Brand New Me (Alicia Keys song)

"Brand New Me" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Alicia Keys for her fifth studio album, Girl on Fire (2012). It was sent to radio by RCA Records on November 19, 2012 as the album's second official single. It was co-written by Keys and Scottish singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé. A follow-up to Keys' previous single "Girl on Fire", "Brand New Me" is a soft ballad, which Keys credits as her autobiography. Lyrically, the song is about personal growth and becoming a brand new version of yourself.[1] It has been met with positive reviews. Keys has performed the song on several occasions including the iTunes Festival of 2012 and VH1 Storytellers.

"Brand New Me"
Single by Alicia Keys
from the album Girl on Fire
ReleasedNovember 19, 2012 (2012-11-19)
Recorded
Genre
Length3:53
LabelRCA
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys singles chronology
"Girl on Fire"
(2012)		 "Brand New Me"
(2012)		 "New Day"
(2013)

Background and release
"There may be people in your life that knew you for a long time and they think of you only as the person you used to be and not the person you now are! And this song is a conversation introducing them to the new you. Where nothing can hold you back and no one can hold you down!"

—Alicia Keys, on the song's concept[2]

Girl on Fire is Keys' fifth studio album and a follow-up to The Element of Freedom (2009).[3] It is her first release under RCA Records, after a re-organization at parent company Sony Music Entertainment led to her previous label J Records roster being absorbed into RCA.[4] On November 10, 2012, Keys posted the link for the audio of "Brand New Me"[5] while also tweeting the song's official artwork.[6] She confirmed that it is the second single from Girl on Fire,[5] stating: "'Brand New Me' is one of my favourites, it's going to be my second single and to me it's like my autobiography. It says everything about everywhere that I've come and who I am now. It's about being completely happy with finding yourself."[7] The song's audio was uploaded to Keys' official VEVO channel.[5] It impacted urban adult contemporary radio on November 19.[8]

Composition
Keys called working with Emeli Sandé "instant magic".

"Brand New Me" is a pop and R&B piano ballad with a duration of three minutes and fifty-three seconds (3:53), which is described as "delicate".[9][10][11] Keys co-wrote the song with Scottish recording artist and writer Emeli Sandé. The pair had previously collaborated on Sandé's album, Our Version of Events (2012) for a song entitled "Hope". Sandé explained: "Writing with Alicia Keys was really great. I was nervous, but she’s a very warm person. She knew how to make people feel at ease."[12] They also collaborated on two other songs from Girl on Fire. Of working with Sandé, Keys called it "instant magic" stating: "I have to say, myself and Emeli Sande – when we met and we really began to write together, it was instant magic and that doesn't happen all the time."[7][13]

Lyrically, the song speaks about growing and evolving.[5] Keys sings about being a brand new version of herself, where nobody has control of her mind, heart and soul.[1] On her official website, the singer wrote: "Brand new me is about the journey it takes to get to a place where you are proud to be a new you."[5] She sings over the soft piano melody: "It's been awhile, I'm not who I was before/You look surprised your words don't burn me anymore/Been meaning to tell ya, but I guess it's plain to see/Don't be mad, it's just a brand-new kinda me/Can't be bad, I've found a brand-new kinda free."[1] According to Andy Kellman of Allmusic, Keys regards "Brand New Me" as her autobiography.[14]

Critical reception

Melissa Maerz of Entertainment Weekly called the song "triumphant" and wrote that Keys "shows off her trills and her cocky attitude".[15] X. Alexander of Idolator wrote: "We like Alicia Keys just the way she’s always been, but if she wants to be a 'Brand New Me' more power to her" and called the song "a graceful piano ballad of the sort we know and love from Alicia."[9] Carl Williott, also from Idolator, praised the track for not being generic, calling it: "the restrained type of pop song that’s becoming harder to find amidst the deluge of hyper-processed vocals and pseudo-dubstep."[10] Mark Edward Nero of About.com praised the song for its empowering message of independence and compared it to her previous single, "Girl on Fire", writing: "Although the song couldn't be more different from the album's title track when it comes to tone and mood, the two songs share a theme of self-empowerment and independence."[1] Scott Shetler of PopCrush noted Keys' vocals to be "breathy".[2] Keenan Higgins of Vibe wrote that it is lyrically "one of her most powerful & inspirational songs to date" and said: "Be prepared to feel a boost of self-worth and intense inspiration with the sound of Alicia's crisp, confident vocals."[16]

Music video

The music video premiered on BET's 106 & Park on December 17, 2012.[17] The video opens with Keys looking uncomfortable as she sits down at her piano while "getting her a massive mop of curls prepped before a shoot". The director shows her affection, but she pulls away. Following her shoot, Keys strolls around the music video set in a quest for "self-discovery" and at one point is seen viewing herself in a handful of mirrors. She then rips off her curly wig, revealing her own hair. The clip ends with a smiling Keys returning to her piano as herself, as a note that says "The journey continues..." appears.[18]

Rolling Stone called the music video a "triumphant turn at reinvention" from Keys.[18] David Greenwald of Billboard said Keys is "starting a fresh story" with "style to match".[19]

Live performances

Keys premiered the track at the iTunes Festival with a live performance on September 28, 2012, along with another new track from the album entitled "Not Even the King".[9] A writer from the website Idolator commented that it was the best part of her set at the festival.[9] On October 16, she performed the song during the 'City Advantage Love the Journey Concert' at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall in New York City. Georgette Cline of AOL reported that her performance of "Brand New Me" earned her a standing ovation from the crowd.[20]

On November 12, Keys performed the song on VH1 Storytellers, as well as "Not Even the King" and other songs. Josh Stillman of Entertainment Weekly praised her appearance on the show as a whole; he wrote: "She carries herself onstage with cool and confidence – not showy or attention-seeking, merely comfortable – and speaks in a voice so smooth you could drape it over your shoulders."[21] He noted that Keys was backed by a six-piece band for songs such as "No One" and "If I Ain't Got You", but stripped down the mood for the "passionate solo renditions" of "Not Even the King" and "Brand New Me".[21] Keys has announced plans to tour the UK in May 2013, and has confirmed that "Brand New Me" is on the setlist along with several other songs from Girl on Fire as well as her older hits.[22]

Official remix

In celebration of her thirty-second birthday, Keys released a remix of "Brand New Me" entitled "BNM Part 2", on January 25, 2013. Speaking about the remix and her birthday, Keys said: "I’ve been so overwhelmed by all of your birthday love that I HAD to do something extra special for you! Love to you!!!"[23] The up-tempo dance-inspired remix samples "Gypsy Woman (She's Homeless)" (1991) by American recording artist Crystal Waters.[23] Vibe commented that the remix is a "definite departure" from the original song and features "highly stylized elements and a lot of bleeps and pops".[24] Jake Updegraff writing for RyanSeacrest.com noted that the remix version "has an upbeat tone to it that makes the song much different from the original".[25] Complex wrote that Keys sings "in a up-tempo fashion" and described the production as "funky" and "techno".[26]

On January 31, 2013 Keys invited husband Swizz Beatz and close friend Jada Pinkett Smith to Brooklyn in New York City to film a music video for the remix. It was directed by Taj Stansberry.[27] The video remains unreleased; Keys continued to promote Girl on Fire, releasing music videos for "New Day", "Fire We Make" and "Tears Always Win".

Track listing and formats
Digital download[28]
No.TitleLength
1."Brand New Me"3:53
Official streaming remix[23]
No.TitleLength
1."Brand New Me" (Part II)3:09

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from the Girl on Fire liner notes.[29]

Recording
Personnel

Charts

Release history
RegionDateFormatLabel
United States November 19, 2012[8][40] Urban airplay RCA Records
Australia November 29, 2012[41] Mainstream airplay
Italy November 30, 2012[42] Sony Music

References
  1. Edward Nero, Mark (November 11, 2012). "New Music: Alicia Keys – 'Brand New Me'". About. Archived from the original on November 19, 2012. Retrieved November 20, 2012.
  2. Shetler, Scott (November 8, 2012). "Alicia Keys Unveils New Piano Ballad 'Brand New Me'". Popcrush. Retrieved November 20, 2012.
  3. Martinovic, Paul (August 15, 2012). "Alicia Keys reveals new album title 'Girl on Fire' in message to fans". Digital Spy. Retrieved November 21, 2012.
  4. Mitchell, Gail (November 2, 2012). "Alicia Keys' 'Girl on Fire': The Billboard Cover Story". Billboard. Retrieved November 19, 2012.
  5. Keys, Alicia (November 10, 2012). "Listen to Alicia's New Single "Brand New Me"". aliciakeys.com. Archived from the original on January 16, 2013. Retrieved November 20, 2012.
  6. Keys, Alicia (November 9, 2012). "Blessed2share new track off #AKGirlOnFire, #BrandNewMe. This song is my autobiography SendingLuv!". Twitter. Retrieved November 20, 2012.
  7. "Alicia Keys and Emeli Sande make magic music". Xposé. tv3.ie. November 15, 2012. Archived from the original on February 18, 2013. Retrieved November 20, 2012.
  8. "Alicia Keys – Brand New Me". RCA Records. Archived from the original (Graphic Interchange Format) on July 29, 2013. Retrieved November 21, 2012.
  9. Alexander, X (September 29, 2012). "Alicia Keys Performs Brand New Track 'Brand New Me' At iTunes Festival". Idolator. Retrieved November 20, 2012.
  10. Williot, Carl (November 9, 2012). "Alicia Keys' "Brand New Me": Hear The Album Version". Idolator. Retrieved November 20, 2012.
  11. Stout, Gene (March 8, 2013). "Alicia Keys sets the world on fire at WaMu Theater". The Seattle Times. Retrieved May 24, 2014.
  12. Gavin, Martin (February 10, 2012). "Rising star Emeli Sandé on her debut album". Daily Mirror. Retrieved November 20, 2012.
  13. "Alicia Keys – Alicia Keys and Emeli Sande make magic music". contactmusic.com. November 15, 2012. Retrieved November 20, 2012.
  14. Kellman, Andy. "Girl on Fire – Alicia Keys : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards : Allmusic". AllMusic. Retrieved November 20, 2012.
  15. Maerz, Melissa (November 20, 2012). "Girl on Fire – review – Alicia Keys Review". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved November 21, 2012.
  16. Higgins, Keenan (November 9, 2012). "New Music: Alicia Keys – "Brand New Me" | Vibe". Vibe. Retrieved November 20, 2012.
  17. "Video: Alicia Keys – 'Brand New Me'". Rap-Up.com. December 17, 2012. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
  18. "Alicia Keys Finds Liberation in 'Brand New Me' Clip". Rolling Stone. December 18, 2012. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
  19. Greenwald, David (December 18, 2012). "Alicia Keys Bows New Looks in 'Brand New Me' Video: Watch". Billboard. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
  20. Cline, Georgette (October 16, 2012). "Alicia Keys Offers a Sonic Journey With 'Girl on Fire' at New York's Lincoln Center". TheBoomBox.com. (AOL Music). Retrieved November 10, 2012.
  21. Stillman, Josh (November 12, 2012). "On the Scene: Alicia Keys' VH1 Storytellers". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved November 20, 2012.
  22. Adejobi, Alicia (November 19, 2012). "Alicia Keys Announces First UK Tour Since Giving Birth To Son Egypt". Entertainmentwise. Gigwise. Archived from the original on November 28, 2012. Retrieved November 20, 2012.
  23. "New Music – Alicia Keys – BNM – Brand New Me Part 2". Rap-up. SPIN Music Group, A division of Buzz Media. January 25, 2013. Retrieved February 3, 2013.
  24. Vibe (January 25, 2013). "New Music: Alicia Keys - "Brand New Me Part 2"". Vibe. Retrieved November 1, 2014.
  25. Updegraff, Jake (January 29, 2013). "Listen to Alicia Key's New Song "BNM Part 2"". RyanSeacrest.com. Retrieved November 1, 2014.
  26. Frydenlund, Zahc (January 26, 2013). "Listen: Alicia Keys "Brand New Me Part 2"". Complex. Retrieved November 16, 2014.
  27. "Alicia Keys 'Brand New Me Part 2' (TAJ, Dir.)". VideoStatic. February 15, 2013. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
  28. "Alicia Keys: Girl On Fire (2012): CD". HMV. Retrieved November 27, 2012.
  29. Keys, Alicia (2012). Girl on Fire (Album booklet). Alicia Keys. New York City: RCA Records.
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  31. "Ultratop.be – Alicia Keys – Brand New Me" (in French). Ultratip. Retrieved November 17, 2013.
  32. "Alicia Keys – Brand New Me Media Forest". Israeli Airplay Chart. Media Forest. Retrieved November 17, 2013.
  33. "Dutchcharts.nl – Alicia Keys – Brand New Me" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved November 17, 2013.
  34. "South Korea Gaon International Chart (Week: November 18, 2012 to November 24, 2012)". Gaon Chart. December 15, 2012. Archived from the original on December 19, 2012. Retrieved December 21, 2012.
  35. "Canada Urban National Airplay". Radio and Records / Nielsen BDS. February 6, 2013. Archived from the original on January 14, 2014. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
  36. "Alicia Keys Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved June 27, 2013.
  37. "Alicia Keys Chart History (Adult R&B Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved June 3, 2015.
  38. "Alicia Keys Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 17, 2013.
  39. "R&B Songs: 2013 Year-End Charts". Billboard. Retrieved November 1, 2014.
  40. "Single – Brand New Me". Frequency News. Archived from the original on June 10, 2015. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
  41. "New Songs At Radio This Week". Auspop. November 29, 2012. Retrieved November 17, 2013.
  42. Spada, Valentina. "Alicia Keys – Brand New Me (Sony)" (in Italian). Radio Airplay SRL. Archived from the original on April 14, 2014. Retrieved November 17, 2013.
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