All I Ever Wanted

iTunes Review

Kelly Clarkson will always be remembered as the first American Idol winner, but thanks to her powerful voice, bold vision and sparkling charisma, she’s also a bona fide pop star. Her third full-length, My December, featured Clarkson taking control of the reins in new ways — writing or co-writing the majority of the rock-tinged album — and the release of All I Ever Wanted marks another chapter in her evolution. Lead single and album opener, “My Life Would Suck Without You,” thumps with a propulsive dance beat that gets painted by the Texas native’s sincere vocal delivery before kicking into high gear with a monstrous chorus. This upbeat energy is woven throughout the album — including a sassy chorus on guitar-driven, Katy Perry-written, “I Do Not Hook Up;” punk rock “Whyyawannabringmedown;” and club-ready “If I Can’t Have You,” written by Clarkson and OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder. Softer moments resonate just as powerfully, especially on piano ballad “Already Gone” — another beautiful Clarkson and Tedder partnership.