"Karma," an unquestionably hot cut produced by Krucial that showcases beautiful racing violins, is about a repentant lover attempting to regain her favor. Even if you can't reconcile a world where Alicia Keys is kicked to the curb, this is still a standout.
Meanwhile, "You Don't Know My Name?" is an ingeniously smooth and innovative contrast to the monotony of most modern R&B. Bolstered by the dexterous Midas touch of current "it" producer Kanye West, Keys sprinkles a little hip-hop on top of '60s-inflected soda-shop pop, creating a track that shines on an album full of hits. But Keys's true hybrid vision manifests itself on the self-produced and absolutely gorgeous "If I Ain't Got You," which boasts a chorus befitting any Baptist church.
Despite a misstep or two -- "When You Really Love Someone" falls flat, with Keys beating a horse she bludgeoned to death on the last disc -- this is a heavy-rotation album. Don't let Keys's near-obnoxious pop status steer you away, because her Diary is superb and will complement even the most esoteric of music collections.
