All I Ever Wanted (Deluxe Version)

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.