Here
by Alicia Keys
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Nov 4, 2016
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
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  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.
  2. AllMusic
    Nov 7, 2016
    50
    Pharrell Williams is on the couple's perseverance anthem "Work on It," a wobbly ballad, while Illangelo was involved with "Holy War," where some dulled drums interrupt a mostly acoustic number about backward societal views of war and sex. These songs, like a fair portion of the album's remainder, are not lacking in energy or conviction, but they're raw as in crude.

Awards & Rankings

68
#68 Most Discussed Album of 2016

User Reviews

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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
  1. 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 belongsFinally, 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.… Full Review »
  2. 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 areHERE 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.    … Full Review »
  3. 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,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.… Full Review »
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