Kelly Clarkson "Stronger"

   The first track seems to be the reason why Clarkson became Miss Independent ten years ago. The bouncy rhythm and sparse piano are nice, but it is the biting lyrics that pack the most punch in the face of “Mr. Know It All.” I heard several versions of the first single and opener, but I prefer the radio edit over this one, even though it packs the most punch because lyrics take the driver seat. This is redundant and has been relayed by, I’m sure thousands of artists, and that is “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” makes you…do I have to be even more redundant? The song is full of such energy and drive, besides being insanely catchy and fist-pump worthy that the recurrently rehashed message may be forgiven.                                     Everyone has a “Dark Side,” and most prefer to avoid this seedy showcase. Some people’s dark side of the sun are still brighter than others’, but “Nobody's a picture perfect/But we're worth it.” The slightly haunting harmonies are simultaneously sunny, and work real well with the recurrence of the music box. This song should not be missed, and has an uplifting and universal message. "Honestly" I couldn't really put my feelings regarding the song into words, but I did not hate the song. The next song has a an engaging drum line in the forefront,but keeps the keys and the guitar farther away to showcase those powerful pipes of Clarkson revealing a subtle heartbreak and a lie hidden behind those three words. “You Love Me.” Yes, you do, admit it. Ok, after I admit I’m in denial then can you admit your love? It does not take an “Einstein” to realize that this song should absolutely be a single, with its message that many can relate to (there are plenty of players out there), the attitude she showcases in a subtle manner, and the rollicking rock production; whether it is the hooky keys, the soulful backing  vocals, or that guitar solo. The next song’s heavenly harmonies are “Standing Right in Front of You.” No More, No less, but completely worth it! "Hello," this song is a victory in every way from the lyrics and what they expose (even if we are aware of some of this already), to the production, to the instrumentals, to the amount of energy exuberated, and the vocals themselves. “You Can’t Win” all the time in everything you try, but if you listen to this song you can. Following such a powerful song, and ending the record at that, is hard to do, but the bluesy reality of “Breaking Your Own Heart” is sometimes what we need to make us (no, I refuse to say stronger) BETTER, and is just enough.                     The first bonus track is a re-recording of Jason Aldean’s “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” and gives you a sample of what a country version of Clarkson would be like. I remember that her last record was supposed to be a complete country record, but that was only in rumors. The guitar bursts at the end sound different for this type of song, but work well. This song for those “Alone” in spirit, but physically with someone else who has more interest in everyone else but his girlfriend; me, I have an interest in trying to figure out why this song is so enticing. This bonus track just makes me wanna scream yeah!Yeah!Yeah! and then the sugary and spunky synths and vocals  within the chorus change my mind and the bridge is not too shabby. Don’t like my comparison to () “Don’t Be A Girl About It,” or to make sure I don’t offend anyone, just don’t be so sensitive. The next song starts a a heart-string tugging country duet with with no hope in sight before blasting with this uplifting chorus that commands that “The Sun Will Rise.” It puts a spring in the tempo, adds some island backing vocals, and sounds like brand new day.