadly, the urgency on this record makes the songs sound rushed, unfocused, and slightly forgettable. Though the message is plain and simple, it'll be very hard to get through this album in full on a second listen due to its length as well.
  7. chidime
    Nov 13, 2016
    8
    Wasn't expecting this album to be this good. Probably the best album from her, as a whole. Very cohesive with interesting sounds. Love it. .
  8. jpcarey
    Jun 28, 2017
    10
    Amazing.
    Here is another one amazing album by alicia keys, so underrated :(
    but i love her anayway.
    !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  9. valesoul93
    Nov 11, 2016
    9
    Alicia K takes your hand and allow you to discover the real Alicia, the real New York. Couldn't ask for a better album. Dope music, incredible lyrics.
  10. victorcarter
    Nov 21, 2016
    7
    On her new record, singer/songwriter Alicia Keys surges somehow renewed, refreshed and a bit more creative than usual. On HERE, the artist delivers some of her finest songs in years, also striking with a considerably cohesive and sharp tracklisting that follows the soulful/socially-conscious concept pretty well. This album is also probably the one with her best, most developedOn her new record, singer/songwriter Alicia Keys surges somehow renewed, refreshed and a bit more creative than usual. On HERE, the artist delivers some of her finest songs in years, also striking with a considerably cohesive and sharp tracklisting that follows the soulful/socially-conscious concept pretty well. This album is also probably the one with her best, most developed instrumentals yet (at least for the first half), with a select group of producers complimenting her soothing voice and confessional lyrics in a fine way. Yes, on the later part, things start to slip off quite a bit, but there are some really great tunes on the opening section (The Gospel, Kill Your Mama, She Don't Really Care and Illusion of Bliss are memorable genuine pop songs), crafted with attention to detail and her usual sensibility for hooks as well. Definitely another worth pop release in 2016.… Expand
  11. kennyrichie94
    Nov 25, 2016
    8
    This is the album you were expecting to listen, yes, it is that worth it. Great voice, great tunes. It goes on the same direction as Gaga's Joanne, not so much pop but authentic vulnerability of the singer, take that as you want, I like it.
  12. Cleitonmonea
    Mar 8, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Lendário, forte, essencial! Vocais incríveis, tudo que se espera de uma artista do perfil dela. ALICIA ❤… Expand
  13. ROBYWON
    Sep 5, 2021
    10
    Introspective and sophisticated, from R&B to Soul, with hints of ghospel and pop-rock, Alicia Keys is here. Stunning lyrics of tension, love and prayer. You can hear how much the singer-songwriter needs to write immediate tracks, to throw out her soul. Hasty and euphoric. Like her family, many people who have something in common. Worthy artwork.
  14. Riannn
    Mar 27, 2021
    10
    Este álbum é absolutamente um dos melhores da Alicia Keys! Potente e envia a mensagem que se propõe. Embora não tenha tido a repercussão merecida, é um álbum que ocupou um lugar especial na mente das pessoas que ouviram de maneira atenta. Uma grande voz de uma verdadeira rainha eterna!

Awards & Rankings

68
#68 Most Discussed Album of 2016

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Clash Music
    Nov 16, 2016
    60
    Keys fails to emulate these peers and instead only succeeds in certain apt production choices and the partial development of her earlier sound. She becomes yet another voice unable to deliver its message.
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  2. HipHopDX
    Nov 15, 2016
    82
    HERE is sewn up together nicely and a testament to what Keys always gets right--speaking from the heart as she strokes those 88-keys.
    Read full review
  3. Consequence
    Nov 14, 2016
    67
    Surprisingly, Here doesn’t struggle to balance this range of topics. Keys sings with authenticity and passion, occasionally delving into frustration, which keeps everything connected. What Here does struggle with is an unfinished commitment to order.
    Read full review
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