Since the release of her debut album in 2001, Keys has secured 25 million album sales, nine Grammy awards and the gravitas to be called a “philanthropist” in her record company press release.

At only 26, the New Yorker is very much the image of a “serious” mainstream artist, yet despite some moments of ponderous self-regard – an occasionally overearnest lyric or strained moment of emoting – her third studio album keeps an elegant soul under the well-groomed trappings of superstar success. The satin-sheets bounce of Wreckless Love cancels out the saccharine Teenage Love Affair, while I Need You proves that it is possible to combine the words “mature” and “ballad” to positive effect.

(Sony BMG)

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