By John Garces/entertainment editor
Seven years after winning the inaugural prize of American Idol, Kelly Clarkson continues to shine with her latest CD All I Ever Wanted.
After seeing her career stall with the release of her maligned My December record, the Burleson native appears to have put her career back on the fast track with this album.
Beginning with the lead single, the pop smash “My Life Would Suck Without You,” the record makes great use of Clarkson’s booming voice. It also showcases her burgeoning songwriting skills as she co-wrote six of the record’s 14 tracks.
Though some will likely find the record’s ballads a bit too sappy for their tastes, a bit of melodrama has always been a Clarkson staple. Songs such as the title cut and “Don’t Let Me Stop You” continue that tradition.
Also sprinkled throughout the record are three songs written by Katy Perry, the pop sensation known for “I Kissed A Girl.”
The one most likely to translate to Clarkson’s audience, “I Do Not Hook Up,” reminds the listener that Clarkson retains her wholesome, good-girl image in a time when it seems most female pop stars test the limits of decency.
After a brief stumble with her last release and a significant break in her career, this record shows the world that Kelly Clarkson is back and ready to reign over pop music again.