Songs in A Minor

Songs in A Minor is the debut album by American recording artist Alicia Keys, released in the United States on June 5, 2001 by J Records. After graduating from high school, Keys signed with Columbia Records to begin her music career. She recorded an album in 1998 under the label, which they rejected. Her contract subsequently ended with Columbia after a dispute with the label, where Keys later signed with Clive Davis. An accomplished pianist, Key... more

Songs in A Minor is the debut album by American recording artist Alicia Keys, released in the United States on June 5, 2001 by J Records. After graduating from high school, Keys signed with Columbia Records to begin her music career. She recorded an album in 1998 under the label, which they rejected. Her contract subsequently ended with Columbia after a dispute with the label, where Keys later signed with Clive Davis. An accomplished pianist, Keys wrote, arranged and produced the majority of the album. Contrary to the album's title—a playful reference to Keys' youth—, only one song, "Jane Doe", is in the key of A minor. The album was hailed by music critics, who noted her ability to catch an old-school jazz sound and mix it with R&B; and soul melodies. Keys has earned comparisons with artists such as Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Billie Holiday, Prince, and Lauryn Hill. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling over 236,000 copies in its first week. The album... less