Most helpful customer reviews
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
As catchy as it gets, Mar 16 2009
With her fourth album, former American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson continues to establish her musical identity while surrounding herself with the top producers and songwriters of the day. The debut single (and opening track) "My life would suck without you", already a # 1 smash on the charts, is a good indication of what you will find on this album: straightforward pop-rock, entertaining and energetic, delivered with Kelly's distinctive vocals. The album is a decidedly contemporary affair, although Kelly's musical and lyrical persona owes a lot to classic female rockers such as Pat Benatar or the Wilson sisters from Heart. While her voice sounds nothing like theirs, the in-your-face attitude with which she sings provides a direct link to these performers; a quick listen to the song "Whyyawannabringmedown" will take you back to the early 80s in a heartbeat.
The album distinguishes itself by the quality of the material. It's hard to tell which songs are going to be released as singles, since there are so many highlights on this album; songs like "I do not hook up", "If I can't have you", "Cry", "Already gone" and the title track will certainly sound great on the radio, although my own personal would be "Long shot", a rocker with a melody so distinctive that you will find yourself humming along halfway through your first listen. The second half of the album provides some great change of pace; "If no one will listen" is a stellar ballad with less aggressive arrangements, "Ready" is a bouncy rock shuffle with an irresistible sunny melody, "Impossible" is an insightful and atmospheric rock song that may deal with the recent problems Kelly encountered in the music business, and "I want you" is a great piece of 60s infused rock candy that features a great goofy hook.
Although it would be nice to hear Kelly stretch her ambitions beyond the usual clichés of top 40 music, one must admit that she excels at this type of music. Her voice is well-suited to these compositions and she delivers them convincingly. It will be interesting to see how she evolves as an artist over the years, especially given the fact that her self-penned songs on this album rank among the most arresting moments.
Whether or not you want the regular or the deluxe edition is entirely up to your appreciation of Kelly's music. I am glad I purchased the deluxe edition because of the two bonus songs; "Tip of my tongue" is especially arresting, with its elaborate production and arrangements. The deluxe edition also includes a bonus DVD that diehard fans will certainly enjoy. The choice is up to you !
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
My life would suck without this album, Mar 12 2009
This is an excellent, upbeat fun ablum. A bit of dance, blues and country Kelly has it all including one powerful voice. All I Ever Wanted, Cry and My life would suck without you are standouts.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
ALL I EVER WANTED was MY DECEMBER would come to an end., Nov 24 2009
No critic could ever accuse Kelly Clarkson of being a one dimensional pop artist.
Following the ill advised & disastrous release of MY DECEMBER in 2007, Kelly returns to the fold yet maintains her integrity and remains rebellious in her musical approach to pop music.
This CD is more radio friendly than her previous 2007 release and thus inline with the expectations of her target audience.
The musical production found on this CD is a happy medium.
One can best describe Kelly and this CD as being the more composed version to another pop-rock artist ~ Pink.
ALREADY GONE, I DON'T HOOK UP and MY LIFE WOULD SUCK were, in 2009, massive global hits proving CLARKSON could bounce back into the TOP 40 fold yet remain innovative and assertive ~ a rare and unique trait amongst ex-Idol contestants.
Her vocals delivery is endearing yet unruly at the same time.
After auditioning the CD on multiple occasions, one will easily list this purchase amongst the best POP CDs of 2009.
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