Kelly Clarkson

2.5/5 stars

Stardom demands much of a person. For Kelly Clarkson, it seems to demand stadium-rocking melodrama - soulful overkill that shows off those prize-winning pipes and makes sure you remember that chorus, bub. In the case of “Since U Been Gone” - made-for-karaoke genius that sated both soccer moms and urban hipsters - melodrama paid off. But for much of My December, from the ex-boyfriend fuck-off “Never Again” to the similar-sounding ex-boyfriend fuck-off “Judas” to the godawful, Chris Daughtry-worthy “Sober,” Clarkson clobbers you over the head with her emotions and arena-ready choruses. The result is a record that’s bland in some spots and annoying in others. There are a few good moments: The bright new-wave hit-to-be “How I Feel,” the electro-rocking “Yeah,” and “Irvine,” a pretty acoustic reverie where Clarkson confesses her sadness without going overboard. But there’s no Max Martin and Dr. Luke - the song doctors who helped juice Clarkson’s last album and co-wrote “Since U Been Gone” - on My December, and there’s also not much karaoke magic, or sense of fun. If Clarkson’s really as bummed as she sounds here, you can only wish her well – she seems like a sweetie, and she might have another “Since U Been Gone” in her yet.

CHRISTIAN HOARD
2007

Rolling Stone

Take it for what it’s worth. Rollingstone has as much musical credibility in them as Paris Hilton does the Holy Spirit. I’m not saying everyone has to like the album, and I don’t think it’s flawless by any means but to call ‘Sober’ “godawful” is a bit much dontchathink?? Eh.