Alicia Keys has shared details about her next record, KEYS. It will be released December 10 and the singer-songwriter revealed there are two versions of the album: "Originals" and "Unlocked."
Accordingly, she’s shared two versions of a single from the project, “Best of Me.” The new song is about a lover Keys claims brings out the best in her. The "Originals" version is smooth and sweet. While the lyrics are exactly the same in the "Unlocked" version, there's slightly edgier sounds: morse code-esque clicks, a softer drum, more reverb, and additional harmonies from Keys.
In the KEYS announcement video, a robotic voice explains the difference between the two versions. “My new album ‘KEYS’ will have two types of songs,” says the voice, with Side A ["Originals"] promising “laidback piano vibes” while Side B ["Unlocked"] will feature “upbeat, drums and level up” sound. Additionally, Side B will be entirely produced by Kendrick Lamar collaborator, Mike Will Made-It
#KEYS. The Album. 2 Sides. 2 Versions. Original 🔒and Unlocked 🔓 Coming Soon. pic.twitter.com/eCaRWB0cFq
— Alicia Keys (@aliciakeys) October 26, 2021
“The Originals come from that classic side of me! It’s that AK that we WANT!! A homecoming,” Keys wrote in a post on Instagram. “The Unlocked side, I wanted to sample The Originals to create a whole other sonic experience. So, [Mike WiLL Made-It] and I connected and made magic.”
"Best of Me" is not the first single Keys has released from her upcoming album. The new record was previewed last month by new single "LALA (Unlocked)," featuring vocals by Swae Lee and production from Mike Will Made-It.
KEYS is the follow-up to the singer-songwriter’s 2020 album Alicia. Earlier this year, Keys shared a 20th anniversary edition of her debut album Songs In A Minor, which featured a special edition set containing two previously unreleased bonus tracks from recording sessions: "Crazy (Mi Corazon)" and "Foolish Heart." The latter track was the first song she ever recorded.
In other Alicia Keys news, she made an appearance at last year's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony to give remarks for Whitney Houston’s posthumous honors. She also joined Brandi Carlile on the song “A Beautiful Noise,” released as a get-out-and-vote effort last fall. Next year, Keys will be releasing a young adult graphic novel titled Girl on Fire.
Pre-save KEYS here.
Watch the two visualizers for "Best of Me" below.
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Article Image: Alicia Keys posing with a hand on her hip during a show in Shanghai in 2013. (ChinaImages via DepositPhotos.)
