Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Kelly Clarkson's third album is significantly sassier than her previous two. Although there's really nothing that offensive, there's a lot more attitude and angst ("I hope the ring you gave to her/turns her finger green") coming from "Miss Independence," thanks to a conflict with her record label as well as some boy trouble.
Families can talk about how Clarkson fought hard to maintain creative control of this album instead of doing what the label dictated. When is it okay to try to go against what is expected? When is it not? Families can also discuss the various emotions people experience while recovering from a broken relationship, whether it's a boyfriend/girlfriend or a business partnership. What does wanting revenge get you?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Conny Coon
MY DECEMBER is Kelly Clarkson's third album since winning votes and hearts on American Idol, and she makes it painfully clear that she's all grown up. Gone is that plucky pop princess and in her place is a woman scorned -- by both a boy and a record label.
After tremendous critical and financial success, Clarkson took some chances with MY DECEMBER by making a much more personal record -- and publicly fighting her label to release it. She won the battle. The result is an album that may not see a slew of radio hits, but may help soothe the souls of teens suffering through their own relationship woes.
Clarkson co-wrote every song, and she willingly opens herself up to let listeners look inside. There's nothing overtly offensive here, but there's definitely some soul-searching, sadness, and serious rage. It's easy to see that she's been through a betrayal and a bad breakup. Her voice -- clearly the most powerful instrument on the album -- is just as passionate as before. What's different here, however, is that she's belting out her own emotions rather than singing songs composed by someone else.
Musically the melodies are bolder and brasher, whether it's a rocker like "Never Again" or a ballad like "Sober," which equates recovering from a relationship to -- you guessed it -- recovering from addiction. Lyrically, the album alternates between heartbroken ("I can't survive unless I know you're with me"), hopeful ("three months and I'm still breathing") and mad as heck ("does it hurt/to know I'll never be there/bet it sucks to see my face everywhere").
There's nothing groundbreaking on My December, but Clarkson's contemplative look into relationships will resonate with many. And despite all the difficulties, Clarkson has the strength to stand up for herself and stick to her guns. That attribute alone might make her more Idol-worthy than ever before.
Fans of Clarkson may also enjoy the other big voices of American Idol, including Clay Aiken and Katharine McPhee.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentOne angry reference to sex ("I hope when you're in bed with her, you think of me"). |
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Violence |
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LanguageOccasional spattering of words that some may find offensive (damn, hell, crap, sucks). |
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Social BehaviorHonest, passionate, emotional responses to betrayal and breakup (anger, depression, desperation), as well as some natural desire to enact revenge. The album itself -- and the fact that it was released the way Clarkson intended -- is testament to her ability to stick up for what she believes in and stand up for herself. "Never Again," however, does have a spiteful tone, with Clarkson admitting "I would never wish bad things, but I don't wish you well." |
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CommercialismObvious ties to American Idol. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoIn a bonus track that isn't even listed on the album, several references to "Chivas," which is presumably the whiskey. Song entitled "Sober" compares a relationship to addiction. |
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