Alicia Keys may be a decade removed from her teenage years, but age is all relative when it comes to love. On the highly-touted Teenage Love Affair, the Grammy-winning artist showed that while the days of hushed phone calls and reaching 3rd base for the first time may be over, it’s hard not to stay young at heart in an adult relationship. Teen angst continues to run amok in this Swizz Beatz-produced remix, as the former teen heartthrob LL Cool J jumps in to lend a male perspective. In typical Swizz fashion, the beat is choppy and playful; borrowing a familiar sample from Slick Rick’s 1988 hit, Teenage Love. For more Alicia, check out her current album, As I Am; it just might be worth breaking curfew for.
I'm feeling Swizz's arrangement a lot. He wasn't lazy and actually put out a real remix. The cooled out tempo and his use of slowing down Alicia's vocals sound great. The old school flair with LL Cool J and the wicked Slick Rick sample enhance the remix vibe even more.
I think I get the way they were going. Considering the theme of the song, bringing in a more throwback beat is very appropriate. I personally like the original more because it felt much more melodic. But this is a true remix, and like the posts above, I have to give swizzy props for throwing out something different.
Look at the title...This is SUPPOSED to be "throwback". Alicia is fine on this one as always...This sure brings me back to the mid-90s, when I was starting to get into this hip-hop/R&B ish...Cool is always good for that classic flow, and Swizzy (rumors aside) sets the mood for this...(BTW, I'm hoping to get to her concert at Summerfest for a news story opportunity-if I do, I'll do a great write-up for y'all)
Yea this is right up my alley. I love that mid 90s R&B flavor. This is not quite as good as the first version, but its still a good listen. I love Ms. Keys. LL sounds alil like a cross from MASE and JIGGA on this. Both of whom took pages from his novel ironicly. This is bangin!
I am definitely feeling this old-school feel. I love Alicia Keys and I wasn't feeling new LL, but on this joint, he's back on his old school vibe. I can definitely dig it. Swizz snapped on this beat. This is a classic! I'm not going to bash anyone's opinion on here today, but I'm really sad the people who don't dig this don't. You guys are really missing out on something wonderful and epic. I loved the original and the remix just as much! 5 stars from Young Son!
I'm not so into Alicia's music, but I like some of her songs. I don't like this, though. The beat is ok but the melody boring, although her voice is sweet and powerful (I love her voice)! The theme of the song is so sweet it's ok
When I was younger (cough cough) I was not into Alicia's music myself. As I grew older, and learned to love music that doesn't have an up-tempo beat, I learned to appreciate her out-of-the-world musical talents (in addition to the obvious). This is a great throwback track (thanks for pointing that out Burmy) and is very enjoyable to listen to.
Is it me or has LL been everywhere on this site. Anyway he does his thing on here. The original was better. Swizzy beat wasn't all that but Alicia Keys always sound good.