Kelly Clarkson- Breakaway
In 2004 Kelly Clarkson released her second studio album
“Breakaway”, and by all accounts this was in fact her debut album. Presenting a
more pop rock sound than its predecessor “Thankful”, this is an album that is
truer to Clarkson as an artist, and is full to the brim with a plethora of
potential singles.
Track 1- Breakaway
Initially intended as a mere bridge between her first and
second album, the title track of the album became a popular hit, enough to be
included as the lead single of the album. Co-written by Avril Lavgine and
originally for her debut album, it may come across as a bit cheesy but
Clarkson’s voice more than makes up for
that. And besides, I’m sure everyone at some point in their life has wanted to
Breakaway.
4/5
Track 2- Since U Been Gone
One of the best known tracks of her career, this is an easy
pick as a highlight of the album. With powerhouse production that never over
shadows the singer who knows exactly how to use the gift god gave her, this is
the anthem for all the heartbroken out their ready to move on. And the best
thing about this track is the way that it builds, almost as if it is crying out
for the listener to join in by the time the chorus kicks in.
5/5
Track 3- Behind These
Hazel Eyes
My favourite track on the album, this is a song that
perfectly encapsulates what many of Clarkson’s songs are about: emotional
heartbreak against the backdrop of pop-rock production.
5/5
Track 4- Because of You
One of the most personal songs on the album, Clarkson does
seem to really pour her soul into this song not just lyrically but also
vocally. Just don’t listen to this song if your in a good place, as that is
totally going to bring you down.
4.5/5
Track 5- Gone
Gone brings a nice transition from the heartbreak balladry
of the last track, as it is a fast paced, angsty number in which Clarkson tells
her lover that shes move on for good. This so would have been a good single,
and perhaps provides one of the more poppier moments of the album
4/5
Track 6- Addicted
The idea of love being lack drug is not that original a
concept. But this moody track makes up for the fact through the powerful chorus
and the fast paced bridge that truly reflects the idea that Clarkson is
addicted.
3.5/5
Track 7- Where Is Your Heart
This soft, delicate ballad is a little bit bland but
showcases that Clarkson has great control over her voice and does need to belt
out every tune. It would have perhaps been better with a little bit heavier
production and more of a powerful chorus line, put still a nice track that sits
comfortably between the former and latter tracks.
3/5
Track 8- Walk Away
The rock fuelled opening of this track lays down immediately
that this is an anger driven track, and this smart song made a really good
final single to the album in that it shows a little diversity through not being
vocally overpowering or too aggressive. The spoken bridge near the tracks end
also adds a little grit to the song, showing that this is an empowering song,
and definitely a track that I feel is more suited to Clarkson’s female fans.
4/5
Track 9- You Found Me
A song that wouldn’t be out of place on a teenage TV shows
soundtrack, this track actually doesn’t fall into the usual Clarkson wheel in
that it is a song about welcoming love rather than heartbreak. The simple lyrics
enhance the simple idea of finding someone who sees you for you when no one
else does.
3.5/5
Track 10- I Hate Myself For Losing You
This has to be the worst track on the album. On another
album this could be a good track, but in comparison here it’s very so so, and
very much a track that critics would call a filler. The lyrics aren’t really
memorable, and though Clarkson sings the song well, it lacks the passion and
indeed some of the melodrama that made previous tracks on the album so great.
2/5
Track 11- Hear Me
I really just feel like all I have to say about this track
is that it is good but is just a bit too familiar with regards to the rest of
the album, and so would have perhaps fit in better as a b side, bonus track or
on another album. Whatever the case it makes the album just a tad bloated in
terms of the number of songs.
2.5/5
Track 12- Beautiful Disaster
The live version of a track that featured on the album, this
is the perfect end to the album. This is because, aside from the powerful
lyrics and powerful sentiment behind the song, this version highlights
Clarkson, the voice. As the first ever winner of American Idol, she was
highlighted for her powerful, seemingly unlimited vocals, and it is here at the
end that we are reminded of that talent the fact that she is an artist that can
truly sing.
4.5/5
Final Review
You can almost easily see why Breakaway has sold over 12
million copies worldwide: there is just so many good songs. But that’s not to
say that it is a great album, as certain songs do drag down the awesomeness of
the album. Still, a great album by a great artist.
8/10
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