Singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson has finally released her 5th studio album ‘Stronger.’ After a long wait for fans since ‘All I Ever Wanted,’ and a couple strings of nasty leaks, Kelly is back, more confident and stronger than ever.
‘Stronger’ kicks off with the lead single “Mr Know It All,” an R&B-like groove different than any of her previous lead singles. Setting the tone of the record, sassy lyrics like “You ain’t got the right to tell me/ When and where to go/ No right to tell me/ Acting like you own me lately” remind us why we fell in love with Clarkson’s records in the first place. Following the lead single is “What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger),” a dance infused track showing a side of Kelly not seen before. The track combines beats and a rhythmic tempo that will be a sure hit in the clubs with or without remixes.
Compared to Clarkson’s previous records, ‘Stronger’ also has a unique approach. All 18 songs were recorded to mimic the way she would perform them live. There is little autotune needed to perfect her already magical gritty pipes. Rather the song be country influenced (“Breaking Your Own Heart”) or her traditional pop rock (“The War Is Over”), Kelly’s vocals sound natural and as if she has finally come into her own and knows who she is vocally.
The record also has a hint of 80’s influence on songs like “Alone” and “You Love Me,” the latter being written by Kelly. “You didn’t let me down/ You didn’t tear me apart/ You just opened my eyes while breaking my heart… You said you love me but that I’m not good enough” she sings as if she were listening to Tina Turner when writing the song. Aside 80’s, “Einstein” has a 90’s flavored bass line. “I didn’t get it the first time/ Don’t think I’ve been so blind/ Yeah I may not be Einstein but I know dumb plus dumb equals you” is sang over a catchy groove that is likely to eat a hole into one’s brain.
While most songs on the record show off Clarkson’s ability to wail, “Standing In Front of You” is a tame ballad about a scorned flame learning to open up to love again. Singing “All the walls you’re building/ Take a chance your reason’s standing in front of you” asks her love to have no fear about where the relationship could go.
‘Stronger’ includes two duets. “Don’t You Wanna Stay” with Jason Aldean originally released on his record last year shows up on the massive setlist. In an interesting twist of fate, Kelly pairs up with hit songwriter and former Idol judge Kara DioGuardi on the powerful anthem “The Sun Will Rise.” DioGuardi has worked with Kelly on songs such as “Walk Away” and the only name to show up on ‘My December’ outside the band on the track “One Minute,” originally written for ‘Breakaway’. Kara’s voice is comparable to Clarkson’s but the song would have fared well without her. Kelly’s 2nd time dueting with Chris Daughtry for her records was yet again discarded.
All in all, the 5th studio record encompasses hints of all her previous albums but takes it to the next level, earning 4 out of 5 stars. Promotion for ‘Stronger’ has been exceptionally well before its release and if kept up after it hit stores, ‘Stronger’ is sure to be a success both commercially and for the fans who closely follow her. Radio, get ready. Clarkson is back!
Hear tracks from the record on Kelly’s official YouTube channel .
Download this: “What Doesn’t Kill You,” “Honestly,” “The War Is Over” “Breaking Your Own Heart”