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Here
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Here Image
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 118 Ratings

  • Summary: The sixth full-length studio release for the R&B singer features a guest appearance from A$AP Rocky as well as contributions from Roy Ayers, Mark Batson, Emeli Sandé, Swizz Beatz, and Pharrell Williams.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. PopMatters
    Nov 11, 2016
    90
    Alicia Keys decided to make something so raw, so honest, so palpable, that it should be all but impossible for soul music lovers to ignore this release.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Nov 7, 2016
    83
    The combination of her subject matter and her urgent delivery makes Here her most vital release in years--and a welcome addition to 2016’s rich canon of albums from Beyoncé, Solange, Frank Ocean, Common, and Dev Hynes that address black life in America.
  3. HipHopDX
    Nov 15, 2016
    82
    HERE is sewn up together nicely and a testament to what Keys always gets right--speaking from the heart as she strokes those 88-keys.
  4. Rolling Stone
    Nov 7, 2016
    70
    Musically, the way a boom-bap here brushes up against a Latin flourish there while Seventies soul echoes nearby suggests less a fusion of styles than an atmosphere the singer inhabits--these are the sounds New Yorkers overhear blasting from passing cars and seeping from pedestrian earbuds, reimagined as a hectic but coherent symphony.
  5. Exclaim
    Nov 7, 2016
    70
    Here is empowering at times--it's strong in craft and intent, and will likely perform well--but the hope that Keys will deliver that iconic, instant classic album continues on.
  6. Slant Magazine
    Nov 7, 2016
    70
    At times Here feels like it wants to be What's Going On, the standard-bearer of socially-conscious soul, but it's more akin to Stevie Wonder's Innervisions, mixing the political with the personal.
  7. AllMusic
    Nov 7, 2016
    50
    Pharrell Williams is on the couple's perseverance anthem "Work on It," a wobbly ballad, while Illangelo was involved with "Holy War," where some dulled drums interrupt a mostly acoustic number about backward societal views of war and sex. These songs, like a fair portion of the album's remainder, are not lacking in energy or conviction, but they're raw as in crude.

See all 14 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. jw1293
    Nov 7, 2016
    10
    Finally, the album that we've been waiting for from Alicia Keys. Insightful, political, raw, vulnerable, and expertly produced. This belongsFinally, the album that we've been waiting for from Alicia Keys. Insightful, political, raw, vulnerable, and expertly produced. This belongs in the canon of great R&B/Hip-Hop albums of this generation.… Expand
  2. ROBYWON
    Sep 5, 2021
    10
    Introspective and sophisticated, from R&B to Soul, with hints of ghospel and pop-rock, Alicia Keys is here. Stunning lyrics of tension, loveIntrospective and sophisticated, from R&B to Soul, with hints of ghospel and pop-rock, Alicia Keys is here. Stunning lyrics of tension, love and prayer. You can hear how much the singer-songwriter needs to write immediate tracks, to throw out her soul. Hasty and euphoric. Like her family, many people who have something in common. Worthy artwork.… Expand
  4. Hinaria
    Nov 7, 2016
    10
    delivery makes Here her most vital release in years--and a welcome addition to 2016’s rich canon of albums from Beyoncé, Solange, Frank Ocean,delivery makes Here her most vital release in years--and a welcome addition to 2016’s rich canon of albums from Beyoncé, Solange, Frank Ocean, Common, and Dev Hynes that address black life in America.… Expand
  5. valesoul93
    Nov 11, 2016
    9
    Alicia K takes your hand and allow you to discover the real Alicia, the real New York. Couldn't ask for a better album. Dope music, incredible lyrics.
  6. VinitB
    Nov 7, 2016
    9
    HERE is the kind of album that finally fuses the musician Alicia Keys to the person Alicia Keys. She finally approaches themes that areHERE is the kind of album that finally fuses the musician Alicia Keys to the person Alicia Keys. She finally approaches themes that are important to her and have defined her sense of activism and powerful social image she pursues. The highlights of the album are "Pawn It All" and "She Don't Really Care".

    HERE is also the album which takes her away from the pop anthem and "I love you, I need you" type generic love ballads and efficiently puts her in the zone she is meant to be - Experimental Neo-Soul. Listening to the record, it will take you to a 1980's New York backyard party... it has the nostalgia and the appreciation for the music that we grew up to. It in fact gives you a feel of listening to those Erykah Badu and D'Angelo albums of the 90's and the opening track might even give you a little 'Miseducation' feel too.

    There are some weak strings in the album, especially the overuse of interludes, and some songs that fail to keep up with the power and message of the album as a whole. But they don't hurt the album overall. Even Alicia's songwriting is overshadowed by the powerful themes she is talking about.

    So forget Songs in A minor, forget As I Am, forget Girl on Fire... HERE is Alicia Keys' most important album. It's placing her at the point in the musical landscape where only a few could manage to touch her.    … Expand
  7. kennyrichie94
    Nov 25, 2016
    8
    This is the album you were expecting to listen, yes, it is that worth it. Great voice, great tunes. It goes on the same direction as Gaga'sThis is the album you were expecting to listen, yes, it is that worth it. Great voice, great tunes. It goes on the same direction as Gaga's Joanne, not so much pop but authentic vulnerability of the singer, take that as you want, I like it.… Expand
  8. someonewhocares
    Nov 9, 2022
    5
    Keys' fails astonishingly to deliver and fully execute the message and impression she was trying to make on HERE. Sadly, the urgency on thisKeys' fails astonishingly to deliver and fully execute the message and impression she was trying to make on HERE. Sadly, the urgency on this record makes the songs sound rushed, unfocused, and slightly forgettable. Though the message is plain and simple, it'll be very hard to get through this album in full on a second listen due to its length as well.… Expand

See all 14 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

68
#68 Most Discussed Album of 2016

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