How Come You Don't Call Me - Alicia Keys (2001)
We head back to 2001 for our next LCM Classic track by the wonderful Alicia Keys. 'How Come You Don't Call Me' was one of the lead tracks from Alicia's debut album 'Songs In A Minor'. It's one of my favourite albums from that period and I played it on repeat when it was first released. I still think it is the perfect Sunday late morning album. Try it and see :) Alicia is one of the very few artists that gives me goosebumps live...I think she is a very special and multi talented singer-songwriter with a stunning voice. Our classic today was originally written by Prince, but I love Alicia's version with it super piano melody hooks and tight driving percussion added to her powerful R&B/gospel vocals.
The song's music video, directed by Little X. It contains references to Japanese popular culture such as San-X's Buru Buru Dog and Cardcaptor Sakura's Kero-chan, besides Korean character Mashimaro. It starts with Alicia waking up in the morning and following her daily routine throughout the video, ending with a performance on stage. The video ends with a phone call from her supposed "boyfriend" making an excuse about why he hasn't called her, and she hangs up on him, laughing. The 'boyfriend' is played by actor-comedian Mike Epps.