Album Review: Kelly Clarkson “Piece by Piece”
Kelly Clarkson is back with her seventh studio album, and the last on her contract from winning 2002′s inaugural season of American Idol. “Piece by Piece” is her first full length album in 4 years (minus her christmas album, Wrapped in Red). The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album is illustrated as a concept record telling a single story.
Heartbreak Song: This song for me is too easy. It is the standard anthemic pop track, and while it may be great, I have come to want more from Kelly. She sounds great, and it was welcomed with open arms, but she can give us more than this. 7/10
Invincible: Now this is better. “Invincible” is a powerful, Sia penned track. It has depth and tells a story, but thats what Sia does, so it is no wonder I love this one. For me, it is one of the biggest highlights. 9/10
Someone: Written by Matthew Koma (Carly Rae Jepsen, Tieso, Zedd) “Someone” takes another angel then Koma is known for. This song is beautiful, and I love the message behind it. Clarkson’s voice is stunning on this track. 8/10
Take You High: “Take You High” was written by MoZella (”Wrecking Ball”) and was produced by Jesse Shatkin (Lily Allen, Ellie Goulding, Sia). It has a slight dub step chorus, mixed with a heavy string element. It is an interesting blend, that really works. 7.5/10
Piece by Piece: This song isn't amazing, but it still is one of my favorites. I really love it. It was written by Clarkson and Grammy winning writer/producer Greg Kurstin (Stronger, P!nk, Lily Allen). Kelly’s voice sounds great, but the chorus is the best part, it is light and uplifting. 9/10
Run Run Run: When you take a Tokio Hotel song and have Kelly Clarkson and John Legend sing it, you cannot go wrong. This is probably my favorite track on the album. Firstly, the song is STUNNING, Secondly, the production is beautiful and Thirdly, Kelly and John sounds absolutely incredible. I want nothing more. 10/10
I Had a Dream: Another track co-written with Kurstin, but without the same effect. Lyrically, its not the best. They are trying to make an uplifting track with a somewhat military drum line, but it doesn't work at all. It just sounds a bit too cheesy for me. It is one of the tracks that I skip regularly. 4/10
Let Your Tears Fall: Another track co-written by Sia, not as strong as their first track “Invincible” but good none-the-less. Sia really just gets emotion, lyrically I love this song. The track has an 80′s style synth blended with the 90′s bass line. 8.25/10
Tightrope: The last co-write with Kurstin. It is a beautiful ballad, showcasing the softer side of Clarkson. She sounds great, as usual, and the piano driven ballad really soars. It has a slightly ethereal sound to it. 8.5/10
War Paint: Another one that kind of falls into the background. It isn't bad, but it isn't a stand out in the slightest. Written by Sir Nolan (Nick Jonas, Justin Bieber). The biggest redeeming factor is the iconic, anthemic Kelly Clarkson vocal. 7.5/10
Dance with Me: I love this track. Its flirtatious and fun. You can't help but bob your head to it. I think this is the only track that captures the playfulness of Kelly Clarkson. Each verse builds to the anthemic chorus. 9.5/10
Nostalgic: This song should be better then it is. Kelly got a song written by Semi Precious Weapons frontman Justin Tranter, former Cobra Starship member Ryland Blackinton and Young Love, how isn't this a stand out. The song just falls a bit flat for me. She sounds great, especially in the chorus. It just doesn't feel like a song that Kelly should be singing. 6/10
Good Goes the Bye: This track was written by some of country musics finest, Shane McAnally (Kacey Musgraves, Miranda Lambert), Natalie Hemby (Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert) & Jimmy Robbins (Thomas Rhett, Lady Antebellum). Lyrically this should be a country song, but the production is not even close to country and it is frustrating. She has been saying she wants to go country, and this would have been the perfect segue. This song has potential, but is a let down to end the album. 6.5/10
Total: 7.71/10