Kelly Clarkson is a presence that requires no preamble, nevertheless, with its unrefined, coarse sound and heartfelt lyrics, her latest endeavour feels like a self-reintroduction.
The 41-year-old superstar hailing from Texas is ready to dominate the charts once again, as she has stunningly succeeded in doing nine times before.
Following her divorce with the TV producer Brandon Blackstock, 46, after almost seven years of matrimony, her ninth studio album was unveiled.
The creation of Chemistry lasted three years, throughout which it unfolded her separation and allowed listeners to genuinely experience her regrouping in arguably her most victorious analysis of love since becoming the 2002 American Idol champion.
If you’re searching for a soundtrack to accompany self-care Sunday, look no further than Kelly’s interpretation of the quintessential empowering summer playlist, overflowing with positivity.
Upon hitting play, we were embraced by a wave of Kelly nostalgia as the familiar rhythms of the popstar we adore resonated in our ears.
Her opening track, Skip This Part, sets off as a tranquil ballad, initiating the impending emotional roller coaster.
Kelly effortlessly falls into her comfort zone as her timeless mesmerizing vocals and regal tones drive the soul-stirring sounds that flow like honey.
With a tempo akin to a pop-inspired waltz and subtle hints of soft rock, the song maturing as she lays bare her emotions, propelling her career which embarked in the early 2000s into the current era dominated by TikTok and teenage fans.
Kelly’s subsequent track, Mine, kicks off with simple, virtually solitary jazz notes and relies on her remarkable vocal range to make itself heard, reminding us how she established her alias.
This second track asserts her comeback to creation of albums with a decisive bang, featuring rich supporting vocals, runs across her full register, and a nod to the era that defined her with indie pop relaxed surges and lively beats.
As the album’s progression matched the changing moods, listeners could sense the shifting energy as it captured Clarkson regaining her footing post a distressing, soul-crushing heartbreak.
High Road served as the ideal motivational pick-me-up track, enabling fans to soak up her strong, confident energy.
The drums aided the track to accomplish its powerful climax, transforming it into more of an anthem intended to be passionately belted out by the singer.
Songs like Magic and Favourite Kind of High followed the conventional cues of High Road as they cheerfully danced and sang in the inimitable style of Kelly’s music, pleasing the ear one flawless lyric at a time.
The Grammy laureate tugged at hearts with Lighthouse, staying true to the raw reality of pain and sorrow.
This emotionally charged ballad was a standout track, momentarily severing links with the upbeat vibe of the album to lattice Clarkson’s sorrow into her music.
The unadorned piano led her voice to familiar altitudes we were aware she could scale – however, we couldn’t help but marvel in wonder as she ascended into her upper register during perhaps the darkest moment in the album.
The song’s emotive lyrics kept us rapt, causing us to introspect on our own life issues as we found temporary solace along with Kelly.
Just as poetically as she opened the song, she concludes it, almost resembling the act of extinguishing a candle, as the music suddenly dissipated into a stark silence.
To draw a finale on the Kelly classic, she drives home her point with repetitive affirmations of “I Hate Love”.
As she grappled with her post-marital mindset, the twang of a banjo rung out, indicating that for the moment, romantic love was off the cards, etching itself into our minds as the heartbreak anthem of this summer.
That’s Right carried the album towards its conclusion, leaving behind a hopeful note suggesting things were gradually falling back into place.
The light-hearted music, laced with a touch of Latin dance tunes, asserted her power, and her raw voice washed away the painful memories of days past as she recaptured her joyous spirit.
From a musical perspective, the album wrapped on a satisfying note, largely staying faithful to her distinctive style and skill that has stood the test of time.
Throughout Chemistry, Kelly epitomizes delightfully unabashed honesty, and we wouldn’t want it any other way.
Kelly Clarkson’s newest album, Chemistry, is now accessible for streaming.
Chemistry, the fresh release from Kelly Clarkson is available for streaming now.