wallpaper HD: Album Review: Kelly Clarkson: Greatest Hits Chapter One (2012)

It's been exactly a decade since Kelly Clarkson burst onto the music scene, creating history as the very first winner of a little singing contest you may have heard of. Does American Idol ring a bell? Yeah, exactly. In the ten years since the Texas girl's victory, she's experienced a massive level of success, cementing her status as nothing less than a pop icon. With five multi-platinum studio albums, two Grammys, four American Music awards, twelve Billboard Music Awards, and many, many more, Kelly Clarkson remains among the cream of the female pop divas of today. In fact, she's competed with everyone on the charts, from Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera in the early 2000s to the likes of Katy Perry and Rihanna in the 2010s. Her career is impressive, with hardly a low point and continued influence on today's dynamic industry. The massive success of her most recent single, "Stronger" in 2011 (her third #1 on the Billboard Hot 100) proves that. At the same time, Clarkson continues to evolve as an artist, experimenting with new styles like country and folk, changing her image, but continuing to remain true to herself and what she represents. This year, she releases what is surprisingly her very first Greatest Hits compilation. Containing a decade's worth of her biggest hits, the album hits stores November 19. Featuring three newly recorded songs, including the new hit "Catch My Breath", the album's 17 tracks serve as a reminder of just why this girl truly rocks and is one of the most easily recognizable voices on modern radio.

I'll take a break from tradition and not review each and every song on the album, since you've probably heard most of them anyway. I'll just review the three newest songs.

* "Catch My Breath": This song is classic Kelly. A thumping beat, powerful vocals and empowering lyrics- it's what the best Kelly Clarkson songs are made of. Just amazing. Kelly blows me away with everything she does.

* "People Like Us": Lady Gaga rip-off introduction aside, this is one heck of a song. Kelly does a good job targeting the same audience that Katy Perry (Firework), Lady Gaga (Born This Way), Pink (Perfect) and Selena Gomez (Who Says) have all pandered to. The "lost and forgotten/living at the bottom". It still stands out for its originality and could well become another anthem for the LGBT community, who knows?

* "Don't Rush" (featuring Vince Gill): That's right, the legendary Vince Gill features on this song! It's the "other side" of Kelly, the homegrown, country girl. Works on every level, this song. You'll love it if you're a country fan. My only disappointment is that Vince Gill's presence is reduced to mere background vocals. Sad, really, but otherwise a very good song!

Greatest Hits: Chapter One includes almost all of Kelly's singles. From A Moment Like This to My Life Would Suck Without You, they're all here. Perfect for the season, the album also includes Kelly's wonderful rendition of I'll Be Home For Christmas. It was a great listen, going down memory lane with songs that I literally grew up with. I was disappointed, however, that some older ones like Before Your Love and The Trouble With Love Is weren't included on the standard edition. Those songs have always been some my personal favorites. That said, the overall collection is impressive and satisfying.

It's funny that it took Kelly ten long years to release a Greatest Hits album. At the same time, there couldn't be more perfect timing. It's been a very impressive and amazing journey for one of pop music's sweethearts. While most female divas feel the need to reveal unnecessary amounts of skin and opt for raunchier music for the sake of "change", Kelly Clarkson, on the other hand, chooses to remain true to her roots, as the classic girl next door, while at the same time, maturing and refining her music. Kelly has been in the news for all the right reasons- success and philanthropy, and she deserves every last bit of acclaim for that. Ten years is enough to lose yourself in the glitz of Hollywood, but it takes true courage to stand your ground.

If you love Kelly Clarkson, get this! It's worth having just for the three amazing new songs! If you're new, then it's a great way to get acquainted to her very best work. This is a shining example of a true Hollywood journey.

Here's to the start of a brand new chapter!

RATING: ★★★★★

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