America, Your CD Has Arrived

When Kelly Clarkson blew the candles out on her birthday cake last year, was she wishing for her first CD to be released before her next birthday? Did her wish include collaborating with some of the best songwriters and producers in the industry today? Well if she did, then it would seem that Kelly’s Birthday wish has come true and she is clearly “Thankful.”

With the release of her appropriately titled Thankful debut album this week; Kelly Clarkson has taken the leap from the American Idol winner to musical artist. It’s the end of the American Idol road for Our Kelly and now she must stand on her own in the sometimes harsh and critical music world.

Well I’m thankful because Kelly can stand tall on this debut. It is an entertaining and interesting mix of R&B, contemporary rock, soulful ballads, and edgy pop tunes. Not only does it demonstrate her natural God-given vocal talent, but we are also given access into her song writing soul. That her own self-penned lyrics have been included on her debut is an accomplishment in and of itself, not to mention that she delivers them with the same raw emotion that America fell in love with last September.

This is not a “new pop princess in waiting” debut but more a continuation of the “Natural Woman” saga we were introduced to last year. Kelly manages to deliver on the album with her self-image intact, which is very refreshing in an industry that today capitalizes constantly on the ‘sound of the day’ theory. She manages to remain true to the sound that is most representative of her style. Kudos to you, Kelly, for not allowing them to change you into the flavor of the month!

Honorable mention goes out to her producers for allowing this to be a showcase of talent and natural style over trend. With the exception of pawning those two cheesy show ballads off on us for yet a third time, they seem to have taken the high road on this one and can now bask in their decision as this begins to climb the charts. Including “A Moment Like This” and “Before Your Love” and calling them bonus tracks is the only insulting thing they’ve managed to do. Please, how many people are splitting royalties on those two songs that they needed to include them on this debut album? If they are all getting a couple pennies per copy, I guess they don’t feel they made enough off the first million copies printed, so they figured they’d cash in some more. I’m okay with them wanting to earn a little more pocket change but don’t pretend to remix them and call them bonus tracks so you can act like you’re giving the fans something extra.

Without the Bonus tracks, the album itself is a collection of potential hits. It’s warm and inviting with rich soulful sounds like “The Trouble With Love Is,” “What’s Up Lonely,” “Some Kind of Miracle,” and “Anytime,” that will leave you ready to light the candles, dim the lights, and enjoy a romantic dinner for two. It kicks up a notch with songs like “Miss Independent,” “Just Missed the Train” and “You Thought Wrong.” The latter is a funky duet featuring Tamyra Gray and tells the story of what happens to “Miss Independent” when she falls for a two-timer. Rounding out the set are songs like “Beautiful Disaster” and “Low” that have “Chart Toppers” written all over them.

This is really more or less America’s album. We voted for it and we did well! We are not bad entertainment scouts if you ask me. I know, nobody did, but I felt a pat on the back was in order. Kelly’s debut demonstrates the versatility that we discovered last summer. Now I look forward to what she has to offer us in the future. Her potential seems limitless.

If you are already a fan of Kelly Clarkson you will not be disappointed with Thankful. It is everything that you voted for. If you haven’t heard Kelly Clarkson yet, pick this one up, you will not be disappointed either, I guarantee there is something on it for you also.

You can buy Thankful for 29% off at Amazon.com by clicking below.

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