My December Reviews

• Kelly's Ready!

  
  By A1DTCJV6KOMJOA on 2007-06-26
  Everyone knows by now the problems that Clarkson has had with this disc -- well, the problems the higher ups have had with letting Clarkson have her own voice on record. But this is nothing new. In the world of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." Clarkson had the guts to tinker with what worked. A poppy, melody written style that sucked in everyone who had ears. Did the change do her good? Yes-yes-yes. Is her album perfect? No. Who has made a perfect album? Not a dang soul out there.
  
  What makes this album work so well. Is that Clarkson is TRYING!!!! Trying so hard not to be some cookie, cutter waif, with bleach blonde hair, kohl rimmed eyes, and a snarky attitude. The woman has substance. Songs like "Sober," with it's build up to an almost necessary rant is just plain talent!!! The disc pops with tracks that show a woman in transition. The contemplative "Irvine" with its hollow melody and Patty Griffin like simplicity is marvelous and Clarkson can drudge out a sour note like no other popstar on the market.
  
  Clive Davis offered her a truck load of money to put more "sellable" songs on the disc and she chose not too -- again, guts! Clarkson is growing as a sonwriter. And its bumpy for her. Her lyrics, at times, are too simple, but when they hit the right mark -- she tells a relatebale story. A girl/becoming a woman in a world where she's feeling a lot less secure. When Clarkson sings: "Let it go ..." on "Be Still" there is a quiet pain in what she sings, a great connection to the lyric.
  
  Guts alone to take a chance on your own vision as an artist should merit you credit. But when you work at it and it comes out as solid as Clarkson's "My December," you want to stand and cheer for the girl. She nails it. Daivs must also be a little deaf, if "Yeah" with its shout-back chorus and "One Minute" aren't radio friendly hits -- I don't know what is.
  
  Congrats on, so far, having the best album of the year, Ms. Clarkson!
  
  

• Won me Over

  
  By A4JP4T1F95D0A on 2007-06-29
  I tend to like rock and punk over other music genres. But I do find myself liking Kelly Clarkson every time I hear a new single on the radio. I actually went back and bought the first 2 albums and picked this one up on the day of release. I like her darker/edgier side. She does have an incredible and beautiful voice for the ballads, and I like those songs almost as much as the rocker chick stuff. This album is much deeper than the first 2 with Kelly doing her own writing. I don't know if it will produce the huge smash hits of the first albums, but she certainly is a talented writer. I heard Never Again when it was first released as a single and I still enjoy it. I actually find Haunted to be my favorite track on the album. How I feel is like Kelly channeling Pat Benatar with the Go'Go's doing backing vocals. Then the very next track she has a real funky sound. The album is Kelly feeling her way around on her own for the first time. She will only get better and better from here. I personally think it is already top notch stuff.
  
  

• Not a Winner in the Bunch!!

  
  By A2Z2FATA8JNL54 on 2007-06-27
  What a waste of money this CD is! Kelly is trying to be so cool and anti-Idol and it just doesn't work. How embarassing. I tried to be objective and listen to this with an open mind and ears but it was almost painful. None of the songs have hooks to draw the listener in. There is no melody or even catchy lyrics on any of the songs. Diehard fans will buy this album but probably won't listen to it after a week or two. Kelly needs to remember who her audience is...the same people who put her in the spotlight...and cater to them. We want soaring ballads and sing-a-long songs. Little Miss Independent is trying to be Janis Joplin and she is ending up looking like a fool. I accidentally stepped on my poor cat's tail this afternoon and her screech sounded better than anything on "My December". Note to Kelly: You've shown us that you're "cool"...now give us what we want to hear before you wind up like Sinead O'Connor!
  
  

• Kelly was right - Clive was wrong

  
  By A148ZZRB82QLEM on 2007-06-26
  I feel that Kelly Clarkson has gotten better with every CD. Thankful showed promise with her powerful vocals, but really, it sounded much like her American Idol stuff - like "A Moment Like This." There were a couple of departures, like the Avril-esque "Low," but "Low" had a riff that was like a weaker copy of Avril's "Losing Grip." Breakaway was an album of strong pop/rock songs, ranging from the R&B-ish "Walk Away" to the folkish ballad "Where Is Your Heart" to the power pop sensation "Since U Been Gone."
  
  It would be hard to top Breakaway, but with My December, Kelly Clarkson has done it. It starts out with the angry rocker "Never Again." That song, the industrial-dance song "One Minute," and the jamming-out "Hole" are harder but different than anything she's done. "Don't Waste Your Time" is a pop song that sounds the most like Breakaway, and is just as good as much on that CD. "Maybe" is a mid-tempo song that sounds a bit like one of Fleetwood Mac's more off-the-wall songs. "Can I Have A Kiss" is an rocker that builds to a fine crescendo. "Sober" is a spare ballad that lets her show off her voice. "Be Still" and "Irvine" are also haunting ballads. In fact, haunting is a word that can be used to describe the whole CD. Haunting due to the emotion Kelly puts into every word, and due to the melodies that seem to go into the ear and right to the soul. Think how "Addicted" from Breakaway had a drawn out melody that made sure that every word was made for maximum emotional appeal. That's the kind of feeling I get on My December. The album holds together well as a whole like Breakaway does, but My December has more variety. More strings are found, including violin, and there is more diverse guitar playing. Breakaway had a departure with the wall of guitar found on "Hear Me." But on My December, guitars slam ("Hole" and "Judas,") get helped by computer generation ("One Minute,") jangle ("Don't Waste My Time,") and are head-bobbing ("How I Feel.")
  
  Lyrically, there are often very poetic, personal lyrics on My December. These lyrics fit the mood of the CD perfectly. Kelly has developed as a writer, exploring darker themes but not getting mired in sorrow. On Hole, she writes:
  
  "Secrets
  Eating at the core of me
  Shut off
  Trusting all the lies I breathe"
  
  And on "Sober," she writes:
  
  "Three months and I'm still sober
  Picked all my weeds but kept the flowers
  But I know it's never really over"
  
  Also, these lyrics really lay her thoughts out without the cliches that many a song about love have used. Not that there aren't familiar themes, but Kelly has a way of making those familiar themes sound lived through and fresh. You can admire the lyrics even if you've never been in the same situation, but often people will relate to them. One song that many could relate to is "Don't Waste Your Time," which explores the old theme of a lover trying in vain to keep a relationship going. Sample lyrics from "Don't Waste Your Time" -
  
  "Don't waste your time trying to fix
  What I want to erase
  What I need to forget
  Don't waste your time on me my friend
  Friend, what does that even mean
  I don't want your hand
  You'll only pull me down
  So save your breath
  Don't waste your song
  On me, on me
  Don't waste your time"
  
  The only weak spot on the CD is "Yeah." It's a funky song that completely lacks direction. It seems to be added as the obligatory funk track. The album also could have used a song to lighten the mood up more. But even though there might not be anything as immediate musically on My December as "Since U Been Gone," based on this very strong CD, I think that many fans will follow her on her musical journey. I'm already anxious to see what Kelly comes up with next.
  
  

• Wake up!

  
  By A2YIH2RA1HVSAM on 2007-06-26
  I was never a Kelly Clarkson fan until this week. I didn't watch her on American Idol. I bought her first CD because I liked the single "A Moment Like This," but wound up disliking the rest of the CD. Sure, I found all those Top 10 hits from Breakaway catchy, but they were just so sugary. There was no real emotion in them; it was blatantly obvious that they existed solely to become hits and sell CDs. After a while, "Since U Been Gone," "Breakaway," "Behind These Hazel Eyes," and "Because of You" melted into one big, mindless pop song trying to cash in on the emo craze and simultaneously retain pop radio appeal. And while they did get stuck in my head, I refused to listen to them because they seemed so obviously manufactured.
  
  Not so with this disc. I downloaded it when it leaked on the Internet, just to see if it was any better than Breakaway. At that time, I hadn't heard about the controversy surrounding the album, so I wasn't biased in Kelly's favor; if anything, I had exceedingly low expectations for the album. Instead, I fell in love with it at first listen.
  
  These songs are overtly different. They're not trying to be bouncy summer radio sing-alongs. They're not trying to reel you in with catchy hooks and keep you satisfied with lightweight melodies and inconsequential lyrics. These songs are heartfelt and, at times, downright hardcore. The lyrics aren't world-changing, but they ring true, and their titles are blessedly devoid of cutesy intentional misspellings. My December may not be steak, but it's certainly more filling than Breakaway-esque cotton candy.
  
  In fact, when I first listened to the album, it reminded me of nothing so much as Origin-era Evanescence: pre-Fallen, pre-fame, pre-studio gloss. Those songs were much less polished, and would never have survived on contemporary radio, but they were more raw, more real, and they possessed an emotional incandescence that was never matched by any of Evanescence's later material. One could conjure a mental image of the band actually writing, channeling, experiencing them. So it is with this disc.
  
  After falling for this album, I watched Kelly's CMT special with Reba McEntire, and for the first time, I realized how immensely talented Kelly truly is. I never would have noticed had I not listened to this disc. I can now say that I am a true Kelly Clarkson fan, and I will be buying this CD on my next trip to Wal-Mart. There are very few artists whose albums I deem worthy of buying after sampling them online, but I believe that Kelly has earned my money and my support with this album, and I hope that it does extremely well for her.
  
  
• Very disappointing
  By ATAKRX283K2TT on 2007-06-26
  I liked the "Thankful" album, loved the "Breakaway" album but hated "My December". I'm a big fan of Kelly's. I've been to several of her concerts and I agree that she is one of the best female vocalists out there. BUT, this album took a sharp veer off of what I thought her style was. I loved the rock feel of Breakaway and was expecting more of the same on this album. But, it was dark and lacked cohesiveness. She was all over with the style of her tracks but they all had a sad or angry undertone. There was lots of shouting and repetitiveness on many of the cuts. The lyrics were rather interesting (and not so bad) but the music to go along with those lyrics was horrible. On some of the songs, in the first minute, I thought this isn't too bad, but, then the song would leer off into a different melody or direction and completely ruin it for me. The only song that I vaguely liked was "Sober" but that one got so repetitive at the end, that I just had to skip to the next song. I'm so sad that Kelly has gone this route to express herself. I'm all for creative outlet and really baring your soul, but not set to this kind of music. I wish that I didn't preorder this album. If I had listened to the tracks on itunes before I ordered, I never would have purchased the album.
  
  EDIT:
  After reading all of the 5 star reviews, I thought, maybe I just missed something. I listened to it again 3 times in a row. I so desperately wanted to love this album like her other 2. 3 of the songs eventually grew on me. Although I still don't LOVE any of the songs, I actually like 3 of them now. Funny though, some of the ones I liked were actually ones that others didn't rate as highly. Of the 3 I like, "Sober" is the standout for me. It has a beautiful melody to it. I can hear "Don't Waste Your Time" on the radio. It has a hook (unlike many of the other songs on the album). The hidden track "Chivas" was a nice surprise. I didn't care for Irvine as much, but I listened through the whole way to get to Chivas (and it was worth it). So, with that said, I'm going to change my rating to a 2.5 stars out of 5. I really hoped I could eventually get to at least a 4 star rating but after 6 listens, I just don't think it will happen. sorry
  
  To all of the Kelly fans that didn't care for this album, check out "I'm Not Dead" by Pink. It's full of hooks, melody and great writing, just like Breakaway. I think you'll LOVE this album.
  
  
• Listen to Clive Kelly
  By A461VTLW9G9YB on 2007-06-27
  I think Clive was right to shelve this album for 4 months and wanting her to redo the whole album because this album is really really awful!
  
  
• Oh Kelly...
  By AF4ZXRVQD8JDM on 2007-06-27
  I loved her first 2 albums. Breakaway, of course, being the better of the 2. But with My December I have to wonder where she went wrong. Why is it so bad? Is it because she co-wrote on every song? Is it because it took forever for this album to actually come out? Or is it simply because every song is so poorly written and choppy, with lyrics SO cliche that they could have been written by Avril Lavigne. Lyrics we've all heard in hundreds of other pop songs. Better pop songs at that. Whatever the reason, this album is just bad.
  
  I found myself becoming so annoyed by the terrible beats of almost every song that I had to skip through most after only a minute or less. What happened to the catchiness of her music? its just no longer there.
  
  There are 2 tracks that stand out among the garbage shes trying to pass off as music. Never Again and Sober. Never Again is a pretty good song with great, original lyrics and i love how its more rock than pop. And Sober is just beautiful
  
  As much as I would love to, I cannot recommend this highly disappointing album. Not for only 2 good songs. And as for the people giving this album good reviews, I can't imagine you actually enjoy this. And you call yourselves fans. Be honest.
  Better luck next time, Kelly.
  
  
• Great voice. But....
  By A1ZCS9LHTO8KU4 on 2007-07-07
  Let me start of by saying that Kelly Clarkson is by far my favorite former-Idol. She's easily got some of the best pipes out there. I eagerly anticipated her first release (which I loved) and even fell in line when she seemingly changed stylistic directions with 'Breakway' - one listen to 'Where Is Your Heart' and I just got it.
  
  However, this right here, this hook-free, jumbled mess called 'My December', never should have seen the light of day. It's unlistenable. I certainly understand artists wanting to challenge themselves, whether it be through songwriting or production, but her vanity clearly got the best of her and her label had every right to be concerned - from beginning to end, this cd is..well, it's just bad. Painfully bad.
  
  Am I still a fan of her voice? Absolutely. I think everyone's entitled to their musical equivalent of 'Ishtar'. But after this turkey of a project, I probably won't be so eager to run out and snatch up her next release without some serious forethought.
  
  
• SHOULD OF DELAYED IT
  By A1DKWGUYLKMIG6 on 2007-07-01
  This is by no means a review to bash Kelly Clarkson. I enjoy her music and I even have some of it on my MP3 for running but this CD has only one hit NEVER AGAIN on it, which has already ran it course peaking at number 8 on billboard. The CD is a lot of rock and roll and the ballads are extremely weak. I will say it will enter the TOP 10 in Billboard but not number 1. I also think it will drop very quickly. The cover does not match what is inside. The cover would be more appropriate for her first CD Thankful. The songs inside have a more harder, aggressive sound and the cover should of reflected that. Hopefully after this CD is forgotten she will come back with a much better and powerful CD. This is not it.
  
  
• Not My Style
  By ANEKONASIERTN on 2007-06-26
  Fiest off I consider myself a Kelly Clarkson fan. But.... I also know what I like and what I don't like and this cd is more like therepy for Kelly than anything musically coherent. No real rhyme or melody. And after listening to her yell out so many of the songs I want to rip my ears out. I'm sorry, just my opinion. I know other fans would love her if she stood there and whistled.
  
  
• My December
  By ATDSJCAMG3N8F on 2007-09-18
  I like some of what Kelly does but not all. I only made it through 3 songs before I stopped listening to this CD. She just screams too much for me. She has a good voice but screaming does not make it with me.
  
  
• A Long Time Coming
  By A3A6U0N7HSNX9Y on 2007-06-29
  It seems that it's been a long time coming for this album to come out, especially since Kelly had finished it by the beginning of this year. And with all the hulabaloo surrounding 'My December,' it seems very simple for America to forget about what truly matters-- the music.
  
  This is an amazing album. A definite step up from the original idol, but it's not too far of a stretch from her past efforts as to completely ostracize her from the Top-40 genre (although radio certainly has). Undoubtedly the broodiest song on the entire album, "Never Again" sets the tone for the `My December' and is the perfect entryway into Miss Independent's current state of mind. We've all heard the song on the radio, and now we all know what awaits us as we continue to listen. Coming off of the anger and frustration train, "One Minute" provides a refreshing breath of funky, new-wave techno as Kelly laments about the madness of relationships.
  
  In "Hole," Kelly's voice is rockier than ever and the song is just another admission ticket into Kelly's inauguration as a full-fledged rocker. It's edgy and hard, but doesn't make you feel like you've somehow wronged Kelly in her quest for love, much like "Never Again" does. One of my favorite songs of the record, "Hole" is perfect for radio and air-guitarists everywhere. At this point, it seems time for a ballad, and "Sober" is the perfect one at that. In fact, it seems to me to be the perfect song. I first heard it when AOL posted a minute-long clip of it online, and I knew, even from the short snippet, that this song was going to be the one to solidify this album as Kelly's magnum opus (so far, anyway). There is no pretense here. Kelly's voice is raw and pure, and you can truly experience the emotions she's feeling as she sings.
  
  Other songs are standout, as well, and thoroughly display Miss Clarkson's versatile singing range. Kelly's voice is smooth and silky on the mellow "Be Still," a song that has been compared to those of Christine McVie (whom I had to YouTube in order to make any sort of a correlation). It's a nice break from the edginess of all the songs prior to this one, and Kelly's voice is at its best. She doesn't hit the signature high notes, nor are there hard-hitting guitar licks, but this is a Kelly that we haven't heard from before, a much more laidback songstress who knows how to control her voice maturely.
  
  We first heard "Maybe" on the Addicted Tour in 2006 and all grew to love it in its acoustic simplicity, and Kelly maintained the same ambience for the album version. The lyrics are raw and revealing, and they match the music perfectly. It's a vulnerable Kelly in the beginning, but once those drums start kicking in, Kelly declares that she is "confusing as hell," and I find that this may be the one song that most people will relate to. It's definitely one of my all-time favorite songs.
  
  Another perfectly radio-friendly song, "How I Feel" is reminiscent of No Doubt, and it's a great song to sing along to. "Yeah" was also previewed on tour, and its funky Prince/Chaka Khan sound breaks new grounds for Kelly, complete with soulful horns and a sexy vocal. Perhaps not my favorite song, but it is a different sound, after all, and we must applause Kelly for trying new things. "Can I Have A Kiss" is one of my favorites. Not a standout vocally nor musically, but it is a great pop song with very personal lyrics and is definitely catchy.
  
  Many have dubbed "Irvine" to be the golden ticket to the album's credibility. I've listened and listened again, and it is indeed special. The recording has a gritty, raw feeling to it (the vocals having been recorded in a bathroom on GarageBand software), and while Kelly's voice doesn't exactly standout, you can sincerely hear her desperation; it's a musical masterpiece that perfectly bookends the album. And the hidden track "Chivas" is a whimsical, tongue-in-cheek song that's one of the highlights of the album.
  
  So yes, Kelly cancelled her tour, fired her manager, had a feud with media mogul Clive Davis, and has recently been quoted as to having a brief stint with bulimia when she was younger, but despite it all, one thing remains real and concrete: 'My December' is a mature album from our favorite songstress, and she has certainly brought the game up to a whole different level.
  
  
• An Old Goat Chimes In
  By A1EFCX3HM9PUEC on 2007-07-01
  I have no qualifications to review other than I know what I like. Probably one of the older reviewers here. While I happened to see the last 2 shows of AI the year Kelly won, I was too busy to pay any attention at all to her career. On the car radio I tend to listen to oldies and soft pop/rock. I'll buy CD's of artists I like and my tastes go in every direction but true country. Recently I caught an AI year one rewind on TV and saw Kelly's versatility. I bought Breakaway and Thankful and caught up with Kelly's AI year on YouTube (never too old to learn). My wife thinks I have a crush on Kelly. Hmmm, certainly on her music. But to the chase on My December.
  
  If I'd never heard of Kelly Clarkson and someone gave me this album, I'd be blown away. With the exceptions of Yeah and Hole (too something for me) I loved every piece of this album and I fail to see why several of these tracks can't catch on as singles. While the lyrics might be too much for younger kids, songs like How I Feel, One Minute and Don't Waste Your Time are catchy enough (hook, schmook). Many of the other tracks if not all should appeal to older teens up to other ages. Chivas may be the most sly and quietly sexy song I've heard. Moreover, just because there is a bit of a desperate theme, most novels are pretty one thematic and nobody complains. I was too busy with other things in my life to have paid much attention to Alison Morissette and Amy Lee, but so what if there is some of them in this album. Two last comments.
  
  For those anti-American Idol snobs who hold it against Kelly Clarkson that that is how she was discovered, they should only wish that half the lousy singers who sell bad records had been weeded out by an AI process. Shame on the people in the industry who didn't see her talent before and thank the American public for recognizing her ability. So what if most of the competitors are bad. Many of them are at least okay if not pretty good. Finally as far as whether or not My December is better or worse than Break Away, it is different but not radically so. It sounds less studio and I like the more raw sound. Kelly may be suffering the fate of people who have great talent, and that is that they start being compared to themselves, a very unfair test. Michael Jordan looked bad when he "only" score 20 points, except that was better than 95% of the other players. So is Kelly on a bad day, except this isn't a bad day.
  
  
• Horrible Third Cd
  By ASK7SZS7INWV2 on 2007-07-04
  Well thank goodness a friend let me borrow this cd and see why they didn't want it back. Listen people there only two average songs at best on here and most of it will hurt your ears. If you like screaming and loud music then you will maybe like it. It has no comparison two her previous cd's, so you have been worn. Why all the 4-5 stars on this awful cd is way beyond me. Do people listen to this stuff? Must be true die hard kelly fans. I'm just glad I didn't waste any money on it. Do yourself a favor and listen to it somewhere or how before purchasing it.
  
  
• No Radio Hooks? What Album did Clive Listen To?
  By A3QP1LM5A0PRXG on 2007-07-09
  I hate to admit it, but I was hesitant after hearing how "uncommercial" this album was. I wondered if Kelly had become spoiled after becoming so successful with her "Breakaway" album. Then I thought, maybe this is one of those albums that really grows on you after a while, but it might take a few listens to really appreciate it. Then I bought it, listened to it, and was completely and utterly blown away by it. I honestly can't believe Mr. Owen didn't like this album. Yes, it's different from Breakaway, but songs like "One Minute," "Hole," and "Yeah" have plenty of hooks on them, and other songs are so vocally impressive that I automatically hit the replay button. ("Sober" starts out so slow and moody and grows into an explosion of emotion that i was completely unprepared for). All in all, you won't find another "Since U Been Gone" on this album, but all this talk about it being a total flop and uncommercial is ridiculous. After only two listens, I like this album WAY more than Breakaway, and Kelly Clarkson has become the first official American Idol winner to show true artistry.
  
  
• KELLY CLARKSON: Promise Of The American Dream - Clive Davis is The Destroyer Of The American Dream
  By A2S9PZCNEJEF3Y on 2007-07-15
  America's sweetheart, KELLY CLARKSON, unveils an explosive tour-de-force masterpiece career album with MY DECEMBER! I bought this album the very day it was released and have listened extensively and thoroughly to it before coming here to share my perspective. During the past few weeks, I have also seen Kelly on the talk show cicuit promoting MY DECEMBER, being interviewd "Live" on local morning radio shows, and read the extensive professional reviews on the net as well as the fans' perspectives. I initially, first round, was highly impressed at how well crafted and rounded the entire album is and it grows even more on me with each repeated listening. The most compelling and focal point, are KELLY's vocals, front, center surround sounding and she is never drowned by instrumentation in the mix of any track - her voice remains the ultimate "instrument" featured, as should be, to stunning effect and perfect quality production. MY DECEMBER by KELLY CLARKSON is a spectacular and illustrious album of a great first rate musical statement you should have to explore and enjoy, so do NOT listen to negative points of views/reviews - get your own copy because every song on here is noteworthy and very fit to be a hit single, as there is not one bad track, misstep or note within the entire album. KELLY will rock your world! MY DECEMBER can be viewed as a collection of songs about relationships and can also be clearly interpreted as a musical letter from Kelly to her audience about her last five years in stardom, what she proposes for the future and the tug-of-war controvery surrounding her "take responsibility/control of my career" decisions and direction. The album contains a tremendous sure fire seven to eight [definite] hit singles which will literally smash and obliterate all the schmaltzy, indistinguishable Top 40 fare on the radio/charts these days. KELLY delivers a tremendous cache of well written/composed and executed pop and rock jewels and gems from the creative depths of her mind and soul. She succeeds all over the colorful map of MY DECEMBER and produces memorable rock music which as single track editions, deserve Top 10 successes as well as massive multi-format radio exposure. This young lady is a phenomenal talent and artist who delivers stunning results! Clive Davis is a foolish old man who doesn't fully appreciate the vaults and vaults of capital and awards Miss Clarkson has earned for his record company and it is her hard earned $$$money$$$ lining his personal wallet and paycheck. Davis needs to drop his evil demeanor to wake up and HEAR the music the vocally gifted and creative KELLY CLARKSON is spewing forth in an eruptive muticolored volcanic flow of skyrocketing fireworks and glowing, gold laced white hot lava which displays a kaleidoscope spectrum of colors in both her vocals and self penned compositions. I was not a fan, I could have cared less, I don't watch American Idol, I scan my car radio nonstop, only stopping to listen to whatever grabs my attention and ears, but by the third smash hit single from her BREAKAWAY album, KELLY had won me over with her spectacular interpretive skills and expressive vocals. I have not heard any female artist that demanded attention simply by singing, since Linda Ronstadt ruled all over the radio/charts - and several have come and gone since then, some were singers and others screamers. KELLY CLARKSON possesses an exceptionally compelling voice with an alluring effect and interpretive skills that even the most jaded music listener can't resist. Her musical vision and intuitions of keeping in tune/step with the music industry's audience tastes have made her a profound and winning talent. Her music is clean, nonsense free and void of the disgraceful "parental advisory" warnings, yet, she is able to execute and create fun, catchy, impressive and memorable recordings that a teenager, a grandparent and everybody in between can fully enjoy. Now, the new album...The Top 10 success of the initial single, "NEVER AGAIN" opens MY DECEMBER with a roaring fervor and segues right into the bombastic and delightfully fun and surprising future Top 10 gem, "ONE MINUTE"! You can't help but want to get up and dance to the quaking energy of "ONE MINUTE"'s ongoing explosive rhythm and Kelly's decisive hot vocals. "ONE MINUTE" is Kelly's joyful declaration for liberation from her record company's treacherous confining limitations on creative freedom - and she explodes with imposing independence! "HOLE" a sharp, edgy Top 10 ripping rocker, will easily blast its way up Alternative and Pop Rock Radio playlists. "SOBER", a heart warming, touching power ballad, slowly builds momentum to an incredible stratospheric vocal crescendo with Kelly flexing her vocal instrument to full throttle/full blown vocal effect. Already second single, "SOBER" finds our beloved Kelly recuperating from the spellbinding, dizzying effects and aftermath of BREAKAWAY's massively exhausting world success trying reach out to her Pop audience with tenderness and a longing to remain in hearts who loved her from the outset of her career, stay with me, she seems to say, and we'll see this ongoing walk through this opportunity you all have given me, together. Another Top 10 radio ready track, "DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME" pounds away at a hypnotic, above midtempo pace and delivers one of Kelly's finest vocals to date. "Don't Waste..." implores to all the production puppets, high profile songwriters out there to leave her be and let her chart her own musical course - "thank you for your help, friendship, all the success, but, PLEASE let me stand/fall on my own!" as I hunger to go forth in my own explorative and rightfully chosen direction. She's paid her "dues" and earned her way! "DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME" is a WOWzer! "JUDAS", a track Miss Clarkson has stated in interviews as one of her preferred future single releases is right on the mark to skyrocket up the charts to the Top 10 with its propulsive, hard driving guitar and drum beats, a trailblazing rocker highlighting KELLY's lead and backup vocals. Could "JUDAS" be Clive Davis? Will "JUDAS" be Clarkson's secret "You're So Vain" mystery? Will she offer up several throw off tales to keep the secret for decades like Carly Simon? Next up #7, "HAUNTED", obvious Top 10 radio friendly track, takes us to the halfway point of the album and every track so far is strong, polished, well crafted and worthy of hit single status, yet, more surprises await ahead, as there is no filler on MY DECEMBER! Some of these tracks have an edgy, diamond in the rough, polished finesse appeal that explodes everywhere from the system speakers - this lady ROCKS with the very best of the rockers! ***CLIVE DAVIS is either/all deaf, ignorant, blind or simply the destroyer of today's youth's American Dream, of which KELLY CLARKSON is a divine role model. Here I am at middle age, been buying records since I was 13 and the past decade of music and its artists has left me jaded and bored, save a handful, but, KELLY CLARKSON has restored my faith in quality music. I'm no expert, but, I've seen them all come and go, and my library currently stands at 8500 Cds, 3000 vinyl records and a couple hundred box sets. KELLY's career is very reminiscent of the fever pitch, highly anticipated, golden hit single laden careers of the Carpenters, Bee Gees, Madonna, Fleetwood Mac, Eagles leaving many unforgettable charting tracks in their wake. ***Now, back to MY DECEMBER...Kelly offers, "BE STILL", an affecting and appropriate paen to circumstances surrounding her new album's current chart status/predicament and struggle against her record company for control in artistic self fulfillment. "BE STILL" is a beautifully crafted and executed ballad in which Kelly's heartfelt vocals penetrate to endearing effect, providing even more Top 10 status here. On the highly autobiographical and painfully honesty of "MAYBE", she pleads desperately for support, trust, unconditional love & understanding with tear stained, confident clarity, hoping for the ultimate best from her audience, yet exerts an astounding self confidence and comfort within her own skin that burns heavily on the touching, eyes welled up, teary, but self assured ballad turned rocker. KELLY is treading deep water here in defining about who she is as an artist, a human being, glamour-warts-and-all included to stunning effect - even more Top 10 material here, a possible #1! "MAYBE" is a baring it all winner in fearless win or lose honesty. She confirms she loves the attention and affections her audience has lavished on her and likewise, returns it with appreciation. Being an underdog and artistically defiant in the music business is rough'n tough, I'm complicated like a rose with thorns, but, don't abandon me, forgive me for being human, she pleads to her audience, let's maintain harmony and I'll make you proud if you stay with me. We love you Kelly - and we do need you - you are our hope in restoring pop music! "HOW I FEEL"-track 10, guitar and vocally driven ear candy with its top notch radio friendly quality rocks along in the playful splendor of its own top of the charts promise. Miss Independent's joyful "YEAH", moves us to her own dance beat with a fun, loud, hip 'n very soulful light rapping vocals-horns brightened rocker - a "remix" candidate headed straight to dance clubs everywhere to shift the crowds out to the floor. Great production here finds Kelly bumping, grinding and playfully flirting and sexually teasing her way across the track convincingly. The much heralded by fans, "CAN I HAVE A KISS", is a catchy vocals and hooks filled, sheer Top 10 royal slice of American Pie! Another future #1 here, thanks to the fans everywhere! Whoever questioned Kelly Clarkson's ability to write well crafted quality top of the charts radio hit singles is a fool, as she proves throughout MY DECEMBER that she can easily surpass even the best of them! Kelly's instincts and vision perfectly fit with the vocal talents she is blessed with. The focal center of the album and most gorgeous track is the hauntingly beautiful, atmospheric and brilliant "IRVINE", track 13. Various shades of Kelly seem to flash across her most mysterious and astounding song. "IRVINE" is an eerily, compelling and profoundly moving track which at 4:11 seems to be over, all too soon, and beckons for repeated listenings. Many questions arise and probe the listener's mind about "IRVINE". Is Clarkson looking in the mirror and addressing her former self on the opposite side during a moment of darkness when she finds herself completely drained from the commitments of her fast moving, exhaustive busy global career? Or is she conjuring up and addressing the ghost of another blue-eyed soul/pop-rock goddess, the late Dusty Springfield from beyond the grave to compare notes? Is it possible this is Clarkson's tribute to Dusty Springfield, as this track is a direct stylistic influence from the great Dusty Springfield, and begs examination. Who is this mysterious "IRVINE" we ponder, as we are drawn like moths to a flame? The precious "IRVINE" will remain a mystery for years to come. Finally, "CHIVAS", the "hidden" # 14 track, which begins at approximately 5:17 after 1:06 of silence. "CHIVAS" is an bluesy, acoustic guitar vocal ode which finds Kelly dismissing a former lover and choosing momentary comfort from the contents within the bottle instead. Our girl is quite the cleancut role model, and she giggles in fun at the close of the track. "CHIVAS" is Kelly at her finest and reveals yet another dimension of her musical diversity, which hopefully, she will explore to greater degree on a future release. That final giggle closes MY DECEMBER, and almost says, "Hey, I showed you!" - WOW!!! This is a stunner of a winning album!***Pat Benatar she's NOT, and I wouldn't want her to be, as Ms. Benatar is stuck in 80's mainstream rock and wasted her trained operatic vocal abilities on that confining turf, she never broke out of. Don't get me wrong, I like Pat, but, her brand of music runs between very narrow lines and becomes monotonous after more than a listen or two. Clarkson is in a class of her own and of a higher quality and diversity than the Pat Benatars of the music world, so Radio Jockeys, STOP making comparisons! Despite the darkness of the lyrics of MY DECEMBER, its smoldering, combustive rock and enticing catchy TOP 40 hooks savvy and skillful songwriting reveal a brilliant, steadily maturing, determined artist flashing the previously unseen and hidden talents of her artistic abilities. Clarkson was only flirting with songwriting on her previous album, she comes full circle with a foot forward right here and one can only imagine the highly rated wonders she will expose to us next time around. KELLY CLARKSON's ethereal musical statement cuts deep and maintains the promise her exceptional vocal abilities demonstrated at the outset of her career. She doesn't need to sing happy-go-lucky sunny tween ditties, because Miss Clarkson's sunrises will light up the dreary musical landscape for years and years of grand horizons such as MY DECEMBER to come. Plus, this album ROCKS! She won my skeptical indifference over and I'm a fan for the long run. CLARKSON has made history and landmark events on many counts already within the music industry, but, her most historic accomplishment as a farily new/young artist is taking full responsibility and control of her product, integrety and career by proving she can execute and produce intelligent, timeless and superior commercial music on her own terms successfully, which this album fully demonstrates. If her record company fails to HEAR the greatness of the music within MY DECEMBER, it is their loss and stupidity, because this album is packed full of hit singles. As for Clive Davis, he is the destroyer of our youth's American Dream. He has lived his 'dreams' for decades and it's time he allowed others in the business to live theirs. GO KELLY, GO!!!
  
  
• Her Best Offering Yet
  By A1PIRNQ1I06XTV on 2007-06-26
  I won't spend my time rehashing the events that led up to today; I'm sure we're all familiar with them. I'll move on and say that I believe "My December" is the best follow-up to "Breakaway" that could have been made; it builds on the rocker image she's been cultivating and contains music that is evolutionary leaps from what came before.
  
  Case in point: the current single "Sober." It could have been an obvious ballad like "Because of You" and followed its pop formula, but it is so much more--contemplative at the outset, slowly burning and building, and culminating in stratospheric vocals that give chills every time.
  
  There's a definite thread of bleakness on the album, but quite a few songs interrupt that, more than `insiders' would have you think. "One Minute" is awesome, with a catchy, staccato guitar pulse and loads of well-produced background vocals. It really needs to be the next single. "How I Feel" has a frisky opening and an overall sense of fun. It feels very summery, with little flourishes of California pop here and there. "Yeah" was previewed during last year's tour, but I remember it being more rocking; here it's slinky and reminiscent of Christina Aguilera, and gives us a shot of the R&B she should never totally leave behind.
  
  "Be Still" is gorgeous; the perfect slow song, evocative in the colors it brings to mind, and Kelly shows tremendous restraint. "Irvine" is simply a triumph. It's not at all what I expected, with a Spanish-sounding accompaniment and very spare vocals with inflections of Erikah Badu or Billie Holliday. This could have been a typical emotional ballad due to the material it's taken from, so this divergence is cool. And the background `ooohs' during the chorus are quite eerie.
  
  There's a little middle-of-the-road fare also: "Don't Waste Your Time" and "Can I Have a Kiss," both of which are a bit more Breakaway-ish and with good hooks. Rock-lite, I suppose.
  
  You know, the bitter, edgier songs aren't so bad; like I said, there's enough of a balance overall that I don't assume anyone will be jumping out of a window. "Judas," "Maybe," and the Evanescence-esque "Haunted" took some time to grow on me, but the latter two could be legitimate singles. But they do sit like a heavy weight in the middle of the album, and it takes several hearings to distinguish the particulars of each. The third track "Hole" could become a fan favorite. It has such a dissonant guitar lick, a big departure from Kelly-World, and the song as a whole reminds me more of an established male rock group.
  
  The hidden track "Chivas" is a bit throwaway but fun to listen to nonetheless. She takes a page from Tori Amos with the vocals in the chorus, and is a ringer for Mariah Carey in other spots.
  
  I hated having to wait so long for "My December" - first they said February, then March, then May, and so on - but this album will make you forget the wait. I hope you give the album a second and third hearing if at first you're not quite sure, because you will find more honest, earnest artistry here than on many albums found at the music store today.
  
  
• Best pop-rock album I own
  By A3OUA3K55Y2BV on 2007-06-26
  While different from Breakaway, My December is the best CD of Clarkson's career, without a doubt.
  
  Never Again - 3/5. Obviously the weakest track on the album, not bad.. but not one to listen to repeatedly
  One Minute - 4/5. Very upbeat and poppy, not the strongest, but a good song to kick off with. The chorus is particularly memorable "one minute you laugh//i get the feeling that nothing lately ever really lasts// and you love and you hate and you wait//cuz one minute goes fast"
  Hole - 4/5. A very heavy and depressed almost metalish song.
  Sober - 5/5. Possibly one of the strongest and most poignant melodramatic songs I've heard. It's beautifully chilling and a favorite track among fans. "three months and i'm still sober//picked all my weeds but kept the flower"
  Don't Waste Your Time - 5/5. This song is a very catchy and instrumentally excellent.
  Judas - 4/5. Judas is a personal favorite of mine. The beat of the song catches your ear on first listen.
  Haunted - 5/5. Another chiller here. Clarkson sings of somebody who committed suicide and she is still haunted by them. "shadows linger only to my eye"
  Be Still - 5/5. Hear the signature beauty in her voice in this slow, hypnotic ballad.
  Maybe - 5/5. One of the most interesting uses of repetition I've ever heard. Although she says "Maybe" countless times in this song, it has a subtle emphasis that makes it a standout track.
  How I Feel - 5/5. A sarcastic and witty song that you can't get out of your head.
  Yeah - 4/5. This one's a grower, at first I didn't like it much at all. After a few listens, I grew to love it, so don't give up on it at first listen
  Can I Have A Kiss - 5/5. A strong balladesque song about sexual desire. "if i can't hold you can I give you a kiss" It's another grower but it's extremely good lyrically.
  Irvine - 5/5. Another showcase of Clarkson's flawless vocal. I don't think its arguable that she has the best female voice out of any American Idol contestant thus far. It's magnificant and up there with the all time greats.
  
  Although there's been a few bumps in the road, Clarkson managed to pull off this risky release. She passes with flying colors. A+
  
  
• WOW...LISTEN TO THE BIG WIGS
  By A21Z8DFCCGX0EK on 2007-06-28
  HERE IS THE REAL DEAL. MOST OF THE REVIEWS ARE FROM DIE HARD KELLY CLARKSON FANS. I ENJOY HER MUSIC. I THOUGHT HER LAST ALBUM WAS FINE TUNED, CRAFTED BY EXPERTS, AND SIMPLY A HIT ALBUM. THERE WERE HOOKS, STRONG VOCALS, AND SOLID MELODIES. YOU LISTEN TO THIS AND IT'S THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER. SAME GUITAR RIFFS, SAME CALM VERSES AND HER SCREAMING DURING THE CHORUSES.
  
  I THINK SOBER IS THE ONE SOLID TRACK ON THE ALBUM BESIDES THE SECOND SONG, WHICH HAS POSSIBILITIES. I HEARD HER SAY THAT SHE HAS SOLD 15 MILLION ALBUMS AND SHE SHOULD KNOW WHAT SHE IS DOING WHEN THE EXECS TOLD HER TO REDO IT. ACTUALLY, HER PRODUCERS AND CLIVE CREATED AN ALBUM THAT SOLD 15 MILLION ALBUMS SO THEY KNEW WHAT THEY WERE DOING. SHE DECIDED TO TAKE FULL CONTROL OF THIS ALBUM AND IT SHOWS. IT SOUNDS VERY AMATEUR AND REPETITIVE. I'M NOT TRYING TO BE HARSH OR CRUEL...JUST HONEST. THERE ARE NO HITS JUST AS THE FIRST ONE PROVED. SHE NEEDS MORE EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH THE BIG SH OTS BEFORE SHE STARTS CALLING ALL THE SHOTS AND THINKING SHE CAN PRODUCE A HIT ALBUM. THE SCREAMING GETS ON YOUR NERVES AND YOU JUST DON'T WALK AWAY SINGING. THIS WAS HARD TO LISTEN TO FROM SUCH A TALENT!
  
  
• I Love Kelly Clarkson.....
  By A1DIFL0333QPEB on 2007-06-28
  I absolutely love Kelly Clarkson. She is the sole reason I watched American Idol. I love her voice, her charm, her wit, everything. I loved her first two albums. I loved the song "Never Again". All of this love is great, isn't it?!? Well, I don't love her new album "My December". In fact, I don't like it at all.
  
  I have to give Kelly A LOT of credit for having the 'gall' to release this album. It's clearly not too good, and it can't even begin to hold a candle to her work on Breakaway. However, Kelly did not want to be a puppet anymore, and I commend her for that. I really, truly respect her decision to try to stand on her own two feet. But this album is really pretty awful. She has a lot of work to do, if she wants to become a singer/songwriter.
  
  Like I said, "Never Again", great single, great song. There are a couple of others that are 'ok', and the rest are repetative, mundane, and lack the polish that the rest of her work has done, thanks to all of the terrific songwriters and producers she has worked with. Clive Davis was no idiot for saying this album shouldn't have been released in its current state. I agree. It's just simply not a good CD.
  
  
  
• disappointing but not horrible
  By A26L2XES2R4JI7 on 2007-06-28
  First of all, I am a Kelly Clarkson fan but I was disappointed with this album. Every song has the same message: Bad break up, girl gets stronger and finds some strength from the break up. I could have taken a couple with this theme but every song? There had to be more going on in her life than this in the past couple of years. While there are some highlights, most lack strong melodies that KC fans look for. With that said, if this were a brand new artist it would not have been so disappointing so I am not saying it is horrible, just expected more from her. This cd is entertaining but will not get the constant rotation on my ipod that the last one got.
  
  While I applaud her desire to be creative there are times in your life when you should respect others feeback. I really hope that her next album is not 13 songs all about this bad experience.
  
  
• If You Like Bubble Gum, Don't Buy This...
  By A3MO90L8HNT590 on 2007-07-09
  My December definitely shows growth and depth in an artist. The album is a book - the songs, chapters. Clarkson's writing is so intimate that I feel guilty - as though I am peeking in to a diary left out on the coffee table.
  
  I love the gentle sounds of "Sober" and "Be Still", the fun ride of "How I Feel", the hard vibes of "Hole" and "Never Again" and the endearing exposure braved in "Irvine".
  
  Despite all of the attention surrounding the release of this CD, it is apparent that Clarkson chose her path and rightfully so. The journey is one of raw personal honesty and substance - not of manufactured experience and empty calories.
  
  
  
• Album of the Year
  By A2BL4QFDV3YJXI on 2007-06-26
  The album as a whole is a cohesive unit telling a very personal, yet relatable, story throughout. Mainly, Clarkson comments that life is full of a lot of downers, but there are nonetheless better times when one can really prove one's perseverance. That said, Clarkson incorporates several tones in reliving tales of betrayal, anger, loneliness, human faults, and times of "picking" the "weeds." Clarkson and her team masterfully intertwine these traits and others into each song on the album. Yet, the genius behind Clarkson's lyrics plays a role as well: Clarkson never narrows her songs' topics, but rather constructs her songs with simpler, easily relatable phrasing. Listeners are not thwarted away from actually conceiving that they know and understand what Clarkson feels and sings.
  
  "Never Again"--Clarkson masterfully demonstrates angst with fervor. Her references of sorts to Christian practices ("repent yourself away" and "give me that Sunday school answer") all the more prove what an ingenious lyricist Clarkson can be; after all, the male subject being scorned is now a member of a contemporary Christian band. While these lyrics narrow the song a bit, the remainder of the lyrics remain general, allowing any listener who has been cheated on to easily identify with Clarkson. While the chorus may seem to lack a catchy melody, Clarkson does seem to chant the chorus rather convincingly.
  
  "One Minute"--The music and lyrics of this song focus entirely on juxtaposition and high contrast. While the song may seem dark lyrically, Clarkson is actually quite easily discussing the ups and downs of life; accordingly, the music itself is rather sing-songy. The music parallels the idea behind the lyrics. While the hook is bare, Clarkson easily covers for that shortcoming through the tremendously addicting chorus. The song remains in listeners' ears far after the song's conclusion.
  
  "Hole"--The chorus is simple: "There's a hole/ inside of me/ it's so [damn] cold/ slowing killing me." It's succinct, simple, and easy to remember. What's more, Clarkson has actually placed "holes" in between each line of the chorus. There are short breaks after each line. The lyrics remain simple, yet detailed enough to sense Clarkson's sense of emptiness and desire for a new beginning. The rockier edge of the song brings life to the album, even if the subject matter is darker. It's hard to not bobble your head around while enjoying the music.
  
  "Sober"--This song creates a new mood for the album. Clarkson manages to softly, yet powerfully, display one essence of human life: one must drag out the garbage and put in a new, clean bag. The music is captivating, while the lyrics remain inspiring. The entire thesis of the song, and perhaps the album, (I picked all my weeds/ but kept the flowers), breathes new life into listeners, providing hope through the idea that one truly can "wake up" and ditch the negativity in life. Clarkson's explosive, emotional ending to the song emotes a genuine sense of cleansing that convinces even the most drunk of alcoholics that a better day is to come.
  
  "Don't Waste Your Time"--This is one of Clarkson's poppy contributions to the album. The song delves into quite general subject matter: bad friends. We've all had them, easily making the song relatable for even the must dreary of listeners. While the song doesn't get as explosive at the chorus as perhaps I would have preferred, Clarkson's captivating voice is able to dig the song out of that ditch; the ending of the song is the most convincing part of the song. While Clarkson's main vocal track adds fresher lyrics infused with lyrical background vocals, the song becomes more believable and catchy.
  
  "Judas"--"Judas" returns to one of the themes found in "Never Again": betrayal. While the beginning lyrics introduce the biblical character's background, the chorus of the song interestingly relies on repetition. The repeating of the chorus' first lines and middle lines is reminiscent of a knife's stabbing motions, similar to Brutus' betrayal of Caesar. Portions of the instrumental music wave in and out, similar to stabbing motions, or even the fact that betrayal implies the appearance of one thing but the truth is actually unknown. Clarkson's vocals portray shock and anger, especially as Clarkson enters a series of "ohs." The ending of the song ("You let me down") wave downward, just as Clarkson feels the person has let her down.
  
  "Haunted"--This song is loaded with perfect production features that create the haunted mood the title refers to. The opening is just as creepy as when Clarkson whispers "Where are you/ I need you" just after the hook. Background vocals in between verses and choruses are quite convincing as well in setting the haunted mood as Clarkson cries, "Oh, inside" and "He was mine." Clarkson's vocals soar throughout the song, setting into play the desperation that Clarkson feels toward the absence of her friend that committed suicide.
  
  "Be Still"--This song is not only a vocal gem on the album, but also a lyrical beauty. The song is appropriately subdued throughout, never over climaxing. In fact, the climax of the song is when Clarkson slowly moans, "Slow it down." Clarkson desires one still moment in life to allow her a chance to have a moment for herself, something Clarkson manages to incorporate both through her captivating lyrics and the gentleness of the music itself.
  
  "Maybe"--"Maybe" is a rare song that steps out of the verse, bridge, chorus, hook, verse, chorus, et cetera formula. This highly benefits the artistic outreach and control Clarkson sought on the record. The song contains two halves the weave masterfully into one, brilliant piece. The first half of the song is restrained and presents that there is a change between two lovers if the chance is just given. Meanwhile, the song's second half begins with the line "I'm confusing as hell." Here, Clarkson bares all, emotionally laying down imperfections she, or perhaps the speaker of the song, has. String instruments heighten the emotion the song portrays as Clarkson begins, "One day/ we'll meet again/ and you'll need me." The song has hope in this line, yet bitterness in the line "I most certainly don't need to be found/ I'm not lost." Clarkson takes into account several faults a person can have, adding depth and sincerity to the song.
  
  "How I Feel"--This next track appropriately follows "Maybe" as Clarkson ends "Maybe" with one reference to fire and begins this next song with a mention of fire. Clarkson seems to have a knack for touching the fire and taking risks. While "Maybe" is Clarkson's attempt to prove that she can just perhaps be in a relationship, "How I Feel" contrasts that sentiment, allowing Clarkson to wail that she has difficulty finding a man to love. Yet, the song is upbeat and Clarkson's tone remains mocking throughout. Clarkson is, indeed, claiming that the situation has become so dire and repetitious that it is actually a situation worthy of mockery. The music remains catchy and awesomely sarcastic throughout, any listener can have fun poking fun at Clarkson's burning desire for a lover, or a lack of one.
  
  "Yeah"--This is a fun track, waving bluesy elements with pop fun. The song relates to Clarkson's relationship during which her male counterpart just could not accept the fact that Clarkson is a celebrity. Clarkson cries in desperation for her lover to "Let [her] know" just what she can do to ease him up. Clarkson emotionally delivers a hook that is both fun to listen to and to sing along to; while wordy, Clarkson lyrics are full of detail the bring listeners closer to the situation. Again, Clarkson relies on juxtaposition as she wails, "I want to feel you/ but I feel empty." Her change in key in her last wail of "yeah" seemingly employs desperation as well in the song.
  
  "Can I Have a Kiss"--"Can I Have a Kiss" is lyrically strong as well as musically interactive. Listeners can easily get lost in Clarkson's expressive "Don't move." The verse and chorus are actually about two different people, but that does not distract the song's overall message that Clarkson portrays: sometimes one feels that he has made too many mistakes but still wants an opportunity to fix things. The song is about hope, about getting a chance to accomplish something that may be out of one's league. While the kiss can be a metaphor for that, is can also be quite literal. Nonetheless, Clarkson's vocals remain pure and untouchable. The song's conclusion cements Clarkson as one of the most persuasive vocalists of our time: her simple desire for a kiss reveals rare authenticity that exacerbates Clarkson's want for her chance and opportunity.
  
  "Irvine"--This is the most touching song on the album. The vocals are raw and expressive, giving off the dead feeling that Clarkson must have felt while crying on the floor in a bathroom of an arena. The guitar is a simple touch and all the song really needs to soar. As Clarkson prays throughout the song, she touches all her listeners' souls, allowing even the liveliest of human beings to recall their lowest points.
  
  "Chivas"--This song is beyond tongue-and-cheek it's hilarious. Clarkson is crafty not only lyrically, but vocally as well. Clarkson sounds as though she has perhaps hit the sauce the night she wrote and sang this song. It's an outstanding hidden track that simply weaves into the album the lasting hope behind having alternative options: Chivas looks mighty fine after the emotions behind such songs as "Irvine."
  
  
• Amazing....
  By A1LB6U87CM9VM2 on 2007-06-26
  This album had so much negativity surrounding it, that some people wouldn't even give it a chance. I am SO happy Kelly took a chance and put HER album out there. I am so happy she didn't record based on anything being "radio friendly," and I am even happier she didn't feel the need to release a more positive album. In my opinion, the album is not negative. It is refreshing and inspiring. It tells us that we can have the worst of times and get through it. We aren't alone. It is truly amazing.
  
  Her vocals are amazing as always and her lyrics are beautiful. The emotion she has in her songs is remarkable.
  
  
• My Dismember
  By A3Q4XAQXKKV6V on 2007-06-26
  Breakaway is among my favorite cd's which still surprises this Ozzy fan to no end. Here, on My December we find what you would expect from the radio-friendly genre (though not what you'd hope for); ie, rock-pop with little pop and not much rock.
  
  Gone are the amazing hooks of Breakaway and in their wake is a lot of belly-aching about failed romances put to generic/mundane riffs. Kelly's voice is still strong and distinct but again... getting back to Breakaway, that had all this PLUS amazing hooks and genuinely great songs.
  
  Maybe I expected too much; after all what do we have here? A TV show contest winner, a juggernaut press machine, and an endless supply of musicians that have no personality beyond what she gives them. Irvine is interesting; the single is passable; but really this isn't a follow-up to Breakaway as much as it is a detour from perfection. Still, this disc should have been held over until December when something a bit more potent could be mustered.
  
  Don't worry Kelly, third albums are a tough gig even for the very best of them.
  
  
• Excellent!!!
  By A11XO8EQHK4QF5 on 2007-06-28
  To be honest, I wasn't expecting much from this album, after all the controversy over it. After the first listen, I thought it was great, even though it wasn't as catchy as BA. But after the 2nd and 3rd listen, I started to really love it. And now, I probably love it more than BA. And I didn't think that was possible, since I love the BA album (probably my favourite).
  
  
• Shut up, Clive Davis! You don't know everything!
  By A1YAFLTYMGX4SQ on 2007-06-28
  I love it when someone like Clive Davis is proven wrong. I don't know why people like him think they know it all and they especially tick me off when they try to suffocate an artist's creative juices.As most reading this know, this is exactly what Davis tried to do to Kelly while perched on his self-appointed throne. Davis tried to convince Kelly that she should crank out another CD identical to "Breakaway." Unlike so many of the Idol contestants, Clarkson is a true artist and she didn't want to get caught in that trap. Listening to this CD only one time proved to me that Davis doesn't always know what he is talking about. Some of us actually prefer more mature music and that is exactly what this is for Kelly. This CD screams that Kelly is maturing as a person, a singer and a songwriter. (Just listen to the angst in "Never Again.")Is this CD as catchy as "Breakaway"? No. Is this CD better? Yes. For anyone who has ever been angry over being done wrong (which would be most of us), we can identify with Kelly's lyrics. Perhaps Clive Davis should step aside. Could it be he is now out of touch? He made the ridiculous and very insulting comment, reportedly, that young women shouldn't write their own music. Excuse me! What?!? First of all, that was a comment filled with discrimination. What century is Davis living in? Second, apparently Davis has forgotten about other famous women who have sung their own songs and done very well, thank you: Carly Simon, Carole King, Pat Benatar, Avril Lavigne, Vanessa Carlton, Patti Smith, Sheryl Crow, Alanis Morrisette, Ann & Nancy Wilson of Heart, Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell and the list could go on and on. Kelly Clarkson (while still not in the ranks of Carole King or Carly Simon just yet) can now join this list of provocative, talented women who will not be silenced by the obviously male-dominated music business. (Oh, by the way, I'm a man and say "more power to the women!") Vocally, Kelly has never sounded better; especially on the haunting track "Irvine." She has always reminded me a bit of Pat Benatar; or I should say I always thought she had a bit of Benatar deep inside her. I was glad to hear that Pat Benatar may have been an influence in her musical life. You can definitely hear that Benatar influence on this album.I do think there could have been a couple of more pop/radio-friendly songs on this CD, but that is not always necessary. (Although, I think "One Minute" is well-suited for radio airplay.) Listen to Paul McCartney's "Memory Almost Full." There is not one radio-friendly song on that album and the music industry is raving that this is the best thing he's done in years. I personally disagree with that, but that's for another review. My point: McCartney can write and record an introspective CD with no "pop" tunes and everyone thinks it is a masterpiece (again, disagree - although I do like it) but Kelly Clarkson records an introspective album and Clive Davis tried to shelve it. Shame on you, Mr. Davis! Let the listeners be the judge. Davis and his kind shouldn't be the judge of what gets released. Personally, I feel as if I know Kelly Clarkson a little better now (and actually can emphathize in some ways.) I was always a fan, but I'm even a bigger one now and so proud of her that she stood her ground. Bravo! (Now, Kelly, I do hope you can get a bit happier - not so your next CD will be more uplifting, but because you deserve happiness. Screw those who bring you down. Just kick the dust in their faces as you walk on with your head held high. You can be proud of a job well done!)I mentioned "uplifting" and in some ways Kelly's "My December" is just that because sometimes it is nice to know others have felt what you have felt and you are able to identify with them. There is some comfort in that.If you like Kelly Clarkson, buy this CD. If you like any of the female artists I listed above, buy this CD. If you want to listen to introspective lyrics, buy this CD. If you just want to stick it to Clive Davis to prove how wrong he is, buy this CD. (And, while you are buying this CD, do yourself a favor and also purchase Kimberley Locke's recent release entitled "Based On A True Story.")
  
  
• Long anticipated... huge disappointment
  By AEHP8TBO11JX7 on 2007-06-29
  I am a huge Kelly Clarkson fan, and have been looking forward to the release of her new album for several years now. Boy, was I disappointed. The new album is a completely different style than her last two... and by different, I mean, it sucks. I ran out and bought this album the day it came out, took it home, listened to it, and slowly lost hope that there was one good song on the album as each track played. It seems as if Kelly is trying to take on the image of hard-core rock girl... and it just isn't her. While this style works for female artists such as Pink and Amy Lee of Evanescence, Kelly needs to stick to her roots. Being a pop artist is what she is good at, and the so-called rock music was a bad choice. Let's hope that Kelly goes back to singing the music she's good at for her next album.
  
  
• My December Outshines Breakaway
  By AVGOV7TUXYWIV on 2007-06-29
  Kelly Clarkson has earned her reputation as a true artist.
  
  She has managed to produce amazing music and lyrics that are backed up with unsurpassed emotion. With My December Kelly has crafted yet another Grammy-worthy album.
  
  Never Again opens the album with grit and bitterness that would make even the manliest of men take a moment to shiver. Kelly's vocals are spot on and she delivers one heck of a first single. 10/10
  
  One Minute keeps the blood pumping and the toes tapping as Kelly belts out the resounding chorus "One minute you laugh, the next minute you're slowly sinking into something black." She manages to make the harsh lyrics go down smoothly by putting them to somewhat of a happy chord progression and beat. 10/10
  
  Hole sounds as if it could easily be sung by the lead singer of Switchfoot but we are all glad that it is Miss Clarkson who takes the reigns on this hard-hitting rocker. 10/10
  
  Sober was chosen as a 2nd single from My December and, might I say, rightfully so. This is possibly the best single she has ever released. The song works as one long crescendo and sends shivers down my spine every time I listen to it. Sober is a masterpiece lyrically and vocally. Amazing. 10/10
  
  Don't Waste Your Time could've easily been found on Kelly's Breakaway album. It is catchy, radio-friendly (not that it even matters), and well written. 9/10
  
  Judas is another highlight. It is dark with very modern feel to it. This one just wreaks with Kelly Clarkson style. 10/10
  
  Haunted is reminiscent of Kelly's previous tunes Addicted and Hear Me. However, where Haunted outshines the others is in the emotion within the lyrics. 10/10
  
  Be Still proves that Kelly can slow it down like the best of them. Her vocals sparkle on this piece. 9/10
  
  Maybe could easily be played at a local coffee shop. Kelly's songwriting abilities really shine on this one. 10/10
  
  How I Feel is probably the most radio-friendly song on the album. It is most definitely No Doubt inspired and Kelly's voice through the entire song. 10/10
  
  Yeah proves that Kelly is from TEXAS. I would love to hear this song playing at a bar. Everyone would love it. 10/10
  
  Can I Have A Kiss sounds like Alanis Morrisette on vocal steroids. Kelly is amazing. 10/10
  
  Irvine/Chivas is my personal favorite. Irvine is the best song on the album, lyrically and musically. Chivas is playful, fun, and funny all at the same time! 11/10
  
  Buy this album NOW if you haven't already!
  
  
  
  
  
  

• It Won't Be Soon Before Long
• Lost Highway
• Carnival Ride
• Breakaway
• Daughtry