When last we heard from 26-year-old Texas singer Kelly Clarkson, the first season winner of "American Idol" was feuding with record label chief Clive Davis over her third album "My December," a soggy and sullen effort that Davis accused of tamping out the spark fans loved most from the mildly rocking, gently female-empowering pop songstress. And Davis was right: When Clarkson toured in support of that disc, playing scaled-down theater shows after failing to sell out the arenas, the best tunes from her first two releases ("Behind These Hazel Eyes," "Miss Independent," "Breakaway") put to shame the disappointing, self-obsessed and bitter new material.
Clarkson returned to her old sugar-buzz form earlier this year with the blunt but catchy single "My Life Would Suck without You," tapping the talents of veteran teen-pop maestro Max Martin and setting a record for the largest leap to No. 1. And much of the rest of her fourth album, which was in large part produced by another teen-pop giant, Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic, falls giddily in line, with the auteur cheerfully eschewing all talk of trying to rewrite Bruce Springsteen's "Nebraska" this time around.
As this genre goes, I've long preferred Clarkson's peers Pink (before she got married and went soft), Joss Stone (who's a lot more soulful in a prefab way) and even Hilary Duff. Still, it's hard to deny the bubblegum charms of up-tempo songs such as "Long Shot" and "I Do Not Hook Up" (both co-written by Katy "I Kissed a Girl" Perry) and the Walmart-safe grunge anthem "Whyyouwannabringmedown." Sappy ballads such as "Cry" and "If No One Will Listen" aren't nearly as successful, but there's more than enough of the old Kelly (however genuine or manufactured that might have been) to please the faithful and modestly entertain--or at least not offend--anyone else within earshot of their daughters' cranked- up iPods.
Kelly never 'feuded' with Clive Davies over My December,why can NO ONE do research?!? Again, allowing other people's opinion depict how you write this article. Come up with some original criticism for once. Someone. Please.
My December was an album that people could relate to. Yes, it was written about her troubles but those are troubles that your average person goes through too which makes it relate-able.
I guess it's just opinion but when how seriously can I take a review when it states that the person prefers Hilary Duff over Kelly Clarkson?
This review is horrible. It isn't even a review. It's someone's low down attempt to deny an awesome vocalist and song writer her just dues.
I think it is hilarious you'd prefer a "manufactured" Hillary Duff over Kelly Clarkson.
It just proves not all reviews are worthy of being published.
Is this an over zealous opinionated article? YES! Is it a REVIEW? NO!
When it comes to music, my opinion is the only one that matters.
When I read a review about Kelly Clarkson written by a 40+ year old man (btw - I'm 25 years old) I usually don't pay attention (unless its from Simon Cowell, of course). Offering your views on an artist (however "manufactured" you may think they are) can only influence me so far. I never watched the first season of American Idol, but after I bought her first cd there was no holding back from purchasing her next two.
Kelly has a great voice and sounds amazing when she's live on stage. I also think its great that she stood up to Clive about the music/songs that she felt strongly about. I definitely think it wasn't her songs that didn't sell out arenas - maybe they actually should have promoted the album! Look at Taylor Swift - I saw her picture EVERWHERE before the album came out - and I didn't think that album was as great as Kelly's (Don't get me wrong - I like Taylor Swift's songs too).
Kelly rocks out and has an incredible voice! Maybe she doesn't write all of her own songs, but I could care less, she'll always be #1 in my Ipod. Her music is so uplifting and hypes me up, and she deserves to be on top of the charts!!!
KELLY CLARKSON!!
Seriouly, this review is somewhat of a joke. For the love of Pete can ANYONE do research??? Just as Danielle said, she never 'feuded' with Clive Davis. But because some bitter critic took this story and ran with it, it blew up all over the internet and tabloids and now everyone is deriving their criticism from other unreliable sources further recycling the highly media-driven hoax. Just plain stupid. Do us all a favor and get your story straight.. Seesh...
In April 2007, RCA/Arista/J Records label chief Clive Davis appeared at a company conference and complained that Clarkson was protesting that after two multi-platinum albums and hits-for-hire such as "Since U Been Gone," she no longer needed the svengali's help and insisted on recording the tunes she wrote with her band.
"This project is worth hundreds of millions of dollars," Davis said. Then he played "Never Again," the first song on Clarkson's new album. "Does this sound like a No. 1 single to you?" he asked.
A short time later, in one of many interviews in which she addressed the label's problems with "My December," Clarkson told Entertainment Weekly: "They were like, 'It's just too negative.' I'm like, 'Well, I'm sorry I've inconvenienced you with my life. ... But it's reality.'"
That kind of back and forth certainly sounds like a feud to me, as I wrote at the time, and as I emphasize again here.
you are trying to "prove your point" by saying "playing scaled-down theater shows after failing to sell out the arenas".
MANY artists are having the SAME troubles:
Maroon 5, Britney Spears, etc.....
You fail to credit Kelly's vocals. Her voice is what has gotten her to where she is now.
Whether you have a hatred of American Idol, RCA, or just Kelly Clarkson, I don't know....but your so-called "review" is a disservice to the artist.
Choc full of half truths and insinuations.
I'm particually upset with the following excerpt:
"with the auteur cheerfully eschewing all talk of trying to rewrite Bruce Springsteen's "Nebraska" this time around."
Just because Kelly described My December as being "Nebraska"-esque. She only referred to it as in popularity with the overall mainstream.
This is a great review and I also prefer Hilary Duff over Kelly Clarkston. Hilary Duff's songs are better written and her band is much better than Kelly's synthetic music.
You really suck at giving reviews. You think anyone will listen to you because you degraded the artist. Kelly Clarkson did an amazing job and it's apparent that she's more successful than you. This isn't a review, if it is, then it's a horrible review. Just watch her "All I Ever Wanted" will be one of the best selling albums. Then you may get fired for writing a stupid review :)
Kelly Clarkson is one of the best artists ever. I love her and her vocal is just simply amazing and I love it how you don't say anything about her vocal and everything..
I'm sorry, but if you prefer a MANUFACTURED Hilary Duff over Kelly Clarkson..you really have no taste in music...
Kelly could sing circles around Hilary Duff....
"Hilary Duff's songs are better written and her band is much better than Kelly's synthetic music. "
THAT HONESTLY IS THE FUNNIEST THING I'VE HEARD!!!
I'm still laughing
This review is embarassing. And Hillary?
This is the most ridiculous review I have ever read in my life. Hilary Duff over Kelly Clarkson? seriously...you obviously can't hear very well Kelly Clarksons voice is 10 billion times better than Hilary Duff! Wow you should stop doing reviews!
Come on Jim...Hilary Duff? You just completely discredited yourself. Neither she nor Joss Stone has even done half of what Kelly Clarkson has in the music industry (and I like Joss). Sure, she and Clive clashed a bit over her last record, but that's what Clive Davis does (go ask Alicia Keys...but since she's a talented artist, you probably hate her too). In your "research", did you come across the fact that Clive HATED the song Because Of You and said it'd never be a hit? Did you know that another top 5 hit, Behind These Hazel Eyes, was like the last song put on Breakaway because Clive hated it as well?
Personally, I'm not sure how a 75 year old can even know what's relevant in music these days, but that's not important. What's important is your lame attempt at Clarkson-bashing. I give her credit. She realized the arena tour (that her management, THE FIRM, set up) wasn't going to work, so she scrapped it in favor of a smaller-scaled tour. Ask her anyday and she'll tell you she prefers intimate settings as opposed to large arenas. Which is probably why she split with The Firm right after the cancellation.
Sadly, she's one of the few female artists who can sing live these days. I'm guessing that maybe you haven't ever seen her in concert. She's nearly flawless and also very real. She's also about to take over pop music again and you're going to have to sit there and take it like a champ bud.
Oh yeah, let me know when Hilary Duff wins a Grammy...you have my email.
I believe the review from the brilliant writer, Ann Powers of the L.A. Times said it more eloquently. Jim, you should check her stuff out on the internet. BTW, she gave Kelly's All You Ever Wanted, 3 1/2 stars of 4.
Umm, 2.5 is WAY low because all of the songs are awesome (Except whyuwannabringmedown) and clearly showcase Kelly's different sides. Cry is also one of my favorite songs on the album, so watch your lies, please, about the sappiness. It is very similar to Because of You. Very prospecting for the future. GREAT JOB KELLY!
Its really quite a stretch to consider her pushing to get her own music produced a 'feud'. Clive didn't believe there were enough radio friendly tunes on Kelly's more artistic path with "My December", this is true. However, its simply ridiculous to say that Kelly had a huge 'feud' with Clive just because she simply pressed to get her music out. "My December" has been certified platinum selling over 2.5 million copies worldwide; not too bad for something that was completely mismanaged with little to no promotion. Yeah, and about the Hilary Duff comment, you're either completely def or just asking for brutal criticism. It doesn't take much to tell which of the two were actually "manufactured"... Anyways, when "All I Ever Wanted" completely eats up the album charts next week, your lame review is going to look pretty lonely.
Mr. DeRogatis, did you ever listen to Clarkson's "December" album? The arrangements alone are imaginative, complex, and high-quality. Her singing is superb. It's an angry, sad album brimming with vigor.
"Disappointing" applies only if you wanted something else. But Clarkson followed her own muse and that takes courage.
"self-obsessed and bitter"? Geez looweez, do you listen to pop, rock, or blues at all?! Those adjectives fit most songs.
Kelly Clarkson vs Hillary Duff? Get real dude! Plus "My December" kicked @ss.Sorry you and others got all caught up in the BS surrounding that album. It`s critics like you that condemded the album before it was ever released... that showed total unprofessionalism to a real talent like Kelly Clarkson. That being said....I personally don`t like the way Kelly "caved" to the music establishment and regressed to,though I like it,this level of music... "My life would Suck without You"..I fully understand that "she was forced" to do this type of song and album....I just know Kelly is capable of far better as was demonstrated with "My December". I love you Kelly!
I think Sarah took the words right out of my mouth. Honestly, My December was not promoted AT ALL. Having been to one of Kelly Clarkson's concerts, I can tell you that the woman can sing live and does it wonderfully. If you want Hilary Duff, and forgive me if I am wrong, but when was her last top 40 hit? Or how about Joss Stone? Can't remember? Me either. Kelly is talented, and the review is a joke. Instead of a bashing an artist, why not comment on the actual things that matter?
come on....it just looks like you have a personal problem with kelly ...the album is great....i'd say the best album by kelly soo far , a 2.5 commmme ooooooooooon.....
it gets an easy 4/5 u will come around...after another listen to the album
Kelly Clarkson can blow away pretty much anyone live, and she doesn’t really care if she sells 10 million albums or not. She just wants to create a cd which people can relate to and which has variety; worth the $30 price tag. She again proves this variety on All I Ever Wanted with the pop hits I do not hook up and MLWSWU; upbeat almost techno track If I can't have you; country waltz ballad Cry and punk rock Whyyawannabringmedown. Not many can do as many genres as well as kelly can full stop. She proved this on AI.
Personally I don't think All I Ever Wanted is her best CD but certainly not a C-. Infact I don't know if you even listen to the whole album your've hardly mentioned one track.
It does seem a little over produced in parts for a singer of such a high quality for exaple I don't believe she needs to use the Auto Tune and the drums in Save you do get slightly annoying when she has such a powerful voice. I think where Kelly really prospers most is where she writes or co-writes her own tracks, she brings out such emotion in tracks that have meaning to her. For example Irvine on My December has such relevance and passion its just beautiful. Also Never Again, Because of you, Behind these hazel eyes, Already Gone and Cry are all some of her best and also the most successful tracks where she takes her voice often to its breaking point.
And as for those of you that say My December was a disaster you should do some research. My December sold 2 million copies worldwide with nothing but negative promotion surrounding it, in a time where the music industry was in a major slump. Never again was also a top 10 hit around the world and in America. Sure the album wasn't very commercial but good on Kelly for going with her gut; every song told a story and showcased her vocal talent. 9/10 for me.
As for All I Ever Wanted it features 14 pretty good tracks, 6 co written by Kelly, 2 made for the album, and six demo / covers which may be slightly to many but she adds to each one from the originals which otherwise would largely of not been heard. It has something for everyone lots of pop, a bit of rock, powerful ballads and I want you with Duffy - funny track indeed :D.
Jimbo:
Why do you bother reviewing schlock anyway?
There's so many good, cutting edge releases on independent labels every month, why don't you stick with those?
Especially on your radio show, it's the big industry releases you spend the most time on, while ignoring the stuff that really needs to be ferreted out and examined.
Also, you need to do more book reviews on your radio show.
It's hysterical you even mention Hilary Duff in a music column. WOW
Wow, I guess all these people's "opinions" are more important than the author's opinion.
He wrote what he thought.
And Clarkson/Davis certainly did feud. In fact, Clive was refusing to release the major bomb...because he thought it was a...hmm...MAJOR BOMB.
It took Kelly's new manager (Reba's husband) to convince Clive to release it, because Kelly had "earned" a failure or two.
Well it tanked. Kelly learned that perhaps Clive Davis knew more than she did. Now she's back to her teenage pop. Even she realizes that its about the money, not the art.
Wow, from the looks of these comments, Clarkson/American Idol fans seem to be a defensive and deluded bunch. I thought you were pretty positive, considering!
And now, a word from the publicist for one of the disc's other producers:
----------------------
Jim,
We appreciate the review (Chicago Sun Times) for the new Kelly Clarkson album "All I Ever Wanted."
I just wanted to point out, that nearly half the album, including several of the songs you mention, were actually produced by Howard Benson (Daughtry, My Chemical Romance, All American Rejects, Three Days Grace etc).
The songs produced by Howard are:
“I Do Not Hook Up”
“Don’t Le Me Stop You”
“Longshot”
“Cry”
“Ready”
“Can We Go Back” - bonus track
Thank you for your time.
Best regards,
Alia Fahlborg
Senior VP
Nettwerk Producer Management
I think the main problem with this article is really simple...it sounds like it was writen by a 13 year old girl, you know, the one who thinks she knows what shes talking about cause she read a blog on the internet two years ago and now her opinon is better then anyone elses.
I mean come on, if your going to say you dont like something because it sounds "manufactured", and then say you prefer hilary duff (who i think even hilary would say..."huh?") theres something off. On top of that he really didnt do much research. Im all about people having there own opinions but if your a writer/reviewer they should be valid...o well.
I just have one thing to say, and that's no one who preers Hilary Duff over Kelly Clarkson should be paid to review an album.
Wow, this is really a poor excuse for a review. It spends more time talking about the author's dislike of Kelly than actually reviewing the tracks. Kelly is one of the great talents in pop music today and to compare her to Hilary Duff or Joss Stone is a complete joke. This new album is a diverse collection of rock-pop that shows Kelly is clearly still at the top of her game. Yes, it is more accessible than My December (which was tragically sabotaged by her label), but it still resonates emotionally with the listener. Cry ("sappy ballad") is one of the most achingly beautiful songs in recent memory, it's just too bad your bias can't let you appreciate it.
What!?!?!?!?!??!?!? :( -# This review was horrible!! I heard the album and it rocks. Also, why would you even dare to compare Kelly with Hilary Duff.
And I liked "My December" sure it wasn't successful but it was pretty good.
WHYDOYOUBRINGHERDOWN!
I'd just like to say that your review definitely needs to be RE-VIEWED.
Meaning you should proofread what you write for accuracy.
My December was far from displaying clarkson as self absorbed. You're basically stereotyping every artist out there that writes lyrics about their life experiences.
An artist will never broaden their fansbase without a sound update every once in awhile too, and changing it up once in awhile keeps the fans interested. I've purchased her first three albums and i'm in the process of buying the third.
LONG LIVE KELLY BRIANNE CLARKSON.
And for being a writer in one of the music capitals of the United States, you surely have no clue what you are talking about.
My December has garnered 2.5 million sales worldwide..
For an unpromoted BOMB of an album...I think that is impressive..
this "defensive and deluded bunch" are trying to give a talented artist her just dues....
I don't really understand what this guy is saying. I mean, what has he heard from Miss Duff lately? He obviously doesn't know what he's talking about. Who doesn't love CRY? Kelly's voice on the song alone is enough reason to like it. Her voice is magic no matter what she sings. The album is better than I hoped.
I agree, someone else should review this album from this paper. This guy has no relevance. We should also jump all over Rolling Stone and EW. This album deserves an A and four stars, in my humble opinion.
hahahahahahahahaha your a f--ken retard... stop being bias and actually say what you really think about this amazazing album!
I agree with everything above. My eyes bugged out when you compared Hilary to Kelly. I think Hilary has a nice, soft, simple, sweet voice, but Kelly has a huge powerhouse voice. It's like saying you prefer Paris Hilton over Christina Aguilera. I also think that if Clive, and RCA were so against My December, why did they let her release it. And why did they let her do this new album after My December flopped. Hilary and her lable, Disney's Hollywood Records seem to be having more trouble than Kelly and RCA.
I agree that 'All I Ever Wanted' is a weak, generic album, but I'm inclined to laugh at anyone who openly admits to being a Hilary Duff fan so I don't think I'm totally on your page. Because, dude, I don't think you understand how the mainstream music connoisseurs view stuff. 'Breakaway' is kind of like the Citizen Kane of pop albums.
Also, I don't know what the people in the comments are talking about; it was no secret that Clive was very displeased with Kelly's insistence on releasing 'My December' as she envisioned it.
My favourite part of this review is the scaled down concert venues comment that nobody seems to be getting right. She did not cancel her tour because of bad record sales. It was a HORRENDOUSLY planned tour.
If you would remember correctly the tour began BEFORE the CD was even released. This meant that when tickets were being sold, this was WELL before the CD was released.
Kelly Clarkson had always played theatres and to move up to arenas and expect to sell them 2 years after the last single and well before the album the tour is dedicated to is released is simply bad management.
Coincidentally, her manager was fired very shortly after this debacle.
That's the only comment I'm even doing to dignify because the rest of this review is practically copied and pasted from an article 2 years ago.
You prefer Hilary Duff to Kelly Clarkson....way to discredit yourself. And yeah, Joss Stone-- entirely different genre. Um, Chicago Sun Times, please hire a new reviewer. One who knows what they are talking about.
Your review has inspired me to go purchase these songs on itunes.
Thanks1 :P
(Duff, really?)
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha...
You need to get a new pair of ears maybe.
Hilary Duff over Kelly.Oh My God!
I guess you thought that you might get noticed for writing something like this.Well,you succeeded in getting noticed.But come on man,all you are getting is negativity.
What a hideous review, you clearly lack any decent review skills. Hilary Duff over Kelly? What a moron!
I think the funniest part about this whole article is the fact that when you posted a comment defending your "feud" statement, you posted someone else's comment, and did not provide the source. I'm just curious, do you do any of your own writing, or do you plagiarize all of your work? If you're going to continue plagiarizing your work, at least find someone who does decent research to steal from.
I hate this review. Someone that doesn't know Kelly Clarkson that well (and reading this review for the first time) may actually think she has a bad album. Her album is amazing and this so-called review makes me like her album even more...
Go Clarkson!
for those who think that klly clarkson is better than hilary duff....they are crazy, stupid and hava no idea about what musci really is. As other peple said hilary duff's songs are better written, have much better music than kelly clarkson's and also hilary duff's voice is thousands time MUCH BETTER!! than the ugly mens voice, i think kelly clarkson would succeed in music if she changes of sex!!!!!
Have you ever heard an interview from Kelly lately? She has said many times that this "feud" with Clive was blown waaay out of proportion and that she has always had a struggle with every album that she has made. Kelly is the BEST!!
I don't know about us, Kelly's fans, about being stupid and else,Matt. But what about YOU butchering the English language- what adjectives do you think you deserve? And being a fan of great songs like Fly or Come Clean it's kind of impossible to me to imagine a universe in which Hilary could be better than Kelly. And about Jim's review, I think he used Hilary's name as a hyperbole. Anyways, being a thirty-something myself, I consider that he shouldn't criticise any artist's production if he's not able to listen without prejudice.
The vocal ability of an artist is always open to debate but at lease there's sth that ppl have to come to agreement. That Kelly's voice is awesome, as praised by all 3 judges of American Idol and proved by 2 grammy awards. Wat 'bout Hilary Duff? She's a manufactured chick who can hit high notes in desperation. The idea that Hilary is better than Kelly is moronic. U can compare Kelly wit Avril or Pink but not Hilary. She's well below the league.
This review is HORRIBLE!!!! Kelly Clarkson is one of the best female singers out there and you compare her to Hilary Duff?? Hilary duff doesnt no a high note from a low note cause all her music is fake. I just got kellys new album and it is amazing. You might want to listen to it again, because everyone else thinks it is good.
Wow...this review belongs right up there with the other badly misinformed reviewers! Sure, Hillary Duff has a nice voice and so do a lot of other artists...but definitely not in the same caliber as Kelly Clarkson.
I suggest you watch American Idol Season 1 and Kelly's performance of the various genres. Also, while you're at it, review also her performances with Fantasia. Better yet, check out her performances on YouTube during the Lifetime Women Original with En Vogue and her cover of Aero Smith's cryin. In fact, watch ALL performances on YouTube to educate yourself. Maybe you will be able to write a better review after getting better informed.
Oh, any album that sells over 1 million (and we know they all did)worldwide is no chump change!
This guy is an idiot. First of all, Hillary Duff is nowhere CLOSE to Kelly Clarkson. Her ballads aren't "sappy," you just obviously don't know good music.
She shouldn't have to always put out the same music. Nothing was disappointing about My December, and nothing was put to shame.
You need to educate yourself about Kelly Clarkson, the music industry, and you could also take a few journalism classes so you can construct a decent review without using cliche comments and terrible writing technique.
Some of this is also plaguerized. You are terrible.
Well is it so wrong to prefer kelly over hilary. Does everybody HAVE to like kelly over hilary. I thought other people liked hilary duff
I don't think this writer really has a grasp of Kelly's amazing talent. She is nowhere NEAR the same ballpark as Hillary Duff....This album is FANTASTIC! Singles left and right.....I am a 29 year old male, by the way, and a BIG music fan. This girl's got talent.
"Cry" is one of the best songs on the album!
You call urself a reviewer. Comparing Hilary and Kelly. No comparison. U have listened to the album right? I dont think so. My December was THE best album she has mad so far. She did her own thing. Then she was pulled back into the old pop (not that i dont like her new album. I cant wait to see her in concert in August), but like Christina Aguilera's Stripped Album it was the artist writing the lyrics. Like some others have said no many artist can sing live well good anyways. I cant name two powerful voiced women.
Kelly Clarkson and Christina Aguilera.
No thats right no Hilary Duff in there sorry.I am very happy kelly went ahead and released my December. This is album is good but is not her best. Maybe next time listen to the Albums before reviewing them.
Thanks.
Kelly Clarkson is one of the best Idol winners that I have heard. She reminds me of Madonna, when it comes to longeivitiy. Keep up the good work Kelly
Wow alot of you have been drinking the kelly clarkson koolade. She IS manufactured! sorry to brake the news she needed dr.luke a.k.a. lucasz gottwold to write her "my life would suck without you" to put her on the map again after she booted luke during "my december" after he had written/produced "since u been gone" her biggest hits, then came back on her knees pleading. For a person who claims to hate " dumb pop music" I guess "my life would suck without you" is a lyrical masterpiece, who describes thery're life as "sucking" unless your a 14yr old girl?.
As far as her voice goes, WHO CARES!, Celin dion has a wider vocal range and i'm planning on buying her cd's anytime soon!. It doesn't camouflage the fact that her music is vanilla pop/rock music.
Also kelly clarkson is a arrogant pop star, who called clive dave "irrelevant", boasted her hit-making "songwriting" during promotion of "my december", bragged that "from justin to kelly" was the next grease, now the she'll be lucky to reach the success of my december as after only 5 weeks the album plummeted to #14 on the album sales charts.
For you people whining about the review you should check out her other bad reviews, they mostly say the exact same thing (exept the hillary duff part).
I didn't know idiots could write reviews. You sound like a 12 year old girl who has no clue what goes on in the music world. Maybe you should go listen to Hilary duff some more. She is the next Stevie Nicks! lol