Following a brief hiatus, American Idol alum Kelly Clarkson has released her sixth studio album Piece by Piece.For her final pop album, Clarkson enlists help from producer Greg Kurstin, who’s worked with some of pop’s biggest names (Pink, Katy Perry and Lana Del Rey). Piece by Piece showcases Clarkson’s powerhouse vocals and her musical versatility, as it’s a mixture of pulsating electronic pop and orchestra heavy ballads.
Piece By Piece conveys that being true to yourself and not compromising your morals is key. When Clarkson stays true to her message, she’s able to successfully form an emotional connection with the listener. Title track, Piece by Piece, is a perfect example of this: itopenly criticises Clarkson’s father for his absence throughout her childhood. Invisible, co-written by Sia, also conveys Clarkson’s determination to remain true to herself and rise from the ashes, after her heart is broken (“Beat down on me beat down on me like a waterfall/cause I can take on so much more than I ever dreamed,”). Invincible could easily be the album’s next single but is less radio friendly than Heart Beat Song,which is catchy but simplistic.
At times, Kelly Clarkson’s newest release does drift off course. Take You High attempts to be a club friendly song but fails. The song begins with a soulful string section, before an unexpected beat drop consisting of vocal jarring and unfathomable electronic noises. Piece by Piece is a significant departure from Kelly Clarkson’s pop rock sound on My December (2007)and All I Ever Wanted (2009). However, devoted fans of Clarkson will be very pleased with her latest album.
BY JACK LACY
