The title itself is a bit of a paradox. Freedom, as Keys explores it here, isn't just about liberation—it’s about the messy process of getting there. The album navigates the friction between independence and the need for connection. "Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down"
| Track # | Track Title | Notable Collaborators/Additional Info | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 1 | The Element of Freedom (Intro) | A short, spoken-word piece setting the album's introspective theme. | | 2 | Love Is Blind | Produced by Jeff Bhasker and Alicia Keys. | | 3 | Doesn't Mean Anything | The lead single from the album. | | 4 | Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart | Produced by Jeff Bhasker and Alicia Keys. | | 5 | Wait Til You See My Smile | Released as the sixth and final single in late 2010. | | 6 | That's How Strong My Love Is | Features a powerful, anthemic quality. | | 7 | Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready) | Features co-writing by Drake and Noah "40" Shebib. | | 8 | Love Is My Disease | Co-written and produced with singer-songwriter Linda Perry. | | 9 | Like the Sea | A track where Keys' vocal performance takes center stage. | | 10 | Put It in a Love Song | ; released as the third single. | | 11 | This Bed | Features Keys on the Moog bass, giving it a vintage feel. | | 12 | Distance and Time | A ballad about longing and devotion. | | 13 | How It Feels to Fly | A soaring track about finding new hope. | | 14 | Empire State of Mind, Pt. 2 | Keys' full-length rendition of her iconic collaboration with Jay-Z. | | Deluxe Edition Bonus Tracks (Selected) | | | | 15 | Through It All | A hidden gem exclusive to deluxe editions. | | 16 | Pray for Forgiveness | Another bonus track showcasing Keys' raw songwriting. | alicia keys the element of free newdom zip
Freedom, vulnerability, independence, and the complexities of love. The title itself is a bit of a paradox
On a rainy Monday in late spring, she stepped into a narrow studio lined with pianos, microphones, and dust motes that spun like tiny planets in the light. The city hummed outside; inside, time felt softer. She set the key on the upright, turned the letters toward her, and began to play. "Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down"