So I have downloaded "My December", Kelly Clarkson's controversial third album. It has caused her to fight feverishly with Clive Davis who offered her $10,000,000 just to take out 5 songs and replace them with ones he chose. RCA and her management also came head to head with Kelly. She declined, and upset Clive Davis so much that he snubbed Kelly at the Season 6 American Idol finale, causing an outrage from Kelly fans, and even the media. Then Kelly's first single from the album, "Never Again" pretty much flunked on the charts, prompting her to release another single just 6 weeks later. It was decided that "Sober" would be that single. However since it's release two weeks ago, it isn't moving on the charts. Poor radio plays may have pushed Kelly to recently fire her management, leaving her completely without a manager. And now she has shockingly completely cancelled her national tour, which was supposed to be a spectacular event. I was wondering what this album would sound like, and OMG was I surprised. Nothing like I thought it would. So here we go.....
1) Never Again
Wow. Kelly is angry on this track! Great beats, awesome guitar, definitely deserved to do better on the charts than it did. If RCA actually supported the album, it would have. 9/10
2) One Minute
To me this is the one song I believe everyone is going to remember off "My December". Other than "Never Again", this is the only other single-worthy track. It's catchy. 8/10
3) Hole
Starts out boring, after 40 seconds or so it picks up. The chorus kicks in and the rest of the song is pretty good. The chorus is the only part of the song you remember, it's catchy too. 6/10
4) Sober
Pure genius. The lyrics are the best of the entire album. It is a ballad with almost no music until the third verse. It's all easy an easy tone until the ending where Kelly showcases her vocal ability better than ever. It makes you feel like your falling off a cliff. 9/10
5) Don't Waste Your Time
Mid to uptempo song. I don't know about this one. It's an OK song, but I just don't really get it. It almost seem pointless. Not awesome, not horrible. It's just there. 4/10
6) Judas
Kinda raw. It's OK. The verses are very raspy/raw. Chorus flows more. Not much to say about this one. The more you listen, the easier it is to listen to it again. 6/10
7) Haunted
Everything from the vocals to the music in this song is truly haunting. Personal, artistic perfection. A song about Kelly's highschool friend who committed suicide. Raw and real. Could be single material. Definitely a stand out track on this very personal album by Ms. Clarkson. 9/10
8) Be Still
A very sensual song. Slow and steady, this song is absolute beauty and passion. Certainly not single material, but man is nice to listen to. One of my favorite on the album. 10/10
9) Maybe
Kinda boring. Pretty good lyrics, but thats about it. The main part of the chorus which repeats "maybe", 2-3 times is the only memorable part of the song. However, you can feel that this song is pretty close to Kelly. It illuminates from her voice which saves it.
5/10
10) How I Feel
Interesting and slightly confusing. Kinda a rockish/poppish fun song with raw vocals that sounds like it's on the hyper pill??? LOL. The song is certainly unique with an occasional, fun high pitch jump in Kelly's voice. Makes the whole song, haha. Upbeat with interesting choices of music. Maybe single potential. We'll see. 8/10
11) Yeah
Funky, funky, funky! Catchy chorus. I didn't like this song when I first heard it, but it has grown on me quite a bit. It sounds like a deep southern funky rock song with good vocals. 8/10
12) Can I Have A Kiss
Nice, relaxing song. It's OK. Again, the only reason this song is OK with me is Kelly's vocals save it. The way she can manipulate her voice is amazing. 6/10
13) Irvine
Purely hypnotic. This song is 100% unbelievably outstanding. Again, it is a slow, bluesy ballad. Kelly's voice is incredible. If you didn't know it was Kelly, you wouldn't guess it was her in a million years, it is a completely different, beautiful side to Kelly. This is my favorite song on the entire album. Very "Grey's Anatomy" sounding. 10/10
14) Chivas (hidden track)
This hidden track is a very bluesy, southern slow rock song. Very strong lyrics for such a slow, intimate song with lyrics like "I can't stand the sight of your face", "So much for true love" "You should keep your eyes on your new little brat" and "You are crap", which just happens to be my favorite line on the entire album, lol. I can imagine this playing on a radio in the 50's on a hot summer day on the farm. BTW it's pronounced "Shivuz". 5/10
15) Dirty Little Secret (bonus track)
Good tempo, good music. Kinda fun to listen to and attempt to sing along. Not a stand out song, but is good non the less. 6/10
16) Not Today (bonus track)
Kind of Sheryl Crow sounding? With a more of a Kelly pitch. Not exactly Kel's best by far. Again lyrics are good. This song just doesn't do it for me. 3/10
Over all, you can tell that this album is definitely an artisits album, not a radio friendly one. Kelly gets a lot of stuff off her chest and she stood up to the man. I congratulate her. Now let's release "One Minute" and "How I Feel" and move on to the next album :-).
