After the “experiment” that was My December era, Kelly Clarkson returns to pop perfection with All I Ever Wanted. I previewed the album, and came away incredibly impressed!
At first I didn’t event want to listen because I am not a fan of “My Life Would Suck Without You”, and I thought that was an inclination of what she had packaged for AIEW. I was wrong!
Now there are only a few songs that I don’t like: the aforementioned “My Life Would Suck Without You”, “I Do Not Hook Up”, and “Whyyawannabringmedown”. They are the tracks that I will skip when they turn up on my iPhone. “I Do Not Hook Up” has a wonderful message that I absolutely adore, but the overly rock-ish guitar usage on that track just killed it for me. Same with her lead single, sound-wise. That’s not the style I like in my Kelly music. Some may prefer it, but not me. I’d be interested to hear Kelly explain the surpeme FAIL that is “Whyyawannabringmedown”. She’s trying way too hard on that song, and it’s like a reject Pink song or something. Do. Not. Want.
I like the more pop/soul-leaning songs. Breakaway — the song and the album — was pretty much perfection to me. I wasn’t sure if she’d ever be able to match or top it. I think she has done so with All I Ever Wanted. I like the mid-tempos and ballads because they showcase Kelly’s amazing voice. She is a vocalist, which Top 40 radio needs more of. The “Since You Been Gone’s” of the world are great and fun, but I like to keep them to a minimum, just like Kelly did with her new album.
On the other side, I do have a favorite track; “Already Gone”. Kelly just shines during this song. I know others have pointed out that it sounds like Beyonce’s “Halo” because it’s a Ryan Tedder (OneRepublic) production, but I’ve got no beef with that. I like that sound. The more songs out that have that vibe, the better. And who’s to say this is even going to be a single? I’d love for it to hit radio, but I’m not holding my breath!
Other songs that I like a lot are “Impossible”, “Cry”, “All I Ever Wanted”, “If I Can’t Have You”, and “I Want You”. Those were very solid tracks that could each be successful radio singles. I think I heard that “If I Can’t Have You” is the second single, but don’t quote me on that! I love that “I Want You” sounds Duffy-esque; very retro. Read a rumor that the Duffster actually contibuted the background vocals. I can’t prove that either, but I can sort of hear why that tidbit is making the rounds.
I also enjoyed “If No One Will Listen” and “Save You”. I wouldn’t want these released as they seem like true “album tracks”. They’re not something I’d listen to every day, but when I do hear them, I like them.
I could do without “Ready” or “Long Shot”, but they’re ok. Rather forgettable, but if I’m just listening to music, it’s not a given that I’ll skip them. They’re just not her strongest tracks. I’m sure they could grow on me, so I’ll say the jury’s still out.
All I Ever Wanted (Limited Edition CD/DVD)
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And there ya go! My review of Kelly Clarkson’s All I Ever Wanted. Since I only dislike 3 songs, I’d have to say the album is very solid. ( The LA Times agrees!)I hope it does very well for Kelly!
Kelly Clarkson will be appearing at the Ohio State Fair on July 29th (Tickets on sale March 28th). I haven’t been to the State Fair since my high school years. Miss Kelly may get me to return!
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