Alicia Keys: 'Doesn't Mean Anything'

Released on Monday, Nov 30 2009

Published Tuesday, Nov 24 2009, 10:11 GMT | By Nick Levine | 15 comments

"You are going to get lost," Alicia Keys says of her loftily-titled new album, The Element of Freedom. "A lot of it is going to be unexpected for what you probably would think I would do." Well, the singer's current US release - the atmospherically synthy 'Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart' - does suggest a certain broadening of her musical horizons, but if there's one word that doesn't describe this track, it's unexpected.

In fact, 'Doesn't Mean Anything' is pretty much vintage Keys: a midtempo piano ballad with a timeless-sounding chorus, classic, gimmick-free production and a Love Means More Than The Millions message. To call it a cross between 'No One' and 'If I Ain't Got You' would be far from misleading. Fingers crossed she does dip her toes into unexpected waters on the album, but for now this does its job admirably - it's as classy, well-crafted and comforting as a pair of cashmere bed socks.

> Click here to watch the 'Doesn't Mean Anything' video

More: Alicia Keys, Music, Gay Spy

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15 Comments

Your Responses

Ross, on December 21st, 2010
Brilliant love Alesha and I loved this song a lot ^^ 4/5

shawn, London, on March 19th, 2010
not a good choice of lead single, though it's not too bad.

samule, on February 2nd, 2010
Good song

Ben Kuwas, on December 6th, 2009
BORING! I like her, just not her songs. Can't she do something uplifting or relevant. I like her with Jay Z, she should do songs like that but this one is SO draining.

Abbey, London, on December 2nd, 2009
Awesome song and a brilliant singer. Top 3 for sure!

Lisa - West Yorkshire, on November 30th, 2009
I think this song is real and catchy...Top song..

stuart, leeds, on November 29th, 2009
amazing x factor performance! that girl sure can sing. loved the 3 song medley

Paul, London, on November 29th, 2009
I was underwhelmed at first but then this really grew on me. Plus the video is magical. Future singles Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart and Empire State of Mind Part II are wonderful too so really looking forward to the new album!

staceyy, on November 29th, 2009
i luv Alicia Keys and luv the fact that she sticks to what she does best and this song is preety amazin...... but this song is xactly wat i expected so in a way im kinda dissappointed because i wud rather she gav us sumthin different then preety much wat she always givs us..... still luv her and tha song nd cant wait 4 the x factor performance 2dai!

Dane , Birmingham, on November 28th, 2009
I love this song the lyrrics really express how i feel sometimes amazing <3 xx

One&Only X, on November 25th, 2009
I agree with Markson to some extent. This song isn't that great and it's pretty bland but love Alicia and no denying she has an amazing voice. Can't wait for her X-Factor performance.

makson, on November 24th, 2009
Alicia needs to step out of her comfort zone. This is too bland for my liking.

Katy, Manchester, on November 24th, 2009
I'm a massive Alicia fan and I adore this song. Very classy, beautifully sung and smooth. I'm not too disappointed that it's not particularly original or different from her older stuff because I am a fan, but that's still a downside whatever way you look at it.

Brad, on November 24th, 2009
She gets better and better for me. My favourite of her songs. The b-side 'Dreaming' is brilliant too.

Alan, Cork, on November 24th, 2009
Good enough song, just not very original at all.