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June 28, 2007

Online Exclusive

Music Review

Keeping Her “Idol” Status

Kelly Clarkson’s new album proves she’s still got what it takes

Story by: Anthony Williams

The Shorthorn editor in chief

Can we finally give Kelly Clarkson some credit?

The first-ever American Idol, who went on to win two Grammys with her multi-platinum sophomore album, Breakaway, has been the subject of some negative publicity as of late. But after all the buildup, the Burleson native’s new CD, My December, was released this week, and it’s safe to say Clarkson knows what she’s doing.

Earlier this year came reports that record mogul Clive Davis was unhappy with Clarkson’s new songs, even offering her $10 million to cut some from the record. Yet Clarkson stood her ground through their talks, even when they became public. She’s since hired new management and canceled her summer tour, leaving fans to wonder if they might actually be disappointed with her new material after all.

But with December, the singer-songwriter has stepped it up by doing what she does best — writing emotionally charged songs and reaching out to listeners with her great storytelling ability.

The disc starts with her angry single “Never Again,” and as it continues one can see a portrait of the two years Clarkson spent working on the album.

What Davis and other record executives supposedly lamented was Clarkson’s lack of hooks and radio-friendly tracks. They greatly underestimate the listening public’s openness to actual talent and apparently think we can only digest quick hooks, beats and bridges.

If artists put out songs that truly speak to them, that people can connect to, that they themselves wrote and put time into — and who does that anymore? — the respect they garner for that usually equals respectful sales.

In fact, while Breakaway proved to be very successful, it had to grow on me. Whereas with December, each song hooked me in its own way. Clarkson’s writing is only getting better, as seen in the songs “Sober,” “One Minute” and “Haunted.”

“Judas” tells the pain of losing a friend who apparently wasn’t one. In “Irvine,” Clarkson appears to write a letter to God: “Your love, a complete mystery to me. Are you there watching me? As I lie here on this floor, do you cry, do you cry with me? Cry with me tonight.”

Clarkson’s fans will surely be appeased with her new effort, and others who have yet to notice her might be pleasantly surprised. There are the 13 tracks and a bonus song, “Chivas,” hidden after “Irvine.” Still, Clarkson just might be becoming a true idol in her own right.