It often seems like Alicia Keys has gotten lost in today’s diluted landscape of contemporary R&B and soul singers. This genre is going through a rough patch, with many current sounds resembling those of past artists—using samples, simple lyrics, and tracks that feel like uninspired imitations of favorites from decades gone by.

However, Alicia Keys is no newcomer to the scene, nor is she a copycat of anyone else. Her impressive three-album run starting in the early 2000s deserves more recognition, giving us hits like “You Don’t Know My Nаme,” “No One,” and “If I Ain’t Got You.” Let’s not forget her iconic collaboration with Jay-Z on “Empire State of Mind” in 2009, a song that became a staple even for longtime New Yorkers like my grandparents.

While Keys still enjoys commercial success, it’s hard for anyone to match the heights of her earlier career. So when I attended her concert in Inglewood, I wasn’t sure what to expect, having missed out on her more recent work.

As I waited with my sister, a devoted Keys fan, the anticipation grew. When she finally took the stage, Keys was a vision, dressed in a dazzling outfit. She started with classics like “You Don’t Know My Nаme,” captivating the audience with her vocal prowess.

Throughout the show, Keys effortlessly moved between songs, incorporating elements of ska and reggae into her performance. Despite a somewhat underwhelming guest appearance, she returned with a new look and introduced us to her latest album, Keys II, offering both raw acoustic versions and fully produced “unlocked” alternates of each song.

With hits like “Fallin’” and “Empire State of Mind,” Keys showcased her timeless appeal, backed by a chorus of harmonizing vocalists dressed in white. She closed the show with the emotional journey of “No One,” leaving the audience in awe.

Despite my reservations about the current state of R&B, Keys proved herself as a seasoned professional who knows how to put on an unforgettable show. While her new music may not break new ground, she remаins an icon in her own right, delivering positive energy and outstanding performances time and again.