The three-time Grammy winner and American Idol icon Kelly Clarkson returned to the music scene last Tuesday after the birth of her daughter with the release of her eighth album Piece by Piece. The album is Clarkson’s first original album since her 2011 Platinum record Stronger.
The singer-songwriter had been keeping busy, though, with the release of her first greatest hits album in 2012, shortly followed by her own Christmas album Wrapped in Red. Over the years, Clarkson has also showed a deep interest in country music and recently stated Piece by Piece is her last contractually obligated pop album. It has been rumored that the artist is currently working on her first country album.
Clarkson’s first single off the album, “Heartbeat Song,” is a clear hit. The song is a classic Kelly Clarkson upbeat track that deals with female empowerment and being unafraid of love. The following track on the record, “Invincible,” does the same. Clarkson is famous for releasing songs like these with her powerful voice that convince the tone-deaf listener they can belt out the lyrics just the same.
The next track on the record, “Someone,” exudes a more mature mood with the lyricism of the artist. The chorus finishes with the perfectly poetic lines “someone whose arms will hold you tight enough to be / The reason you breathe.” In addition, the song exhibits the singer’s impressive range and vocal control. Finally, the ninth track on the album, “Tightrope,” paints a flawless analogy of dangerous love and walking on a tightrope. The singer’s ability to convey her emotions in a piece like this is a talent every artist should strive for.
I have never really considered myself to be a huge Kelly Clarkson fan, but I must say that if this is Clarkson’s last pop album, she definitely went out with a bang. The album consists of sixteen tracks that cover everything from loss, to love, to letting go 13 years after her debut on American Idol. I will simply say it is time for Clarkson to take on something other than pop and create a new sound for herself to keep her audience entertained. Her transition to country music will clearly be a timely and strategic career move that I am eager to hear.
Grade: B+
