Nowadays, it’s hard to find that classic artist. There is the “hot and sexy” pop diva that dominates MTV and ringtone commercials, the hip hop guru that raps about the thug life and who has been lucky enough to land two solid albums without falling off, and of course the handful of respected artists that we know as the “untouchables” because whatever they put out is seen as “timeless”—no matter how corny it is—(the Princes, Whitney Houstons, Beatles and Teena Maries).

But I think this time we might have found that classic artist: Alicia Keys.

Newsday.com says she has “all the prerequisites for full-scale, larger than life, hell-to-the-no diva-dom.” I call her the modern day Lauryn Hill with a Mary J. Blige and Norah Jones touch.

“As I Am” is Keys’ fourth album since the 2005 release of “Unplugged”, and I can say it was more than worth the wait.

Even though her tracks are not the latest “club bangers”, it is hard to deny her remarkable talent. Ms. Keys has grown so much over the years musically and stylistically; she now has more confidence. Like “Songs in A Minor” (2001) and “Diary of Alicia Ms. Keys”, “As I Am” has hit the No. 1 spot.

As always, Ms. Keys has combined urban realism with melodramatic love stories. Her instrumentals are phenomenal and her combination of the smooth R&B with acoustic feel-good tones makes for an incredible album. This album is unique because her passion and authenticity when it comes to dating, love and life can relate to everyone in the family.

“Like you’ll never see me again,” which was co-produced by Kerry (Krucial) Brothers, is a sexy, sophisticated love song that your mom would love. “Teenage Love Affair”, made with producer Jack Splash, is a track every high schooler can relate to; reminiscing about the late night phone conversations, thoughts of going to “third base”, and daydreams that never seem to fade when you first fall in love.

Ms. Keys collaborates with Ambrosius of Floetry in “Go Ahead” where she releases her anguish, while “Lesson Learned” is more of a self-realization through a failed relationship. I truly love Ms. Keys’ ability to paint a picture of not only her situation, but of all aspects of life.

In all honesty, Ms. Keys’ CD is a great buy. I was expecting a sappy attack-on-the-character-of-your-cheating-lover dissertation of vocal tears, but “As I Am” is one of those classic, well-written and perfectly versed R&B albums that you simply cannot resist.