According to Alicia Keys, The Element of Freedom is a diverse album thematically, with both vulnerable and strong-willed songs. The lead single, "Doesn't Mean Anything," is definitely one of her more open-hearted songs, which says a lot for the woman behind "If I Ain't Got You" and "No One." The album was recorded in Long Island at The Oven, a three-story house that she renovated into a studio, where she was able to write new material more comfortably than she had before. The new album also places an emphasis on a harder drum sound, as evidenced on "Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart," which throws a slight nod to her love of hip hop. The Element of Freedom features production from longtime collaborator Kerry "Krucial" Brothers and Jeff Bhasker (Kanye West, Jay-Z, Kid Cudi).