Alicia Keys pleads for peace in "We Are Here"

Alicia Keys revealed an uplifting video on Facebook page for her powerful brand new song, "We Are Here," The pregnant songstress wants her child to grow up in a better world than the one we occupy now. Those feelings of world peace and equality spawned the meaningful lyrics to "We Are Here," a new song the R&B artist preaching about the need to rid the world of war, violence and discrimination. The clip is simple, with the focus on the inspirational anthem's message, as Keys pounds the ivories and sings about violent current events.

The stripped-down, piano driven track provides her with ample excuses to put her famous pipes through their paces. "The day I wrote this song, I was sitting in a circle of people of all ages and we were asked, 'Why are you here.' Why am I here?? This really hit me on a deep level. I realized no one had ever asked me that question before," explains Keys. "As I prepare to give birth to a new child, I can't help and think about the world I'm bringing my baby into. No matter where we come from, when we see the state of the world today, we can all feel the growing frustration and desire to make a difference. And we all have a voice - we just need to know how to make it heard."
"We Are Here" is a song with a beautiful message and Keys using music to heal and inspire amid the chaos in the world. Keys is inspired by her desire to make a difference and create a kinder and more peaceful world for ALL children. Keys is using her voice to reinforce her vision of an empowered global community in which all people are heard, respected, equal, and treated with dignity. She's rallying fans and challenging them to raise their voices for the causes they believe in - because real change begins with all of us. Keys said, "It's not about me, it's about WE. This is OUR world. And we are here."
Rocking her signature throwback braided and beaded hairstyle straight out of her "Fallin'" days, the Grammy-winning singer uses her voice to spark change and stands for peace, love, and unity on the marching anthem, while reflecting on the current global and political turmoil in Chicago, Israel, Gaza, and Nigeria. "Our souls were brought together so that we could love each other, brother/ We are here /We are here for all of us," Keys croons out on the power ballad from behind the piano on a rooftop overlooking her hometown of New York City in the empowering video.

Alicia Keys carrys out hero dutiy in 'It's on again'

"The Amazing Spider-Man 2" won't hit theaters until May 2nd, so in the meantime, Alicia Keys teamed up with rapper Kendrick Lamar to save the world and provide plenty of super-heroic action with the new music video for their contribution to the film, "It's On Again." The inspirational-disco number is the lead single from the upcoming soundtrack for the film "The Amazing Spider-Man 2," conjures a Spidey-like level of drama: "There's no day off for heroes," Keys belts into the camera, between sweeping images of the New York City skyline. "And even when I'm tired, 'go' is the only word I know."

"It's on Again" is your friendly neighborhood 'Spider' jam. The 33-year-old singer-songwriter teamed up with Lamar on this tune, who kicks off the song with a shouty verse and some rapid rhymes then we hear Keys singing of carrying out superhero duties over the everywhere-at-once Pharrell Williams' production and Hans Zimmer's orchestral arrangement, which means the song might have a stronger cast of talent than the movie itself. "I'm very excited to be a part of such a powerful collaboration with Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell Williams and Hans Zimmer," said Keys.
"This is the next chapter in the Spider-Man legacy and we really feel 'It's On Again' captures the experience, the story-and most importantly-the meaning behind the film, which is that we all have the potential to be extraordinary. There's a little bit of a super hero in all of us." The film director Marc Webb said: "We were looking for just the right song to close out the film - a song that would be upbeat and exciting, but also contain a note of foreboding. Alicia's song, 'It's On Again', is the perfect end note." "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" will hit theaters on May 2nd, with the soundtrack set for release on April 22nd.

In the vigilante hero themeed new video, the marquee lineup of Keys, Lamar, and Williams come together, alongside Spider-Man composer Zimmer, who's involved in the film’s score, play some sort of super-team. Together, they unveil a comic-inspired tale which combines scenes from the film alongside their own masterful exploits. In this case, their mission entails reconfiguring the electrical grid to sync with the song's beat, and William uses his insane-hacker genius to turn all of Manhattan's lights into a synchronized light show, as he watches a wall of security cameras. After rebooting his supercomputer, the city's skyscrapers begin throbbing to the song's light-groove wave form.

Alicia Keys missing her love in 'Tears Always Win'

Alicia Keys travels to Las Vegas and carrying two jobs as a showgirl and a cabaret singer in search of stardom in the music video for "Tears Always Win," the fifth single off Keys' fifth studio album, "Girl on Fire," which was released last November, debuted at No.1 on Billboard 200. Despite all the glamour and glitz in Sin City, and the fact she's getting good money moonlighting as cabaret dancer - headdress, feathers, fishnets, and all - and the 32-year-old bluesy singer just cannot stop thinking about her ex. It's stylish and emotional.

The powerful ballad "Tears Always Win," is produced by Jeff Bhasker, and co-penned by Bruno Mars and his Smeezingtons partner Phillip Lawrence. Fiery songstress Keys revealed the inspiration behind the song during one of her live performances while on tour, stating, "Some things don't always work out the way that you wish that they would, but you have to give it a try, and at the very least, I have a song for that too." In the R&B diva Keys' hands alone, this missing-my-baby ballad might have fallen victim to overly sappy platitudes about life on the road without her man by her side.
The song finds Keys nursing a broken heart. She explained its meaning to MTV News: "'Tears Always Win' is really about a relationship that's over and you're remembering all the times that it was there," she said. "You're remembering all the ways they filled your space and now that it's not there. You're telling yourself you don't need them, but you're missing them and you're crying about it." Keys also told MTV of the story behind her video: "It's a girl and her working two jobs and she's got all these things going on, but the whole time, she's totally distracted because she's only thinking about how she feels [about her ex], almost at the point [where] you're thinking about the person, but you're also thinking about, kind of, your loneliness and how you feel. How're you gonna get through it?"
The Robert Hales-directed visual, is totally beautiful, really unexpected, features Keys plays both a showgirl and cabaret singer working hard for the money on the Las Vegas strip, all the while longing for her far-away love. It opens with Keys waking up alone and she's looking kind of sad in her motel room in Las Vegas. But she doesn't stick around her place for long, she throws on a leather jacket and walks down the Vegas strip toward the action and lights, where she does her job as a hardworking showgirl, then transforms into a lounge singer accompanied by some backing singers, and plays the piano and sings the emotional ballad about loneliness and lost love in front of some guests.

Alicia Keys celebrates life with "New Day"

The stunning R&B diva Alicia Keys has unveiled a bold and high-energy new video for her new triumphant anthem, "New Day," the lead single and the third international single from her fifth studio album, "Girl on Fire." The 32-year-old R&B songstress fires on her husband Swizz Beatz-produced hit with the very catchy, more up-tempo tune and declares it's a new day and calls listeners to celebrate her new "Girl on Fire" single.
"New Day," Keys' most powerful number to date, is a contemporary R&B song with house, Hip hop, pop and reggae influences, and the song showcases a musical departure from the previous singles by the singer, with a more upbeat sound led by drums and percussion, as opposed to her classical R&B sound. On the song, Keys sings about "touching the sky and not letting chances go to waste." The chorus "It's a new day" speaks of everything. It's a new day for music. It's a new day for her spiritually, mentally. The concept is celebrating life, and that's just the beginning of it.
On the theme of the song, Keys expressed that for her, "a new day is the possibility to chose how to create the life of your dreams and letting no one to stop you." The song is clearly inspired by the experiences and feelings the singer had about her son. She further added that "In short, 'New Day' is a strong start to what will hopefully be a banger of an album." The song marks a musical departure for Keys as it sees her stepping away from her ballads and piano-led R&B music towards a more percussion-led sound. It sounds harder and tougher, sounds like a rhythmic jam with some vocals tucked underneath.
Strutting on the stage and in the streets, the Indrani-directed visuals juxtaposes footage one of her sold-out, jam-packed concerts as Keys performing in a crop top to a packed crowd with scenes of the singer breaking it down in a pair of killer leather pants in back alleys, and sweeping views of New York City as Keys doing some arm-raising choreography with her back-up male dancers. Interspersed in between the two similar-looking set-ups are shots of graffiti being painted on the wall of the alleyway, which when finally done, served as the video's culminating shot, showing a cool artwork of Keys and her new single's title.

Alicia Keys & Maxwell steam up in 'Fire We Make'

Turning up the heat! Alicia Keys shows fans a real taste of her sensual side in her brand-new steamy music video for new single, "Fire We Make," serves as the second worldwide single, is one of the more soulful cuts off R&B songstress' latest fifth studio album album, "Girl On Fire." The stunning Keys teamed up with soul/R&B singer Maxwell and together the pair demonstrate their impressive vocal range across the track, created a steamy period piece set in old New Orleans as its backdrop for love. As Keys takes a break on a beach in the Bahamas, her new video is making waves of its own.
This sultry duet with Maxwell features a solo from bluesy-rock guitarist Gary Clark Jr, who told MTV: "It was originally just a one-time gig. She was doing a benefit for Keep A Child Alive here in NYC. She was asking if someone could play some guitar on George Harrison's 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps.'" When it came down to laying down his contribution, Clark has nothing but praise for Keys: "She's just sweet, genuine, people. I mean, she's Alicia Keys. I've been a fan for a minute. She's very professional. I went in and I was like, 'What do you want me to do?' and she was like, 'This is the song. You just do what you do, and we'll see what happens.' It was one of the best studio experiences I've ever had."
Directed by Chris Robinson, the visual is set in the French Quarter hotel of an old, '50s period-styled New Orleans, and tells a story of a girl working at her family's boarding house who falls in love with a handsome guest and traveling singer. It begins as a short film, where Keys stars as a gorgeous B&B innkeeper with her sultry voice narrating: "It was an amazing time to be in New Orleans. The heat, the French Quarters, and him. And we fell in love," before a mysterious guest shows up. Keys races downstairs to the reception and the chemistry is immediately evident. As Maxwell asks if there is a room available, the slow, soulful beat kicks in. After the 'flame of love' immediately lights up between them, Keys lets the mystery man into his room before retreating to her own.
The narrative unfolds as the pair, from separate rooms, appear to be resisting the temptation to join one another. He's thinking the same and wonders if the woman in the next room is feeling what he's feeling. Next, Maxwell sings on stage at a tiny, smoke-filled live music venue, while Keys writhes on the floor on the other side of the room rub ice all over her body since there was no air conditioning back then, enthralled. After some more fantasizing, undressing, and sexy stolen glances, the pair eventually meet up in person at the hotel porch at night time to embark on what we're sure is going to be the hottest first-time encounter ever, and to let their sentiments free.

Alicia Keys sings about being a "Brand New Me"

Alicia Keys, is too busy finding myself and isn't compromising her self esteem anymore since she has had enough of you telling her what to do, finally debuted her brand new video for her heartfelt delicate R&B piano ballad, "Brand New Me," the second single from Keys' latest chart-topping LP, "Girl on Fire." We like Alicia Keys just the way she's always been, but if she wants to be a "Brand New Me" more power to her. The song is a graceful piano ballad of the sort we know and love from Keys.
Co-written by Emeli Sandé, this piano-driven power ballad finds Keys singing about the end of a journey where she is able to assert herself and leave behind the naysayers in her life. Keys told The BoomBox of the introspective ballad, "is about the journey it takes to get to a place where you are proud to be a new you," she explained. "There is nothing wrong with growing. There may be people in your life that knew you for a long time and they think of you only as the person you used to be and not the person you now are. And this song is a conversation introducing them to the new you. Where nothing can hold you back and no one can hold you down."
Unlike the bombastic "New Day" and the explosive title track, this latest song isn't an uptempo anthem, it's a quiet, tender soft ballad. It's like her autobiography, the triumphant song that Keys shows off her trills and her cocky attitude. It is lyrically one of her most powerful & inspirational songs to date, so be prepared to feel a boost of self-worth and intense inspiration with the sound of Keys' crisp, confident vocals. “Brand New Me” is the restrained type of pop song that's becoming harder to find amidst the deluge of hyper-processed vocals and pseudo-dubstep.
The Diane Martel-directed clip is another classy visual for Keys, who backstage singing the inspirational track to herself while staring in the mirror and then transforming into a new woman, as the 31-year-old R&B songstress embarks on her new journey, rid herself of all restricting instruments and back where she belongs: Right at her piano, and pours her heart out and frees herself from the past, even decided to liberate her hair, sporting impressively voluminous curls and all. It's to Keys' credit that she has the charisma and performing chops to pull off a video that rests solely on her slender shoulder.

Alicia Keys Finding Strength in "Girl On Fire"

Alicia Keys plays a sexy superwoman and is set the bar high with a visually stunning promo for girl-power anthem, "Girl On Fire," the lead off single and title track from Keys' upcoming fifth studio album, "Girl on Fire," due out on November 27th. The 31-year-old R&B siren has stated that she wants the new album to "liberate" and "empower" fans. "I am totally feeling the powerful, sultry and fun vibe of this video!" Keys wrote on Twitter hours before the video premiere on Friday.
"Girl on Fire," a R&B ballad combines elements of hip hop, was inspired by Keys' giving birth to her son Egypt and marriage to husband Swizz Beatz. In a fiery message on her website to announce the album, she wrote: "Girl on Fire is about new beginnings, new perspectives and fresh starts?. Before making this record, in some ways I felt like a lion locked in a cage. I felt like a girl misunderstood that no one really knew, I felt like it was time to stop making excuses for any part of my life that I wanted to change. Once I made that choice I became a Girl on Fire, the lion broke free!!"
Musically, "Girl on Fire" is put together like some of Keys' best, most classic ballads - "No One," "If I Ain't Got You" - quiet, unassuming verses leading into big, empathic choruses. Keys' lyrics center around toasting the achievements of women everywhere, and she delivered with a calming-yet-commanding wail with the powerful and flawless vocals over her trademark piano punches. It's heavily bombastic, but the drama of it makes it memorable, and the hooky melody is beautiful and exhilarating. Keys seems to have to set out to make a statement song about power, and it's undeniable that she's succeeded in that. We adore those raw, sensual vocals!

Keys keeps it glamorous and channels the life of a ferocious, fiery, 1950s styled working mother who helps her kids with homework, cleans their home, cooks and takes care of an elderly woman - not a far cry from real life - all while donning different green outfits in the Sophie Muller-directed clip, which opens with her reclining on a bed in a tiny top that shows off her bra straps, cleavage and a firm, toned tummy. Keys completes her superwoman act by caring for an elderly woman before rejecting the overtures of the man in her life when she finally gets the chance to put her feet up and slip on a pair of headphones.

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Alicia Keys Released "Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready)"

The R&B songbird Alicia Keys premiered a music video with a message attached through Vevo and on BET for the song "Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready)," off her recently released "Element of Freedom" album, which debuted at No.2 when it was released in last December and has since gone platinum in the US. The track was initially scheduled to be the fifth single but will now impact as the fourth single whilst "Put It in a Love Song," Keys' colorful collaboration with Beyoncé will impact Summer.
Keys is known to be more than just a music artist when it comes to human interests. The "No One" singer is very involved in the relief efforts in Africa, has been for years, with her non-profit organization, Keep A Child Alive, under her belt. She decided to tackle a new area of focus that although has evolved throughout the decades, still remains a hot topic, interracial relationships, which in the 1950s may have been life-threatening, but by the 1980s they were increasingly common.
The standout song "Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready)" is an emotional ballad describing the feelings that go into loving someone who is either off-limits or looked down on by others' beliefs and still following through with your heart. It starts out moody and evocative but ends up floundering in its own dreary atmosphere. The singer/pianist goes from entertaining puppy love to confessing deeper emotions. "You give me a feeling that I've never felt before, it's becoming something that's impossible to ignore," Keys sings nervously over extended piano strokes. She finally builds up the courage to share a serious desire with her lover atop a building, thumping beat. For an artist who has built her career on songs about love, lust and heartache, Keys has never sounded quite as vulnerable and exposed as she does here.
The Grammy winner filmed the music video in Los Angeles with director Jake Nava, who previously told Rap-Up: "Alicia is a true artist and I was very pleased that she was brave enough to go with this unusual concept. Together I believe we have done something new and important." The songstress takes on the issue of forbidden love and interracial dating through the past and present in the powerful clip, and as Keys told Rap Up magazine, "The promo clip will highlight the past and present stigmas surrounding the subject." This fits in well with the song's meaning and is a very graphic detail of race relations in the 1950's and helping to portray the pain Keys is going through with her love affair in the song. In all, this video is really DEEP!

Alicia Keys's "Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart"

After opening up to Billboard about new music video is revolving around through a behind-the-scene footage, the piano-friendly pop star Alicia Keys finally released a music video for her latest new single "Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart" earlier Tuesday on BET's "106 & Park." The video was directed by Syndrome and inspired by superhero movies "X-Men" series and "Hancock."
The melodic ballad and penultimate song was produced by Jeff Bhasker and was released late October as the second single from her upcoming fourth studio album, "The Element of Freedom," scheduled to be released on December 15. Keys called her "supersupersupersuper joint," a song everyone who has ever been brokenhearted can relate to, a song that is heartbreaking, and yet somehow also empowering.
Keys filmed the video back-to-back with "Empire State of Mind." In this Sydrome-directed video, sees Keys with a superhero ability. It features Keys as a woman with healing powers which brings consequence of not able to touch anyone. Keys takes on humanity and tries flying in a purple catsuit." The clip finds Keys playing an "X-Men"-esque superhero whose powers leave her unable to touch the man she loves. She rolls around in bed, shimmies in a stairwell, then heads off to various parts of the city to do heroic deeds? such as healing a little girl's hurt dog in the street! She eventually ends up shaking her booty on top of a building in said one-sleeved catsuit until she confronts the gentleman who we're to assume is the villain causing this super diva's broken heart. Speaking of the video, recently, Keys said "It basically pictures the movie "Hancock" or the character Rogue from "X-Men" and the way that they have an incredible power that is a blessing but also their curse."
The album will include "Empire State of Mind Part 2" which has her re-uniting with Jay-Z on the hook. Drake is also recruited to lend his vocal on the album and Beyonce Knowles is rumored to make contribution. Keys performed the song at New York University's Skirball Center for Pepsi Music, and also performed it on "Dancing With The Stars." She will performance on Sunday's American Music Awards.

Jay-Z & Alicia Keys "Empire State Of Mind" Video

Mogul-rapper Jay-Z and Alicia Keys have officially premiered a inspirational music video on YouTube channel for their new collaboration and much talked about New York City anthem, "Empire State of Mind," which was released as the third single from the rapper's latest #1 album "The Blueprint 3", and features guest vocals from vocalist and songwriter Keys. The song is an anthemic ode to Jay-Z's and Keys's native New York City, featuring sampling of "Love on a Two-Way Street" by The Moments. It also contains elements of electropop and orchestra pop. The song was first showcased live on-stage during the 26th annual 2009 MTV Video Music Awards on September 13, and also the duo stole the show during Game 2 of the 2009 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium on Thursday night.
In the midst of what could be the most detrimental Hip-Hop beef in his career, Jay-Z makes another powerhouse move. The highly anticipated clip for the hit record "Empire State of Mind" was directed by Hype Williams, filmed on October 1 in Harlem, Times Square and around Ground Zero of the Big Apple, and is artfully produced in black and white. The clip features both artists at their best and the imagery and cinematography is just as amazing as a result of Hype Williams direction. Not only highlights the majestic boroughs and surroundings of NYC for folks to visualize, but brings forth somewhat of a revitalization of the Empire state.
The joint track was produced by Shux and co-produced by Janet "Jnay" Sewell-Ulepic & Angela Hunte. The record features the dynamic vocals of R&B-soul songstress Keys, complimented with some choice words on life perspectives from Jay-Z himself. Some of his best collaborative work to date with vocalists. It's the city's image personified by Jay-Z's words, which manage to tap the core of those still wearing Timbs because, deep down, everyone wants to reach the level of opulence that he has. Jay-Z continues to redefine himself as the #1 Hip-Hop artist time and again, he just beat us there & seemingly left us behind. Yet, he reminds that he's still connected to the city that never sleeps by going back and describing the life that lives there day and night.

Alejandro Sanz&Alicia Keys Looking for Paradise

The most commercially successful Spanish pop ballad musician of all time, Alejandro Sanz earned a reputation as an industrious hitmaker in his native country during the 1990s, and by the decade's end, he'd expanded his fan base internationally as he broadened his style beyond romantic ballads and has won a record 17 Latin Grammys, more than any other Spanish musician in history. He has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide.
The Spanish vocalist/composer has teamed up with Alicia Keys to released his brand new video for his latest single "Looking for Paradise" featuring Alicia Keys worldwide. Two of the most talented artists have combined their talents and created this delightful song. The song premiered on a fan club members-only section of Sanz's official site on September 18. It is in support of the lead single from the Grammy Award winning Spanish singer's forthcoming eighth album "Paraíso Express," which will be released on November 10. It is also the first since 2007's "El Tren de los Momentos," which sold 120,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
In music video, the duo sing a feel-good romantic ballad, with catchy guitar strumming and complementary harmonies between Sanz and Keys. You will find both stars trading lyrics in English and Spanish. Their voices are a nice contrast to each other which is why it works nicely. The tune is pure bilingual pop and it's got a little something for someone. Beautiful message and beautiful melody. It's one of those tracks that makes you sad and happy all at the same time. And it happens to be pretty much what we've come to expect from these two: Sultry posing, a guitar or two, a loft with an exposed brick wall and then some more sultry posing. These two are so cute together and we've been missing them and their sultry posing lately.
Sanz achieved international notoriety when he collaborated with Colombian pop star Shakira on her 2005 smash hit "La Tortura", which holds the mark for the longest reign atop Billboard's Latin Songs chart, at 25 weeks in 2005. Billboard quotes a statement from him in which he discusses the forthcoming album, which was produced by Latin Grammy Award winning Puerto Rican artist Tommy Torres and mixed by Bob Clearmountain. "On this album, I first composed the melody and then the lyrics. It is more of a rock album than my past releases, with more elegant and positive lyrics and a happier and more rhythmic spirit. I told Torres that I wanted it to have a very British pop sound with the rock touch that the songs call for," said Sanz. "Tommy did a perfect interpretation in that sense. Everything flowed in a very natural way."

Alicia Keys' New Single "Doesn't Mean Anything"

Alicia Keys is back and ready to overtake radio and the industry with a brand-new song, "Doesn't Mean Anything" from her in-progress fourth studio album has arrived in full audio stream, being unveiled on the singer's official YouTube site Tuesday. The song reportedly was supposed to hit radio airwaves on September 30, but Alicia chose to give it an online debut earlier than the schedule apparently to avoid leak. This sounds like what we've come to expect from Alicia Keys which is nothing short of excellence. The song was written and produced by Keys and longtime collaborator Kerry Brothers, Jr. This will sound great on the radio this fall with its gorgeous gradual escalation of intensity.
Keys plays the piano to evoke a powerful mood that only she can, which leads to the striking first line, "Used to dream of being a millionaire, without a care." The gorgeous piano ballad new single features Keys longing for a missing love over a mid-tempo production, which is a cross between Keys' Grammy-nominated hits "No One" and "If I Ain't Got You," except tinged with heartbreak and regret instead of all-powerful devotion, is set to be the lead single from her forthcoming, as-yet-untitled new album, slated for a November release. The single, on the other hand, will be available for download on iTunes on September 22.
Keys has already garnered the attention of music enthusiasts worldwide and achieved just about every notable accolade a musician can, but when the singer/songwriter speaks about her new single, "Doesn't Mean Anything," she sounds as excited as a newcomer. "The song just lifts you up and takes you somewhere on this journey."