If there's on thing that links all of this week's new album picks, it's that element of soul. Alicia Keys finally returns to the mic and piano with her new album, Here, while Common follows up his 2014 record, Nobody's Smiling, with Black America Again. Nathan Sykes shows his growth — both musically and personally — on Unfinished Business. France's up-and-coming DJ export, Kungs, drops his debut album, Layers. Then finally, Nouvelle Vague blend the old and new on their latest LP, I Could Be Happy.

Find out more about this week's new album release picks below. 

'Here' - Alicia Keys

After four years of keeping a low-ish profile, having a child, doing philanthropy work and just living life, Alicia Keys is finally back with her new musical masterpiece, Here. The follow-up to Girl on Fire, Alicia aims to sing about the bigger issues on the new record.

While she's doled out hits like "Superwoman" and "Girl on Fire," which celebrate the amazing abilities of females throughout the world, she continues this conversation as well as touch on other society ills and issues on "Here." Alicia follows the journey of one female from naive girl to grown woman in "She Don’t Really Care_1 Luv." Meanwhile, she reveals the ups and downs of building her family with husband Swizz Beatz in "Blended Family," which features a verse form A$AP Rocky. She explores the evolution of a relationship with "In Common." Then there's "Holy War." With acoustic guitar laying the melodic foundation, you can really listen to Alicia's plea to stop the hate, ignorance and prejudice. And between the powerful tenderness in her vocals, you're moved to start making changes in your own life.

I once heard Clive Davis say, years ago, that you never tell Alicia Keys what to sing, and it's obvious why he and I believe that. Here isn't only Alicia's comeback record, it's also her own way of fighting the good fight for peace and love.