Meaning of Life
by Kelly Clarkson
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Oct 27, 2017
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
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  1. The Guardian
    Oct 26, 2017
    60
    There’s lots of filler, too, such as Go High--based around a Michelle Obama speech--and the body-positive pop of Whole Lotta Woman, which sticks a little too closely to the Meghan Trainor mould. Despite this, the strong, 90s diva-ish mood suits Clarkson’s belting vocal style, as she ushers in a more soulful phase with class.
  2. Spin
    Nov 8, 2017
    50
    There are light nods to the times—single “Love So Soft” lightly updates Thankful’s Christina Aguilera-penned “Miss Independent” and Breakaway’s “Walk Away” with a half-time chorus, and tracks like “Didn’t I” and “Heat” recalls Adele’s collaborations with Max Martin. But the rest is stubbornly old-fashioned: sloughing off the flakiness of the millennial male while extolling the virtues of taking it slow and pushing for commitment.
  3. Los Angeles Times
    Oct 27, 2017
    50
    Yet for an album that promises revelation, Meaning of Life is full of generalities.

Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Most Discussed Album of 2017
77
#77 Most Shared Album of 2017

User Reviews

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User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 215 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 160 out of 215
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 215
  3. Negative: 47 out of 215
  1. ChristgauWannab
    Nov 20, 2017
    0
    The album itself is appropriately titled, if one considers the meaning of life to refer to stealing and appropriating black music. FormThe album itself is appropriately titled, if one considers the meaning of life to refer to stealing and appropriating black music. Form hearing Kelly enunciate the chorus of "Love So Soft" like she's Rihanna to using Michelle Obama's quote in "Go High," it's interesting to see her act like a half-assed caricature of a black woman. Yet at the same time, she couldn't care less about civil rights issues pertaining to African Americans, as she vies to be the prime R&B star for Trump's America.

    During a time when urban music is especially more creative, with artists like Kendrick Lamar, Frank Ocean, SZA, Solange Knowles, et al. releasing compelling records, Kelly Clarkson instead mixes Breakaway and Piece By Piece into a blender and then adding R&B beats to it to sound innovative. That proves that when it comes to her essence (or lack thereof), little has changed from her American Idol machine days. A change in record label company won't change that sentiment.    … Full Review »
  2. javimm3
    Oct 27, 2017
    10
    Kelly Clarkson's voice sounds better than ever. This is an album full of life and power. No doubt Kelly and Atlantic records have given us oneKelly Clarkson's voice sounds better than ever. This is an album full of life and power. No doubt Kelly and Atlantic records have given us one of the records of the year. Ready for Gammy's 2018?… Full Review »
  3. BlackBambino
    Feb 4, 2019
    0
    How anyone can still support Kelly Clarkson even after she admits to physically assaulting her own children is beyond me.
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