Hauntingly good (Breakaway - Kelly Clarkson)

Member Name: Charliewhippet

Product:	Breakaway - Kelly Clarkson
Date:	26/01/09 (52 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Beautiful songs that you will never hear on the radio

Disadvantages: These songs will get stuck in your head for days

Kelly's second album, and you can see her beginning to pull away from the image she was given after being crowned winner of American Idol, two years earlier. This album is better than her first, combining radio-friendly pop with songs that are a little deeper and darker than anything we would expect from Kelly; the epitome of the fresh faced, all American girl next door.

Breakaway, famously written in part by Avril Lavigne, was used in Princess Diaries 2. So far, so typical. But Kelly's brand of angry rock was beginning to emerge - who could forget "Since you've been gone," a good riddance song to an errant boyfriend, accompanied by an apartment trashing video? Woe betide the next person to underestimate this young woman.

For someone who always appears to be cheerful and good natured, Kelly Clarkson writes an awful lot of sad songs. Behind these hazel eyes, Because of you, Where is your heart - it seems that Kelly has had her heart broken in more ways than one. Anyone who has found themselves unable to leave a bad relationship will recognise themselves in Addicted. And when was the last time you heard a young female singer admit that "I hate myself for losing you"?

So many singers seem afraid to sing from the heart and expose their innermost thoughts - Kelly seems to have no choice but to express herself through songwriting. As well as this willingness to bare her soul, she sings with so much emotion that you always feel she is genuinely connected with the lyrics. "Hear me" and the stunning "Beautiful disaster" are never played on the radio, but they are incredible. I have no idea why Kelly is less well known or popular than the likes of Avril, Pink, and the like. But do yourself a favour and give this album a chance. Kelly Clarkson = awesome.

Summary: Gotta love Kelly