My December

What’s the Story?

Reviewed by connyc

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. The result is an album that 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.

Is It Any Good?

Her voice -- clearly the most powerful instrument on the album -- is as passionate as ever. What's different, however, is that Clarkson is 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"). Clarkson's contemplative look into relationships will resonate with many.