Kelly Clarkson rose to instant fame after being crowned the first American Idol in 2002. From there, she went on to release four successful albums with major hit singles, including “Miss Independent,” “Since U Been Gone” and “My Life Would Suck Without You.” Her latest effort, “Stronger,” doesn’t stray from her hit-filled path.
The mission with “Stronger” was clearly to keep the momentum that her last album, “All I Ever Wanted,” had returned to Clarkson’s career. Rest easy Clarkson fans, she has done it again. There are no out of place R&B tracks or weirdly brilliant melodies. Instead, “Stronger” is 100 percent Clarkson, 100 percent of the time.
The album starts off with “Mr. Know It All,” an odd choice for the first single due to its more mellow chorus, but when put in the context of the album, it sets it up beautifully. Next, Clarkson launches into one of her guitar riff classics with “What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger),” one of the best tracks on the album. It blows through the door with its killer hook and insane vocals. Next up are standout tracks “Dark Side” and “Honestly.” Both sure to be referenced as some of Clarkson’s greatest hits.
Vocals are high point of album
The main high point of “Stronger” is Clarkson’s incredible voice; it is undeniable how powerful her instrument is. All of the songs show the power and versatility of her voice, but such tracks as “Let Me Down” and “You Can’t Win” really blow the speakers out as she sits back and wails. There is a deeper passion and honesty to Clarkson’s voice, now nine years after Idol, a passion that warrants her to sing these female empowerment ballads from experience.
“Stronger” not as strong as previous albums
The work that precedes “Stronger” is diverse and just as impressive and memorable. Though her label hated it and most of her fans didn’t understand it, her third album “My December” is my favorite in her catalog. It is a step outside of the lines into a brilliant and dark place full of musical masterpieces.
It was very Clarkson, yet not what we all thought we knew. Her blockbuster album, “Breakaway,” is an undeniable classic. It is filled with hit after hit, has huge hooks, big production and won her two Grammys. It is considered the highlight of Clarkson’s career. After the sales disappointment that was “My December,” Clarkson returned to her roots with “All I Ever Wanted,” an album filled with big name producers and some of her catchiest melodies to date. It restored faith in Clarkson’s fans that the one they had come to love never left. I think the black sheep in her catalog is not the dark “December,” but her debut album “Thankful.” Though it highlights her incredible show-stopping vocals, the album is uneven — as most “Idol” debuts are — and it features a soulful side that based on her later work, just isn’t her. Among these albums, “Stronger” isn’t the best, but it highlights Clarkson’s staying power in the music scene.
Though I really love this album, it has two shortfalls. First, though “Standing in Front of You” serves as a resting period between the punches Clarkson is throwing, it is boring. Clarkson has had some truly incredible ballads in the past, via my favorite Clarkson song “Sober,” “If No One Will Listen” and the classic, “Because of You.” “Standing in Front of You” will not go down as a one of Clarkson’s best, because it doesn’t pack the punch that the others do. After the power of “What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger),” “Dark Side” and “Honestly,” “Standing In Front of You” seems to stall out, it just doesn’t help the album flow.
The second problem with the album is that though it is great, it is utterly predictable. The reason “My December” is my favorite Clarkson CD is because it was a step off the beaten path. It was an album that Clarkson believed in artistically, so much so that she stood up to her label and insisted it be released. It is full of surprises and hidden gems that grab your attention and pay you back with brilliance. “Stronger” is right in line with “Breakaway” and “All I Ever Wanted,” it is nothing new.
Clarkson’s winning formula doesn’t disappoint
That being said, Clarkson has found a winning formula, and for now it is really working for her. If she wants to stay relevant, she will need to transform and evolve as an artist, explore new territories, and experiment with new sounds. But for now, “Stronger” will serve to solidify her place in the pop music world.
I love this album. Even though it is predictable, it lives up to my expectations. Hopefully in the future, Clarkson will step outside her “You made me mad, now I am going to sing about my anger and / or frustration over catchy guitar riffs” box. But for now, “Stronger” will satisfy Clarkson fans and bring in those who have yet to discover her true talent.
Download the deluxe version. Such tracks as “Alone” and “Don’t Be A Girl About It” are well worth the extra money, and any chance to revisit Clarkson’s duet with Jason Aldean, “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” is always welcome.
