All I Ever Wanted

In 2009, seven years after she won the first season of AMERICAN IDOL, Kelly Clarkson's musical career was still going strong. After the darker sound of MY DECEMBER, ALL I EVER WANTED is something of a return to form for Clarkson, harking back to the spirited, sprightly rock of her debut. With its punky energy, confessional lyrics, and sassy attitude, lead single "My Life Would Suck Without You" recalls the sound and feel of signature Clarkson hits like "Since U Been Gone." The album brims with catchy hooks, thanks to Clarkson's high-profile songwriting collaborators, including Katy Perry and OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder. This is well- crafted, radio-ready pop, and if the album has a weakness, it's that it does feel a bit calculated. Clarkson fans shouldn't mind, however. This contemporary singer's skills deserve to be as well-packaged as ALL I EVER WANTED; whether she's flirting with bass-driven grooves or anthemic hard rock, Clarkson makes the song her own with expressive vocal chops and commanding style.