Artist: Kelly Clarkson
Album: All I Ever Wanted
Release Date: 3.10.09

Since her win on the inaugural season of American Idol, Kelly Clarkson has sung her way into the hearts of millions around the world. She’s a rebel that’s got soul, and with the release of All I Ever Wanted, she’s doing it all over again. Sonically, this album is a happy medium between the soulful rock of her sophomore LP Breakaway and the gothic disposition of its follow-up My December. Here you’ll find satisfaction in her far-reaching vocals combined with heart-wrenching lyrics and a strong rock edge.

The album opens with the introductory single My Life Would Suck Without You which sounds far too much like her previous smash Since You’ve Been Gone. But then there are more rock-heavy cuts like I Do Not Hook Up (originally written by and for girl-kisser Katy Perry) that are just as radio-friendly with infectious hooks and edgy production. My personal favorite of the rocked out cuts is Don’t Let Me Stop You, a story of one-sided commitment and the strength to dismiss her half-hearted lover. “Don’t let me stop you, if you wanna leave baby you can leave, just don’t pretend that you’re into me if it ain’t true…” If I Can’t Have You is just one of the many guitar heavy tracks that pairs Clarkson with Ryan Tedder, lead singer of OneRepublic and contributing writer on much of the album. Other notable tracks include Long Shot, and the simple yet sentimental I Want You.

As expected, this project shines the most in its slower moments. Of the slow cuts, Cry is one of the most impressive in that every element of the song works together to deliver the sentiments that cannot be conveyed with words. Already Gone has an ethereal feel and is characterized by its airy, angelic vocals. If parting is truly a sweet sorrow, then Save You provides the soundtrack, very somber in nature with an interesting classical piano lead on the bridge. Ready has more of a country music feel to it and though it isn’t my favorite, I enjoy the laidback nature. If No One Will Listen closes out the project, a stunning cover from Keri Noble’s Fearless album (2004).

Where rock music and soul music collide, there you’ll find Kelly Clarkson - a fitting place for the Texas-bred singer with the voice that will find it’s name among the top voices of this era. In mostly every way All I Ever Wanted presents itself as a standout in her catalog. With no shame, I readily admit that I love Kelly Clarkson and I love this album. Creatively speaking, it’s all I ever wanted from her…

Sound-Savvy officially rates All I Ever Wanted with 4 out of 5 platinum headphones.

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Video: Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You