Post by Absinthe on Jul 9, 2007 22:09:15 GMT -6
Kelly Clarkson
"My December"
"My December"
RCA Records
Released: June 26th, 2007
Kelly Clarkson's newest CD, titled "My December" far surpasses her previous two albums. Not only is her vocal performance more controlled, the songs are much more mature. The thing I found most endearing about "My December" was that every song on it was written by Kelly herself. I must give my props to her as a songwriter. The first single, "Never Again", sets the tone for the rest of the CD. It is very different from the more innocent songs of her previous endeavours ("Thankful" and "Breakaway"). The songs on "My December" are raw, emotional.
It is hard to choose the best song on this CD because all are great in their own way. However, the melodic "Be Still" and the raw sound of the final track, "Irvine" rise slightly above the rest. The vocals on these two songs are wonderful and pure. "Be Still" just plain beautiful and I admit to having listened to it numerous times in a row. "Irvine" has a very unique sound, somewhere between jazz, blues, and folk. It's a fantastic blend.
A bonus is the hidden track at the end of the album. Just wait approximately 2 to 3 minutes after the end of "Irvine" to find it. It is a simple piece - just Kelly's voice and a guitar, with a record-like recording. Well worth the wait since you can't skip right to it.
This album does have it's angst, but it is an Alanis Morissette type angst. "My December" definitely has the type of edge that many fans adored of Morissette's "Jagged Little Pill". At the same time, she seems to channel Sarah McLachlan with some of her beautiful melodies. It works and this album is a definite artistic statement on Kelly's part. She's through being the media's pop-puppet - and thank God for that.
"My December" has a definite 'listen-ability' to it, while catapulting Kelly Clarkson into the realm of real songstresses; she is no longer a pop princess, but has shown herself more than worthy. I think that with this CD, Kelly has truly shed her girl-next-door innocent 'Idol' image to create something that is just pure and raw and really shows who she is.
I give "My December" 5 out of 5 praises.
