Lest anyone be confused, Kelly Clarkson is still perfect.
After the leak of the sensational “Let Me Down” last week, three additional Kelegendary leaks have just hit the web this weekend (unfortunate for her, a blessing for us mere mortals)–all of which are said to be from sessions for her upcoming fifth studio album.
Kelly Clarkson = “Dumb + Dumb = You”
Stream courtesy of The Prophet Blog.
“Dumb + Dumb = You” is a demo reportedly penned and produced by James Fauntleroy, Toby Gad and Bridget Kelly. Navigating through a bunch of math-minded terms (don’t worry–you won’t be quizzed on this), Clarkson gets feisty while putting down the latest dirt bag that tried to take her for a ride. “I may not be Einstein, but I know Dumb + Dumb = You,” she chants above the sauntering mid-tempo kiss-off.
Excessive guitar aside, the soulful light-rock number almost sounds like something Clarkson could have recorded during the Thankful sessions (“You Thought Wrong (feat. Tamyra Gray),” anyone?)
In conclusion: It is perfect.
Kelly Clarkson – “I Forgive You”
Stream courtesy of The Prophet Blog.
“I Forgive You” is a ten-shades-of-too-real, post-break up pop-rock track produced by Darkchild, as confirmed in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter:
THR: Speaking of Idol alums, you worked with Kelly Clarkson on her new album, anything you can tell us about it?
Jerkins: A song call “I Forgive You” that me and Lauren Christy did that’s just crazy pop-rock. The first person who came into my head to do it was Kelly Clarkson. So I sent it immediately and got a response that night. She came out to record, the energy was great and I just finished mixing it. She nailed it. It turned out great.
Forgoing the bitter and bitchy, Clarkson lays it all on the table: “No shame, no blame / ‘Cause the damage is done, and I forgive you,” she resigns during the chorus. Well, almost. “I forgive you for every time that I cried over some stupid thing you did to hurt me…that’s alright!,” she viciously belts out during the song’s almighty bridge. Okay, so she’s not quite over it yet.
In conclusion: It is perfect.
Kelly Clarkson – “What Doesn’t Kill You”
Stream courtesy of The Prophet Blog.
“What Doesn’t Kill You” is the most mastered of the three leaks thus far, suggesting that the song is already lined up to be a part of the album–or even a single. Rightfully so, as it’s arguably the best of the bunch: “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger / Stand a little taller / Doesn’t mean I’m lonely when I’m alone,” she launches above the surging chorus.
The power-pop track, co-penned by Ali Tamposi and Swedish songwriter Jörgen Elofsson, is the ultimate Top 40-friendly empowerment anthem, as K. Clarks comes back swinging with all her might above a beautiful cacophony of crashing guitars, spacey electro-blips and synthesizers: “Thanks to you I’m finally thinking ’bout me!” she proudly declares during the song’s bridge. If this isn’t being seriously considered as a single yet, it damn well should be.
In conclusion: It is perfect.
All three of these songs are absolutely everything and more–classic, classic Kelly. Crashing guitars, heartbreak angst…mmmph. It’s a little frustrating to watch her songs dropping faster than my tears while I listen–BECAUSE OF THESE SEASONAL ALLERGIES, OBVIOUSLY–but I’m thankful nonetheless.
Now if you’ll forgive me, I have to go crawl under my covers and eat Oreos all day. That’s what people do with bad allergies, right? Right.
