To say that Kelly Clarkson has had a rough couple of years would be an understatement.
Coming off the heels of the astronomical success of her 10+ platinum, double Grammy Award winning album "Breakaway", Kelly was on top of the world. But sitting up there on the throne, reigning as the princess of pop wasn't enough for her. It's not that greed set in and she wasn't satisfied; quite the contrary. Being the best was never Kelly's intention. Making music that people can relate to, and that she can be proud of, was her main objective, even when she rocketed into the spotlight as America's first (and most successful) Idol.
One would think that after proving herself to the powers that be, that she would be able to have full creative control on her follow up album; one would be wrong. It's no secret that Kelly clashed, almost on a daily basis, with Clive Davis on the direction of "My December". She wanted to expand her horizons and have a say in every track that appeared on it, tingeing it with a darkness derived from her personal battles and triumphs, even if not all were radio friendly right out of the gate. Clive, however differed in opinion, and in a highly publicized move, offered Kelly $10 million dollars to swap five of her tracks for five of his choosing. Kelly didn't bite, and she prevailed. The album was released in 2007 to high critical acclaim, but failed to wow fans, and the album fizzled out at just over a million in sales. (Although, truth be told, 2.5 million albums worldwide is hardly a failure, even if compared to the sales of "Breakaway", especially in the age of illegal downloading; but I digress.)
A canceled tour followed, and Kelly remained low-key with gigs co-headlining with her friend, country superstar Reba McEntire. She fired her old management and went in a different direction, hiring Reba's superstar manager husband to represent her. That different direction, however, was short lived.
"All I Ever Wanted" is a return to the pop days that propelled Kelly Clarkson to stratosphere of fame, and it truly is a classic. The first single off of the album, "My Life Would Suck Without You", shattered records on the Billboard Hot 100 by jumping from 97-1 in just one week, making it the biggest leap ever in the history of Billboard. Some would call it a sequel to her Grammy winning single, and iconic masterpiece "Since U Been Gone", and I can see why. The opening guitar sequence is reminiscent of "Gone", not doubt about it, but whereas the old is dark and somewhat angry, the new is a high energy declaration of love that explodes with a chorus so catchy that you will be sure to find yourself singing it at the most random of times; I myself can attest to that.
The next track, and rumored second single is "I Do Not Hook Up", and is a refreshing change of pace. It sends a message to young girls that being promiscuous does not make you cool, and to be true to themselves. It does so with a punk poppish appeal that is sure to be a huge follow up hit if released. (sidenote: the track was co-written by "Idol" judge Kara DiGuordi and Katy Perry)
Everyone knows that Kelly's voice is unparalleled in this industry, and it's the main reason why she stole America's hearts, and votes, back in 2002, and the ballads on "Wanted" showcase her talent impeccably. "Already Gone", my personal favorite on the entire album, is a heartbreaking piece in which she tells the person who loves her that he is better off without her, and she has to go. If released as a single, it is sure to heat up the charts. "Save You" and "Cry" are equally as beautiful, and the notes that Kelly hits (in "Cry" especially) gave me chills. Interesting enough, "Cry" is tinged with country music, no doubt influenced by her time with Reba. A while back when news of the new album broke, rumors were swirling that it was going to be all country. Those rumors probably sprung up from a recording of this track. One thing is for sure, though. If Kelly decided to cross over into the country music genre, this song would ensure success. Carrie Underwood better watch out.
The most interesting track on the entire album is a far cry from Kelly's usual comfort zone: "Whyyawannabringmedown?" Part hard metal, part punk, all attitude, you can tell Kelly is having a blast throughout, and that attitude is infectious to the listener.
If I had to pick one song that I could live without, though, it'd probably be the title track. It's not bad by any means, but unfortunately it lacks the power that pulls me in like every other song on the album, and I honestly would have gone with a different song title for the album name.
People had dismissed Kelly after the commercial disappointment of "December". Personally, I thought it was incredible and "Irvine" remains of the best songs I've ever heard...period. Because she didn't try to extend the high that "Breakaway" brought, critics figured that she had peaked and that she would disappear quietly into the night. But fans of Ms. Clarkson, myself included, know that fading away simply isn't Kelly's style. When she gets knocked down, she will get up again, and fight harder than ever. Her battle with Clive Davis proved that.
Not only is "All I Ever Wanted" a pop masterpiece, and contender for pop album of the year already, it knocks Breakaway out of the water on almost every level. It is sure to be a smashing success, and Grammy nominations, and likely wins, are a lock.
Once again, Kelly has proven that she is the one and only American Idol.
"All I Ever Wanted", RCA Records, in stores now.
Comments (3)
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I think my favorite track is "whyyouwannabringmedown"! 
