All She Ever Wanted

Kelly Clarkson was first discovered in 2002 when she won the hearts of millions and was crowned the first ever American Idol. She didn’t know it at the time, but she had set the bar very high for future Idol hopefuls. Her rich, soulful voice blended with her “cool beans” attitude and diva-like performances, Clarkson hit every note just right. Now, two Grammy’s, and over 20 million albums later, she is a force that is truly unstoppable.

Polished, glossy, and colorful, All I Ever Wanted, delivers in a big way. Catchy hooks, soulful melodies, and that voice! And while Clarkson has proved herself as a songwriter, penning seven of her nine Top 10 singles, she knows when to outsource talent too. Bringing back the talented team who brought us the now classic single “Since U Been Gone” to write her first single from the disc, “My Life Would Suck Without You”, was undoubtedly RCA’s call. And while the song has earned a place in history, as the fastest and largest leap in Billboard history (it went from No. 97 to No. 1 in just one week), the song might be the only negative this album has to offer. Not because the song isn’t catchy and melodic, but because it’s an obvious rip-off of the previous efforts from this team.

There really is no going wrong on this album. And with all the highs and lows Kelly remains true to herself, proving she’s got the staying power – and pipes! – of one of the greats. What makes Clarkson one of the most relatable artists of our time is her passion for the music and performance.  She doesn’t care about the press and the glam of celebrity, she’s been quoted several times saying she’d be just as happy without the fame.

Her album’s linear notes quote Emily Dickson: “And if, indeed, I fail, at least to know the worst is sweet. Defeat means nothing but defeat…”and if not to take a little jab at Mr. Clive Davis, after listening to the latest effort from Clarkson I’d say we could sum it up in a one-word email to him: Defeated!