Since catapulting to fame almost ten years ago after winning American Idol, Kelly Clarkson has proven she has staying power, with hits like “Since U Been Gone” and “I Do Not Hook Up.” The singer’s first single off her newest CD Stronger, “Mr. Know It All,” reached the top 10 on Billboard’s Hot 100.
Good Potential Singles from Stronger
“What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger),” the track that helped inspire the album’s name, is an upbeat power anthem with an infectious chorus and an important message. It gives new life to an old expression. “What doesn’t kill you makes stronger. Stand a little taller. Doesn’t mean I’m lonely when I’m alone,” Clarkson sings.
“Let Me Down,” which Clarkson co-wrote, has strong vocals and some cool sound effects. The softer, gentler “Breaking Your Own Heart” features some strings and is one of Stronger’s best slower-tempo numbers.
A more rock-inspired “Einstein” has plenty of guitar and even more attitude. “Didn’t get it the first time, don’t think I’ve been so blind. Yeah I may not be Einstein, but I know dumb plus dumb equals you.”
More Songs from Stronger
“You Love Me” has a pleasing background beat and its slightly repetitive lyrics make it stick in the listener’s mind. “Standing In Front of You” is another ballad which utilizes strings and keyboards. “Hello” has a neat guitar pattern while Kelly Clarkson makes forgiveness sound appealing with the upbeat and catchy “I Forgive You.”
“Honestly,” a more haunting track, is reminiscent of some of the material on Clarkson’s third album, My December. “Dark Side” begins softly and gently and gradually picks up the pace. In the song, Kelly Clarkson explores how nobody is perfect and asks if one will still love her and her flaws. Mid-tempo “The War is Over” is about Clarkson deciding to get out of a bad relationship.
Up-tempo “You Can’t Win” has the depressing but realistic message that people will always be criticized by someone, no matter who they are, what they do, or what they look like. “If you’re thin, poor little walking disease. If you’re not, they’re all screaming ‘obese’.”
Bluesy “Why Don’t You Try” has some beautiful runs and is one of the most memorable tracks on Stronger. While Clarkson’s music is mainly pop rock, she also appears to be in her element with this style.
Stronger debuted at number two on Billboard, selling around 163,000 copies its first week.
Anne Marie Coar - Anne Marie graduated with a degree in communication arts and minors in psychology, journalism, and business. Some of her articles have ...
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