Drop the glitter and the glam—Alicia Keys puts a new twist on “cool,” using authenticity and passion to please her audience.
“Cool” has come to mean a million different things. Most often, it involves money, clothes, or status. “The flex” describes the outward display of possessing any of these qualities, and it has become a staple of modern music, especially hip hop.
But there are still examples of old-school cool. Artists who exude their coolness through their demeanor, their music, and the way they can bring a room together. Few out there who outpace Alicia Keys. Just before the pandemic, Keys recorded an episode of NPR’s very popular Tiny Desk series, where artists perform in a small space with mostly acoustic instruments. Keys performed a set list that included hits like “Show Me Love” and “Fallin” but also some new tracks like “Gramercy Park” and “Underdog” – the perfect anthem for those struggling with the COVID pandemic.
Keys overflows with natural talent, and the audience is immediately made aware of her powers when she sings. Her voice achieves constant playfulness and a casual tone, while also being precise and powerful. She switches between vibes effortlessly, talking to the audience through her songs. Where most artists sing their music to the crowd in general, Keys is clearly connecting with individuals in the audience, often involving them in the music, and asking for their feedback in between songs.
Underdog transcends coolness. Most stars singing a song about the underdogs in their communities would lose authenticity. Keys has been a star for decades, but still speaks about underdogs with power and passion. When the COVID pandemic struck, the lyrics fit shockingly well.
The lyrics that make up the hook include “young teachers, student doctors serving on the front lines knowing they don’t get to run” before ending with “someday soon enough you will rise up, rise up.” Keys couldn’t have known that the pandemic would make the song so poignant, but she knew that the universal themes and messages from the song could have been used in a variety of scenarios. The song has none of the celebrities for charity notes that we have seen during the pandemic. Keys breaks the mold, providing the audience with honest, authentic, and real experience.
Keys then took a crowd poll on what song she should sing next, easily being able to produce anything on demand. Eventually she settles on “Fallin” a hit from 2001 that shows the lasting power of her music, along with the incredible resilience of her talent. The song requires a powerful voice, and seems to put Keys back into Tour de force mode. Her band and backup singers accent and emphasize, but Keys is a superstar showing her gifts. When she lets the crowd join in the end of the song, she shows her ability to connect and collaborate, and the humility to share the light of her superstardom with the lucky mortals who are lucky enough to see her play.
The entire set was short on bravado, bragging, or displays of money and status. But Alicia’s natural talent, and uncanny humility combine to create something different: a refreshingly cool experience.