Released: Mar 6, 2009
Genre: Pop Rock/ Adult Contemporary/ Electropop/ Power Pop
Label: RCA
Number Of Tracks: 14
We get a pop rock/pop punk album that focuses more on the pop than the rock.
All I Ever Wanted
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on march 19, 2009 0 of 2 people found this review helpful
Sound: So, we all know the story about the controversy involving Kelly Clarkson and her management, about My December, her third and supposedly (too) dark album. It was a big gossip-deal in 2007, prior to the release of this album. According to press, Mr. Clive Davis offered Miss Clarkson a huge amount of money, only if she took the half of the tracks from My December and dumped them on the other side of the world. Proud as Kelly was, and still is, she fired her manager and released the dark, moody, emotional and raw-rocky album. Sales couldn't even begin comparing to her 2004/2005 major hit album Breakaway.
Now the year is 2009 and Kelly is back, this time with an album with the title All I Ever Wanted. The cover of the album is, as Kelly herself said "photoshopped as hell!", and it's clear that the majority of the songs on the fourth Miss Clarkson-album, are pop. And not only that - bubblegum, colorful, lovely, teddybear-pop. I can say that the first single says it all, My Life Would Suck Without You, wich is a smart name for a song. The single can be caught stealing some moments from Kelly's major hit Since you Been Gone, especially the guitar-intro. My Life Would Suck Without You is written and produced bu the Swedes, Max Martin and Dr. Gottwald, who've also been involved in Pink's, Britney's, and many other stars, carrers.
On the single Kelly sings about a disfunctional relationship, and she does it damn good. It's a massive hit, probably the song of the year, with that bubblegum-catchy feeling. It's very reminding of the style that Breakaway gave us and it shows off Kelly's voice, range and it's simply a popular song that anyone and everyone would dig. The second song off All I Ever Wanted is written by Kara DiGuoardi and pop-sensation Katy Perry, among others. The song is supposedly about being in a relationship with an alcoholic or an addict and it's going to be released as the second single, some time in April. This song has a raw sense to it, and remind me of the inbetween of Breakaway and My December, sort of like a mix. It has fine lyrics and an amazing catchy melody. This also, a hit for sure.
Kelly's third song is called Cry, and it's described as "the most personal song on the album", by Kelly herself. Cry is a ballad, with resemblance to Because Of You. It's featured with a heavy, powerful and extremely touching chorus, and Kelly's lungs really show that they are able to do magic. And it's evident that Cry is personal as hell, a part of the lyrics are: "If anyone asks, I’ll tell them we just grew apart / What do I care if they believe me or not? " And the truth is, this is good and powerful as hell!
The fourth song, Don't Let Me Stop You, is really giving me Pink-ish vibes. It's a song about a man who won't commit, and the song has really good lyrics and gives off that rock, raw arena-feeling, but it's still pulled together and very contemporary and radio-friendly. An amazing song! Other than Katy Perry writing two of the songs, I Do Not Hook Up, and Long Shot, Kelly has worked with OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder and the two of them came up with Impossible - which is a nice song that shows of Kelly's voice amazingly, and it doesn't hurt that it's catchy. Save You, a ballad that obviously is personal and very raw. It doesn't even begin to compare with Cry, but still a easygoing tune that sooths. Besides, Kelly and her voice - Oh my God! Already Gone, which comes off as a well-written and very well-executed song, with huge resemblances to Beyoncé's Halo. Ryan sings the backup-vocals on this, nearly five minute long masterpiece. It's really good, delicate and the lyrics are to die for. Also, If I Can't Have You, which by Kelly is described as something she wouldn't normally do. "A mix between The Killers and Eurythmics!" It's a fast song that sometimes falls flat. The lyrics in the verses I really like, but it's in the chorus that everything about this song falls flat.
Kelly has put on a song called, Whyyawannabringmedown, which is a hardcore, punkish and raw song, that I think is really unlike Clarkson. But anyway, she kills the song - in a good way and I like it. It's a flip-out song, the kind that you just can shake off, and go crazy to. Kelly also put a song on All I Ever Wanted, which is called Ready. It was one of the demos that leaked, unfinished and very raw. But on the album it came out as a contemporary, modern, R&B-Gwen Stefani thing. One difference though - a kick-ass singing-job, especially in the chorus part.
It's clear that Kelly used a different way to express herself on this record. She's still critising every old boyfriend and implying that everything's wrong, just like she did on My December, but this time she's doing this the Clive Davis-commercial, pop, cute, radio-way. Nothing wrong with that, she's cool as hell, and she really rules and kills every single one of these songs. From Long Shot, the popular song with the high chorus, to If No One Will Listen, the slowest ballad of them all, which proves that she can take any of the Idols in a singing-bee, whenever, wherever!
I just have one issue with All I Ever Wanted, even though it contains unforgettable hit's and wonderful and amazing songs, which will be remembered - it somehow falls flat, because it's not so very different from Breakaway. It feels like I've heard a big part of the songs that are on this album, already. I believe that people thought My December as something exciting, and saw it as a new fresh thing from Kelly, but now I lacked that anticipation, I had prior to the release of My December, because I pretty much knew what All I Ever Wanted Would Be - a polished, more contemporary and more synth-influenced twing to Breakaway. And what really made me sure of my thoughts, was the release of My Life Would Suck Without You, which is an amazing hot hit-song, but let's face it - it's sooooo is Since you Been Gone on Viagra! And nobody want's a second Breakaway, nobody, well. Except Clive Davis. // 7
Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics of Kelly's fourth album are good. They do what they are supposed to do, considering Kelly's penentration into the pop genre, once again. I will no admit that the lyrics are better than My December's, 'cause they're really not and I don't think that they ever will be as emotional and wrapped into the dark fog of feelings, which Kelly really got across with the lyrics from My December - just look at Irvine or Maybe. All I Ever Wanted have moments where it shines really bright. Those moments are in songs like:
I Do Not Hook Up: "This may not last but this is now, so love the one you're with". Don't Let Me Stop You: "If you’re looking all over your shoulder, then you don’t need to be with me". Already Gone: "Even with our fists held high, it never would have worked out right yeah. We were never meant for do or die" Ready: "I sit so patiently drenched in what do you want me to be. I can't escape".
But almost none of these lyrics measure up to the amazing moods that My December gave us, and barely even to Breakwaway. It's hard to say because it depends on which songs you compare. Every one of these albums have their pros and cons. // 8
Impression: All I Ever Wanted, a good album which won't dissapoint anyone who digged the glory of Breakaway, but if you're more a My December-type you might not like it as much. Some songs, like Don't Let Me Stop You, Already Gone, Ready, Whyyawannabringmedown and Cry might give you what you want. It's a album about issues, like every other time, and like every other Kelly-song and album. But this time it's not as depressed. It's more suited for radio and for the approval of Mr. Clive Davis. Which is okay, 'cause Kelly always stays true, no matter what she sings.
I like the album because some of the song have a power, and a new fresh and sort of refreshed vibe that suit dancefloors, but also depressed thinking in a dark room. It's like a new Kelly Clarkson, drenched in candy, bubblegum colors and melodies that are infected by the shrieking of synths, but with lyrics about betrayal, heart-break and lies. I don't like the album just because I feel like I've heard many of the songs, like I said before, and also because I'm having a hard time figuring out why Clarkson decided to put some of the songs, she actually put up, on the album. Songs like I Want You, that fade in comparance to other songs, and If No One Will Listen. Sure, it's a cosy song, and to talant and the ability to really be able to sing is demanded, but it reminds me of something Kelly would have done on Thankful. I mean, she must have had better songs.
The five best songs from All I Ever Wanted: Already Gone, I Do Not Hook Up, Don't Let Me Stop You, Cry, Long Shot, and the three "what-were-you-thinking-songs?": If No One Will Listen, I Want You, If I Can't Have You. // 7
All I Ever Wanted
Reviewed by:
Tomozaurus, on march 19, 2009 0 of 2 people found this review helpful
Sound: After previously gaining some cred with her Indie Rock release "My December" Kelly Clarkson, for some reason, decided to revert to her "Breakaway" days. In other words, we get a pop rock/pop punk album that focuses more on the pop than the rock. Well, I think this is better described through a track by track, so here it is.
01.My Life Would Suck Without You: the opening single of the album is a fairly generic pop song with dancey electric beats. However, the catchy guitar line and Clarkson's impressive vocals make it significantly better than the other pop crap circulating on the radio these days.
02.I Do Not Hook Up: originally a Katy Perry demo; Kelly makes this song better than it could have been. A solid pop rocker with heavy guitars and some catchy hooks in the chorus. Still not showing what Clarkson is better at though.
03.Cry: the albums first ballad and an excellent song. Probably the best on the album. The strings and gentle guitar picking in the verses sounds spectacular together. The chorus is truly big in this album. This is where Clarkson sounds best, belting out big, mighty choruses. Quality track.
04.Don't Let Me Stop You: the arena rock song is another fairly good number with crunchy pop-punk guitars and another big Clarkson chorus. Catchy and comfortable.
05.All I Ever Wanted: the title track. Unfortunately after the promising power of the last two songs is cut short by this weak flat pop track. No hooks, no riffs, forgettable.
06.Already Gone: another solid ballad track brings up the standard slightly from 'All I Ever Wanted'. Piano and strings do well in boosting Clarkson's voice. Not as good as some of the other ballads though.
07.If I Can't Have You: arguably the weakest track on the album. I've already forgotten what it sounds like.
08.Save You: the third ballad (there are a few) marks the start of another run of solid songs. Also a good enough track, lacks some of the power of 'Cry' though. Probably better than 'Already gone.' Fuelled by some light arpeggios and a tremolo picking chorus accompanied by piano. Has a very memorable, string fed, chorus and Clarkson sings with some real emotion.
09.Whyyouwannabringmedown: don't let the cheesy song name off put you. This song is actually quite good. A bouncy pop punk number that brings Paramore to mind. it's fast and to the point. The guitars churn out some drop D riffs and Clarkson belts out some anger through speedy barks and poppy screams. A short solo is even featured.
10.Long Shot: an excellent song. Very memorable hooks. Clarkson's vocals back to they're best. Another big chorus is featured, fuelled by more drop-tuned strumming.
11.Impossible: surprisingly good for a track co-written with Ryan Tedder. Obviously Clarkson took the front seat in the writing. The strings sound quite good in this song, where they may have been just filler in others. Some memorable riffs are featured in here too, along with some very cool piano parts. it's only drawback is everything gets kind of buried in a wall of sound during the choruses.
12.Ready: an okay song. Sounds a little filler-ish. Staccato guitar in the verses and a semi-noticeable chorus.
13.I Want You: pretty weak track. it's premise of a funky pop song is okay but it is brought down by pathetic lyrics and lack of any real hooks. Not as bad as some of the other crap, but forgettable and a little stupid sounding.
14.If No One Will Listen: the last song on the album and the last ballad. it's driven by soft piano and Clarkson's fantastic vocal performance. The lyrics actually stand up in this one after the lackluster performance of the previous song. A good ending to an album with ups and downs. Thankfully it ended on a good note.
Overall, the sound is okay when using her standard pop-punk or ballad formats, but weak in the electropop filler tracks. // 7
Lyrics and Singing: Clarkson's vocal skills are tremendous, there is no question. She has an incredibly range and ability. As mentioned before, she sounds best when in her pop-rock/punk or ballad formulas. Solemnly singing verses and exploding in giant choruses. In the poor attempts at mainstream electropop causes by Tedder and whoever else decided to steer her in that direction she sounds out of place and can't show her true skills.
The lyrics are a bit all over the place. Some songs such as Cry, If No One Will Listen, Impossible or Don't Let Me Stop You show lyrics as strong as any album; or better. However others such as My Life Would Suck Without You, I Do Not Hook Up or I Want You just half-baked and dumb. // 5
Impression: Overall, the album, at fourteen tracks, is too long. The filler and weak songs could have easily been cut out, bringing the album down to 11 or 12 solid tracks. Instead we are left with 11 or 12 solid tracks mixed with a few really weak songs that do not sound in place. Could have been better. // 7
Even if Kelly is a popper and is an Idol star the thing she puts out is still music. And yes there are about the same amount of guitars in her music as in average american rock band has.
what next a fall out boy review or my chemical romance? review some good music, like the new metric album or something
There isn't much a difference between Metric and Clarkson anymore...both are infectiously poppy and have a huge following.
Although Ultimate Guitar may have begun as a guitarists only site, it has evolved into a musicians website.
To say Kelly Clarkson isn't a musician is very off base. Same could be said of Faith No More or The Doors or 6 Feet Under...all experimental sounds to their own right but still music.
Don't get me wrong either, I don't like Clarkson's music...but I can defintely appreciate the affect she's had because of it.
Although Ultimate Guitar may have begun as a guitarists only site, it has evolved into a musicians website.
To say Kelly Clarkson isn't a musician is very off base. Same could be said of Faith No More or The Doors or 6 Feet Under...all experimental sounds to their own right but still music.
Don't get me wrong either, I don't like Clarkson's music...but I can defintely appreciate the affect she's had because of it.
I have respect for all musicians, and I agree with you, UG is a site for all musicians. Still, I just think this is misplaced, if I ever wanted to read about Kelly Clarkson, I sure wouldn't turn to UG. I mean what's next, Guitar Hero reviews? oh wait.. (:
what next a fall out boy review or my chemical romance? review some good music, like the new metric album or something
There isn't much a difference between Metric and Clarkson anymore...both are infectiously poppy and have a huge following.
Although Ultimate Guitar may have begun as a guitarists only site, it has evolved into a musicians website.
To say Kelly Clarkson isn't a musician is very off base. Same could be said of Faith No More or The Doors or 6 Feet Under...all experimental sounds to their own right but still music.
Don't get me wrong either, I don't like Clarkson's music...but I can defintely appreciate the affect she's had because of it.
Kind of like how Guitar Center sells everything from guitars to DJ equipment. I absolutely hate pop, but I will give credit where credit is due and Kelly Clarckson can sing her ass off.
Okay, I'm going to say this to everyone out there who complains about these reviews being on this site. I wrote Kelly Clarksons My December-review and people were beinge total jackasses, and asking why it was on this site, as well. Even though My December was raw rock indie, with plenty of guitars and riffs and all that!
Kelly Clarkson is an artist, which can sing amazingly. And I have to point out that not many of the singers today, can do that. In Kelly's music we can hear guitar, pianos and drums - like in every other. Just take a listen to 'Maybe', 'Irvine', 'Never Again' or 'I Do Not Hook Up', and you will see. So I don't understand why everyone has to ask so stupid and dumb questions, 'cause the answer is obvious - KELLY CLARKSON IS ON THIS SITE, THIS REVIEW, AND EVERY OTHER KELLY CLARKSON REVIEW BELONGS HERE BECAUSE IT'S MUSIC LIKE ANY OTHER AND IT CONTAINS GUITARS YOU STUPID ASSH**ES!
Nobody has made you to read this review, and if you find it annoying, why click on it and why wasting your time here?
Just because it's not Kiss, Metallica, Fall Out Boy or Sex Pistols - it still belongs here!
if the taylor swift love story tab is allowed to be #2 on the whole site then an album review by someone broadening their musical horizons from indie, metal etc. should be too. im not saying i like her music, its really too poppy and cheesy for my taste but i say give anything a chance, its just a review after all
On the single Kelly sings about a disfunctional relationship, and she does it damn good. It's a massive hit, probably the song of the year
ohh, so UG is hiring washed up MTV reviewers now? song of the year???? what is happening to this website.
Excuse you for being so negative!
What I meant was song of the year in terms of pop-radio and contemporary songs! You don't have to get annoyed just because you missinterpret everything, so easily. My Life Would Suck Without You is a good song, and it's doing very well on the radio and on every chart world-wide. It did jump from place 97 to place 1, on the Billboard and broke the record, actually. So that's what I meant! OKAY!?
Okay, I'm going to say this to everyone out there who complains about these reviews being on this site. I wrote Kelly Clarksons My December-review and people were beinge total jackasses, and asking why it was on this site, as well. Even though My December was raw rock indie, with plenty of guitars and riffs and all that!
Kelly Clarkson is an artist, which can sing amazingly. And I have to point out that not many of the singers today, can do that. In Kelly's music we can hear guitar, pianos and drums - like in every other. Just take a listen to 'Maybe', 'Irvine', 'Never Again' or 'I Do Not Hook Up', and you will see. So I don't understand why everyone has to ask so stupid and dumb questions, 'cause the answer is obvious - KELLY CLARKSON IS ON THIS SITE, THIS REVIEW, AND EVERY OTHER KELLY CLARKSON REVIEW BELONGS HERE BECAUSE IT'S MUSIC LIKE ANY OTHER AND IT CONTAINS GUITARS YOU STUPID ASSH**ES!
Nobody has made you to read this review, and if you find it annoying, why click on it and why wasting your time here?
Just because it's not Kiss, Metallica, Fall Out Boy or Sex Pistols - it still belongs here!
couldn't put that better myself. I took my friend to see her, and me and her thoroughly enjoyed it. Good live show, band was really tight and flawless. Sure its not technical death metal so its not like mind boggling musically. But for what it is, its very good.
Uhh... Just because someone is good at singing, doesn't mean they belong here. F***in Amy Winehouse is an alright singer, why don't you just put her up as well. Or Celine Dion. There is a reason why MOST UG members come to this website: to avoid the crap they will see on the "entertainment" section of every newspaper/news site. If you like Clarkson... and you "appreciate" her "talent", you're better off reading E! news. The majority of the people here like to listen to music that differs from the over-produced, over-hyped, over-friendly music we see on MTV.
kelly clarkson on the front page common UG whats going on? there are better artists than kelly clarkson that deserve the front page !
I could not imagine jonas brothers in UG front page that would be the day that UG dies
Next week's reviews: The Jonas Brother and Hannah Montana!
It's Jonas Brothers, loser! Check your facts, next time!
Talk about shooting yourself in the foot, you correct someone for mis-pronouncing the name of probably the worst pop group\band ever. you must really care for them so much!!! Muwahhahahahahahaa
Uhh... Just because someone is good at singing, doesn't mean they belong here. F***in Amy Winehouse is an alright singer, why don't you just put her up as well. Or Celine Dion. There is a reason why MOST UG members come to this website: to avoid the crap they will see on the "entertainment" section of every newspaper/news site. If you like Clarkson... and you "appreciate" her "talent", you're better off reading E! news. The majority of the people here like to listen to music that differs from the over-produced, over-hyped, over-friendly music we see on MTV.
uhh... jsut because ur a dumb**** doesnt u deserve to be here. How thick headed are you. It is still music and this is a music website i mean they have stories about musicians dying or about a bands drummer... those are music stories not just guitar. Whether she is pop or not last time i checked pop was a genre of music im not a fan of her music either but she has a very good voice
All of you need to chill, please!
Kelly Clarkson is here, on this website because she does music, like every other artist. And Kelly's music involves guitars, like every other artists.
So, I really don't get why everybody is so thick-heades in their attempts to be cool and try to put down Kelly, and every artist similar to Kelly, and her music. Why?
Get a grip, everybody! This review belongs here because this is a freaking website about music, and not only metal, hardrock, or trash. Every kind of music! Would you please try to understand that?!
And if you are bugged by this being here, please don't read it or please don't klick on this review - becacuse if you don't have any opinions about this CD, you can all go and read and praise the music you like!
Next week's reviews: The Jonas Brother and Hannah Montana!
It's Jonas Brothers, loser! Check your facts, next time!
Talk about shooting yourself in the foot, you correct someone for mis-pronouncing the name of probably the worst pop group\band ever. you must really care for them so much!!! Muwahhahahahahahaa
Okay, nerd! I do not like Jonas Brothers and I have never ever listened to them or any one of their songs. Not that there would be any wrong with it, if I did.
I know about their name because they've recently got their big breakout, and dude if you haven't noticed they're everywhere. On MTV, on E!, on Magazines, all over internet. So... It's pretty hard to miss them. In case you live in a abandoned dark cave, surrounded by depressing, dark fog and emptiness, which you do... Maybe?
Next week's reviews: The Jonas Brother and Hannah Montana!
It's Jonas Brothers, loser! Check your facts, next time!
Talk about shooting yourself in the foot, you correct someone for mis-pronouncing the name of probably the worst pop group\band ever. you must really care for them so much!!! Muwahhahahahahahaa
Okay, nerd! I do not like Jonas Brothers and I have never ever listened to them or any one of their songs. Not that there would be any wrong with it, if I did.
I know about their name because they've recently got their big breakout, and dude if you haven't noticed they're everywhere. On MTV, on E!, on Magazines, all over internet. So... It's pretty hard to miss them. In case you live in a abandoned dark cave, surrounded by depressing, dark fog and emptiness, which you do... Maybe?
Climax, you've posted like ten times now...enough is enough.
Frankly, to compare Kelly Clarkson to any of these artists is ridiculous. None of them are even in the same genre of MUSIC. I mean technically, Hilary Duff does pop MUSIC, too. But seriously, at least Clarkson has talent. At least she's a credible song-writer. AND the reason there aren't any wailing guitar solos in her MUSIC is because her voice is her instrument. Leave her to the vocals and Joe Satriani to play his guitar, and we'll all be fine.
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