professionalism that has marked the rest of Clarkson's postpeak phase.
Working with songwriting and production A-listers like Greg Kurstin
(Sia, Britney Spears), Clarkson doubles down on songs that put her
skyscraping voice first. And it sounds better than ever. The exuberance
that resulted in oversung performances early in her career is now tamped
down in favor of superior control and dynamic range. Single
"Invincible," one of several Sia co-writes, is a good example: Instead of
relying on untamed vocal runs, Clarkson stays clear and commanding
right up until its high-altitude climax.
Kelly Clarkson Was Joking About People Turning Her Down, John
Legend Duet Coming Soon
But another change from her past work is less welcome: Clarkson
largely has abandoned spiky pop-rock in favor of fluffy midtempo
arrangements and swollen ballads, an unsurprising choice for a maturing
artist whose last album, 2013's Wrapped in Red, was a holiday
collection. This results in some drab moments, including the EDMinflected "Take You High" and sleepy "I Had a Dream." But when
Clarkson forges a real emotional connection -- like on the raw, personal
title track, another standout vocal showcase -- the album transcends the
hammier, more hackneyed moments in between.
KENDALL JENNER IS JUST AS CONFUSED AS WE ARE
BY THE RELATIONSHIP BREWING BETWEEN KOURTNEY
KARDASHIAN AND JUSTIN BIEBER,
HOLLYWOODLIFE.COM HAS EXCLUSIVELY LEARNED.
Joy feelings mag
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