Kelly Clarkson “chemistry” Album Review

chemistry

Kelly Clarkson

• Genre: Pop
• Date: 23 Jun, 2023
• Content: Not-explicit
• Track(s): 14
• ℗ 2023 Kelly Clarkson under exclusive license to Atlantic Recording Corporation

Kelly Clarkson’s tenth studio album, “Chemistry,” was released via Atlantic Records on 23 Jun 2023. The album is produced by her consistent collaborators, Jason Halbert and Jesse Shatkin, and newcomers Erick Serna and Rachel Orscher. Notably, the album includes collaborations with Steve Martin and Sheila E.

Kelly Clarkson’s latest album, “Chemistry,” is a true reflection of the ups and downs of a relationship. It covers a range of emotions from the beginning to the end, portraying the complete journey. The creation of this album was a challenging process for Kelly, as it was written during her separation from Brandon Blackstock three years ago. Due to the personal nature of the songs, she was hesitant about promoting the album. However, now that she has moved on from the past, Kelly is ready to share her story with the world through her 10th album.

Album Art

The cover image for the Chemistry album features the graceful Kelly, although it appears to be slightly distorted, with additional photos of the superstar facing in different directions. Kelly is depicted wearing a flowing dress, with outstretched arms and an upward gaze that suggests a sense of surrender or resignation.

Tracks And Features

At the beginning of her 10th studio album “Chemistry,” Kelly Clarkson questions if she can skip the part where she falls apart in the opening track, “Skip This Part.” This song sets a somber tone for the album, which may be unexpected for fans of Clarkson’s music. The track starts with a symphonic sound and gradually builds into an R&B-flavored pop ballad, incorporating synths and vocal effects. The song’s structure is reminiscent of Billie Eilish’s music, with mellow verses, a doo-wop-inflected hook, and a climactic coda featuring guitar-driven instrumentation. In “Skip This Part,” Clarkson bares her soul and expresses her pain through lyrics about betrayal and using substances to numb the hurt.

In “Mine,” Clarkson showcases her impressive vocal range with a spacious and ethereal ballad that delves into her rollercoaster of emotions. The lyrics express her self-doubt while questioning how she arrived where she is. The instrumentation is minimal, allowing Clarkson’s vocals to shine. “High Road” is an upbeat pop-rock track with a powerful message, embodying a fusion of Breakaway and Stronger. Despite her frustrations, Clarkson’s introspective lyrics show she has learned valuable lessons.

Clarkson’s song “Me” features a gradually rising rhythm and gospel-inspired vocal harmonies, embodying her journey to rediscover herself. The profoundly intimate ballad focuses on her powerful vocals, with the instrumentation taking a backseat. Supported by a choir, she delivers a soulful performance that exudes strength and empowerment.

The tide shifts for her in the haunting yet energetic ballad “Down to You,” where Kelly Clarkson showcases a new rhythmic singing style. This unique song blends her pop/rock background with an R&B flair. The mid-tempo pop-rock track “Rock Hudson” also exudes the same bold attitude that has powered many of her previous hits.

The album contains a mix of upbeat and sad songs. Some of the slower tracks, like the title song and the piano ballad “Lighthouse,” showcase a sense of frustration and sadness, accompanied by rich harmonies. Meanwhile, the moody “My Mistake” hears Clarkson taking a more defensive stance following the end of a romantic relationship.

The album’s contents reflect the tumultuous emotions that often follow a breakup. One of the more cheerful tracks, “Favorite Kind of High,” co-written by Carly Rae Jepsen, feels like a throwback to Kelly Clarkson’s earlier anthems. “Red Flag Collector,” on the other hand, combines pop-rock with a horn section and bluesy elements. With its plucky guitars, stuttering synths, and driving kick drum, “Favorite Kind of High” captures the euphoria of new love. The album’s title track, a relatively subdued love song supported by acoustic guitar and reflective vocals, serves as a narrative turning point. Clarkson’s exceptional vocal talent is displayed throughout the album, showcasing technical skill and emotional depth.

The songs on the album, including the power ballad “High Road,” have a typical pop-rock sound. It makes one curious about what Kelly Clarkson could create with innovative producers like Jack Antonoff and Ariel Rechtshaid. The album concludes with some new experimentation, such as “I Hate Love,” where Steve Martin, who is mentioned in the lyrics, plays the banjo. The final track, “That’s Right,” features drummer Sheila E and has a tropical feel. It’s a quirky yet fitting end to an album that perfectly captures the emotional aftermath of heartbreak.

Tracklist

NO	TITLE	TIME
1	skip this part	3:37
2	mine	3:11
3	high road	3:19
4	me	3:34
5	down to you	3:09
6	chemistry	2:30
7	favorite kind of high	2:55
8	magic	3:15
9	lighthouse	3:21
10	rock hudson	3:22
11	my mistake	3:16
12	red flag collector	2:58
13	i hate love (feat. Steve Martin)	3:33
14	that’s right (feat. Sheila E)	2:39

Album Summary

Those loyal fans of Kelly Clarkson for an extended period will likely find her latest album, Chemistry, to be a worthwhile addition to her discography. While some tracks may blend, Clarkson’s undeniable vocal talent remains a standout feature throughout the record. Her ability to convey uplifting and intimate moments is a defining characteristic for which she is widely recognized and appreciated. Overall, Chemistry is a solid offering from the beloved artist that is sure to please her devoted fan base.

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