After taking a few years to work on her sixth studio album, guest starring in the record breaking Empire, joining the next season of The  Voice and the never ending job of being a mom, Alicia Keys is ready to return to the spotlight. I have been a fan of the philanthropic musician since buying her classic sophomore effort The Diary of Alicia Keys  (“Diary” never gets old) in 2003 so it was a welcomed surprise to hear Keys is readying an for this year. Opting to step away from the piano, keys is vying to be a ‘song of the summer’ contender with “In Common”, a sexy, slow burner that has the R&B crooner embracing the island trend. 

On my first listen of “In Common” the Latin vibe of the song threw me off. Hearing Keys effortlessly coo her way through the catchy Illangelo produced song didn’t jump out at as a comeback single but with a few more spins I think could grow to like it. “In Common” has single potential on multiple radio formats but it definitely sounds like a grower. Maybe warm weather, a party atmosphere and a couple margaritas elk help me connect to the relaxed bop.

Catch Alicia Keys performing “In Common” this Saturday on SNL!

Buy on iTunes: HERE