Alicia Keys embarks on the next chapter in her career with her fifth album Girl on Fire. The Grammy-winning songstress rocks short hair as she strikes a fierce pose on the black-and-white cover. Prior to the album’s release on November 27, she will debut the powerful and infectious title track and first single, “Girl on Fire,” at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards on September 6. It will be available on iTunes and at radio on September 4.

“Everything makes this record different. There’s not one thing that’s the same,” said Alicia of the follow-up to 2009’s The Element of Freedom. “Everything that used to be the standard for me has been removed and I have had to start from zero. I have arrived at a place in myself that I am comfortable being exactly who I am in this moment and sharing it with no reservations.”

She has been in the studio with her husband Swizz Beatz, Babyface, Pop & Oak, Rico Love, Jeff Bhasker, Gary Clarke Jr., Emeli Sandé, Jamie xx, and Sevyn, who co-wrote the anthemic single “New Day.”

Follow Alicia on her journey to a Girl on Fire in the video below.