Kelly Clarkson is "Stronger" Than Ever

Album cover art provided by RCA Music Group

Kelly Clarkson, our American Idol sweetheart has struck again as she released her fifth album, “Stronger,” this past Monday. Her spunky demeanor, powerful vocals, and lyrics of hurt and bitterness are everything we would expect to hear from the pop-rock star based on her previous work, but at the same time, she sticks with it for a reason—she is phenomenal at what she does.

Upon first listen, “Stronger” comes off as generic and sounds the same as everything else we have heard from Clarkson in the past. The feisty attitude we saw in her single “Since You Been Gone” can also be seen in this album in songs like “Mr. Know It All,” and “Let Me Down.” One song ran right into the next and her traditional ratio of songs with attitude to songs with a softer tone is the same as every other CD.

Luckily this is a second-listen kind of album. The songs become more distinguishable and the potential for radio hits sky rocket because of the catchy choruses and the vocal prowess with which she performs. Her first single, “Mr. Know It All” has already made it onto Billboard’s Top 20 and the album’s namesake, “What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger),” is sure to follow. Her tenacity is evident as she uses her life experience to make a point in every song. While she has tried to branch out of her genre within recent years, this album hovers right in the genre she belongs—pop-rock.

Clarkson performs on tour to promote her new album. Courtesy of the New York Times.

            In an age when auto tune rules, Clarkson is true to herself and her own voice. She hits the high notes and the unbelievably low notes with ease and achieves her goal of trying to sound the same as she does live as she does over recording. Her voice is just as strong today as it was the day she won American Idol at age 16.

           As honest as they are, the lyrics tend to sound a bit wounded. They play the role of the victim a little too much. Whether it be “You Can’t Win” about the scrutiny from her critics, “The War is Over” depicting how she believes she deserves better in a relationship, or “You Love Me” where she is told she is not good enough, Clarkson  sings like she doesn’t receive the credit that is due to her. Either way though, every song has a relatabliliy factor and that is exactly why Clarkson has kept such a huge following. That, and her awe inspiring voice.

           “Stronger” is an album that is a perfect demonstration of everything Kelly Clarkson is and has to offer—feisty pop songs, ardent ballads, a dominant voice, and heartfelt lyrics. It is now available on iTunes and in stores everywhere.