On July 28th, the superstar singer-songwriter, inaugural American Idol, and daytime talk queen kicked off her first, long-awaited Las Vegas residency, “Chemistry: An Intimate Night With Kelly Clarkson” at Planet Hollywood’s Bakkt Theater. Across the ten-night run, Clarkson promises fans each night will be different, rotating certain songs in the setlist to perform a variety of fan-favorite deep cuts.

With ten studio albums under her belt, Clarkson has a vast catalog to choose from — and enough hits to fill a setlist. So, it’s commendable that she has committed to offering some variety in the hits, and non-hits, she chooses to perform. She also is rotating the songs from her new album “chemistry” but my commentary will be focused on her back catalog.

In celebration of that, I decided to keep this running playlist of Kelly Clarkson deep cuts that she performs throughout the residency, of course, with some commentary. When it’s over, I’ll add on what I wished she would have performed. Until then, I’ll be monitoring the setlist from New York, wishing I was there to experience Ms. Brianne the Chemist in person.

Night One: July 28th

“Broken & Beautiful” from “UglyDolls” (2019)

This P!nk-penned bit of bouncy, dance-pop is as adorable as Moxy, the lead UglyDoll voiced by Clarkson in the film. Generally, In comparison to P!nk’s, Clarkson’s music is fairly family-friendly, but “Broken & Beautiful” is essentially the extra-squeaky-clean-version of “Fuckin’ Perfect.” While it’s cool to hear her sing this very P!nk-sounding composition, it’s certainly not the most remarkable song she’s ever done. Nevertheless, she surely killed those vocals live. Watch it live.

“Meaning of Life” from “Meaning of Life” (2017)

With soaring, soulful vocals and dramatic lyrics and production to match, “Meaning of Life” is a highlight from Clarkson’s 2017, R&B-leaning album of the same name. While she won American Idol by singing mostly R&B classics, throughout most of her career she found success with pop/rock sound. The album found putting her powerful pipes to use in the name of soul, and “Meaning of Life” is the perfect song to showcase that. Watch it live.

“Tightrope” from “Piece By Piece” (2015)

This gorgeous piano ballad is classic Clarkson and a highlight from its album, “Piece by Piece.” With a haunting melody and impeccably delivered vocals, its further stripped-down “tour version” only amplifies its beauty. Clarkson doesn’t co-write every song she sings, but when she does, it’s sure to deliver an emotional gut punch (or a healthy dose of attitude) – and “Tightrope,” which she penned with frequent collaborator Greg Kurstin, is no exception. Frankly, it should be a setlist staple.

i am so glad i was there the night kelly clarkson sang tightrope pic.twitter.com/0mLZ92I0wj

— Film School Dropout (@SheisChuckie) July 29, 2023

Night Two: July 29th

“Medicine” from “Meaning of Life” (2017)

If every song on “Meaning of Life” had a muse, then the “Medicine” muse would certainly be Mariah Carey. Echoing “Emotions”-era Carey, the high-energy, high-note laden uptempo is a fan-favorite for good reason. Clarkson delivers a no holds barred showcase of her vocal range and versatility. If anyone ever needed a reminder of why she won a singing competition… look no further. Infectiously fun, it’s such an energizing setlist addition that there’s no way she won’t repeat it. Watch it live.

“The Trouble With Love Is” from “Thankful” (2003)

On her debut album, Clarkson experimented with pop/rock, and what’s known as blue-eyed soul. “The Trouble With Love Is,” perhaps most famous for its inclusion in “Love, Actually,” is the latter. The bluesy ballad, co-written by Clarkson, proved she could also originate a soulful track, too. Though it had moderate success in 2003, Clarkson has only performed it a handful of times in the last decade and hasn’t been a setlist staple since 2012. Watch it live.

“Can I Have a Kiss” from “My December” (2007)

Clarkson’s first post-break-up-opus received some much-deserved shine on night two with a performance of one of its highlights. “Can I Have a Kiss” is one of the more vulnerable, pretty songs from “My December.” Subtle yet guitar-driven, Clarkson’s soft, tender vocals and its warm melody make for a brand of pop/rock that only an artist of her caliber can deliver. I’d quite literally have had an out-of-body experience watching it performed live, in person, as I, unfortunately, missed 2007’s My December Tour (which was the last time she performed it (!!!)).

Kelly Clarkson bringing justice + attention to “My December” = World Peace
Kelly singing “Can I Have a Kiss” pic.twitter.com/oWKcHkArAP

— Zoe (@ClearClarkson) July 31, 2023

Night Three: August 2nd

“I Do Not Hook Up” from “All I Ever Wanted” (2009)

While sure, it peaked at #20 on the Hot 100 as the follow-up to “My Life Would Suck Without You,” this Kara DioGuardi and Katy Perry-penned pop confection is hardly one of Clarkson’s most memorable, beloved hits by the masses. Frankly, it doesn’t deserve to be… it is rather generic, but nevertheless, a spin of this very of-the-time pop anthem is always fun to sing a long to. Even better, surely, with Clarkson in front of you belting it out. Still, I don’t blame her for not performing it in nearly a decade. Watch it live.

“Dance With Me” from “Piece By Piece” (2015)

Another “Piece By Piece” deep cut, “Dance With Me” is as its title suggests: a fun, encouraging dance-pop number. Frequently performed during its parent album’s tour, the song definitely translates well live, improving what is an energized but uneventful album track. Watch it live.

“Someone” from “Piece By Piece” (2015)

For what seems to be becoming the “Piece By Piece” tour part two, night three of the “chemistry” residency sees a much-deserved performance of another deep cut from Clarkson’s seventh studio album. She surprised fans with the first-ever live performance of this gorgeous, underrated album track. The emotive ballad is quintessential Clarkson, and it’s a wonder she’s never performed it before last night.

Kelly’s first time performing Someone @kellyclarkson #KellyClarkson #piecebypiece pic.twitter.com/j0QKGDJwQS

— Jeremy Davis (@JeremyD7) August 3, 2023

Night Four: August 4th

“Gone” from “Breakaway” (2004)

Essentially a time capsule in song form, “Gone” has all the best elements of any angsty pop/rock track from the early 00s. Clarkson is ferocious with her impeccably staccato delivery that embodies the impatience she sings about. If feisty had a theme song, it would be “Gone.” Performing it for the first time since 2012, no doubt her divorce put some extra fire behind her while performing it in 2023. See for yourself.

“Just Missed the Train” from “Thankful” (2003)

While her debut only really yielded one smash single and didn’t forge any inventive new ground, it sure has some stellar tracks. “Just Missed the Train” is definitely one of those. Originally sung by child actress turned singer Danielle Brisebois in 1994, Clarkson’s version is a beautifully breezy update that preserves that nostalgic 90s feel, with much better vocals. It actually would fit perfectly on “chemistry.”

Night Five: August 5th

“Low” from “Thankful” (2003)

The second single from Clarkson’s debut, “Low,” definitely underperformed in the US in the shadow of the very successful “Miss Independent.” That doesn’t mean it’s not a great song, though. This country-tinged pop/rock jam was the first signal of her eventual shift into the pop/rock lane for 2004’s “Breakaway.” Watch it live.

“Beautiful Disaster” from “Breakaway” (2004)

“I liked this song so much that I put it on two of my albums,” Clarkson told the crowd on Saturday night. She wanted it to be more stripped down, and got her way for its 2004 installment on the “Breakaway” album, which she performed for the Vegas crowd. Gorgeous as ever, with a voice that’s only gotten better, “Beautiful” is certainly the word, because when Clarkson takes the mic it’s never a “Disaster.”

Multiple Nights

“Whole Lotta Woman” from “Meaning of Life” (2017)

It’s a shame that this song was not a single or a hit, because it really should be Clarkson’s signature song. If there’s any song that embodies how fun, bubbly, sassy, soulful, talented, and hilarious she is, it’s “Whole Lotta Woman.” It won’t ever eclipse her biggest hits in notoriety or numbers, but “Whole Lotta Woman” has seemingly become her personal anthem, and hopefully, secured a permanent place on all future setlists. It’s one of her best songs.

“Invincible” from “Piece By Piece” (2015)*

While this motivational pop ballad is very much on-brand for both Clarkson and its writer, Sia, it marks the pair’s first collaboration, and… Clarkson singing Sia is exactly what you’d hope it to be. Except for a hit, that is. Surprisingly, the song failed to make waves when it was released as a single in 20154. Still, with vocals big enough to match its empowering message, Clarkson proves that her voice is certainly “Invincible.” Post-divorce, the song has likely taken on new meaning for her, earning what appears to be a steady spot on the setlist (so far).

*Performed July 28 and 29, only (so far).

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The beauty and warmth a summertime magic hour sunset is hard to put into words; even harder to put into sound. Kelly Clarkson’s “chemistry,” the title track off her 10th studio album that dropped on June 23rd, is a successful feat of sonic imagery that conjures the magic of that moment, and of falling in love. The acoustic guitar, lush production, and romantic lyrics alongside Clarkson’s soulful, sensual vocal are the formula for pop perfection. Clocking in at just two-and-a-half minutes, “chemistry” will have you begging for more, and longing for whatever love potion she’s brewed up.

Listen to “chemistry,” stream the full album or grab the vinyl.

In celebration of summer, the staff at THE 97 has compiled a playlist containing some of our favorite summer songs, from then and now. Each day we will reveal one song, rotating daily between past and present with pairings from 1998 and 2023, for a total of 97 days/songs. Since we love nostalgia, we’re celebrating summer songs from 1998 as they turn 25, alongside new songs that we feel deserve some shine. Pairings could be thematic, sonic, or based connections between the artists.

Check out our full “THE SUMMER 97 (1998 x 2023)” playlist here.

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Stream “red flag collector,” watch the live performance video, or preorder the album, chemistry,” on vinyl.

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Kelly Clarkson’s team promoted her upcoming “chemistry” album, due June 23rd, week after week by releasing new singles and remixes each Friday. The strategy, which is not a new one by any means, has its pluses and minuses. For fans, it provided new content to explore and a full week to listen to just the latest song as a standalone; however, this also disrupts the experience of listening to the album as a cohesive body of work. It also muddles the landscape, making it confusing as to which song all the attention should be on, ruining the chance of any one song becoming a hit.

Perhaps Clarkson’s veteran status as a singer and the anticipated ageism of the music industry informed the label’s choice to not worry about scoring a hit single. However, with her huge talk show platform and status as a beloved woman in entertainment, it was a miscalculation. Putting all the weight of the promotional machine behind one song, the right song, could have made things go differently. But which song? Well, from what we have so far, I’ve ranked the songs from least to the best choice, so far.

5. “mine”

It seems that Team Kelly Clarkson and her label thought “mine” to be the best song to lead off the album; unfortunately, they thought wrong. Released as a double single with “me” in April, it was pushed with more force than its counterpart and subsequent releases, but it is just not that interesting. Of the two, it’s more catchy, sure, but its unconventional structure and somewhat wordy lyrics would have been better left as an album track. It is a beautiful track and an insightful window into the singer’s heart and mind that shows Clarkson is still willing to take some creative risks. On “mine,” they’re a bit too risky – and not the innovative sort of risks that translate into a hit.

4. “favorite kind of high”

Cascading guitar licks, thumping bass, pounding percussion, and rousing runs— these are the elements that compose a Kelly Clarkson uptempo. Her latest, “favorite kind of high,” is not a new experiment. The third single from “chemistry” follows a pair of emotive ballads (“me” and “mine”) and serves to reenergize the era. On it, she electrifyingly belts out a bop about that feeling when the chemistry is right. Though the song’s familiar production doesn’t forge any new ground (it’s reminiscent of her own hits, P!nk, and Maroon 5), the infectiously fervid vocals from a newly-liberated Clarkson make it soar. The David Guetta remix, released the following week, differentiates the song within Clarkson’s discography, but sounds like it belongs in Kelly Rowland’s.

3. “red flag collector”

Ever-proud Texan Kelly Clarkson takes us through the Wild Wild West en route to post-divorce “high road livin'” on the fifth pre-release offering from “chemistry.” Of all the songs released so far, “red flag collector” by far has the most sting. Where “i hate love” was bittersweet, “red flag collector” is triumphantly bitter. Sprinkled with just enough “yeehaw”-inducing musical elements, the song serves rodeo realness. Cowgirl Clarkson revels in the fact that she ran her ex off their Montana ranch, changing its name, and her own. But at least she let him have the towels.

2. “me”

Kelly Clarkson’s “me” arrives after a tumultuous few years for the singer, who separated from her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, in 2020. It seems as though the song is the third installment in a trilogy preempted by two similarly introspective singles, her most recent top 10 hit, 2015’s “Piece By Piece,” the sequel to 2004’s “Because of You.”

On “me,” Clarkson sings, “Don’t need somebody to pick these pieces up/ I put together my broken/ Let go of the pain I’vе been holdin’/ Don’t need to need somebody/ When I got me.” It’s as though she’s alluding to both of those songs. She’s “letting go of the pain” she sings about in “Because of You.” Meanwhile, not needing “somebody to pick these pieces up” is an apparent reference to “Piece by Piece.” The latest installment is a 180 from the theme and message of its predecessors. On the first, she sounds like a damsel in distress, and on the second, she sounds swept away. With the third and perhaps final, she is finally whole.

As the track crescendos, leveling up its intensity with musical and vocal layers, its message becomes more and more compelling. Singing with soulful conviction, it’s almost as if Clarkson is trying to persuade herself. Her vocals are truly better than ever – just listen to those high notes in the climax. Building from suppressed sadness at its start, to soaring strength in the end. Or, note the slight change of lyric for the final chorus: “Let go of the pain your hand I’ve been holdin’” – shedding the pain and dependency, makes the song, and the artist, stronger.

1. “i hate love”

“Opposites attract” is an old cliché, but it’s true… contradictions and contrasts are what make life more interesting. On Kelly Clarkson’s latest instant-grat track, that adage holds true thanks to her unexpected collaboration with Steve Martin and the oxymoron of its title: “i hate love.”

The seemingly odd pairing works out: Clarkson handles the comedy, delivering several sarcastic, bitingly bitter lyrics, even name-checking featured artist Martin (an accomplished musician who has surprisingly won more GRAMMYs than Clarkson) who provides the track’s musical centerpiece. Martin happily plucks on his banjo atop thumping bass and pop synths while Clarkson sweetly expresses her hate for love.

Out of all the singles and teasers Clarkson has released from “chemistry,” due June 23rd, “i hate love” is the freshest and most interesting. Clarkson’s unorthodox idea to include Martin on the banjo elevates what would’ve been a great but otherwise uninventive broken-hearted-pop song. With her endearingly unbothered-yet-broken vocals, sarcastic-yet-sad lyrics, and genre-straddling musical choices, Clarkson manages to deliver a track that successfully embodies the paradox of its title. You won’t hate that you love it.’

Stream “chemistry” (so far), watch the live performances, or pre-order the album.

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Stream “i hate love,” watch the live performance video, or preorder the album, chemistry,” on vinyl.

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Stream “favorite kind of high,” watch the live performance video, or preorder the album, “chemistry,” on vinyl.

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Kelly Clarkson’s new single “me” arrives after a tumultuous few years for the singer. According to Clarkson, the song represents one of the many emotions she’s experienced since separating from her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, in 2020.

Clarkson became a household name as the inaugural winner of American Idol’s first season, from which she ascended to superstardom via a string of hit singles and multi-platinum albums. In 2018, she made her return to TV on The Voice, and in 2019, made herself into a household staple as the host of her hugely successful daytime talk show.

However, Clarkson is still an artist – and “me,” from her forthcoming album “chemistry,” serves as an evocative reminder. It seems as though the song is the third installment in a trilogy preempted by two similarly introspective singles, her most recent top 10 hit, 2015’s “Piece By Piece,” the sequel to 2004’s “Because of You.”

Written by Clarkson at age 16 in reaction to her parents’ divorce, the young Idol had to fight for permission to include “Because of You” on her sophomore album “Breakaway.” She won, and it became the first truly personal song she had ever released – and one of her most memorable hits. The struggle to release “Because of You” marked the beginning of a decade-long battle for creative control between Clarkson and her former labels, RCA Records and 19 Recordings. Despite their reluctance to allow Clarkson creative freedom, most of her biggest singles were, in fact, songs she co-wrote. She has writing credits on 8 of her 15 biggest hits on the Billboard Hot 100.

“Because of You” remains one of her best songs because of how personally and emotionally connected she is to the lyric, and garnered Clarkson respect as an artist. The song also offers insight into her fraught relationship with her estranged father. With lyrics like “Because of you/ I find it hard to trust not only me, but everyone around me,” it established Clarkson as a young woman shattered by her broken home, and, though released 19 years ago, foreshadows “me.” It’s taken her nearly two decades to trust “me.”

However, there is one more piece to the puzzle. In 2015, Clarkson released “Piece By Piece” and referred to it as a sequel to “Because of You.” Released after the birth of her first child, Clarkson contrasts her father with her then-husband, singing, “Piece by piece, he collected me up/ Off the ground, where you abandoned things … Piece by piece, he restored my faith/ That a man can be kind and a father could stay.” The song was ripe with emotion even then, catapulting to the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 after she performed a tear-inducing, stripped-down version on American Idol. In 2023, listening to it post-“me” is even more emotional – but for different reasons.

On “me,” Clarkson sings, “Don’t need somebody to pick these pieces up/ I put together my broken/ Let go of the pain I’vе been holdin’/ Don’t need to need somebody/ When I got me.” It’s as though she’s alluding to both of those songs. She’s “letting go of the pain” she sings about in “Because of You.” Meanwhile, not needing “somebody to pick these pieces up” is an apparent reference to “Piece by Piece.” The latest installment is a 180 from the theme and message of its predecessors. On the first, she sounds like a damsel in distress, and on the second, she sounds swept away. With the third and perhaps final, she is finally whole.

Only one part of “Piece by Piece” still holds up today, and was always the most touching moment in the song. It’s when Clarkson abandons the co-dependent narrative, instead centering herself, singing, “I fell far from the tree/ I will never leave her like you left me/ And she will never have to wonder her worth/ ‘Cause unlike you, I’m gonna put her first,” before quickly regressing. Within the current context of Clarkson’s bitter financial battle with her ex, hearing her sing, “He never walks away/ He never asks for money/ He takes care of me/ ‘Cause he loves me,” is heartbreaking in hindsight.

Listening to both back-to-back gives “me” so much more weight. As the track crescendos, leveling up its intensity with musical and vocal layers, its message becomes more and more compelling. Singing with soulful conviction, it’s almost as if Clarkson is trying to persuade herself. Her vocals are truly better than ever – just listen to those high notes in the climax. Musically, she has the freedom to explore genres she’d previously been steered away from. For “me,” she collaborated with Atlantic labelmate and new hitmaker GAYLE (“abcdefu”) for what can best be described as a soulful, gospel-inspired pop ballad. Though “me” isn’t the best song in this nearly two-decade-spanning trilogy overall, it elevates the trio by delivering closure and inspiration.

While her last pop album, 2017’s “Meaning of Life,” was an overdue foray into R&B and soul-infused pop, it was more of an exercise in appreciation than artistic maturation. On “me” (and its A-side, “mine”), it’s clear Kelly Clarkson’s new era will be one of both personal and artistic evolution. The proof is right in the song: listen to how it builds from suppressed sadness at its start, to soaring strength in the end. Or, note the slight change of lyric for the final chorus: “Let go of the pain your hand I’ve been holdin’” – shedding the pain and dependency, because, as a wise woman (and/or Nietzche) once said, “in the end, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

Kelly Clarkson’s new single “me” is part of a pair of lead singles released from her tenth studio album, “chemistry,” in stores June 23rd. 

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This year, Kelly reasserts her place in the Christmas canon with the release of When Christmas Comes Around…, her second Christmas album. The follow up to 2013’s classic-in-waiting Wrapped In Red, the new set is perhaps Red’s antithesis. In 2013, Clarkson was a newlywed and even dedicated one of the album’s songs to her new groom. This year, her tone has changed: “Christmas Isn’t Canceled (Just You),” she sings to her ex on its lead single. When Christmas Comes Around… is certainly a Christmas album, and it for sure has its festive, cheerful moments. However, it’s also Kelly’s first post-divorce album, and it shows on several of the album’s original compositions.

There’s the aforementioned lead single, “Christmas Isn’t Canceled (Just You)” which is one of those uber-up-beat sort of Christmas songs moulded in the image of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Clarkson is no stranger to this type of track; she has quite a few, but this one sits at the bottom of the pile, frankly. Melodically, it’s catchy; musically, it’s fun. Lyrically, though, it just doesn’t match. She would’ve been better off saving her break-up angst for her next proper album. Well, at least when it comes to this track.

Her pair of “Merry Christmas” songs, however, are both much better Christmas takes on heartbreak. “I’ll let my absence show you/ What I got you for Christmas/ Is losing me/ Merry Christmas, baby,” she sings, stingingly. An effortless drag, and it works splendidly. Sure, the song ain’t filled with Christmas cheer, but, hey, it’s real, and many of the lyrics are clever as can be.

Meanwhile, on “Merry Christmas (To the One I Used to Know)” is utterly heartbreaking. It sort of sounds like something that could’ve been sung by Idina Menzel’s Elsa in Frozen; not lyrically, but in every other way. I had to check the writing credits for the Lopez pair, but in fact the song was penned by Clarkson, her musical director Jason Halbert, and songwriter Aben Eubanks. Adele might be famed for her ability to send listeners scrambling for tissues and wine, but Kelly Clarkson is no stranger to such power, and this track is more than proof enough.

The album is not entirely a cause for seasonal depression awareness though. Clarkson covers standards such as “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas,” “Santa Baby,” “Jingle Bell Rock” (ended The Plastics, to be honest) and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” (Brenda Lee has reason to be shook) all with ease to be expected from the original American Idol winner and Queen of Kellyoke. The best among the covers, though, is Kelly’s reworking of the George Michael classic “Last Christmas.” She slows the song down, giving it a gorgeous new spin.

Another standout is one of the album’s duets: “Glow,” featuring Chris Stapleton. The two sound so good together, and the song is another clever one, lyrically. It’s a love song and not overtly festive, but still just enough to evoke those lovey-dovey Christmas feels. On the other hand, “Santa, Can’t You Hear Me,” Clarkson’s duet with fellow Voice coach Ariana Grade, falls flat. Vocally, there’s just a little too much going on, and in every other area… the song is just sort of lacking, and a bit trite. I deleted it from my library.

Closing out the new album proper are “Blessed” and “Christmas Come Early.” The former is a gorgeous ballad of gratitude that is reminiscent of something Lin-Manuel Miranda might’ve written (but it’s not). The latter is another one to put you in your feels, touching and heart-warming. Understandably, Kelly begs, “Christmas Come Early” – she’s had quite the year, and probably in need of some good cheer.

Fortunately, the album doesn’t end there — Ms. Clarkson included the three one-off Christmas singles she released over the last few years, which includes two more originals, “Under the Mistletoe” and “Christmas Eve,” as well as a cover of the other “All I Want For Christmas is You.” Of the three, the standout by far is “Christmas Eve,” which is just… immaculate. Honestly, it should become another modern classic; the song is just perfection. It has everything one expects from a Christmas classic, the one thing lacking is time. As the years go by, I can definitely see this sitting among the most beloved Christmas songs.

In short, Kelly Clarkson’s second Christmas album is a welcomed addition both to her catalog, and to the Christmas music canon. With plenty of originals and a handful of covers, Clarkson ensures her place as a holiday hitmaker. She’s set herself up perfectly to become one of the season’s most prominent figures. Only time will tell, When Christmas Comes Around… 

Listen to Kelly Clarkson’s When Christmas Comes Around…

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“Heartbeat Song” is fun, but decently generic at best. It’s typical Clarkson fare; upbeat and big-voiced, but nothing to write home about. That, combined with the horrid album cover, did not incite the highest expectations for the project.

However, “Piece by Piece” is better than expected, but not quite Clarkson’s best work. It has its high points, of course, and on first impression is better than “Stronger.” Her sound and lyrics seems a bit more mature now, perhaps due to her recent nuptials and motherhood. While on “Stronger” she was singing silly, juvenile songs like “Don’t Be a Girl About It” or “Einstein” with cliché-littered lyrics like its title track, “Piece By Piece” is a bit more thoughtful and emotional; in a good way.

In various interviews, with Billboard for example, Kelly has discussed how being pregnant affected her vocals on the album. She credits her pregnancy hormones for her impassioned vocals on a number of the songs, such as one of the standouts and Kelly’s favorite for the next single, “Invincible,” which was written by hit songwriter Sia.

Clarkson’s chief collaborator on “Piece By Piece,” though, is Greg Kurstin. A wise choice, as he produced the gorgeous and best track on “Stronger,” “Dark Side,” as well as the similarly gorgeous “Honestly” and #1 hit “Stronger.” This go-round, half of the album’s tracks are helmed by Kurstin. The other eight are produced by Jesse Shatkin, Jason Halbert, and Chris DeStefano – all previous collaborators of Clarkson’s.

While she has referred to it as a very personal album, Kelly ironically took a backseat as a songwriter on “Piece By Piece.” She cowrote only five of the album’s songs compared to seven each on both “Stronger” and 2009’s “All I’ve Ever Wanted,” or 2007’s “My December,” on which she cowrote every song. After her fierce (and much-publicized) battles with her label about creative control and being allowed to write on her first three albums, it is a bit surprising to see her relinquishing said control on her seventh. Perhaps the fact that she won the battle and now calls the shots has made her more open to the idea – since she isn’t being forced. However, the songs cowritten by Clarkson on “Piece By Piece” are among its best songs. Said songs include “Tightrope,” “I Had a Dream,” and the Deluxe Edition bonus tracks “Bad Reputation,” “In the Blue” and the title track.

The album’s most personal song is also it’s namesake. “Piece by Piece” is, like 2004’s “Because of You,” a song sung to her father. Here, though, we find a much more matured and confident Clarkson who has progressed from the frightened child found on “Because of You.” On “Piece by Piece,” she is singing about her daughter and her husband. She vows to be a good parent to her daughter, unlike her father, and says that her husband has proved to be a man capable of being a good husband and father. The song is quite heart-wrenching, as she sings, “Piece by piece, you restore my faith/ That a man can be kind and a father should be great.” For her father, no doubt the song packs a painful sting due to its frank and brutal honesty.

The angsty sass is found yet again on the third and final bonus track, “Second Wind,” so much so that you’d think Kelly wrote it: here, she gets a bit cocky on the album’s literal and figurative kiss-off track. A bit like it’s “Stronger” Part 2, she sings lyrics such as “You can’t forget about me/ Say what want about me/ Hate me, underestimate me/ Just when you think I’m at the end/ Any second I’ma catch my second wind.” The track is fitting in light of her 3 year absence from pop radio. Another notable track is “Good Goes the Bye,” which Kelly has stated is inspired by the 80s, and the Eurythmics. The influence is clear and well-done.

While she may not be ever-present as a songwriter on “Piece By Piece,” she is indeed front and center vocally. She sounds fantastic as usual: her vocals are pristine and impressive. Even with the songs she didn’t write, she embodied the emotions of the lyrics and put her all into each vocal performance.

Perhaps the song that soars the most vocally is the aptly titled “Take You High,” another standout track for its vocals and overall production. Not only does Kelly serve her signature belting, but the background vocals, too, are lush and complex.

The album also boasts one unexpected but most-welcomed vocal collaboration: “Run Run Run” with John Legend. It is yet another standout track, especially for its vocals. The pair’s voices blend well and make for a moving duet. They have duetted in the past (on ABC’s show, Duets) but it is a bit of a surprise to see the two together again on a Clarkson album, considering her penchant for collaborations with country acts as of late. Kelly’s team would be foolish not capitalize on the reignited popularity of Legend (thanks to his massive hit “All of Me” and Oscar win) and release the song as a later single.

Coincidence, or maybe not, that she follows her John Legend collaboration with the seemingly-MLK-inspired “I Had a Dream” (he won above mentioned Oscar for his own MLK-inspired song, “Glory”). While Kelly’s “I Had a Dream” is a bit more indirect in it’s inspiration, the references are there: of course in it’s title, but also with lyrics like “”If you wanna lead, be a leader… Climb to the top of the mountain, scream it,” among others.

Overall, “Piece By Piece” is a marked improvement over 2011’s “Stronger” on which Kelly Clarkson reminds us why she is the original American Idol: that voice, and her ability to use it to make songs her own. It is also her first standard, studio album since becoming a wife, a mother and turning 30, and her sound has matured accordingly. However, nothing on “Piece By Piece” is particularly fresh, new or outstandingly impressive for her. It will be interesting to see where she goes next from here. The first step was the necessary maturation in her sound and lyrics, which has been completed. The next step is an innovative overhaul of her sound to take it beyond her standard pop fare, which has become a bit overdone.

Grade:

75/97

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