Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson

All I Ever Wanted

RCA

Rating: 4

“Since U Been Gone” Kelly, you have left me to wonder what’s next for America’s first, and perhaps best, Idol.

After a soulful debut record, a sophomore album loaded with chart-topping hits and the darker, less successful My December, Kelly Clarkson rises from the December ashes to deliver a powerhouse fourth studio album, All I Ever Wanted.

Somewhat reminiscent of the smash album Breakaway, All I Ever Wanted houses a repertoire of pop rock tracks similar to Clarkson’s past hits: songs of female empowerment, failed romances and the inescapable pop ballads.

Most tracks may remind you of current tunes taking over the airwaves since many artists have turned to rock tinges to amp up their pop style. However, Clarkson champions the genre by complementing the charged music with riveting vocals. Although the album carries a cookie-cutter pop composition throughout, its foot-tapping beats, electrical guitar riffs and catchy lyrics blend perfectly with Clarkson’s fierce and passionate voice.

“My Life Would Suck Without You,” the album’s first single (and my current shower anthem), proves that Clarkson’s voice and pop rock “belong together now, yeah.” The song’s performance on the Billboard Hot 100 is surely a reflection of the entire album’s success – a record-breaking jump from #97 to #1. The album itself remained in the #1 spot for weeks after its Mar. 10 release.

All I Ever Wanted offers many potential hit singles. My favorites include the upcoming single “I Do Not Hook Up” and “Long Shot” (both co-written by fellow chart-topper Katy Perry). “Don’t Let Me Stop You” is another favorite that offers a message I can happily deliver to my oh-so-over-you ex: “Nice knowing you but there’s the door/ ‘Cause I know I can find someone/ Who can give me what I want.“

Being an enthusiast for dominant divas who can belt it out (Beyoncé, anyone?) and a sucker for a good pop tune, I am very satisfied with All I Ever Wanted. Clarkson has definitely found her niche after test-driving the harder rock sound of the more “personal” My December. The Kelly who gave us the Grammy-winning Breakaway is back, and if I were obligated to describe her restoration in one word, that word would undoubtedly be: FIERCE.

Give these tracks a listen: “My Life Would Suck Without You,” “I Do Not Hook Up,” “Don’t Let Me Stop You“

For fans of: Katy Perry, P!nk, Avril Lavigne

– Mario Lugo