|
 |
Kelly Clarkson
All I Ever Wanted
Review By Emily Zemler
There’s been a distinct void in pop music since Kelly Clarkson, the winner of the very first season of American Idol, released “Since U Been Gone” on 2004’s Breakaway. Clarkson’s follow-up to that album, 2007’s My December, was comparatively lackluster, succeeding on the charts but failing to deliver that hit single that transcended the pop genre. And while All I Ever Wanted, Clarkson’s fourth album, isn’t quite the Ted Leo-cover inspiring gold of “Since U Been Gone,” it’s not far off the mark. First single “My Life Would Suck Without You” is anthemic and completely worthy of its chart-topping position on the Billboard singles chart.
The rest of the album is nearly as good: “Don’t Let Me Stop You” is an infectious, feel good farewell to a disappointing boyfriend, while “If I Can’t Have You” surges with dance floor bounce and Clarkson’s perpetually impressive vocals. The slower songs are less striking, although Clarkson’s whoa-oh-ing delivery on the R&B-tinged “Impossible” is both memorable and compelling. The album’s greatest question mark is the pop-punk riff “Whyyawannabringmedown,” a track that leaves a similar impression as Britney Spears’ unfortunate cover of Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll.” Still, though, Clarkson is always likeable, always engaging, always an undeniable pop star. We can only pray her return overshadows anything Katy Perry tries to do in the future.
|
