Artist: Kelly Clarkson
Album: Stronger
Release Date: 10.21.11
Kelly Clarkson is one of very few artists without a bum album in her entire catalog, and that’s saying a lot when you’re five albums deep in a career born from a televised singing competition. It took me a while to really get into Stronger but the American Idol inaugural winner does not disappoint with the new project. Sonically, this album is a cross between her My December and All I Ever Wanted projects. She returns from a short but embattled hiatus with a strong and confident disposition after dealing with conflicts from her label, critics and messy song leaks. The album addresses some of these issues, led by the feisty single Mr. Know It All.
In fact, the album’s first three tracks could easily be singles. The title track What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger) is energetic and catchy, transforming the age-old cliché into a pop anthem for a new generation. Dark Side showcases more of Clarkson’s rock sound and still gives some great range from Clarkson – easily one of my favorites on the album. Standing In Front Of You is another favorite, noted for its control and very smooth sound with some great vocal styling. You Can’t Win resonates with themes of anti-bullying, self-confidence and empowerment, delivering more of the “real” content that her audience can relate to in situations of heartbreak, confusion and sadness. Other highlights on the album include The War Is Over, Honestly, and Let Me Down. Also included is her recent hit Don’t You Wanna Stay, a duet with country singer Jason Aldean.
As much of a Clarkson fan as I am, I’ve gotta be honest: some of the songs and themes on Stronger sound VERY similar to her previous material. I Forgive You, for example, has some great lyrics but sounds too much like Since You’ve Been Gone. Even the brash lyrics and roar of Don’t Be A Girl About It sound like something we’ve already heard from Kelly. I’m also not a big fan of Einstein; it’s one of the weaker offerings on this album.
I won’t say Stronger is her best album, nor my favorite but it’s certainly packed with some great music. Stronger is an album with a resounding theme of resilience, very empowering and personal at the same time. What I respect about Clarkson is that she doesn’t fall in line with the pop fodder and trends of the moment, she continues to blaze her own path even through all her own personal and very public struggles. With everything against her Clarkson still manages to rise, stronger everytime…
Sound-Savvy rates “Stronger” with 3.5 out of 5 platinum headphones.
