Kelly Clarkson: All I Ever Wanted
Jim Abott
Issue date: 4/2/09 Section: Scene
Kelly Clarkson's 2007 album, "My December," was overshadowed by widely publicized record label struggles over creative control, but that wasn't its biggest problem.
Some catchier songs would have been enough to make the gossipy distractions go away.
On "All I Ever Wanted," the original American Idol's fourth album, the singer is apparently happier. More important, the songs do more to highlight Clarkson's most appealing traits - and there are plenty.
The opening one-two punch of "My Life Would Suck Without You" and "I Do Not Hook Up" are the frisky, hook-laden pop songs that never go out of style.
The former, written by a team that includes teen-pop songsmith Max Martin, doesn't veer much from the "Since U Been Gone" template.
Katy Perry shares songwriting credit on the latter, which leans a smidge toward Clarkson's rockier side. It still comes with a killer chorus wrapped around the title.
Some of the initial energy is sapped in the melodramatic "Cry," a monster ballad that takes Clarkson into extremely sappy territory.
Fortunately, even with a boatload of strings and other production, her voice still manages to sound pretty. In such moments, she can be shrill.
"Cry" is one of half a dozen songs that Clarkson assisted in writing. Lyrically, her takes on love aren't too unique or enlightening ("Remember all the things we wanted," she sings in "Already Gone." "Now all the memories are haunted.")
Listening, however, is a guilty pleasure, whether it's the predictable radio-friendly pop of "If I Can't Have You" or the more inventive fun of "Ready" or "I Want You."
Clarkson sounds as if she's having a good time here, and it's infectious.
- Jim Abott
Orlando Sentinel
Some catchier songs would have been enough to make the gossipy distractions go away.
On "All I Ever Wanted," the original American Idol's fourth album, the singer is apparently happier. More important, the songs do more to highlight Clarkson's most appealing traits - and there are plenty.
The opening one-two punch of "My Life Would Suck Without You" and "I Do Not Hook Up" are the frisky, hook-laden pop songs that never go out of style.
The former, written by a team that includes teen-pop songsmith Max Martin, doesn't veer much from the "Since U Been Gone" template.
Katy Perry shares songwriting credit on the latter, which leans a smidge toward Clarkson's rockier side. It still comes with a killer chorus wrapped around the title.
Some of the initial energy is sapped in the melodramatic "Cry," a monster ballad that takes Clarkson into extremely sappy territory.
Fortunately, even with a boatload of strings and other production, her voice still manages to sound pretty. In such moments, she can be shrill.
"Cry" is one of half a dozen songs that Clarkson assisted in writing. Lyrically, her takes on love aren't too unique or enlightening ("Remember all the things we wanted," she sings in "Already Gone." "Now all the memories are haunted.")
Listening, however, is a guilty pleasure, whether it's the predictable radio-friendly pop of "If I Can't Have You" or the more inventive fun of "Ready" or "I Want You."
Clarkson sounds as if she's having a good time here, and it's infectious.
- Jim Abott
Orlando Sentinel
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Kim
posted 4/02/09 @ 9:19 PM CST
The album certainly is infectious, I will agree with that. I only allow myself to listen to it on the way home from work, because if I listened to it on the way to work I wouldn't be able to get those songs out of my head. (Continued…)
Jessie
posted 4/02/09 @ 10:49 PM CST
I totally dig this album...you're absolutely right, it's infectious. I think she could have at least 5 or 6 singles off of this album. For those who aren't sure if they should buy it or not, do it, you won't be sorry!
Sally Griffin
posted 4/04/09 @ 8:26 AM CST
Nothing sappy about soulful sadness particularly when it is coupled with great vocals. Other than that misplaced jab in this review, you are right on. (Continued…)
Post a Comment