See for yourself:

I love it. Not only because I like these three ladies, but also because the ‘do looks great on all 3 of them!

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!

All I Ever Wanted
Price: USD 11.81

78 used & new available from USD 4.14

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)
Price: USD 15.97

59 used & new available from USD 3.98

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!

This wasn’t the first time I’d seen Miss Vanessa perform. To be accurate, it was the 3rd; which is saying a lot because an artist like Vanessa doesn’t get to be a road rat like other faves of mine like Josh Kelley. I’ve also met her. She’s been aware of V-C.net since the very beginning, back in 2002. She even recorded a thank you shout out video from the set of her “Ordinary Day” music video. If only I could find it, it was so sweet!

Cincinnati isn’t far from me, just an hour and a half. I have family don there too, so I was familiar with the area. I brought my brother with me because I don’t like attending shows by myself. Plus, he’s been with me every other time I’ve seen Nessa (because he likes her music too), so it wasn’t like I was forcing him.

It was a general admission, all ages show, at a small-ish venue. I love smaller/club shows much better than the big arena and theater set-ups. These shows are much more intimate and enjoyable. I was no more than 5ft away from Vanessa and her piano and it was lovely.

The drawback to this particular venue was that they had a “no flash” rule. So you could take pictures, just without flash, but since it was so poorly lit and dark inside, there was no point in try as all shots came out extremely blurry. I even had a DSL with a telephoto lens and I still couldn’t get a quality shot. But it was ok, because not taking pictures allowed me to just listen and watch Vanessa perform. She didn’t disappoint either!

As usual, I came away impressed with her show, and especially her banter. Before she started her first hit “A Thousand Miles” she stated how she wished she hadn’t sold her song to the jewelry company because of the whole “Blood Diamonds” conflict going on. Vanessa is very progressive, and probably meant it, but the audience just thought she was making a joke and laughed. She picked up on it and said “I’m serious!” but she was laughing too. It was a funny moment.

Anyway, I truly enjoyed seeing Vanessa and I wish she had more success. She’s overflowing with talent and deserves more in the music industry. I know, that even if he does stop recording and performing, she will be a dynamite composer and songwriter. As long as she wants to stick around, she will have a niche. I don’t blame her label, The Inc, because, to be honest, they probably have no idea how to market a talent like her. They’re used to hip-hop artists! However, VH1 ordered a second season of Gotti’s Way, so we’ll probably continue to catch a glimpse of Miss Carlton on there.

Can’t wait to see what’s next!

Here is a 40 second clip of “Nolita Fairytale”:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Here was her setlist:
Ordinary Day
Hands On Me
A Thousand Miles
Heroes and Thieves
The One
White Houses
Nolita Fairytale
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