Kelly Clarkson - All I Ever Wanted Review

Overall 4.75 of 5 view all 4 reviews

MikeMaroon
Chattanooga, TN

Our Musical Lives Would Suck Without Kelly Clarkson

music fanatic

Pros

One of the best singers on earth, Wide range of styles, More hooks than a meat locker

Cons

Only 14 tracks

MAR

2009

I take pride in the fact I predicted the first American Idol winner before they ever got to Hollywood week. I've not always been right with those predictions since(Melinda Doolittle, anyone?). But Kelly Clarkson, like Carrie Underwood later, was an easy pick because she so out-classed the competition it almost wasn't fair. Not too surprisingly, these two artists are far and away the most successful of the American Idols.

After the dreary and depressing My December (must have been her "vanity" project), Clarkson breaks BACK through with the all-encompassing, highly entertaining All I Ever Wanted, the new album that proves whatever it is, She's got IT. While she doesn't abandon the "dark side" of her My December personality, she really pops and spunks it up some. In doing so she finds the sweet spot where anger/angst meet rock and roll fun for the best album of her young career (Although she did win Idol all the way back in 2002. Can you believe it was that long ago?)

The lead song and first single, My Life Would Suck Without You, is the pop-dance sequel to Since U Been Gone and Clarkson brings the same fiery conviction to it, which probably explains why it shot straight to number one.

Oh, and baby, there are more hit singles to come from this collection and those songs are all over the place stylistically. This is a good thing. Take, for instance I Want You.

Co-written by Clarkson, this is pure retro-pop, all bubbly and sounding like the girl who won our hearts in 2002, bringing the bouncy in a way you won't be able to resist.

Conversely If No One Will Listen is the kind of power-ballad that allows a voice like Kelly's to just soar as she searches for release from that dark place we all find ourselves in once in a while.

Kelly's pop star shines brightly on Long Shot, written by Katy Perry and Glen Ballard, a sure-to-be smash putting her squarely in the pop-rock vibe we love so.

I Do Not Hook Up, also written by Perry along with new Idol judge Kara Dioguardi and Greg Wells, has Clarkson putting her impressively passionate vocals to a lyric about falling for Mr Right instead of Going with Mr. Right now.

And, there's Whyyawannabringmedown, a foray into punk-rock territory that shows Ms Clarkson can throw down with anybody.

BOTTOM LINE

With All I Ever Wanted Kelly Clarkson escapes the drudgery of her last album and brings back the down-home relatable pop-rock star we all fell so hard for in the first place. As one of the very best pop singers we have, she brings something to the table for everyone. She's the cute, really nice girl next door who, while at the same time, gives the distinct air that, if you piss her off, she will mess you up. GRADE: A

Last edited on Mar 22, 2009

Kelly Clarkson - All I Ever Wanted is recommended by MikeMaroon

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Comments about MikeMaroon’s Review

In response to MikeMaroon's comment from Mar 29, 2009 at 12:42AM:

I don't like Danny like THAT. I just feel he has a lot of talent and is very brave for auditioning just 4 weeks after his wife died from complications from heart surgery. He's a devout Christian and his website helps children to better themselves and to be happier. I just think he is awesome. Adam could win, yeah, I guess. I don't know really why I bristle at the thought.

In response to MikeMaroon's comment from Mar 27, 2009 at 10:26AM:

My pleasure!

In response to MikeMaroon's comment from Mar 27, 2009 at 2:55PM:

I don't take offense at all! I guess it just goes to show how our society functions. I really hope someone with some unique flair AND the ability to blend in with "stereotypical" pop culture wins this season.

In response to PattyTherre's comment from Mar 28, 2009 at 10:11PM:

I like Danny, too, but not in the same way you do!!!! Adam could win, for sure.....

Ehhh, I wish I liked her but I just never got into her. So, who do you predict this year? Adam Lambert like 99% of the world or my boyfriend Danny Gokey? I love that guy. Could be Megan Joy...nahh. :)

In response to wildcatkatie's comment from Mar 27, 2009 at 10:41AM:

She did that and look what it got her! "My December" was raw, personal and shunned by the masses! So, she did what any body who wants a career does, she jump back on the horse what brung her. PLUS, I think she showed some maturity here, but, that's just my humble opinion. (I love discussions like this, by the way, please don't think I'm doggin' ya or put off that you don't agree with me. Nothing could be further from the truth!)

In response to MikeMaroon's comment from Mar 27, 2009 at 10:25AM:

By authentic I meant that I'd heard it all before from her. I was hoping for something a little more mature; something showing growth from her as an artist. I set higher standards for an artist like Kelly than I do for Britney (even though I love Britney). But really, there is no comparing the two. Kelly has more raw talent and more potential than Britney, so I guess I was just hoping to see her deviate from her pop princess past and start exploring other venues.

In response to GigiandAdonai's comment from Mar 22, 2009 at 12:56PM:

I've always liked her, since I first saw her. I'm glad her star has risen so high. Thank you for reading! :)

In response to LaurieM's comment from Mar 22, 2009 at 1:37PM:

Thanks. Thanks for stopping by!!! :)

In response to gitbean's comment from Mar 23, 2009 at 6:24PM:

Yessir!! Thanks for reading!!!

In response to LisaCarey's comment from Mar 24, 2009 at 10:39AM:

Sometimes we just have to rationalize....sometimes we just do...:)

In response to wildcatkatie's comment from Mar 27, 2009 at 9:05AM:

Your right to disagree is what it's all about. I'm not sure I understand what you mean by "authentic", unless you mean you think some of the songs are not true to what Clarkson is about. But, hey, she picked 'em, so. I loved the fact she was all over the place, although I can see how some might not appreciate it. Sometimes we have a vision of what an artist should do and, when the deviate from the, we don't care for it. Thanks for reading!!!

This is a great review, but I have to say I disagree w/ it! I'm not sure I'm a fan of the entire CD. It just doesn't strike me as authentic. I looooove My Life Would S**k Without You, though. I agree w/ you when you say that Kelly has talent, and she certainly knows how to perform and write hit singles that will get anybody off their feet.

Maybe I will break down and get it for the teenager (sounds like a good excuse to get it for me doesn't it?)

I just got a copy......great CD!

I like Kelly Clarkson. I saw her perform on American Idol recently and really liked the song "My Life Would Suck Without You". Great review Mike!

I've never watched American Idol but I bought the first AI CD to hear Clarkson sing A Moment Like This and then I bought the soundtrack for Princess Diaries 2 to hear her sing Breakaway. She does got talent and I loved it when she guest starred on Reba.