The Way It Is launched Keyshia Cole as the voice for anyone who’s ever loved too hard and been let down. It’s raw, imperfect, and utterly real—a classic of mid-2000s R&B that still cuts deep today.
The album’s raw appeal translated into immediate commercial success. The Way It Is made a powerful debut, landing at with first-week sales of 89,000 copies. This strong start was just the beginning, as its singles kept the album on the charts for over a year. The project's staying power was undeniable, and its impact was solidified on February 15, 2006 , when the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified it Platinum , signifying over one million copies sold in the United States. It has since sold over 1.7 million copies in the US alone. Keyshia Cole- The Way It Is full album zip