It was almost ten years ago when pop/rock artist Kelly Clarkson won the very first season of the talent competition show American Idol. After a critically acclaimed music career that has had its share of ups and downs, Clarkson has returned to the scene with her highly anticipated fifth studio album, Stronger. Preceded by first single, “Mr. Know It All”, the album stays true to the sound that she has crafted in the past featuring the powerful vocals that all have come to expect from the artist. The album comes in standard and deluxe editions which both contain tracks that may not see much experimental progression, but the vocal performances are something worth noting.
The album opens with first single, “Mr. Know It All”, a track that is impressive in itself, but I still question the decision to release it as the first taste of the project. It seems the song was written after experiencing a tough relationship and Clarkson has always been the girl that you do not want to anger. The song may not hit as hard as past singles, but it contains depth and meaning that may have been missing in her other work. Rumored second single, “What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger)”, comes out as a strong anthem of empowerment embodying the message behind Christina Aguilera's “Fighter”, but this track stands on its own. The lyrics and vocals are perfection and the song is the kind that the artist should be recording all of the time. After being on repeat for days, it still impresses me just as it did the first time around. Clarkson shows that she is not always innocent on “Dark Side”, a song that relies heavily on the loud and catchy chorus. While the lyrical material is decent, it will not go down as her best, but the beat and progression allows that to be forgotten for a bit. Beneath the impressive high notes, some hurt can be heard and it takes the track to another level. The song is mediocre material being given a chance to live. “Honestly” begins very slow and mellow, reminiscent of an Evanescence track, but changes into something that feels like a track Clarkson would put out. The song contains more of a somber rock vibe, feels like a leftover from the My December recording session, however, it sounds right being on this effort. You get nothing but emotion from the track and a strong and convincing vocal performance from the artist. Another highlight from the album comes from “You Love Me”, a song that seems like it was influenced by the 80s. Again the music deals with a broken relationship, a topic where Clarkson always seems to shine bright. The track will be blasting from a woman's car stereo and for good reasons. It is the type of song we were all expecting from the album and the artist delivered. If the album contained a disappointment then that track would be “Einstein” which has some of the most amateur lyrics I have ever heard. The production and raw vocals are qualities that should be complemented, but once the chorus comes up I cannot think of anything else. Clarkson sings “dumb plus dumb equals you” with such conviction, but it does not help here. I am sure you will agree. The tone of the album gets turned down the most for “Standing in Front of You”, a track that seems to be all about Clarkson’s warm vocals. The song is nothing really special or noteworthy compared to the tracks that preceded it, but it is a nice, soft moment. The chorus seems like a plea to a lover to take notice of the one they have in their life. Beautiful message carried by a calming performance.
The second half of the album kicks off with a taste of Clarkson’s Breakaway, pop/punk past on “I Forgive You”. The artist seems to be giving someone the chance at forgiveness for the damage they have done to her life. The song shows Clarkson being the bigger person while developing a sense of strength and freedom. The track itself is sung amazingly and some impressive lyrics are thrown in for good measure. The sound of the album changes up a little when “Hello” comes up to the plate. Being one of the shortest songs off the effort, the track showcases a great job at reinvention and experimentation, qualities I respect in the music industry. The song is extremely adorable and enjoyable even if the meaning behind it may be sort of a downer. I would classify the song as average, nothing wrong with that though. Clarkson cranks out another powerful ballad once “The War Is Over” comes through the speakers. Some anger is felt within in the vocals and that allows the impact of the song to be that much stronger. The track takes on a bittersweet meaning, even though Clarkson proves she has moved on, this song makes me believe deep down she is hurting. The performance and lyrics go together perfectly, a great match. The beginning lyrics of “Let Me Down” are horrible and embarrassing, do not know why they were included, but the finished song is nothing but great. Clarkson embodies a different type of music than what we are used to, again comes off as a young Christina Aguilera. The chorus is catchy and a success and hearing the artist hit certain notes towards the end is breathtaking. Another change in sound is noticeable during “You Can’t Win”, a song that did not really grab my attention like I wanted it to. When I really listened to the track carefully, I picked out some amazing lines- “if you’re gay, why aren’t you waving a flag”-, but the rest of the song falls flat. I do not think it hit its full potential and I put the blame on the production here. The album closes with “Breaking Your Own Heart”, a true ballad that does not really contain traces of a true pop vibe. Clarkson had stated before she wanted to try her hand at country music and I feel this comes close to that desire. The song is simple and performed very well. It is a sweet finish to an album that encompassed many feelings and emotions.
Stronger may be Clarkson’s best work since her sophomore album, Breakaway, and that is really saying something. The artist is staying true to the musician that she is and it shows. She does not have to compete with anyone, does not have to make generic pop songs to stay popular because she has the vocal talent to back her up. The album may not try anything different than what Clarkson has tried in the past, but this effort is a strong, polished and cohesive album that shows the world why she was voted America’s first idol. For amazing and show-stopping performances, impressive anthems and distinct sound, the album receives a high 87%.
Tracks to Hear: “What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger)”, “You Love Me” and “The War Is Over”
Be sure to purchase the album, Standard or Deluxe, on Amazon or iTunes today!
Kelly Clarkson-What Doesn't Kill You
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