She may be best known for her pop rock anthems but the eight studio album from Kelly Clarkson heralds the return to her one and true love of soul music.
If you’ve been following Kelly from the American Idol days like us, you would not have forgotten her seamlessly breezing through the classics of Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin before releasing her largely soulful debut Thankful. Miss Clarkson since then has become a worldwide pop sensation and American Idol’s most successful contestant. (Shout out to Carrie Underwood too!)
June 2016 saw Kelly break away from her 14-year contract with RCA to join Atlantic Records, home of artists such as Janelle Monae and Trey Songz and it seems the move gave the singer more creative control, with Kelly teasing fans on her upcoming music and making the record she’d always wanted to and the one her fans had been asking for.
Now here it is – The Meaning Of Life was released on Friday the 27th October and we’re at hand to bring you a track-by-track review.
A Minute (Intro) – Because every great album needs an intro right? “I need a minute in my zone, where I can say just what I want” she sings and that’s just what she’s about to get.
Love So Soft – Yeah you might have just heard this one, as it was indeed released as Kelly’s lead single from the record, and oh boy what a single. This toe tapping, hip thrusting soulful pop slice makes everyone stand and take attention.
Heat – KC’s giving us Little Mix ‘Hair’ vibes on this one. After one listen to this, you’ll be shouting out the lyrics and clicking your fingers like there’s no tomorrow.
Meaning of Life – The title track is an atmospheric mid tempo song in which Kelly sings passionately about love and reminds us how of how beautiful it can be.
Move You – A standout track. Kelly Brianne Clarkson did not come to play with this haunting gospel influenced ditty. Just wait until the choir comes in and weep with us.
Whole Lotta Woman – “Texan woman do it bigger” she purrs. This is a fun track for you and your girls to get down to and the lyrics are laced with confidence and attitude. Kelly’s bubbly and charismatic personality which she often displays is well apparent on this one and we can’t wait to see this live.
Medicine – The album’s only been out a few days and this is already a fan favourite. This undeniable funky track has been described as ‘So Mariah’ by Kelly and is a 90’s throwback with notable influence from the era. As the ‘queen of breakup anthems’, it’s only right that this is released as a single to continue that winning streak! #youaintmymedicine
Cruel – Kelly is yet again singing for her supper on this one.
Didn’t I – In the same vein as ‘ Whole Lotta Woman’ and ‘Love So Soft’. We are loving this sass Miss Clarkson!
Would You Call That Love – A future megahit. Mark our words!
I Don’t Think About You – The emotional moment of the record. You will never fully truly appreciate the vocal capacity of Kelly Clarkson until you hear her singing effortlessly through a delectable and stripped down track such as this. Beautiful.
Slow Dance – The thing that has made Kelly maintain her longetivity in the industry, is not just her incredible vocals but her diversity. This track comes with a country twang and the result is perfection.
Don’t You Pretend – Taking it back all old skool style. Could have easily been a hit in the 1970’s and will be a hit today.
Go High – Inspired by Michelle Obama’s 2016 speech Democratic National Convention, Kelly does indeed end the album on a high . There are no words to describe how euphoric this songs is. Anthemic. Uplifting. Powerful.
Will you be buying a copy of Kelly Clarkson’s new album? Let us on know on Twitter @CelebMix