As Kelly Clarkson gears up to release her tenth album, ‘chemistry,’ take a listen to a dozen songs that showcase the wide range of the pop star’s discography.
From her very first moments of fame, Kelly Clarkson has had great expectations placed upon her shoulders. As the very first winner of ‘American Idol’ back in 2002, the world longed for the Texas native to be a star — and she has delivered on that hope time and time again.
Clarkson’s powerhouse voice immediately makes her talent apparent, but her ability to convey the most nuanced of emotions — while delivering the biggest of choruses — is what has made her a pop icon. Across 20 years and nine albums, she’s sung pop, soul, R&B, rock, electronic, and holiday songs with equal skill and dexterity. Even outside of her music, she’s proven to have the personality to endear her to fans, both on social media and on her award-winning talk show.
Just before Clarkson’s debut album, Thankful, turned 20, the singer announced that her tenth album, chemistry, will arrive on June 23. As she shared on social media, the album will explore the good and bad of chemistry, with each song representing “a different stage and emotional state.”
In honor of her storied career to this point — as well as her April 24 birthday — GRAMMY.com celebrates some of the best songs from Clarkson’s bright, wide-ranging career.
“A Moment Like This” (2002)
“A Moment Like This” will always be a massive part of Clarkson’s story. The crowning moment from her ‘American Idol’ win, this track was the first of many to showcase her formidable talent for delivering a ballad. While it was written for the show by John Reid and Jörgen Elofsson, Clarkson’s powerful voice and emotional delivery ensured “A Moment Like This” would always be thought of as hers.
Reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 (where it stayed for two weeks), the success of “A Moment Like This” proved ‘American Idol’ was capable of producing a successful star — and hinted that Clarkson was only just beginning her pop-star story.
“Miss Independent” (2003)
The public’s first taste of Clarkson’s own writing came in the spring of 2003, just a few months after ‘Idol’ ended. After “Miss Independent” was scrapped from Christina Aguilera’s Stripped album, it ended up in Clarkson’s hands — and her reworked version served as the perfect introduction to Kelly Clarkson the artist.
The track offered a bit of bite compared to the sound of “A Moment Like This.” Fierce lyrics and R&B influences — combined with a driving chorus — teased the empowering music that was to come from the new superstar. Ultimately, “Miss Independent” proved Clarkson’s ‘Idol’ win was no fluke, and showed she had the power to thrive as an artist in her own right.
“Breakaway”(2004)
Clarkson’s second album, Breakaway, found her fully coming into her power as a pop singer, and its title track remains one of her most powerful songs to date. Leaning more into her rock influences has always been a recipe for success for Clarkson, and the chorus of “Breakaway” is undeniable, from the soaring riff to her emotive vocals. (Like “Miss Independent,” “Breakaway” also linked her to a fellow star: Avril Lavigne co-wrote the song.)
“Since U Been Gone” (2004)
Right on the heels of “Breakaway” came a track that showcases how successful Clarkson can be when she gets punchy and gritty; the pop-punk guitar and drums set it apart from her previous releases. “Since U Been Gone” has the pop melody and dense production that can be found in much of producer/songwriters Max Martin and Dr. Luke’s work — and though Clarkson has had her disagreements with the latter, it was clear by this point Clarkson could sing these types of songs well.
The track provided both immediate and long-term success for Clarkson, winning one of her first GRAMMYs (for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance; Breakaway won for Best Pop Vocal Album that year) and remaining one of the most iconic songs of her career.
“Because of You” (2004)
“Because of You” is a near-flawless showcase of Clarkson’s ability to dig deep emotionally in her writing. Written as a teenager about her father, “Because of You” drips with the pain that comes with a cherished relationship falling apart.
While there are big moments where Clarkson belts, it’s the tender delivery throughout the song that really resonates. The raw track comes from a deeply personal experience, something Clarkson has continued to dig deeper into throughout her career. And though “Because of You” may be one of her slowest tracks to date, it’s also one of her biggest, with over 580 million streams on Spotify and 500 million views on YouTube.
“Irvine” (2007)
Clarkson’s third album, My December, is one of her heaviest projects, and more of a full-blown rock album than a pop record. Thematically, My December touches on depression, betrayal and self-doubt.
The project’s standout track is “Irvine,” a 9-minute epic that finds Clarkson reaching out to whatever divine entity or energy there may be to ask for help. It’s a jarringly candid look at Clarkson in one of her darkest moments, as she asks, “Are you there watching me as I lie here on this floor?/ Do you cry, do you cry with me?” It’s Clarkson at her most honest, a trait that has always stood out in her music.
“My Life Would Suck Without You” (2009)
Besides being a catchy and upbeat banger, “My Life Would Suck Without You” is also reflective of a lot of personality traits that make Clarkson so beloved — both as an artist and as a talk show host. Lyrically, the message of gratitude and love is sincere and unrelentingly positive; melodically, it provides an infectious energy.
While Clarkson has plenty of belt-able choruses in her catalog, “My Life Would Suck Without You” offers arguably one of her most fun — particularly because of the titular line, which is just as applicable to best friends as it is to loved ones. The song holds a piece of Billboard chart history as well: It jumped a record 97 spots to land at No. 1 on the Hot 100.
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” (2011)
By the time Clarkson released her fifth album, Stronger, she was undoubtedly already in her stride. Even so, its title track “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” served as a testament to her longevity.
On the surface, the song is about thriving after a breakup. But its lyrics could also apply to Clarkson’s own resilience throughout the hardships of her career: “what doesn’t kill you makes a fighter, footsteps even lighter.” As proof of her continued grip on pop music, “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” gave Clarkson her third No. 1 on the Hot 100 — her first of the 2010s — and a nomination for Record Of The Year at the 55th GRAMMY Awards.
“Underneath The Tree” (2013)
The annals of Christmas songs are both hallowed and crowded, making it hard for new entries to break into the rotation. Yet Clarkson’s charm and knack for catchy melodies helped her spawn a new classic with “Underneath The Tree,” one of many spectacular tracks on her first holiday album, 2013’s Wrapped In Red.
A full blast of whimsical jingle bells, piano and cheer, “Underneath The Tree” is the holidays distilled into one song. Vocally, Clarkson’s long belted notes rank among some of the best big singing moments in her discography.
“Run Run Run (feat. John Legend)” (2015)
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LIST
Kelly Clarkson Essentials: 12 Songs That Highlight Her Illustrious Pop Career
As Kelly Clarkson gears up to release her tenth album, ‘chemistry,’ take a listen to a dozen songs that showcase the wide range of the pop star’s discography.
GABRIEL AIKINS
|
GRAMMYS
/
APR 24, 2023 – 05:21 PM
From her very first moments of fame, Kelly Clarkson has had great expectations placed upon her shoulders. As the very first winner of ‘American Idol’ back in 2002, the world longed for the Texas native to be a star — and she has delivered on that hope time and time again.
Clarkson’s powerhouse voice immediately makes her talent apparent, but her ability to convey the most nuanced of emotions — while delivering the biggest of choruses — is what has made her a pop icon. Across 20 years and nine albums, she’s sung pop, soul, R&B, rock, electronic, and holiday songs with equal skill and dexterity. Even outside of her music, she’s proven to have the personality to endear her to fans, both on social media and on her award-winning talk show.
Just before Clarkson’s debut album, Thankful, turned 20, the singer announced that her tenth album, chemistry, will arrive on June 23. As she shared on social media, the album will explore the good and bad of chemistry, with each song representing “a different stage and emotional state.”
In honor of her storied career to this point — as well as her April 24 birthday — GRAMMY.com celebrates some of the best songs from Clarkson’s bright, wide-ranging career.
“A Moment Like This” (2002)
“A Moment Like This” will always be a massive part of Clarkson’s story. The crowning moment from her ‘American Idol’ win, this track was the first of many to showcase her formidable talent for delivering a ballad. While it was written for the show by John Reid and Jörgen Elofsson, Clarkson’s powerful voice and emotional delivery ensured “A Moment Like This” would always be thought of as hers.
Reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 (where it stayed for two weeks), the success of “A Moment Like This” proved ‘American Idol’ was capable of producing a successful star — and hinted that Clarkson was only just beginning her pop-star story.
“Miss Independent” (2003)
The public’s first taste of Clarkson’s own writing came in the spring of 2003, just a few months after ‘Idol’ ended. After “Miss Independent” was scrapped from Christina Aguilera’s Stripped album, it ended up in Clarkson’s hands — and her reworked version served as the perfect introduction to Kelly Clarkson the artist.
The track offered a bit of bite compared to the sound of “A Moment Like This.” Fierce lyrics and R&B influences — combined with a driving chorus — teased the empowering music that was to come from the new superstar. Ultimately, “Miss Independent” proved Clarkson’s ‘Idol’ win was no fluke, and showed she had the power to thrive as an artist in her own right.
“Breakaway”(2004)
Clarkson’s second album, Breakaway, found her fully coming into her power as a pop singer, and its title track remains one of her most powerful songs to date. Leaning more into her rock influences has always been a recipe for success for Clarkson, and the chorus of “Breakaway” is undeniable, from the soaring riff to her emotive vocals. (Like “Miss Independent,” “Breakaway” also linked her to a fellow star: Avril Lavigne co-wrote the song.)
“Since U Been Gone” (2004)
Right on the heels of “Breakaway” came a track that showcases how successful Clarkson can be when she gets punchy and gritty; the pop-punk guitar and drums set it apart from her previous releases. “Since U Been Gone” has the pop melody and dense production that can be found in much of producer/songwriters Max Martin and Dr. Luke’s work — and though Clarkson has had her disagreements with the latter, it was clear by this point Clarkson could sing these types of songs well.
The track provided both immediate and long-term success for Clarkson, winning one of her first GRAMMYs (for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance; Breakaway won for Best Pop Vocal Album that year) and remaining one of the most iconic songs of her career.
“Because of You” (2004)
“Because of You” is a near-flawless showcase of Clarkson’s ability to dig deep emotionally in her writing. Written as a teenager about her father, “Because of You” drips with the pain that comes with a cherished relationship falling apart.
While there are big moments where Clarkson belts, it’s the tender delivery throughout the song that really resonates. The raw track comes from a deeply personal experience, something Clarkson has continued to dig deeper into throughout her career. And though “Because of You” may be one of her slowest tracks to date, it’s also one of her biggest, with over 580 million streams on Spotify and 500 million views on YouTube.
“Irvine” (2007)
Clarkson’s third album, My December, is one of her heaviest projects, and more of a full-blown rock album than a pop record. Thematically, My December touches on depression, betrayal and self-doubt.
The project’s standout track is “Irvine,” a 9-minute epic that finds Clarkson reaching out to whatever divine entity or energy there may be to ask for help. It’s a jarringly candid look at Clarkson in one of her darkest moments, as she asks, “Are you there watching me as I lie here on this floor?/ Do you cry, do you cry with me?” It’s Clarkson at her most honest, a trait that has always stood out in her music.
“My Life Would Suck Without You” (2009)
Besides being a catchy and upbeat banger, “My Life Would Suck Without You” is also reflective of a lot of personality traits that make Clarkson so beloved — both as an artist and as a talk show host. Lyrically, the message of gratitude and love is sincere and unrelentingly positive; melodically, it provides an infectious energy.
While Clarkson has plenty of belt-able choruses in her catalog, “My Life Would Suck Without You” offers arguably one of her most fun — particularly because of the titular line, which is just as applicable to best friends as it is to loved ones. The song holds a piece of Billboard chart history as well: It jumped a record 97 spots to land at No. 1 on the Hot 100.
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” (2011)
By the time Clarkson released her fifth album, Stronger, she was undoubtedly already in her stride. Even so, its title track “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” served as a testament to her longevity.
On the surface, the song is about thriving after a breakup. But its lyrics could also apply to Clarkson’s own resilience throughout the hardships of her career: “what doesn’t kill you makes a fighter, footsteps even lighter.” As proof of her continued grip on pop music, “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” gave Clarkson her third No. 1 on the Hot 100 — her first of the 2010s — and a nomination for Record Of The Year at the 55th GRAMMY Awards.
“Underneath The Tree” (2013)
The annals of Christmas songs are both hallowed and crowded, making it hard for new entries to break into the rotation. Yet Clarkson’s charm and knack for catchy melodies helped her spawn a new classic with “Underneath The Tree,” one of many spectacular tracks on her first holiday album, 2013’s Wrapped In Red.
A full blast of whimsical jingle bells, piano and cheer, “Underneath The Tree” is the holidays distilled into one song. Vocally, Clarkson’s long belted notes rank among some of the best big singing moments in her discography.
“Run Run Run (feat. John Legend)” (2015)
“Run Run Run” starts off deceptively simple. A ballad that shows off Clarkson’s vocal range is always welcome, and that’s what this deep cut from 2015’s Piece by Piece appears to be on the surface. But when “Run Run Run” explodes into a billowing wall of choral harmonies and driving percussion, it is breathtaking — and points to Clarkson’s ability to keep fans on their toes. And with another legendary crooner, John Legend, on the track, “Run Run Run” is one of many underrated treats in her discography.
“Would You Call That Love” (2017)
Clarkson’s eighth album — and first with Atlantic Records — Meaning of Life found Clarkson going back to her R&B influences, and it’s apparent on “Would You Call That Love.” The backing vocals lean into gospel, and the song is built on a strong and sharp percussion line.
The track also contains some of Clarkson’s smartest writing, challenging an ex about whether what they had was truly love (and what love even means) as she sings, “When you look back on love, do you think of us? When it’s all said and done is it all enough?”
“Me” (2023)
Clarkson gave fans two new tracks to preview chemistry, “me” and “mine,” two songs that hint she’s not holding anything back on her tenth album. While both are powerful statement pieces, “me” is the standout, proving that she’s more powerful than ever even 20 years into her career.
The track incorporates gospel-style backing vocals and big, echoing piano chords that elevate the song’s self-empowering message. “Don’t need to need somebody when I got me,” Clarkson sings, finding strength in herself once again. It’s a testament to the fact that self-acceptance is a constant journey, and one that Clarkson has articulated so well for two decades — and counting.