The Diary of Alicia Keys
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2025}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2025}}
{{Infobox album
| name = The Diary of Alicia Keys
| type = studio
| artist = Alicia Keys
| cover = The Diary of Alicia Keys.png
| alt =
| border = yes
| caption =
| released = {{Start date|2003|11|30}}
| recorded = December 2002 – November 2003
| studio = *The Crib (Philadelphia)
- The Hit Factory (New York City)
- Hit Factory Criteria (Miami)
- Kampo (New York City)
- KrucialKeys (New York City)
- Plus XXX (Paris)
- Quad (New York City)
- Sarm West (London)
- Soundwise (Amsterdam)
| genre = *Soul
| length = 57:45
| label = J
| producer = *Alicia Keys
| prev_title = Songs in A Minor
| prev_year = 2001
| next_title = Unplugged
| next_year = 2005
| misc = {{Singles
| name = The Diary of Alicia Keys
| type = studio
| single1 = You Don't Know My Name
| single1date = November 10, 2003
| single2 = If I Ain't Got You
| single2date = February 23, 2004
| single3 = Diary
| single3date = May 24, 2004
| single4 = Karma
| single4date = November 1, 2004
}}
}}
The Diary of Alicia Keys is the second studio album by American singer Alicia Keys. It was released on November 30, 2003, by J Records. The album was recorded at several recording studios, and production was handled primarily by Keys with contributions from Kanye West and Kerry Brothers Jr., who described it as "an R&B album".
Upon its release, The Diary of Alicia Keys received generally positive reviews from music critics. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 618,000 copies in its first week. It became Keys's second consecutive number-one debut in the United States and spawned three top-ten singles. The Diary of Alicia Keys earned Keys three Grammy Awards at the 47th Annual Grammy Awards. The album has sold over five million units in the United States and over eight million copies worldwide.
In 2023 the album was reissued for its 20th anniversary under the title The Diary Of Alicia Keys 20, with nine additional tracks. At the 66th Annual Grammy Awards the album won for Best Immersive Audio Album.
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Background and development
Alicia Keys' debut studio album Songs in A Minor was released on June 26, 2001, by J Records.{{cite magazine|last=Patel|first=Minal|date=July 7, 2001|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IxQEAAAAMBAJ|title=The Rhythm Section|magazine=Billboard|volume=113|number=27|page=27|accessdate=July 8, 2025|via=Google Books}} A fusion of classical music, traditional and modern styles of soul, and contemporary R&B,{{Harvnb|Gaar|2002|p=461}} it received widespread critical acclaim, being hailed as an auspicious and accomplished debut.{{efn|attributed to multiple sources{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-jun-24-ca-13978-story.html|title=From Pop to Neo-Soul, Alicia Keys Impresses|last=Hilburn|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Hilburn|date=June 24, 2001|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|accessdate=July 8, 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost/access/79888687.html?dids=79888687:79888687&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Sep+07%2C+2001&author=&pub=The+Washington+Post&desc=MAXWELL+%22Now%22+Columbia+ALICIA+...&pqatl=google|title=Maxwell 'Now' Columbia / Alicia Keys 'Songs in A Minor' J|last=Harrington|first=Richard|date=September 7, 2001|newspaper=The Washington Post|archivedate=June 4, 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604115950/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost/access/79888687.html?dids=79888687:79888687&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Sep+07,+2001&author=&pub=The+Washington+Post&desc=MAXWELL+%22Now%22+Columbia+ALICIA+...&pqatl=google|accessdate=July 8, 2025}}}} Preceded by the US Billboard Hot 100 number-one single "Fallin'", the album debuted atop the US Billboard 200 with first-week sales of 236,000 units.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/79215/keys-debut-tops-the-billboard-200|title=Keys' Debut Tops The Billboard 200|last=Martens|first=Todd|date=July 5, 2001|magazine=Billboard|access-date=July 8, 2025}} It earned Keys five Grammy Awards at the 44th Annual Grammy Awards (2002), which tied Keys with Lauryn Hill as the female artist with most Grammy Awards won in a single ceremony.{{cite web|last=Ex|first=Kris|title=Review: The Diary of Alicia Keys|website=Blender|url=http://www.blender.com/guide/new/51866/diary-alicia-keys.html|date=January 1, 2004|access-date=January 28, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090624045733/http://www.blender.com/guide/new/51866/diary-alicia-keys.html|archive-date=June 24, 2009}}{{efn|Beyoncé broke the record at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards (2010), when she won six awards.{{cite news|last1=Jones|first1=Sam|last2=Whey|first2=Simone|date=February 1, 2010|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/feb/01/beyonce-grammys-six-taylor-swift|title=Beyoncé hits Grammys for six|newspaper=The Guardian|accessdate=July 8, 2025}}}} The album is widely regarded as an immensely influential record of its era,{{efn|attributed to multiple sources{{cite web|last=Erlewine|first=Stephen Thomas|author-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/so-blu-mw0000006902|title=So Blu – Blu Cantrell|website=AllMusic|accessdate=July 8, 2025}}{{cite web|last=Slawecki|first=Chris M.|date=April 14, 2011|url=https://news.allaboutjazz.com/alicia-keys-to-release-songs-in-a-minor-10th-anniversary-edition.php|title=Alicia Keys To Release 'Songs In A Minor' 10th Anniversary Edition|website=All About Jazz|accessdate=July 8, 2025}}{{cite news|last=Jefferson|first=J'na|date=June 4, 2021|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2021/06/04/alicia-keys-songs-a-minor-20-anniversary/7470031002/|url-access=subscription|title='Songs In A Minor' at 20: How Alicia Keys' debut album set the tone for contemporary R&B|newspaper=USA Today|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604111502/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2021/06/04/alicia-keys-songs-a-minor-20-anniversary/7470031002/|archivedate=June 4, 2021|url-status=live|accessdate=July 8, 2025}}}} and is credited with propelling Keys to global prominence,{{cite magazine|last=Mitchell|first=Gail|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qbr6WdsnLzQC&pg=RA1-PA36|title=Albums – Vital Reissue|magazine=Billboard|volume=123|issue=24|date=July 9, 2011|page=36|accessdate=July 8, 2025|via=Google Books}} placing her at the forefront of neo soul.{{cite web|last=Hope|first=Clove|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/alicia-keys-songs-in-a-minor/ |title=Alicia Keys: Songs in A Minor|website=Pitchfork|date=March 28, 2021|access-date=July 8, 2025}}
One of the best-selling albums of 2001 and 2002,{{cite magazine|last=White|first=Adam|date=February 16, 2002|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FBAEAAAAMBAJ|title=Dido, Linkin Park Lead the Global 20 of 2001|magazine=Billboard|page=42|volume=114|issue=7|accessdate=July 8, 2025|via=Google Books}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ifpi.org/content/library/top50-2002.pdf|title=Top 50 Global Best Selling Albums for 2002|publisher=International Federation of the Phonographic Industry|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100331105628/http://www.ifpi.org/content/library/top50-2002.pdf|archivedate=March 31, 2010|accessdate=July 8, 2025}} Songs in A Minor had sold over 10 million copies worldwide by November 2003. Consequently, substantial pressure was placed on The Diary of Alicia Keys to match or exceed that success, as to avoid the sophomore slump.{{cite magazine|last=Norment|first=Lynn|date=January 2004|title=Alicia Keys Sounds Off on Men, Love & Fame|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZNYDAAAAMBAJ|magazine=Ebony|volume=59|number=3|pages=134–135|accessdate=July 8, 2025|via=Google Books}} Keys, however, felt confident due to her experience from the creation of Songs in A Minor. Keys' then-partner and collaborator Kerry Brothers, Jr. would retrospectively state that Keys having creative control over her artistry since her debut helped them overcome the concerns, as they strived to replicate, but enhance, the formula of Songs in A Minor. While on the Songs in A Minor Tour (2002), Keys began developing ideas for what would become The Diary of Alicia Keys. Conceiving it as an intimate record, Keys refrained from seeking collaborators out to contribute to the album, despite distinguished collaborations with Eve and Christina Aguilera in 2002.{{cite web |title=Ladies in da house: Alicia Keys |url=https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2004/04/02/ladies-in-da-house-alicia-keys/ |newspaper=The Oakland Press |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230806121905/https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2004/04/02/ladies-in-da-house-alicia-keys/ |archive-date=August 6, 2023 |url-status=live |date=April 2, 2004 |accessdate=July 8, 2025}}
Writing and recording
File:Aaliyah-02.jpg (pictured) inspired Keys to write "If I Ain't Got You".]]
Keys began writing songs for what would become The Diary of Alicia Keys as early as 2001, with "If I Ain't Got You" being among the first songs written. She felt inspired to write it while on a flight, after hearing the news of Aaliyah's death in a plane crash in August 2001, as flying inside a plane against the circumstances of Aaliyah's demise presented her with a "sentiment of being present in the moment".{{cite magazine|last=Osei |first=Anthony |url=http://www.complex.com/music/2011/06/alicia-keys-says-if-i-aint-got-you-was-inspired-by-aaliyahs-death |title=Alicia Keys Says 'If I Ain't Got You' Was Inspired By Aaliyah's Death |magazine=Complex |date=June 9, 2011 |access-date=June 25, 2011}}{{cite magazine|last=Donovan|first=Thom|date=March 10, 2024|url=https://americansongwriter.com/the-meaning-behind-if-i-aint-got-you-by-alicia-keys-and-the-tragic-event-that-inspired-it/|title=The Meaning Behind 'If I Ain't Got You' by Alicia Keys and the Tragic Event that Inspired It|magazine=American Songwriter|accessdate=July 4, 2025}} As Christina Aguilera asked Keys to write a song for her fourth studio album Stripped (2002), Keys considered proffering "If I Ain't Got You" to her, but was persuaded otherwise by J Records' then-executive vice president of artists and repertoire (A&R) Peter Edge; Keys ultimately wrote "Impossible" for Aguilera. The songwriting for The Diary of Alicia Keys became continual during the Songs in A Minor Tour (2002), with Keys writing "Dragon Days" and the interlude "Feeling U, Feeling Me", amongst other songs, while touring. Following the tour's completion in December 2002, she began recording the album with audio engineers Ann Mincieli and Tony Black. Like Songs in A Minor, Keys executive produced The Diary of Alicia Keys, alongside Edge and her then-manager Jeff Robinson. In order to capture the desired 1960s–1970s sound, Keys equipped the studios at which she recorded with live instruments.{{cite news|last=Moss|first=Corey|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1496693/road-to-the-grammys-the-making-of-the-diary-of-alicia-keys/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614195933/http://www.mtv.com/news/1496693/road-to-the-grammys-the-making-of-the-diary-of-alicia-keys/|archive-date=June 14, 2018|title=Road To The Grammys: The Making Of The Diary Of Alicia Keys|publisher=MTV News|date=February 8, 2005|accessdate=September 14, 2021}} Initial recording sessions took place at the Kampo Studio in New York City, as Keys refrained from recording at locations frequently used by her contemporaries in order to concentrate solely on her work. "Samsonite Man" and "Nobody Not Really", which would ultimately become the album's closing tracks, were the first tracks recorded, and were used as guidelines for the remainder of the recording; both were solely produced by Keys. At Kampo, Keys also recorded the Easy Mo Bee-produced "If I Was Your Woman"/"Walk on By", a vocal cover of "If I Were Your Woman" (1970) by Gladys Knight & the Pips against an instrumental sample from Isaac Hayes' 1964 song "Walk On By". Keys originally recorded a standalone alternative rock-styled cover of "If I Was Your Woman" for Songs in A Minor. After the track was left unused, Keys re-recorded it against a sample from "Walk On By", inspired by Easy Mo Bee's previous production of The Notorious B.I.G.'s 1994 track "Warning", also using a sample from "Walk On By". The original demo of "If I Was Your Woman" would be released via 10th anniversary editions of Songs in A Minor in 2011.{{cite AV media|last=Keys|first=Alicia|year=2011|title=Songs in A Minor: Deluxe Edition|type=double CD|publisher=J Records, Legacy Recordings|id=88697-90641-2}}{{cite AV media|last=Keys|first=Alicia|year=2011|title=Songs in A Minor: Collector's Edition|type=box set|publisher=J Records, Legacy Recordings|id=88697-90552-2}} Both versions were co-produced by D'Wayne Wiggins. Apart from Kampo, New York recording sessions for The Diary of Alicia Keys materialized at Keys' own KrucialKeys Studios, co-founded with her then-partner Kerry Brothers, Jr., as well as The Hit Factory and the Quad Recording Studios. Recording and production of tracks such as "You Don't Know My Name" and "If I Ain't Got You", at The Hit Factory, was interrupted by the August 14–16, 2003 Northeast blackout.
Like on Songs in A Minor, Keys primarily collaborated with her then-partner Kerry Brothers, Jr., her former EmBishion fellow member Taneisha Smith, and songwriter Erika Rose, on The Diary of Alicia Keys. Brothers and Smith wrote "Karma" together while Keys was recording another track; it is the album's sole track produced by Brothers, who originally produced it for an undisclosed rapper in 2000, and the sole track not produced by Keys. Alongside "Karma", Brothers also co-wrote "Diary", "Wake Up", and "When You Really Love Someone". Smith further co-wrote "Nobody Not Really" and eventual bonus track "Streets of New York (City Life)", while Rose co-wrote "Heartburn", "Slow Down", and "Samsonite Man". Apart from Easy Mo Bee, new collaborators on The Diary of Alicia Keys included Timbaland, Kanye West, and Dre & Vidal. Timbaland co-wrote and produced "Heartburn", the only track recorded at Hit Factory Criteria in Miami, while West composed and produced "You Don't Know My Name". Harold Lilly, who co-wrote it, and then-obscure John Legend contributed background vocals to the latter. Keys fortuitously met Dre & Vidal as they were working on Usher's Confessions (2004) at the same studio as her. They ultimately collaborated during a three-day session at Quad, writing and producing "So Simple" together.{{cite magazine|last=Black|first=Tony|author-link=Tony Black (record producer)|display-authors=etal|editor-last=Augustin|editor-first=Camille|date=December 4, 2018|url=https://www.vibe.com/featured/the-diary-of-alicia-keys-oral-history-second-album|title=15 Years Later: The Oral History Of Alicia Keys' 'Diary of Alicia Keys' Album|magazine=Vibe|access-date=January 2, 2019}} For "So Simple", Keys introduced her alter ego Lellow, which Keys' collaborators would refer to her as whenever she recorded influenced by hip-hop, as a "featured artist". After the sessions at Quad, the track was finished at The Crib in Philadelphia. By the time The Diary of Alicia Keys reached its completion in November 2003, Keys had already embarked on the album's promotional tour across Europe. "When You Really Love Someone", "Feeling U, Feeling Me", and "Slow Down" were partly or fully recorded at Sarm West in London. "Diary", for which Stokley Williams of Mint Condition originally provided additional vocals, was finished at the Soundwise Studio in Amsterdam, after Jermaine Paul, who joined Keys as a background vocalist for the promotional tour, was deemed better suited for the song. "Harlem's Nocturne", the final track recorded for the album, was recorded at Plus XXX in Paris and finished at The Hit Factory in New York, where The Diary of Alicia Keys was mastered by Herb Powers, Jr.
Music and lyrics
The Diary of Alicia Keys is predominantly a soul, R&B, contemporary classical, and hip-hop record. Its musical style is largely influenced by 1960s and 1970s soul,{{cite magazine|last=Hall|first=Rashaun|editor-last=Paoletta|editor-first=Michael|date=December 13, 2003|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bQ8EAAAAMBAJ|title=Essential Reviews|magazine=Billboard|volume=115|number=50|page=44|accessdate=July 4, 2025|via=Google Books}} which Keys declared "some of the best music ever created".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/alicia-keys-opens-the-diary-of-alicia-keys-237361|title=Alicia Keys Opens 'The Diary of Alicia Keys'|first=Jancee|last=Dunn|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=October 30, 2003|accessdate=September 15, 2021|url-access=subscription|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428160930/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/alicia-keys-opens-the-diary-of-alicia-keys-237361/|archivedate=April 28, 2019|url-status=live}} Accordingly, author Mark Anthony Neal observed how the album's traditional soul-oriented sound transcended the neo soul style of Songs in A Minor, while Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine compared the sonic amalgamation of modernism and classicism on The Diary of Alicia Keys to its predecessor. Furthermore, Denise Boyd of BBC described the album as an eclectic fusion of genres, from "cosmic" jazz to "sensual" salsa.{{cite web|last=Boyd|first=Denise|date=December 17, 2003|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/bg63/|title=Review of Alicia Keys – The Diary Of Alicia Keys|publisher=BBC|accessdate=July 4, 2025}} The intro "Harlem's Nocturne" fuses classical piano with hip-hop drums. Integration of classical and hip-hop stylings segues into the horn-driven "Karma", whose background consists of dramatic violins, flittering strings and low-end keys interspersed with excerpts from Johannes Brahms's Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 77. Up-tempo, blaxploitation-influenced funk track "Heartburn" is built upon minimalist drums, rapid brass, and disjointed guitars. Its call-and-response chorus incorporates elements of disco, which journalist David Browne compared to Studio 54. "If I Was Your Woman"/"Walk on By" is a medley comprising Keys' piano and vocals covering "If I Were Your Woman" by Gladys Knight & the Pips against the instrumental excerpts from "Walk On By" by Isaac Hayes. Its musical style combines Motown-era soul with futuristic hip-hop. In the vein of 1970s soul, "You Don't Know My Name" incorporates a sample from The Main Ingredient's "Let Me Prove My Love to You" alongside an orchestral arrangement. Blues influences are present on the jazz-R&B ballad "If I Ain't Got You",{{cite magazine|last=Hall|first=Rashaun|editor-last=Paoletta|editor-first=Michael|date=March 6, 2004|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3A8EAAAAMBAJ|title=Essential Reviews|magazine=Billboard|volume=116|number=10|page=36|accessdate=July 7, 2025|via=Google Books}} "Dragon Days",{{cite magazine|last=Brown|first=Ethan|date=December 22, 2003|url=http://www.newyorkmetro.com/nymetro/arts/music/pop/reviews/n_9636/|title=Soul on Ice|magazine=New York|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040501040948/http://www.newyorkmetro.com/nymetro/arts/music/pop/reviews/n_9636/|archivedate=May 1, 2004|accessdate=July 4, 2025}} which is built upon artificial classic rock guitar licks created through a keyboard, and "Samsonite Man". Titular track "Diary" is the album's sole collaboration, featuring Tony! Toni! Toné! on guitar, bass, Wurlitzer, organ, and additional piano, as well as Jermaine Paul on vocals. BBC's Daryl Easlea described the track as "languid late-night soul",{{cite web|last=Easlea|first=Daryl|year=2009|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/68vr/|title=Review of Alicia Keys – The Diary of Alicia Keys|publisher=BBC|accessdate=July 4, 2025}} while Keys' then-manager Jeff Robinson characterized it as a gospel recording. On the synthesized hip-hop track "So Simple", Keys' vocals were partially modified to sound high-pitched and sped-up, to represent Keys' alter ego Lellow. Critic Alexis Petridis compared the synthesizer-driven production of the jazz interlude "Feeling U, Feeling Me" to Stevie Wonder's Innervisions (1973). Wonder served as musical inspiration for the jazz outro "Nobody Not Really", whose elaborate instrumentation is composed of drums, bass, guitar, flute, horns, piano, and organ, while its production incorporates reverb effect. "Streets of New York (City Life)", included solely on UK and Japanese editions of The Diary of Alicia Keys, features guest appearances from Nas and Rakim, and contains samples from the former's "N.Y. State of Mind".{{cite AV media|last=Keys|first=Alicia|year=2003|title=The Diary of Alicia Keys|type=CD|publisher=BMG Japan|id=BVCP-21342}}
Lyrically, The Diary of Alicia Keys is a concept album, constructed as Keys' auditory diary. In its liner notes, Keys refers to each song as a daily entry; the liner notes display excerpts from Keys' actual journal, including a poem titled "When Gone Is the Glory", which discusses the ephemerality of prominence. J Records' then-artists and repertoire (A&R) executive Peter Edge elucidated the album's titling and conceptualization as based on its personal lyricism, intimate ambience, and understated production. The album's lyrical themes primarily deal with relationship complexities, such as infatuation, devotion, confusion, and anguish. On "Karma", Keys claims retribution on a deceitful former lover, warning him that "what goes around comes around".{{cite web|last=Waliszewski|first=Bob|url=https://www.pluggedin.com/album-reviews/aliciakeys-thediaryofaliciakeys/|title=The Diary of Alicia Keys|website=Plugged In|accessdate=July 5, 2025}} "If I Was Your Woman"/"Walk on By" centers on unrequited love, with Keys addressing her love interest in a flirtatious and defiant manner, as opposed to Knight's restrained approach on "If I Were Your Woman". "You Don't Know My Name" depicts Keys as a waitress who becomes enamored of her customer and yearns for his attention. The six-minute track is interrupted with a spoken-word interlude, demonstrated as a phone conversation between Keys and the customer.{{cite magazine|last=Love|first=Josh|date=December 9, 2003|url=http://www.stylusmagazine.com/review.php?ID=1538&PHPSESSID=d63d614fd4f89c98f5951b29ff80b021|title=Alicia Keys – The Diary of Alicia Keys – Review|magazine=Stylus Magazine|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060623225042/http://www.stylusmagazine.com/review.php?ID=1538&PHPSESSID=d63d614fd4f89c98f5951b29ff80b021|archivedate=June 23, 2006|accessdate=July 5, 2025}} "If I Ain't Got You" prioritizes love over materialism, fame, and affluence, while "Diary" encourages intimacy and candor with a romantic partner. "Dragon Days" depicts Keys as a damsel in distress, equating longing for a distant lover to days which "drag on". Keys portrays a soldier's partner on "Wake Up", which condemns the War on terror by using a metaphor of a romantic relationship to demonstrate agitation with the government. The theme of "When You Really Love Someone", which discusses unconditional love, received frequent comparisons to Keys' 2001 song "A Woman's Worth".{{cite web|last=Moffat|first=Iain|date=December 18, 2003|url=http://www.playlouder.com/review/%2Bthediaryofalicia/|title=Review – The Diary Of Alicia Keys|magazine=Playlouder|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040105141419/http://www.playlouder.com/review/+thediaryofalicia/|archivedate=January 5, 2004|accessdate=July 5, 2025}} "Slow Down" follows a protagonist desiring to delay consummation. The titular character of "Samsonite Man" is an itinerant lover, for whom the protagonist has lost patience. Brothers retrospectively revealed that the song was Keys' lyrical expression of her relationship with her father, who abandoned Keys and her mother when Keys was two years old.{{cite news|last=Ojumu|first=Akim|date=November 16, 2003|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2003/nov/16/aliciakeys|title=Soul sister|newspaper=The Guardian|accessdate=July 5, 2025}} Bonus track "Streets of New York (City Life)" is an affectionate ode to New York City. Kris Ex of Blender observed Keys' vocal progression since Songs in A Minor, and an improved ability to convey lyrical sentiments, as she delivers the lines with a "shaded, complex" emotionalism. Singing "If I Was Your Woman"/"Walk on By" in a low register, she demonstrated the urgency of the song's tone, according to Dimitri Ehrlich of Vibe, while Cinquemani described her vocal performance on "Dragon Days" as "sultry, surprisingly disco-fied". Rashaun Hall of Billboard noted that, while within her vocal range on "If I Ain't Got You", Keys "stretches out vocally and with real feeling".
Marketing and touring
{{See|Verizon Ladies First Tour|Diary Tour}}
File:Alicia Keys at CES 2004.jpg in January 2004]]
The marketing campaign for The Diary of Alicia Keys was described by record executive Tom Corson as an integration of televised, print, and online coverage. Primarily focusing on word of mouth, the strategy was described as more understated than the exhaustive marketing campaign for Songs in A Minor. Promotional efforts commenced with Keys appearing on the cover of the October 30, 2003-dated issue of Rolling Stone alongside Missy Elliott and Eve, and a worldwide launch at the Criterion Theatre in London on November 3, where Keys performed the album's lead single "You Don't Know My Name" alongside "Streets of New York (City Life)", "Diary", "If I Ain't Got You", and "If I Was Your Woman"/"Walk on By".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/alicia-keys-29-1379093|title=Alicia Opens Her 'Diary'|magazine=NME|date=November 4, 2003|accessdate=July 6, 2025}} The promotional tour continued across Europe until November 13. "You Don't Know My Name" was released on November 10,{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/2000s/2003/RR-2003-11-07.pdf|title=Going for Adds|magazine=Radio & Records|issue=1529|page=23|date=November 7, 2003|accessdate=July 6, 2025|via=Google Books}} being selected over the crossover-appealing "If I Ain't Got You" in order to market The Diary of Alicia Keys to Keys' core, urban contemporary-oriented audience first. A commercial success, "You Don't Know My Name" peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 and spent nine weeks atop the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/alicia-keys/chart-history/hsi/|title=Alicia Keys Chart History (Hot 100)|magazine=Billboard|accessdate=September 14, 2021}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/alicia-keys/chart-history/bsi/|title=Alicia Keys Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)|magazine=Billboard|accessdate=September 14, 2021}} Keys continued promoting the album by performing at the Vibe Awards on November 20,{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1480616/50-cent-wins-big-and-shows-up-at-vibe-awards/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219111830/http://www.mtv.com/news/1480616/50-cent-wins-big-and-shows-up-at-vibe-awards/|archive-date=February 19, 2015|title=50 Cent Wins Big – And Shows Up – At Vibe Awards|publisher=MTV News|first=Corey|last=Moss|date=November 21, 2003|accessdate=September 15, 2021}} at AOL Broadband Rocks! Live on December 1,{{cite magazine |title=Billboard Bits: Alicia Keys, Ween, OEMF |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/billboard-bits-alicia-keys-ween-oemf-68015/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=July 6, 2023 |date=November 25, 2003}} on Good Morning America on December 2,{{cite web|url=https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/news/video/dec-2003-alicia-keys-talks-future-aspirations-52474323|title=Dec. 2, 2003: Alicia Keys talks about her future aspirations|website=Good Morning America|date=January 19, 2018|accessdate=September 15, 2021}} and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on December 4 and 5, as well as appearing on Primetime and The Oprah Winfrey Show. In the US, The Diary of Alicia Keys was released on December 2, 2003, by J Records, having been released in France on November 30 and in most other countries on December 1;{{efn|attributed to multiple sources}} the first one million units shipped were packaged with a bonus DVD containing behind-the-scenes footage.
"If I Ain't Got You" was released as the second single from The Diary of Alicia Keys on February 23, 2004.{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/2000s/2004/RR-2004-02-20.pdf|title=Going for Adds|magazine=Radio & Records|issue=1543|page=24|date=February 20, 2004|accessdate=July 7, 2025|via=Google Books}} It became Keys' second consecutive Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs number one, and peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100, on which it became the third biggest hit of 2004.{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/yearendcharts/2004/hsititl.jsp|title=The Billboard Hot 100 Singles & Tracks|magazine=Billboard|date=December 25, 2004|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091231134436/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/yearendcharts/2004/hsititl.jsp|archivedate=December 31, 2009|accessdate=July 7, 2025}} Keys embarked on the co-headlining Verizon Ladies First Tour with Beyoncé and Missy Elliott on March 12,{{cite magazine|last1=Newman|first1=Melinda|last2=Mitchell|first2=Gail|date=February 21, 2004|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gw8EAAAAMBAJ|title=Lift Off!|magazine=Billboard|volume=116|number=8|page=72|accessdate=July 7, 2025|via=Google Books}} touring across the US until April 21.{{cite magazine|last=Ault|first=Susanne|date=May 15, 2004|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1hAEAAAAMBAJ|title=Ladies First Trek Sets Bar For R&B Outings|magazine=Billboard|volume=116|number=20|page=18|accessdate=July 7, 2025|via=Google Books}} After the tour's conclusion, Keys continued promoting the album with televised performances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on May 3, and Today on May 7.{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xRAEAAAAMBAJ|date=May 8, 2004|title=The Fastest Breaking Single of the Month!|magazine=Billboard|volume=116|number=19|page=7|accessdate=July 7, 2025|via=Google Books}} To promote the album internationally, Keys performed "You Don't Know My Name", "If I Ain't Got You" and "Karma" on the May 14, 2004-dated episode of Later... with Jools Holland in the UK,{{cite episode|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p005fqwy|title=Episode 2|series=Later... with Jools Holland|series-no=23|number=2|date=May 14, 2004|network=BBC Two|accessdate=July 7, 2025}} a show in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on May 28,{{cite news|last=Ahmad|first=Rahul|date=May 25, 2004|url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/entertainment/alicia-is-all-keyed-up-for-dubai|title=Alicia Is All Keyed Up for Dubai|newspaper=Khaleej Times|accessdate=July 7, 2025}} and at various festivals across Europe throughout that summer.{{efn|attributed to multiple sources{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=F78DAAAAMBAJ|title=Alicia Keys Wraps Up Busy Year With Awards, Hit CD, Tour And Poetry Book|magazine=Jet|volume=106|number=24|date=December 13, 2004|pages=58–62|accessdate=July 7, 2025|via=Google Books}}{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/d50136de39a64032dd5163cf42438d28|last=Fekadu|first=Mesfin|date=March 30, 2020|title=Outtakes: Alicia on Key moments throughout her life|publisher=Associated Press|accessdate=July 7, 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.northseajazz.com/nl/programma/2004/zondag-11-juli/1720-alicia-keys|title=Alicia Keys|language=nl|publisher=North Sea Jazz Festival|date=July 11, 2004|accessdate=July 7, 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://summer-festival.com/storia/2004/|title=2004|language=it|publisher=Lucca Summer Festival|date=June 17, 2025|accessdate=July 7, 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.twclassic.be/nl/geschiedenis/tw-classic-2004|title=TW Classic 2004|language=nl|publisher=TW Classic|accessdate=July 7, 2025}}}} "Diary" was released as the third single from The Diary of Alicia Keys on May 24,{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/2000s/2004/RR-2004-05-21.pdf|title=Going for Adds|magazine=Radio & Records|issue=1556|page=25|date=May 21, 2004|accessdate=July 7, 2025|via=Google Books}} becoming Keys' fourth consecutive Billboard Hot 100 top-10 hit by peaking at number eight. Keys performed the song alongside "If I Ain't Got You" on The Early Show{{'}}s Summer Concert Series on June 8,{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/alicia-keys-diary/|title=Alicia Keys: 'Diary'|publisher=CBS News|date=June 8, 2004|accessdate=September 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419115421/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/alicia-keys-diary/|archive-date=April 19, 2023|url-status=live}} performing the latter at the BET Awards 2004 on June 29,{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/BET/videos/alicia-keys-performs-if-i-aint-got-you/700486089599947/|title=Alicia Keys Performs If I Ain't Got You|publisher=BET|date=May 10, 2025|accessdate=July 7, 2025|via=Facebook}} and with Stevie Wonder at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards on August 29,{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2004/08/30/highlights-2004-mtv-video-music-awards/|title=Highlights of the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|first=Brian|last=Hiatt|date=August 30, 2004|accessdate=September 15, 2021}} as well as performing "Heartburn" at Fashion Rocks on September 8.{{cite news|url=https://nypost.com/2004/09/10/no-duds-here-all-stars-rock-at-fashion-week-gig/|last=Aquilante|first=Dan|date=September 10, 2004|title=No Duds Here – All-Stars Rock at Fashion Week Gig|newspaper=New York Post|accessdate=July 7, 2025}} A double-disc special edition of The Diary of Alicia Keys was made available in select countries outside North America in September. Keys headlined the Wall of Hope concert on the Great Wall of China on September 25,{{cite news|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-09/07/content_372259.htm|title=Soul princess Alicia key to 'Wall of Hope' success|newspaper=China Daily|date=September 7, 2004|accessdate=July 7, 2025}} and commenced the Diary Tour in October, initially touring Asia and Oceania.{{cite news|url=https://tower.jp/article/news/2004/08/04/100003564|title=アリシア・キーズ、待望の来日公演が決定|trans-title=Alicia Keys' long-awaited Japan tour confirmed|language=ja|publisher=Tower Records|date=August 4, 2004|accessdate=July 7, 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/alicia-keys-enmore-theatre-20041027-gdjzr8.html|title=Alicia Keys, Enmore Theatre|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=October 27, 2004|url-access=subscription|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250707161748/https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/alicia-keys-enmore-theatre-20041027-gdjzr8.html|archivedate=July 7, 2025|url-status=live|accessdate=July 7, 2025}}{{cite news|last=Baillie|first=Russell|date=November 1, 2004|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/ialicia-keysi-at-the-aotea-centre/6RH2DS54Y2UYZCKEOAEZAMPP6Q/|title=Alicia Keys at the Aotea Centre|newspaper=The New Zealand Herald|accessdate=July 7, 2025}} "Karma" was released as the album's fourth and final single on November 1,{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/2000s/2004/RR-2004-10-29.pdf|title=Going for Adds|magazine=Radio & Records|issue=1579|page=19|date=October 29, 2004|accessdate=July 7, 2025|via=Google Books}} peaking at number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100; Keys performed it at the 2004 Billboard Music Awards on December 8.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/65347/usher-nabs-11-billboard-music-awards|title=Usher Nabs 11 Billboard Music Awards|magazine=Billboard|date=December 9, 2004|accessdate=September 15, 2021}} She performed "If I Ain't Got You" at the 47th Annual Grammy Awards on February 13, 2005,{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/2005-grammy-performances/|title=2005 Grammy Performances|publisher=CBS News|date=February 13, 2005|accessdate=September 15, 2021}} before expanding the Diary Tour to North America from February 23 to April 24, 2005.{{cite news|last=Hall|first=Rashaun|date=February 11, 2005|url=http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1496845/20050211/keys_alicia.jhtml|title=Alicia Keys' Diary Tour Dates Announced|publisher=VH1|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071107103528/http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1496845/20050211/keys_alicia.jhtml|archivedate=November 7, 2007|accessdate=July 7, 2025}}
Critical reception
{{Music ratings
| title = Contemporary professional ratings
| rev1 = Blender
| rev2 = Entertainment Weekly
| rev2Score = B{{cite magazine|last=Browne|first=David|author-link=David Browne (journalist)|date=December 5, 2003|url=https://ew.com/article/2003/12/01/diary-alicia-keys/|title=The Diary of Alicia Keys|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|accessdate=August 24, 2023}}
| rev3 = The Guardian
| rev4 = Los Angeles Times
| rev4Score = {{Rating|3.5|4}}{{cite web|last=Hilburn|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Hilburn|date=November 20, 2003|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-nov-30-ca-rackpullout30-story.html|title=Accomplished at 22, finding her own path|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|accessdate=September 20, 2009}}
| rev5 = People
| rev6 = Q
| rev7 = Rolling Stone
| rev7Score = {{Rating|3|5}}{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/the-diary-of-alicia-keys-20031202|title=The Diary of Alicia Keys|url-access=subscription|last=Sheffield|first=Rob|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=December 2, 2003|access-date=July 31, 2012|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127205704/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/the-diary-of-alicia-keys-255520/|archivedate=November 27, 2024|url-status=live}}
| rev8 = Slant Magazine
| rev9 = USA Today
| rev9Score = {{Rating|4|4}}{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gg8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA2|access-date=October 4, 2016|page=2|title=The Critics Love December's #1 Album!|magazine=Billboard|volume=116|number=3|date=January 17, 2004|via=Google Books}}
| rev10 = Vibe
| rev10score = {{Rating|4.5|5}}{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uCYEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA127 |title=Revolutions |date=February 2004 |last=Ehrlich |first=Dimitri |magazine=Vibe |pages=127–128 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415190108/https://books.google.com/books?id=uCYEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA127#v=onepage&q&f=false |archive-date=April 15, 2021 |via=Google Books}}
}}
Upon release, The Diary of Alicia Keys received widespread critical acclaim. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 based on reviews from mainstream critics, it holds an average score of 71, based on 17 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/the-diary-of-alicia-keys/alicia-keys|title=The Diary Of Alicia Keys by Alicia Keys|website=Metacritic|accessdate=September 27, 2009}} Multiple journalists declared that the album fulfilled the high expectations set by the critical success of Songs in A Minor,{{cite web|last=Ward|first=Christian|date=December 2003|url=http://www.dotmusic.com/reviews/Albums/December2003/reviews31690.asp|title=The Diary Of Alicia Keys|magazine=Dotmusic|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20031226164235/http://www.dotmusic.com/reviews/Albums/December2003/reviews31690.asp|archivedate=December 26, 2003|accessdate=July 12, 2025}} while USA Today opined that The Diary of Alicia Keys was a "creative leap forward" for Keys. Slant Magazine{{'}}s Sal Cinquemani wrote that the album surpassed the qualities of its predecessor, describing it as "a deft mix of modernism and classicism, not to mention street and class".{{cite magazine|last=Cinquemani|first=Sal|date=December 3, 2003|url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/alicia-keys-the-diary-of-alicia-keys/375|title=Review: Alicia Keys, The Diary Of Alicia Keys|magazine=Slant Magazine|accessdate=September 20, 2009}} Writing in The New York Times, Jon Pareles stated that with the album, Keys testified the tenacity of songwriting in soul music, noting Keys' lyrical progression since her debut.{{cite web|last=Pareles|first=Jon|author-link=Jon Pareles|date=December 7, 2003|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/07/arts/music/07PARE.html|title=Music; Alicia Keys Fights For Soul's Survival|url-access=registration|newspaper=The New York Times|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215033429/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/07/arts/music-alicia-keys-fights-for-soul-s-survival.html|archivedate=December 15, 2012|url-status=live|accessdate=September 20, 2009}} Tom Horan of The Daily Telegraph also hailed Keys' lyricism, concluding that she "summons up a wisdom and worldliness that is extraordinary in someone so young".{{cite news|last=Horan|first=Tom|date=November 29, 2003|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandjazzmusic/3607474/CD-of-the-week-The-Diary-of-Alicia-Keys-by-Alicia-Keys.html|title=CD of the week: The Diary of Alicia Keys by Alicia Keys|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|accessdate=July 12, 2025}} Similarly, Rob Sheffield called the album "an assured, adult statement, steeped in the complicated love life and musical dreams of an ambitious young woman" in Rolling Stone. Robert Hilburn in Los Angeles Times and a critic from E! Online both concluded that Keys was still more accomplished as a vocalist than as a songwriter; regardless, Hilburn added that she made "each moment on the album seem real and her own". Dimitri Ehrlich of Vibe referred to the record as "masterful", complimenting Keys' vocal performance and fusion of traditional and contemporary musical elements. Roger Friedman of Fox News commended the "exquisite" production, vocals and instrumentation. Kris Ex of Blender praised the "enthusiastic album full of masterful strokes and electrifying intensity", while Q called it "a proper soul album which hooks you with the first pneumatic beat and draws you deeper with every heady atmosphere and vivid emotion."{{cite magazine|title=Review: The Diary of Alicia Keys|magazine=Q|location=London|page=111|date=January 2004|issn=0955-4955}} Mojo described the record as "an hour of heartful, artful singing enhanced by dense, yet fuss-free arrangements".{{cite magazine|title=The Diary of Alicia Keys|magazine=Mojo|date=January 2004|page=106|issn=1351-0193}}
In less laudatory commentaries on The Diary of Alicia Keys, multiple critics emphasized the record's curtailment of invigoration throughout its second half, which David Browne said "drifts into a narcotized semi-slumber of one earnest, samey retro-soul piano ballad after another", as published in Entertainment Weekly.{{efn|attributed to multiple sources{{cite web|url=http://www.eonline.com/Reviews/Facts/Music/RevID/0%2C1107%2C3097%2C00.html|title=Alicia Keys: The Diary of Alicia Keys|website=E! Online|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20031209112518/http://www.eonline.com/Reviews/Facts/Music/RevID/0,1107,3097,00.html|archivedate=December 9, 2003|accessdate=July 13, 2025}}}} Josh Tyrangiel of Time negatively compared it to "models of how to make nostalgic music that is not anti-present" constituting the first half.{{cite magazine|last=Tyrangiel|first=Josh|author-link=Josh Tyrangiel|date=December 8, 2003|title=The Princess of Queens|magazine=Time|volume=162|number=23|page=89|issn=0040-781X}} Laura Sinagra of The Village Voice felt that the album's songs lack hooks and other "surface content", sounding instead like unfinished vocal sketches.{{cite web|last=Sinagra|first=Laura|date=December 30, 2003|url=http://www.villagevoice.com/2003-12-30/music/singing-school|title=Singing School|newspaper=The Village Voice|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131108103344/http://www.villagevoice.com/2003-12-30/music/singing-school|archivedate=November 8, 2013|accessdate=September 20, 2009}} Writing for PopMatters, Mark Anthony Neal said that it only shows "fleeting glimpses" of Keys' actual sensibilities, adding that although it documents Keys' artistic progression, it was "clearly laboring to be relevant to the current marketplace and thus suffers from a serious lack of cohesion".{{cite web|last=Neal|first=Mark Anthony|author-link=Mark Anthony Neal|date=December 10, 2003|url=https://www.popmatters.com/keysalicia-diary-2495960035.html|title=Alicia Keys: The Diary of Alicia Keys|magazine=PopMatters|accessdate=July 12, 2025}} Alexis Petridis, writing in The Guardian, found it creatively safe and marred by "anodyne slow numbers studded with knowing references to old records".{{cite news|last=Petridis|first=Alexis|author-link=Alexis Petridis|date=November 27, 2003|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2003/nov/28/popandrock.shopping10|title=CD: Alicia Keys, The Diary of Alicia Keys|at=Friday Review section, p. 23|newspaper=The Guardian|location=London|access-date=April 7, 2013}} Uncut and Ethan Brown in New York lambasted Keys' lyricism; the former described it as filled with a "litany of cliche and hackneyed need-a-man" wailing,{{cite magazine|title=Review: The Diary of Alicia Keys|magazine=Uncut|location=London|page=72|date=February 2004|issn=1368-0722}} while Brown wrote that the album "collapses under the weight of one song about heartbreak after another". Robert Christgau of The Village Voice rated the album a "dud",{{cite news|last=Christgau|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Christgau|date=January 13, 2004|url=http://www.robertchristgau.com/xg/cg/cgv104-04.php|title=Consumer Guide: MLK Fever|newspaper=The Village Voice|location=New York|access-date=April 7, 2013}} indicating "a bad record whose details rarely merit further thought".{{cite web|last=Christgau|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Christgau|year=2000|url=http://www.robertchristgau.com/xg/bk-cg90/grades-90s.php|title=Key to Icons|work=Christgau's Consumer Guide: Albums of the '90s|access-date=April 7, 2013}} On the contrary, Slant Magazine and The Washington Times included the record on their year-end lists of best 2003 albums, at numbers nine and two, respectively.{{cite magazine|last=Cinquemani|first=Sal|date=December 15, 2003|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/2003-year-in-music/|title=Top 10 Albums, Singles, and Music Videos of 2003|magazine=Slant Magazine|accessdate=July 12, 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2003/dec/27/20031227-085047-5525r/|title=Top 10 Audio|url-access=subscription|newspaper=The Washington Times|date=December 27, 2003|accessdate=July 12, 2025}}
{{Music ratings
| title = Retrospective professional ratings
| rev1 = AllMusic
| rev1Score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite web|last=Erlewine|first=Stephen Thomas|author-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=the-diary-of-alicia-keys-r667520/review|pure_url=yes}}|title=The Diary of Alicia Keys – Alicia Keys|website=AllMusic|accessdate=September 20, 2009}}
| rev2 = {{nowrap|The Encyclopedia of Popular Music}}
| rev2Score = {{Rating|3|5}}{{harvnb|Larkin|2007|p=789}}
| rev3 = The Great Rock Discography
| rev3Score = {{Rating|6|10}}{{harvnb|Strong|2004|p=819}}
| rev4 = The Rolling Stone Album Guide
| rev4Score = {{Rating|3|5}}{{harvnb|Moon et al.|2004|p=449}}
| rev5 = Tom Hull
}}
The Diary of Alicia Keys and its tracks received nominations for a myriad of industry awards. At the 35th NAACP Image Awards (2004), it was nominated for Outstanding Album,{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ice84BEC2yoC|title=Recording|magazine=The Crisis|volume=111|number=1 (January–February 2004)|page=34|accessdate=July 13, 2025|via=Google Books}} while Keys won for Outstanding Female Artist.{{Cite news |date=March 7, 2004 |title='Temptations' tempt NAACP |url=https://variety.com/2004/film/awards/temptations-tempt-naacp-1117901308/ |publisher=Associated Press |access-date=February 10, 2024 |via=Variety}} The album was also nominated for Favorite Soul/R&B Album at the American Music Awards of 2004,{{cite news|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/32nd-american-music-awards-nominees-66500/|title=32nd American Music Awards Nominees|magazine=Billboard|date=September 14, 2004|accessdate=July 10, 2025}} with Keys winning Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist.{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/american-music-award-winners-20041116-gdk4bl.html|title=American Music Award winners|url-access=subscription|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=November 16, 2004|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615094545/https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/american-music-award-winners-20041116-gdk4bl.html|archivedate=June 15, 2024|url-status=live|accessdate=July 13, 2025}} At the 47th Annual Grammy Awards (2005), the album won Keys her second Grammy Award for Best R&B Album, also being nominated for Album of the Year; "You Don't Know My Name" won for Best R&B Song, while "If I Ain't Got You" was nominated for Song of the Year and won for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.{{cite web|title=47th Annual Grammy Awards|url=https://www.grammy.com/awards/47th-annual-grammy-awards|publisher=The Recording Academy|accessdate=July 10, 2025}} The Diary of Alicia Keys also won the 2005 Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Album – Female,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/usher-alicia-lead-soul-train-awards-1416669/|title=Usher, Alicia Lead Soul Train Awards|magazine=Billboard|date=March 1, 2005|accessdate=July 10, 2025}} and was nominated for the 2005 Teen Choice Award for Choice Music – Album.{{cite press release|title=Fox Announces Nominees for 'The 2005 Teen Choice Awards'|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2005/06/01/fox-announces-nominees-for-the-2005-teen-choice-awards--18495/20050601fox01/|publisher=Fox Broadcasting Company|date=June 1, 2005|accessdate=January 21, 2017|via=The Futon Critic}} Internationally, it earned Keys nominations for the 2004 Edison Award for International Singer,{{cite web|url=http://www.edisons.nl/pop/artiest/alicia-keys?page=2|title=Alicia Keys – Nominaties|language=nl|trans-title=Alicia Keys – Nominations|publisher=Edison Award|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129160830/http://www.edisons.nl/pop/artiest/alicia-keys?page=2|archivedate=November 29, 2014|accessdate=July 10, 2025}} and the 2004 MOBO Award for Best Album.{{cite news|title=Mobo Awards 2004: The winners|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3705392.stm|publisher=BBC News|access-date=November 14, 2014|date=September 30, 2004|archive-date=November 14, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141114162726/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3705392.stm|url-status=live}} In a retrospective review published via AllMusic, Stephen Thomas Erlewine described the record as "a seamless piece of work, a sultry slow groove that emphasizes her breathy, seductive voice and lush soulfulness". He nonetheless referred to it as inferior to Songs in A Minor, as did Tom Moon in The New Rolling Stone Album Guide (2004), and Colin Larkin in The Encyclopedia of Popular Music (2007). In The Great Rock Discography (2004), Martin C. Strong reflected on The Diary of Alicia Keys showcasing Keys' "sophistication way beyond her years", calling it a "flawless marriage of classic and contemporary black music, pure pop and singer-songwriter self examination". Chrissy Iley of The Sunday Times remarked in 2008 that the album "confirmed her place in musical history".{{cite news|url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article3403940.ece |newspaper=The Sunday Times |location=London |title=Alicia Keys the girl who made Bob Dylan weep |first=Chrissy |last=Iley |date=February 24, 2008 |access-date=May 25, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511203947/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article3403940.ece |archive-date=May 11, 2008 |url-status=unfit |via=The Times}} In 2007, The Diary of Alicia Keys was ranked at number 129 on both New York Daily News{{'}}s listing "Top 200 Albums of All Time",{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/top-200-albums-time-article-1.217590|title=Top 200 Albums of All Time|newspaper=New York Daily News|date=March 7, 2007|accessdate=October 23, 2015}} and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's "Definitive 200".{{cite press release|url=http://www.rockhall.com/pressroom/definitive-200|title=Definitive 200|publisher=Rock and Roll Hall of Fame|access-date=September 15, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090919000041/http://www.rockhall.com/pressroom/definitive-200|archive-date=September 19, 2009}} It was also included on the 2020 edition of Rolling Stone{{'}}s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, at number 277.{{cite magazine|last=Bernstein|first=Jonathan|display-authors=etal|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-albums-of-all-time-1062063/alicia-keys-the-diary-of-alicia-keys-1062956/|title=The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=December 31, 2023|accessdate=July 11, 2025}}
Commercial performance
The Diary of Alicia Keys debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 618,000 copies in its first week.{{cite magazine |last=Martens |first=Todd |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/67828/keys-unlocks-second-no-1-debut |title=Keys Unlocks Second No. 1 Debut |magazine=Billboard |date=December 10, 2003 |access-date=2008-06-07}} This became Keys' second consecutive number-one debut. It was the highest first-week sales by a female artist of the year. In its second week, the album dropped to number two on the chart, selling an additional 324,000 copies,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/67727/studdard-takes-soulful-to-no-1|title=Studdard Takes 'Soulful' To No. 1|magazine=Billboard |date=December 17, 2003 |access-date=2008-06-07}} but returned to the top in its third week with 370,000 units sold.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/67648/alicias-diary-nabs-xmas-week-no-1|title=Alicia's 'Diary' Nabs Xmas Week No. 1|last=Carpenter|first=Troy|date=2003-12-24|magazine=Billboard|accessdate=2009-02-15}} The album spent 88 weeks on the chart, leaving at number 198 in 2005. By January 2006, the album had sold 4.4 million copies in the United States.{{cite magazine |last=Hope |first=Clover |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/59949/keys-craves-strange-as-hell-collaborations |title=Keys Craves 'Strange As Hell' Collaborations |magazine=Billboard |date=January 24, 2006 |access-date=November 10, 2008}} On August 11, 2020, the album was certified quintuple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for combined sales and album-equivalent units of five million units in the United States.{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=alicia+keys&ti=&lab=&genre=&format=&date_option=release&from=&to=&award=&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section|title=RIAA Certifications - Alicia Keys|website=Recording Industry Association of America |access-date=August 19, 2020}}
In the United Kingdom, The Diary of Alicia Keys debuted at number 13 on the UK Albums Chart and atop the UK R&B Albums Chart. The album was certified platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for shipping 300,000 units. It reached the top ten in Finland, France, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands and Norway, while peaking at number one in Switzerland and number five on the European Top 100 Albums. By November 2007, the album had sold over eight million copies worldwide.{{cite news|url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article2819353.ece |title=The ascent of Alicia Keys|last=Batey |first=Angus |date=November 10, 2007 |work=The Times | location=London |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516200257/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article2819353.ece|archive-date=2008-05-16 }}
Track listing
{{Track listing
| headline = The Diary of Alicia Keys
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| total_length = 57:45
| title1 = Harlem's Nocturne
| writer1 = Alicia Keys
| extra1 = Keys
| length1 = 1:43
| title2 = Karma
| writer2 = {{hlist|Kerry Brothers Jr.|Keys|Taneisha Smith}}
| extra2 = Brothers
| length2 = 4:16
| title3 = Heartburn
| writer3 = {{hlist|Keys|Tim Mosley|Walter Millsap III|Candice Nelson|Erika Rose}}
| extra3 = {{hlist|Timbaland|Keys}}
| length3 = 3:28
| title4 = If I Was Your Woman"/"Walk on By
| writer4 = {{hlist|Gloria Jones|Clarence McMurray|Pam Sawyer|Burt Bacharach|Hal David}}
| extra4 = {{hlist|Keys|Easy Mo Bee|D'Wayne Wiggins}}
| length4 = 3:06
| title5 = You Don't Know My Name
| writer5 = {{hlist|Keys|Kanye West|Harold Lilly|J. R. Bailey|Mel Kent|Ken Williams}}
| extra5 = {{hlist|West|Keys}}
| length5 = 6:06
| title6 = If I Ain't Got You
| writer6 = Keys
| extra6 = Keys
| length6 = 3:48
| title7 = Diary
| note7 = featuring Tony! Toni! Toné! and Jermaine Paul
| writer7 = {{hlist|Keys|Brothers}}
| extra7 = Keys
| length7 = 4:45
| title8 = Dragon Days
| writer8 = Keys
| extra8 = Keys
| length8 = 4:36
| title9 = Wake Up
| writer9 = {{hlist|Keys|Brothers}}
| extra9 = Keys
| length9 = 4:27
| title10 = So Simple
| note10 = featuring Lellow{{efn|Keys' alias}}
| writer10 = {{hlist|Keys|Lilly|Andre Harris|Vidal Davis}}
| extra10 = {{hlist|Dre & Vidal|Keys}}
| length10 = 3:49
| title11 = When You Really Love Someone
| writer11 = {{hlist|Keys|Brothers}}
| extra11 = Keys
| length11 = 4:09
| title12 = Feeling U, Feeling Me
| note12 = Interlude
| writer12 = Keys
| extra12 = Keys
| length12 = 2:07
| title13 = Slow Down
| writer13 = {{hlist|Keys|L. Green|Rose}}
| extra13 = {{hlist|Keys|Kumasi}}
| length13 = 4:18
| title14 = Samsonite Man
| writer14 = {{hlist|Keys|Rose}}
| extra14 = Keys
| length14 = 4:12
| title15 = Nobody Not Really
| writer15 = {{hlist|Keys|Smith}}
| extra15 = Keys
| length15 = 2:56
|}}
{{track listing
| headline = The Diary of Alicia Keys{{nobold| – UK and Japanese editions (bonus track){{cite AV media|last=Keys|first=Alicia|year=2003|title=The Diary of Alicia Keys|type=CD|publisher=J Records|id=82876-58620-2}}}}
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| total_length = 62:40
| title16 = Streets of New York (City Life)
| note16 = featuring Nas and Rakim
| writer16 = {{hlist|Keys|Smith|Eric Barrier|Nasir Jones|Chris Martin|William Griffin}}
| extra16 = DJ Premier
| length16 = 4:55
}}
{{track listing
| headline = The Diary of Alicia Keys{{nobold| – Limited edition (bonus DVD){{cite AV media|last=Keys|first=Alicia|year=2003|title=The Diary of Alicia Keys|type=CD+DVD|publisher=J Records|id=82876-57017-2}}}}
| title1 = The Diary
| length1 = 35:11
}}
{{track listing
| headline = The Diary of Alicia Keys{{nobold| – Special edition (bonus disc){{cite AV media|last=Keys|first=Alicia|year=2004|title=The Diary of Alicia Keys|type=CD + enhanced CD|publisher=J Records|id=82876-63231-2}}}}
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| total_length = 31:28
| title1 = If I Ain't Got You
| note1 = Remix) (featuring Usher
| writer1 = Keys
| extra1 = Keys
| length1 = 3:52
| title2 = If I Ain't Got You
| note2 = Spanish version) (featuring Arturo Sandoval
| writer2 = Keys
| extra2 = Keys
| length2 = 3:53
| title3 = If I Ain't Got You
| note3 = Kanye West Remix
| writer3 = Keys
| extra3 = {{hlist|Keys|West{{ref|a|[a]}}}}
| length3 = 3:47
| title4 = You Don't Know My Name"/"Will You Ever Know It
| note4 = Reggae Mix
| writer4 = {{hlist|Keys|West|Lilly|Gregory Isaacs|Jack Ruby}}
| extra4 = {{hlist|West|DJ Min One{{ref|a|[a]}}}}
| length4 = 5:05
| title5 = You Don't Know My Name
| note5 = music video
| length5 = 6:08
| title6 = If I Ain't Got You
| note6 = music video
| length6 = 3:30
| title7 = Diary
| note7 = music video
| length7 = 5:13
}}
{{track listing
| headline = The Diary of Alicia Keys 20{{cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/album/52pl5ANwTRORPcPj6vlzA8|title=The Diary Of Alicia Keys 20|publisher=RCA Records|date=December 1, 2023|accessdate=July 9, 2025|via=Spotify}}{{cite web|url=https://www.vinylmeplease.com/products/alicia-keys-diary-of-alicia-keys-vmp-20th-anniversary-edition?variant=40273664180314|title=Diary of Alicia Keys (VMP 20th Anniversary Edition)|publisher=Legacy Recordings|accessdate=July 9, 2025|via=Vinyl Me, Please}}
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| total_length = 1:43:00
| title16 = If I Ain't Got You
| note16 = Orchestral version) (featuring Queen Charlotte Global Orchestra
| writer16 = Keys
| extra16 = Kris Bowers
| length16 = 4:54
| title17 = Golden Child
| writer17 = Keys
| extra17 = Keys
| length17 = 4:03
| title18 = You Don't Know My Name"/"Will You Ever Know It
| note18 = Reggae Mix
| writer18 = {{hlist|Keys|West|Lilly|Isaacs|Ruby}}
| extra18 = West
| length18 = 5:05
| title19 = Diary
| note19 = Hani Mixshow) (featuring Tony! Toni! Toné! and Jermaine Paul
| writer19 = {{hlist|Keys|Brothers}}
| extra19 = {{hlist|Keys|Hani{{ref|a|[a]}}}}
| length19 = 5:10
| title20 = If I Ain't Got You
| note20 = Spanish orchestral version) (featuring Queen Charlotte Global Orchestra
| writer20 = Keys
| extra20 = Bowers
| length20 = 4:55
| title21 = Streets of New York (City Life)
| note21 = AOL Broadband Rocks! Live at Webster Hall
| writer21 = {{hlist|Keys|Smith|Barrier|Jones|Martin|Griffin}}
| length21 = 4:16
| title22 = If Ain't Got You
| note22 = AOL Broadband Rocks! Live at Webster Hall
| writer22 = Keys
| length22 = 5:09
| title23 = Diary
| note23 = AOL Broadband Rocks! Live at Webster Hall
| writer23 = {{hlist|Keys|Brothers}}
| length23 = 5:35
| title24 = You Don't Know My Name
| note24 = AOL Broadband Rocks! Live at Webster Hall
| writer24 = {{hlist|Keys|West|Lilly|Bailey|Kent|Williams}}
| length24 = 6:00
}}
{{track listing
| headline = The Diary of Alicia Keys 20{{nobold| – US Urban Outfitters exclusive edition (bonus vinyl){{cite AV media|last=Keys|first=Alicia|year=2023|title=The Diary of Alicia Keys 20|type=12-inch vinyl + 7-inch vinyl|publisher=Legacy Recordings|id=82876-55712-1}}{{efn|The Urban Outfitters exclusive edition of The Diary of Alicia Keys 20 excludes bonus tracks included on other editions of the reissue.}}}}
| title1 = Streets of New York (City Life)
| note1 = featuring Nas and Rakim
| length1 = 4:55
| title2 = Streets of New York (City Life)
| note2 = instrumental
| length2 = 4:55
}}
Notes
- {{note|a|a}} signifies an additional producer
Sample credits
- "Karma" contains excerpts from Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 77 by Johannes Brahms.
- "You Don't Know My Name" contains excerpts and a sample from "Let Me Prove My Love to You" by The Main Ingredient.
- "If I Was Your Woman"/"Walk on By" is a cover of "If I Were Your Woman" by Gladys Knight & the Pips, and contains excerpts from "Walk On By" by Isaac Hayes.
- "Streets of New York (City Life)" contains a sample from "N.Y. State of Mind" by Nas.
Personnel
Credits adapted from the liner notes of The Diary of Alicia Keys.{{Cite AV media notes|last=Keys|first=Alicia|title=The Diary of Alicia Keys|year=2003|type=CD liner notes|publisher=J Records|id=82876-55712-2}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
=Musicians=
- Alicia Keys – clavinet, instrumentation, keyboards, multi instruments, piano, Rhodes, string arrangements, synthesizers, synthesizer piano, backing vocals, vocals
- Sanford Allen – concertmaster, violin {{small|(tracks 5, 9)}}
- Elijah Baker – bass {{small|("Diary")}}
- Julien Barber – viola {{small|("Wake Up")}}
- Katreese Barnes – background vocals {{small|(tracks 6, 9)}}
- Pablo Batista – percussion {{small|(tracks 14, 15)}}
- Richard Brice – viola {{small|(tracks 5, 9)}}
- Kurt Briggs – violin {{small|("You Don't Know My Name")}}
- Kerry Brothers Jr. – digital programming, instrumentation {{small|(track 2)}}, drums {{small|(track 14)}}
- Avril Brown – violin {{small|(tracks 5, 9)}}
- Stockley Carmichael – background vocals {{small|("Diary")}}
- Fred Cash Jr. – bass {{small|(tracks 6, 8, 14)}}
- Robert Chausow – viola {{small|("You Don't Know My Name")}}
- Ray Chew – strings arrangement and conductor {{small|(tracks 5, 9)}}
- Dre & Vidal – instrumentation {{small|("So Simple")}}
- Ronnie Drayton – guitar {{small|("Dragon Days")}}
- Darryl Dixon – horns {{small|("If I Ain't Got You")}}
- Marisol Espada – cello {{small|("Wake Up")}}
- Barry Finclair – viola {{small|(tracks 5, 9)}}
- Eileen Folson – cello {{small|("You Don't Know My Name")}}
- Onree Gill – Hammond B3 {{small|(track 8)}}, Rhodes {{small|(tracks 14, 15)}}
- L. Green – background vocals {{small|(tracks 6, 14, 15)}}
- Sharief Hobley – guitar {{small|("You Don't Know My Name")}}
- Andricka Hall – background vocals {{small|("Wake Up")}}
- Stanley Hunte – violin {{small|(tracks 5, 9)}}
- Paul John – drums {{small|("Nobody Not Really")}}
- Steve Jordan – drums {{small|("If I Ain't Got You")}}
- Kumasi – digital programming, additional synths {{small|("Slow Down")}}
- Gwendolyn Laster – violin {{small|("Wake Up")}}
- John Legend – background vocals {{small|("You Don't Know My Name")}}
- Harold Lilly – background vocals {{small|("You Don't Know My Name")}}
- Hugh McCracken – guitar {{small|("If I Ain't Got You")}}
- Melissa Meell – cello {{small|("Wake Up")}}
- Lori Miller – violin {{small|("You Don't Know My Name")}}
- Cindy Mizelle – background vocals {{small|(tracks 6, 9)}}
- Caryl Paisner – cello {{small|("You Don't Know My Name")}}
- Jermaine Paul – background vocals {{small|("Diary")}}
- Marion Pinheiro – violin {{small|(tracks 5, 9)}}
- Ricky Quinones – guitar {{small|(tracks 14, 15)}}
- Artie Reynolds – bass {{small|("You Don't Know My Name")}}
- Maxine Roach – viola {{small|(tracks 5, 9)}}
- Steve "Styles" Rodriguez – bass {{small|(tracks 11, 14, 15)}}
- Joe Romano – horns {{small|(tracks 2, 6)}}
- Erika Rose – background vocals {{small|(tracks 2, 14, 15)}}
- Tim Christian Riley – piano {{small|("Diary")}}
- John "Jubu" Smith – guitar {{small|("Diary")}}
- Taneisha Smith – background vocals {{small|("Nobody Not Really")}}
- Denise Stoudmire – background vocals {{small|("Karma")}}
- Dale Stuckenbruck – violin {{small|(tracks 5, 9)}}
- Peter VanDerwater – viola {{small|("Wake Up")}}
- Arcell Vickers – organ {{small|(tracks 6, 14, 15)}}
- Alexander Vselensky – violin {{small|(tracks 5, 9)}}
- David Watson – horns {{small|(tracks 2, 6)}}; saxophone, flute {{small|(track 15)}}
- Willie Weeks – bass {{small|("Wake Up")}}
- Carl "Rev" Wheeler – Wurlitzer, organ {{small|("Diary")}}
- Artie White – guitar {{small|(tracks 11, 13)}}
- D'wayne Wiggins – sitar, bass {{small|(track 4)}}; guitar {{small|(track 7)}}
- Jessica Wilson – background vocals {{small|("Karma")}}
- Xin Zhao – violin {{small|("You Don't Know My Name")}}
- George Spivey – turntables
{{col-2}}
=Additional personnel=
- Alli – art director, design
- Chris LeBeau – art production
- Warwick Saint – photography
- Nicole Tucker – hair stylist
- Patti Wilson – stylist
=Technical personnel=
- Alicia Keys – executive producer, producer
- Kerry Brothers Jr. – producer; recording {{small|(tracks 2, 12)}}
- Dre & Vidal – producers
- Kumasi – producer
- Timbaland – producer
- Easy Mo Bee – digital programming {{small|(track 4)}}, producer
- Kanye West – producer
- D'wayne Wiggins – producer
- Peter Edge – executive producer
- Jeff Robinson – executive producer
- Tony Black – recording engineer, mixing
- Vincent DiLorenzo – additional recording {{small|(track 10)}}
- Dan Gautreau – recording assistant {{small|(tracks 3, 11)}}
- Walter Millsap III – recording {{small|(track 3)}}
- Ann Mincieli – additional recording
- Russell Elevado – mixing {{small|(track 9)}}
- Alan Ford – assistant mixing {{small|(track 12)}}
- Manny Marroquin – mixing
- Rabeka Tuinei – assistant mixing {{small|(track 14)}}
- Pat Viala – mixing {{small|(track 4)}}
- Herb Powers Jr. – mastering
{{col-end}}
Charts
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
=Weekly charts=
{{col-2}}
=Monthly charts=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ 2003 monthly chart performance for The Diary of Alicia Keys ! scope="col"| Chart ! scope="col"| Peak |
| scope="row"| South Korean International Albums (RIAK)
| 7 |
|---|
=Year-end charts=
=Decade-end charts=
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ 2000s decade-end chart performance for The Diary of Alicia Keys ! scope="col"| Chart ! scope="col"| Position |
| scope="row"| Dutch Albums (Album Top 100){{cite web |url=http://dutchcharts.nl/decennium.asp?cat=a |title=Dutchcharts.nl – Decennium Charts – Albums 2000–2009 |publisher=Hung Medien |access-date=June 14, 2011}}
| 48 |
|---|
| scope="row"| US Billboard 200{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/decadeendcharts/chart_display.jsp?&f=Billboard+200+Albums&g=Decade-end+Albums |title=Decade End Charts – Billboard 200 Albums |magazine=Billboard |access-date=October 14, 2010}}
| 55 |
| scope="row"| US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard){{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/decadeendcharts/2009/r-and-and-b-hip-hop-albums |title=Decade End Charts – Top 100 R&B/Hip-Hop Albums |magazine=Billboard |access-date=July 6, 2011}}
| 39 |
= Centurial charts =
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ 21st century chart performance for The Diary of Alicia Keys ! scope="col"| Chart ! scope="col"| Position |
| scope="row"| US Billboard 200{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/top-billboard-200-albums-of-the-21st-century/|title=Top Billboard 200 Albums of the 21st Century|magazine=Billboard|url-access=subscription|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250109161554/https://www.billboard.com/charts/top-billboard-200-albums-of-the-21st-century/|archivedate=January 9, 2025|accessdate=June 30, 2025|url-status=live}}
| 196 |
|---|
= All-time charts =
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ All-time chart performance for The Diary of Alicia Keys ! scope="col"| Chart ! scope="col"| Position |
| scope="row"| US Billboard 200 (Women){{cite magazine|title=Greatest of All Time Billboard 200 Albums By Women|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/greatest-billboard-200-albums-by-women|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 10, 2018}}
| 100 |
|---|
{{col-end}}
Certifications
{{certification Table Top|caption=Certifications and sales for The Diary of Alicia Keys}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Argentina|title=The Diary of Alicia Keys |artist=Alicia Keys|type=album|award=Gold|relyear=2003|certref={{cite web|url=http://www.capif.org.ar/Default.asp?PerDesde_MM=0&PerDesde_AA=0&PerHasta_MM=0&PerHasta_AA=0&interprete=Alicia+Keys&album=&LanDesde_MM=0&LanDesde_AA=0&LanHasta_MM=0&LanHasta_AA=0&Galardon=O&Tipo=1&ACCION2=+Buscar+&ACCION=Buscar&CO=5&CODOP=ESOP|title=Discos de Oro y Platino|trans-title=Gold and Platinum Records|language=es|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531183901/http://www.capif.org.ar/Default.asp?PerDesde_MM=0&PerDesde_AA=0&PerHasta_MM=0&PerHasta_AA=0&interprete=Alicia+Keys&album=&LanDesde_MM=0&LanDesde_AA=0&LanHasta_MM=0&LanHasta_AA=0&Galardon=O&Tipo=1&ACCION2=+Buscar+&ACCION=Buscar&CO=5&CODOP=ESOP|archive-date=May 31, 2011|publisher=Argentine Chamber of Phonograms and Videograms Producers|access-date=August 26, 2021}}}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Australia|artist=Alicia Keys|title=The Diary of Alicia Keys|award=Platinum|number=2|certyear=2019|relyear=2003|access-date=December 29, 2019}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Belgium|artist=Alicia Keys|title=The Diary of Alicia Keys|award=Gold|certyear=2005|relyear=2003|access-date=March 18, 2019}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Canada|artist=Alicia Keys|title=The Diary of Alicia Keys|award=Platinum|number=2|certyear=2005|relyear=2003|access-date=March 18, 2019}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Denmark|artist=Alicia Keys|title=The Diary of Alicia Keys|award=Platinum|certyear=2019|relyear=2003|id=8046|access-date=March 18, 2019}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=France|artist=Alicia Keys|title=The Diary of Alicia|award=Gold|certyear=2005|relyear=2003|access-date=March 18, 2019|refname="snep"}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Germany|artist=Alicia Keys|title=The Diary of Alicia Keys|award=Platinum|certyear=2005|relyear=2003|access-date=March 18, 2019}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Italy|relmonth=12|artist=Alicia Keys|title=The Diary of Alicia Keys|award=Gold|certref={{cite web |url=http://www.musicalnews.com/articolo.php?codice=4392&sz=6 |title=The Diary Of Alicia Keys è disco d'oro |language=it |publisher=Musicalnews.com |date=February 6, 2004 |access-date=October 18, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205115634/http://www.musicalnews.com/articolo.php?codice=4392&sz=6 |archive-date=December 5, 2008 |url-status=dead }}|relyear=2003|access-date=March 18, 2019}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Japan|relmonth=12|artist=アリシア・キーズ|title=ダイアリー・オブ・アリシア・キーズ|award=Gold|certyear=2004|certmonth=2|relyear=2003|access-date=March 18, 2019}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Netherlands|artist=Alicia Keys|title=The Diary of Alicia Keys|award=Platinum|certyear=2004|relyear=2003|access-date=March 18, 2019}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=New Zealand|artist=Alicia Keys|title=The Diary of Alicia Keys|award=Gold|relyear=2003|id=2005-01-28|source=newchart|access-date=November 20, 2024|certyear=2005}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Norway|artist=Alicia Keys|title=The Diary of Alicia Keys|award=Gold|certyear=2003|relyear=2003|access-date=March 18, 2019}}
{{Certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Singapore|artist=Alicia Keys|title=The Diary of Alicia Keys|award=Gold|certyear=2021|relyear=2003|access-date=February 4, 2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=South Korea|title=The Diary Of Alicia Keys|artist=Alicia Keys|nocert=true|salesamount=7,242|salesref={{cite web|url=http://www.riak.or.kr/stat/pop_200312.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040623050946/http://www.riak.or.kr/stat/pop_200312.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 23, 2004|title=2003.12월 – Pop 음반 판매량|trans-title=December 2003 – Pop Album Sales|publisher=Recording Industry Association Korea|language=ko|accessdate=June 30, 2025}}}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Sweden|artist=Alicia Keys|title=The Diary of Alicia Keys|award=Gold|certyear=2005|relyear=2003|relmonth=12|access-date=March 18, 2019}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Switzerland|artist=Alicia Keys|title=The Diary of Alicia Keys|award=Platinum|certyear=2003|relyear=2003|access-date=March 18, 2019}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=United Kingdom|artist=Alicia Keys|title=The Diary of Alicia Keys|award=Platinum|certyear=2004|relyear=2003|id=6888-3709-2|access-date=March 18, 2019|refname="bpi"}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=United States|artist=Alicia Keys|title=The Diary of Alicia Keys|award=Platinum|number=5|certyear=2020|relyear=2003|access-date=August 13, 2020}}
{{Certification Table Summary}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Europe|artist=Alicia Keys|title=The Diary of Alicia Keys|award=Platinum|type=album|certyear=2004|access-date=March 18, 2019}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Worldwide|artist=Alicia Keys|title=The Diary of Alicia Keys|nocert=true|salesamount=8,000,000|salesref=}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true}}
Release history
See also
References
=Notes=
{{Notelist}}
=Citations=
{{reflist|30em}}
=Bibliography=
{{refbegin}}
- {{cite book|last=Gaar|first=Gillian G.|title=She's a Rebel: The History of Women in Rock & Roll|publisher=Seal Press|year=2002|isbn=1-58005-078-6}}
- {{cite book|last=Larkin|first=Colin|author-link=Colin Larkin (writer)|year=2007|title=The Encyclopedia of Popular Music|publisher=Omnibus Press|edition=5th Concise|isbn=978-0-85-712595-8}}
- {{cite book|ref={{SfnRef|Moon et al.|2004}}|last=Moon|first=Tom|author-link=Tom Moon|display-authors=etal|editor1-first=Nathan|editor1-last=Brackett|editor1-link=Nathan Brackett|editor2-first=Christian|editor2-last=Hoard|title=The New Rolling Stone Album Guide|publisher=Simon & Schuster|edition=4th|year=2004|isbn=0-7432-0169-8}}
- {{cite book|last=Strong|first=Martin C.|author-link=Martin C. Strong|year=2004|title=The Great Rock Discography|publisher=Canongate Books|edition=7th|isbn=978-0-86-241562-4}}
{{refend}}
External links
- {{Official website|http://www.aliciakeys.com}}
- {{Discogs master|type=album|144296}}
{{Alicia Keys}}
{{Grammy Award for Best Immersive Audio Album}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Diary Of Alicia Keys, The}}
Category:Albums produced by Alicia Keys
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