Alicia Keys’ “You Don’t Know My Name” (2003) is a sultry neo-soul track that tells the story of a waitress infatuated with a customer. Co-produced by Kanye West and built around a soulful sample, the song features rich instrumentation (buttery Rhodes piano and lush strings) and Alicia’s warm vocals, complete with a spoken-word “phone call” interlude that showcases her storytelling flair. It topped the R&B charts (and went Top 5 pop), further proving Alicia’s retro charm could captivate radio. Smooth and romantic, “You Don’t Know My Name” earned Alicia a Grammy and remains a fan favorite for its cinematic, old-school vibe that transports listeners straight into that cozy diner booth.
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