After an extremely disappointed third album, My December, completely co-written by Kelly Clarkson herself, things weren’t looking to good for the original American Idol. Nearly two years after its release Clarkson came back with vengeance; reconstructing the sound from her six times platinum selling, sophomore album Breakaway, and adding a modern twist to it.
In January 2009 Kelly Clarkson became the only American Idol to have two Billboard Hot 100 number 1 singles, with her lead single “My Life Would Suck Without You;” eventually holding the number 1 spot for a total of two consecutive weeks. The lead single merges the Pop Rock edge of her 2005 hit single “Since U Been Gone,” with the Electro Pop Dance feel of Katy Perry’s “Hot N Cold.” Taking part in the current Electronic Dance Pop music’s popularity was a brilliant move on Clarkson’s behalf.
On All I Ever Wanted, Clarkson manages to create a great Pop album; featuring a taste of Pop Rock, Electronic Dance, Rock and Pop music. Helping Clarkson includes multiple big name producers and songwriters. Two most noticeable including, Katy Perry who helped co-write two songs, and Ryan Tedder (of OneRepublic, famous for penning the number 1 single “Bleeding Love.”) produced and co-wrote four songs off of the album. Also Howard Benson, who has credits for many popular Pop Rock artists, produced a total of five songs off of the album. Ms. Clarkson herself ended up co-penning five songs as well, while producing one too.
On “Don’t Let Me Stop You,” Clarkson brings back the vibe of her past single, “Behind These Hazel Eyes.” The catchy Pop Rock song would do great at radio. The sass filled “Don’t Let Me Stop You” has Clarkson singing, “I'm not down to share you with anyone, if that's not what you're looking for, nice knowing you, but there's the door.” The song tells how she isn’t here to play any relationship games and is not trying to hold her significant other back. Female anthems “I Do Not Hook Up,” and “Long Shot,” follow similar Pop Rock roots as “Don’t Let Me Stop You,” also.
The Ryan Tedder produced “Already Gone,” bears a striking resemblance to his recently produced song “Halo,” performed by Beyonce. The laid back mid tempo song features clever lyrical content while also showing off Clarkson’s vocal ability. On the breakup song Clarkson confesses, “You couldn't have loved me better, but I want you to move on, so I'm already gone.”
Changing up the pace, once again is a Tedder produced track entitled, “If I Can’t Have You.” The song could easily blow up the Dance radio charts. The intense Electro Pop sound is something entirely different for both Clarkson and Tedder, though it turned out to be an excellent addition.
Surprisingly Kelly Clarkson added a good amount of enjoyable Pop songs on All I Ever Wanted. The simplistic “Ready,” introduces a great melody and a perfect sing along chorus. While the flirty “I Want You,” has a catchy retro dance sound to it. On the contrary we hear an extremely hard Rock inspired Clarkson, nearly screaming on “Whyyawannabringmedown.”
Overall Clarkson doesn’t disappoint on All I Ever Wanted. This might just be the album to give Clarkson all she could want, another big selling album to her name. By creating an album with various enjoyable music, Clarkson serves up at least one song everyone could love. With already a number 1 single from the album, look for All I Ever Wanted to be one of 2009s biggest albums.
* Catch Kelly Clarkson as well as Kanye West performing on this upcoming Wednesday’s American Idol results show at 8:00pm EST on Fox.
Songs to hear:
1. "My Life Would Suck Without You"
2. "I Do Not Hook Up"
3. "Cry"
4. "Don't Let Me Stop You" -number1k9 approved best album track
6. "Already Gone"
7. "If I Can't Have You"
10. "Long Shot"
12. "Ready"
13. "I Want You"
14. "If No One Will Listen"
Sorry Keenan but she is not my type of singer...Her music just isn't attractive to me.
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