Songs in A Minor (2001)

It's obvious why Keys, a 20-year-old, piano-playing neo-soulster, was handpicked by Clive Davis for his new label. Her influences -- Aretha, Mayfield, Wonder, '80s Jacko -- are evident and impeccable. And as a multitasking singer-songwriter-coproducer, she provides plenty of excitement, from the gospel fervor of lovesick righteousness on ''Fallin,'' to her Prince-ly funk of ''How Come You Don't Call Me.'' Though the second half slackens with sad-sack teen themes, Songs is a debut full of promise.