Best Albums
Earlier this year, I interviewed a classically trained young composer, who in between discussing John Adams and Magnus Lindberg happened to mention his affection for Clarkson's second album. Then, a couple weeks ago at a karaoke joint on the Lower East Side, I couldn't help but notice that "Since U Been Gone" inspired the most enthusiastic all-bar singalong of the evening. The lesson? Most everyone who has given this record a chance loves it. The opening trio of drop-dead amazing tunes front-loads the album a touch, but Clarkson's voice--a machine built to imbue bubblegum with feeling--pulls you through to the end. Clive Davis wasn't wrong to ask her for more of this kind of thing and less of the would-be angst rock Clarkson tried to put over later in the decade.
Discussion