Music Video Premiere: Kelly Clarkson's "Already Gone"

Kelly Clarkson has just released the music video for her new single "Already Gone". There appears to be no actual storyline, but the video is very stylish and she looks surprisingly glamorous. I presume the simplicity of the video is supposed to compliment the simplicity of the song. In that case, the video does its job.

Album Review: Kelly Returns To Pop Prominence With "All I Ever Wanted"

In her latest chart-topping hit, Kelly Clarkson sings, "Cuz we belong together now, forever united here somehow, you've got a piece of me, and honestly, my life would suck without you".

While she claims the song is about a boyfriend, the lyrics seemed to be aimed at her pop-loving fans, who she scorned in 2007 with her gloomy, hitless album My December. They responded accordingly, staying home while Miley Cyrus flooded the stores opening week. One week later, her album came entered the charts at #2, behind the Hannah Montana soundtrack.

Clarkson clearly realized her error. The first American Idol winner teamed up some of pop music's best producers to deliver a huge mea culpa to the public. The result is All I Ever Wanted, a welcome return to the powerpop that transformed Kelly from reality TV star into formidable pop princess.

Kelly's return to pop was primarily aided by Max Martin and Dr. Luke, the producers that helped make her sophomore effort Breakaway a juggernaut at Top 40 radio. Also on the bill are Ryan Tedder, the mastermind behind 2007's most inescapable song "Apologize", and Howard Benson, producer of fellow Idol alum Chris Daughtry's debut.


The A-list production definitely paid off; All I Ever Wanted is filled with great pop songs that will put Clarkson back on radio's coveted playlists. Lead single "My Life Would Suck Without You" is a fun and feisty track, even if may sound a bit like her smash hit "Since U Been Gone". The familiarity is balanced by a new, positive take on relationships; instead of wanting him to burn, she admits that "they belong together". Continuing in that vein is "If I Can't Have You", a hard buzzing track about refusing to give up on her relationship. It's not completely lovey-dovey though; "Don't Let Me Stop You" is a powerful kiss-off to an uninterested boyfriend.

Even with her edge, Kelly is definitely more nuturing on this album. Second single "I Do Not Hook Up", which was co-penned by new Idol judge Kara DioGuardi, shows that she is willing to support her broken-hearted friend, but she isn't going to accept a one night stand. She plays the hero again for the spectacular Tedder-produced power ballad "Save You". The final track, "If No One Will Listen" beautifully details the importance of helping someone trapped in turmoil. The song is her most moving since "Because of You" and showcases the powerful pipes that captivated the nation seven years ago.

That winning voice is never put to waste. Whether she's sorrowful and anguished on ballads like "Already Gone" and "Cry", or playful and flirty on uptempo bubblegum like "I Want You" and "Long Shot", she goes full throttle on the vocals, sounding energized and genuinely happy.

As great as the album is, its not without its filler. "Whyyawannabringmedown" is a screeching rock mess, even if has the best lyric on the album ("I'm not your love monkey"). Title track "All I Ever Wanted" and "Impossible" aren't very remarkable mid-tempos, even if the latter boast some interesting, synth-boosted sounds. "Ready" is simply forgettable. However, even they are still pretty good when compared to some of her radio competitors.

It is clear that she has learned from the mistake of My December. Instead of rebelling against her label, she worked with their needs, cultivating her best record in years.

Welcome back Kelly.

RATING: 8/10

Comeback Kelly Clarkson Scores Number One Single!

My December, what?

Kelly Clarkson has reclaimed her pop throne this week, rocketing up to #1 this week from a debut of #97. It is the largest jump in chart history, a record she originally held for four years with her first number one single "A Moment Like This".

Speaking of, "My Life Would Suck Without You" is Kelly's first number one since her 2002 debut single. Her last charting single, "Never Again" stalled at #8 in 2007.

Kelly's new album, All I Ever Wanted is released on March 10th.

Song Review: "My Life Would Suck Without You" by Kelly Clarkson

When Breakaway, Kelly Clarkson's sophomore effort, was released, she went from reality show winner to pop/rock queen. She scored five massive hits that drove the album to sales of 6 million, virtually unheard of today's climate.

Considering the disastrous flop that was My December, it's understandable that Kelly would want to return to the days where she ruled radio.

Still, it was surprising to hear the opening guitar from mega-hit "Since U Been Gone" on her new single, "My Life Would Suck Without You".

Did that mean it was going to be some epic pop masterpiece like it's distant cousin?


Unfortunately, nope.

"My Life Would Suck Without You" is surprising, almost shockingly, plain. Yes, I said it, plain. There are some other words that fit this song that shouldn't; boring, uninspired, cliche, and complacent.

I have a hard time believing that Kelly recorded this song without gritting her teeth, just once. This sorely lacks the energy of "Sober", "Since U Been Gone", "Behind These Hazel Eyes"; hell, even "Breakaway" packs a bigger punch than this. While it's nice to hear Kelly not damning some poor sap to hell, I miss the captivating fire that came with her songs. It appears that Max Martin and Dr. Luke are saving the really good stuff for the other pop princesses that were keeping her seat warm.

Speaking of, why do I get the feeling that if Kelly was replaced with, say Pink or most evidently Katy Perry, the difference would be non-existent?

Regardless of what I write, this song will be an absolute smash, because its so generic and non-threatening. I wouldn't be shocked if went to #1 and stayed there for a month. I'll be happy for her, since the American Idol memories are still relatively fresh. Yet, I'll a probably feel little ping of annoyance as I grasp the fact that this outpeaked pop brilliance like her previous Breakaway hits.

BWU RATES: 6 OUT OF 10

Cover This! "My Life Would Suck Without You" by Kelly Clarkson

What an awesome way to start off the new year!

Just today, Kelly unveiled the single cover from her new single, that will be released in the next week and a half.

It's very fun and colorful, and she looks absolutely gorgeous. I'm glad she ditched the lite-goth look she had in the last record. Definitely looking forward to hear this song when it comes out.

My Favorite Scenes: Kelly Clarkson Wins American Idol

Go back 7 years.

Remember when American Idol was this little summer program on FOX about finding the next music idol? Before it became the pop culture fixture it is now, American Idol was a mid-season replacement meant to be canceled. It debuted to a typical 9 million viewing audience.

A few months later, 22 million people tuned in to watch Kelly Clarkson, a bubbly Texan with a sensational voice, win the first-ever American Idol. Before we became critical over song choices, voting errors, and Sanjaya, we cheered when Clarkson, visibly shaken by her victory, sang her coronation single "A Moment Like This". We flocked to the stores to buy that single, sending it straight to #1 in one of the biggest chart jumps in history. For the first time in a decade, America was swept up in a phenomenon, and it was solidified by this moment.

The wonder has dulled after 7 years, but back in 2002, when a tearful Kelly Clarkson sang her winning single, the country gazed at the crowning of the next big superstar.

Download of the Day 4/18: Kelly Clarkson's "Sober"

Don't ever piss off Clive Davis.

That is the only reason why this song did not top the charts. Its the only reason why sure bet "My December" flopped on the charts (it lost the top spot to Miley Cyrus for god's sake). Messing with the arguable leader of music does NOT benefit the artist, and in this case, it cost the first (and still best) American Idol winner her credibility as a bankable pop goddess.

If you look past her tragic album sales and disappointing Hot 100 single positions, she still deserves the title. Why? "Sober" is why. This song is easily the best song of her career. It's an amazing song that should've been promoted more. From the lyrics (they really helped me through a very hellish week) to the powerful climax, its a perfect pop-rock anthem for the exiled queen of the genre. Anyone who discredits Idol as a talent show that doesn't produce any obviously needs to listen to this song. It should change their mind.

Hopefully, Kelly and Clive can work out their differences (it may not matter, since he was fired) and make an album that satisfies her desire for musical freedom and his desire for a profitable record. They can meet halfway, sure, as long as he allows her to write songs as fantastic as this one. If they can do that, then Kelly can easily regain her crown and solidify the belief that Idol really does work.

Oh, and if it wasn't clear, BUY THIS SONG!!!!!!!

RATING: 9/10