The Top Ten Classiest Alicia Keys Songs

This was a terribly difficult list to compile, because every Alicia Keys song is classy.  On top of that, every Alicia Keys song is amazing.  It was even hard to pick an image for this blog entry, since every picture of Alicia Keys on Google images is SO PRETTY.

So I followed my instincts here, ignoring the urge to reread tracklistings from her various astoundingly magnificent albums, and leaving off obvious, overrated tracks like "No One" in favor of more subtle album cuts like "Love is Like the Sea."

Here we go...

10.  Love is Like the Sea

While producing the least amount of hit singles, The Element of Freedom is probably the best Alicia Keys album.  It's an unstoppable wave of wisdom that truly showcases impressive artistic growth.  This philosophical, extended metaphor regarding the helplessness of being in love nicely sums up the album's overall theme.

9.  Teenage Love Affair
The only thing better than an Alicia Keys song sung by Alicia Keys while she acts out scenes that reflect the song's themes is all of that WITH DIALOGUE.

Plus, the adorable retro-ness of this song puts it over the top.  This would, of course, not be the last time Alicia displayed her "historically themed" video skills - see also, "Un-Thinkable."

As a side note, I think Alicia should team up with Erykah Badu for a duet with a historically themed video, since they're both so awesome in that milieu.

Along with "You Don't Know My Name," "Teenage Love Affair" is the height of Alicia's cuteness.

8.  Fallen

Wisdom and classiness right out of the gate!  Like so many of Alicia's most eloquent songs,"Fallen" combines insight with vulnerability.
Now, you could try to find a better musical moment in all of pop r & b than "Oh-oh, Iiiiiiiii, never felt this wayyy" at the beginning of the second verse.  But good luck with that.
7.  A Woman's Worth
Frankly, I couldn't believe this song was ten years old, until I saw Alicia's outfit in this video.    Wow, 2002-tastic.

Anyway, here's a little gem of nobly unfurling advice as to how to properly treat ladyfolk.

Fantastic leading man video costar alert: Morris Chestnut!

6.  Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready)
Just...ehmagawd.  The depth of emotion, the wisdom, the vulnerability, the class.  All of the qualities immediately identifiable with Alicia's music, turned up all the way.

This is an exquisite description of weighing the chance at true love against the serious obstacles that lie in the way.

Amazing leading man video costar alert: Chad Michael Murray!

5.  Lesson Learned

This song is so incredibly excellent that even the presence of John Mayer can't ruin it.  In fact, he's actually not half bad here.  "Lesson Learned" has some of the best advice about how to pick oneself back up from a hardship ever.

"Fallin' down ain't fallin' down if you don't cry when you hit the floor."  Gorgeous bridge!  Sigh.  Alicia Keys is my therapist.

4.  Diary

I just looked up "Classy" in the dictionary, and this song was next to it.  It's also featured in the entry for "Romantic."

3.  You Don't Know My Name

The retro-cute vibe is back, and Alicia really nailed it with this stunning ode to shy flirtation.

Fantastic leading man video costar alert: Mos Def!

And, of course, DIALOGUE!

2.  If I Ain't Got You
There's a reason why this song has been played at every wedding to take place since its release.  It's a clear-cut, accessible, undeniably powerful ode to the importance of love.

1.  Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart

This song is so overwhelmingly, undeniably, beautifully classy that it almost defies description.  In describing the ache of unrequited love, Alicia overlays the pain with lushly romantic reminiscences.

As for a "best moment" in this song, it has to be a tie between "nobody ever shut it down like you," and "you know that I'll always be in love with youuu, right till the end...."