Thankful (by Kelly Clarkson, Pop)

THANKFUL announces Kelly Clarkson's presence, if not as a full-fledged star, at least as a diva-in-waiting. Whether belting out up-tempo tracks or crooning a ballad, she sings with emotional depth and vocal range, and demonstrates the charm that propelled her to the top of the American Idol ballot box over a host of other contenders. In "Miss Independent," which Clarkson co-wrote with Christina Aguilera, she glissandos with the best of them, effortlessly hitting a different note for each syllable as she snarls, "But she mis-cal-cu-la-ted."

Clarkson shows her versatility in Thankful, backed by a stand-up bass, jazz style, and her range of several octaves in "Anytime." And while Clarkson owes a sizable debt to the album's top-heavy production staff, she is more than equal to the demands of the material.

Released on: April 15, 2003
Label: RCA
Genre: Pop