Alicia Keys Unplugged

While most performers benefit greatly from studio technology, some shine the brightest in an unadorned live setting. As 2005's MTV UNPLUGGED reveals, Alicia Keys is one of the latter--she's a nuanced singer and gifted pianist whose talent is showcased on this impressive concert outing. Here Keys takes many of the R&B-rooted songs from her first two albums and gives them dynamic live treatments, throwing in a few deft cover tunes to keep the set varied and unpredictable. Maroon 5's Adam Levine stops by for a spare rendition of the Stones' "Wild Horses," resulting in a duet that brings to mind a youthful collaboration between Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin, while the closing track incorporates Damian "Junior Gong" Marley's "Welcome to Jamrock," with Marley (one of Bob's sons) and rappers Common and Mos Def joining the party. However, Keys is at her best on her own songs, as displayed by the soulful "If I Ain't Got You," which builds to uplifting gospel-tinged heights, and "Fallin'," a wonderfully melancholy tune that showcases Keys's passionate vocals.

1. Intro Alicia's Prayer
2. Karma
3. Heartburn
4. Woman's Worth, A
5. Unbreakable
6. How Come You Don't Call Me
7. If I Was Your Woman
8. If I Ain't Got You
9. Every Little Bit Hurts
10. Streets of New York (City Life)
11. Wild Horses - (featuring Adam Levine)
12. Diary
13. You Don't Know My Name
14. Stolen Moments
15. Fallin'
16. Medley - (featuring Mos Def/Common/Damian "Junior Gong" Marley)