My December
by Kelly Clarkson
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Jun 26, 2007
User Score
6.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 313 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 214 out of 313
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 313
  3. Negative: 83 out of 313

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  1. JCR.
    Jun 27, 2007
    9
    A very pleasant surprise after all the negative hype. It's NOT a pop album, so get over it already! There will not be 7 hit singles from it. Big deal! When's the last time you hear your favorite artist on the radio? Let alone your favorite track from an album? Kelly took a risk, and I think it paid off. This is a very mature, edgy, heartfelt collection of songs and she earns A very pleasant surprise after all the negative hype. It's NOT a pop album, so get over it already! There will not be 7 hit singles from it. Big deal! When's the last time you hear your favorite artist on the radio? Let alone your favorite track from an album? Kelly took a risk, and I think it paid off. This is a very mature, edgy, heartfelt collection of songs and she earns (more) my respect for it… Expand
  2. JoeyG.
    Jun 27, 2007
    9
    "Irvine"/"Chivas" is worth the price of admission alone.
  3. TheresaC
    Jun 28, 2007
    9
    Beautifully put together tracks. Very intimate and moving. A refreshing change from many other pop artists that need to sample old hits to try to make new ones or have no ties to what they sing.
  4. DonnaG.
    Jun 29, 2007
    9
    So it's not a pop bubble gum, hooky, anthemy album. It's shows Kelly's range and willingness to take risks. We know that it's coming from a personal place not from a label's song list.
  5. heywoodyablowme
    Jun 29, 2007
    9
    Good album
  6. MichaelP.
    Jun 29, 2007
    9
    v good, but not as good as breakaway.
  7. MattD.
    Jul 10, 2007
    9
    Kelly was right, and Clive was wrong! This album has rock hooks, majestic ballads that give her voice room to emote, and even some fun in "How I Feel" and the power poppy "Can I Have a Kiss." The only song I didn't like was "Yeah."
  8. CarlosD
    Jun 26, 2007
    9
    a KICK-ASS album by kelly, this is an ALBUM not just songs by different producers on a cd like her previous efforts, here she writes on EVERY song. The songs are great, maybe 1 or 2 that really do not work, but overall they are excellent, she shows great range. I praise her for actually being an artist, meaning that she just doesn't wait for the songs to be written for her, she goes a KICK-ASS album by kelly, this is an ALBUM not just songs by different producers on a cd like her previous efforts, here she writes on EVERY song. The songs are great, maybe 1 or 2 that really do not work, but overall they are excellent, she shows great range. I praise her for actually being an artist, meaning that she just doesn't wait for the songs to be written for her, she goes and makes her OWN music. My highligts for the cd are: Never Again, Irvine, Maybe, Can I have a kiss, Haunted, Sober and One Minute. Yes, its not anywhere near as catchy as "Since you've been gone" but what is?… Expand
  9. Tony
    Jun 27, 2007
    9
    A great album! Better than Thankful but not as good as Breakaway!
  10. craigm
    Jun 27, 2007
    9
    This album wont be her most popular album but It is in fact her best. Kelly the singer has gone, we now have an artist. The hook factor is cut in half but the material is still solid. Whereas her last cd was merely a haphazard collection of songs, this album is very cohesive and has virtually no filler. I hope it sells because this album should most definitely be heard.
  11. J.PJ
    Jul 16, 2007
    9
    I am surpsised by many fans and crtics reactions towards this album. I found this album quite refreshing (even if the topics seem to be overused) because each song had a great quality to them. So what if there aren't any hooks, not all songs rely in one to make it great. I think that the public is not letting kelly grow up to the person she wants to be. But i knw that she is breaking I am surpsised by many fans and crtics reactions towards this album. I found this album quite refreshing (even if the topics seem to be overused) because each song had a great quality to them. So what if there aren't any hooks, not all songs rely in one to make it great. I think that the public is not letting kelly grow up to the person she wants to be. But i knw that she is breaking through that. She doesn't want to end up like Tiffany and Cyndi Lauper who's fans kept them from growing up artistically. Its a shame how todays people are actually judging an album by how fun it is, or by how depressing it is. My favourite songs on the album are Sober, Irvine, Judas, Yeah, Chivas, and Hole.… Expand
  12. DaveD
    Jul 18, 2007
    9
    Raw...compelling...and dark. Who says that happy is the only "valid" emotion. So is despair and heartbreak. And hasn't music been the best venue to express it? No immediate catchy hits but I score it high on delivering emotion through song. Anyone can sing about an "Umbrella" (sorry Rihanna) but lets give the girl some credit for having a big set of balls to sing about what Raw...compelling...and dark. Who says that happy is the only "valid" emotion. So is despair and heartbreak. And hasn't music been the best venue to express it? No immediate catchy hits but I score it high on delivering emotion through song. Anyone can sing about an "Umbrella" (sorry Rihanna) but lets give the girl some credit for having a big set of balls to sing about what she's feeling.… Expand
  13. Lisag
    Aug 12, 2007
    9
    I have like Kelly Clarkson since American Idol, but I am not really a pop rock fan either. She has an amazing voice and her previous songs/ albums are very good even if they tend to be more pop rock. I personally like the new direction she is taking with her music - its different than the pop rock crap out there. Are all the songs to my taste - No, but what album has that type of draw? I I have like Kelly Clarkson since American Idol, but I am not really a pop rock fan either. She has an amazing voice and her previous songs/ albums are very good even if they tend to be more pop rock. I personally like the new direction she is taking with her music - its different than the pop rock crap out there. Are all the songs to my taste - No, but what album has that type of draw? I feel that this is her first effort at determining where she wants to go- and the others while extremly good was at the direction of someone else. I think the critics are far to harsh- because after all its the public that buys the CD's let them determine if they like it.… Expand
  14. joethealien
    Sep 15, 2017
    9
    an insanely underrated pop rock masterwork.
    there's emotive soft rock (Sober, Maybe), heavy handed power pop (One Minute, Hole) and even a Tragic Kingdom-era new wave throwback (How I Feel). nothing is compromised though, with only slight hints of writer's inhibition on Don't Waste Your Time and Can I Have a Kiss (which is otherwise gentle and warm, reminiscent of a certain track 9 on    an insanely underrated pop rock masterwork.
    there's emotive soft rock (Sober, Maybe), heavy handed power pop (One Minute, Hole) and even a Tragic Kingdom-era new wave throwback (How I Feel). nothing is compromised though, with only slight hints of writer's inhibition on Don't Waste Your Time and Can I Have a Kiss (which is otherwise gentle and warm, reminiscent of a certain track 9 on Breakaway).
    there's intense profundity, which many reviews have neglected to address, instead focusing on a perceived "lack of memorable hooks." the hooks are tighter and require more attention than the poppier, more consistent ones from Breakaway and Thankful did. Irvine is essentially an open letter to a higher power, and Haunted is intense commentary from a sorrowful friend after a close friend's suicide. highlight Sober is an exceptional paean to recovery, filled to the brim with chilling orchestral swells and a timpani heartbeat. My December is Kelly's first whole artistic statement, and it's a damn fine one at that.
    most memorable hooks, for the naysayers: Sober, How I Feel, the P!nkesque rock stomper Judas
    standouts: Sober, Judas, Maybe, Be Still, Irvine
    seriously, don't forget about this one, I'm sure it'll be thought of as an artistic triumph in a few years. Sober has helped depressed kids aplenty (cringy perhaps, but true)    … Expand
  15. pauldiam
    Jun 24, 2018
    9
    This is her darkest album to date. Very risque and artistic. She went against her label and although it didn't pay off with the public response, it is a great album and adds to her pop-rock status.
  16. MarkV
    Jul 6, 2007
    8
    Anyone who listens to this album and can't cheer Kelly Clarkson, I say "Whaaaa" These are Kelly's most strongest vocals and lyrics yet. And yes, it is bitter in parts, but seriously do you always want the same churned out music from your artists? I applaud Kelly for standing her ground to make this album. Her Album!! Rremember, even though her past work was great, it was not Anyone who listens to this album and can't cheer Kelly Clarkson, I say "Whaaaa" These are Kelly's most strongest vocals and lyrics yet. And yes, it is bitter in parts, but seriously do you always want the same churned out music from your artists? I applaud Kelly for standing her ground to make this album. Her Album!! Rremember, even though her past work was great, it was not hers. Kelly owns this record and I love it. Don't get stuck in a rut with music. Art is form and content..… Expand
  17. ZonieZen
    Sep 20, 2007
    8
    Fine album. although breakaway was much much better.
  18. LukasX
    Jun 26, 2007
    8
    First things first, yes, there's no "Since U Been Gone Part 2" on My December. What it does have is a pop singer growing into a legitemate artist. Although there are some misfires ("Judas"), it's worth it for the many moments of brilliance (the new wave-y "How I Feel", the sexy and subtle "Be Still", the heartwrenching "Sober" and "Irvine"). If you're looking for a pretty First things first, yes, there's no "Since U Been Gone Part 2" on My December. What it does have is a pop singer growing into a legitemate artist. Although there are some misfires ("Judas"), it's worth it for the many moments of brilliance (the new wave-y "How I Feel", the sexy and subtle "Be Still", the heartwrenching "Sober" and "Irvine"). If you're looking for a pretty singer singing pretty songs written by middle-aged men, don't get this album. If you're looking for honesty, growth, and good music, go get it.… Expand
  19. bruce
    Jun 27, 2007
    8
    This album is actually pretty solid, and definitely a giant leap forward for Ms. Clarkson artistically. Sober and Irvine make it wortht he proce of admission alone.
  20. Maurice
    Jun 28, 2007
    8
    A consistent personal statement from an artist. There are two or three singles on this record - "How I Feel" and "One Minute" come to mind. Are they number one songs or big time pop-rock hook songs, in a word, no. Just let this record be a Kelly release. She can hopefully get some long term fans that care about her music and will follow her releases. She can do a smaller tour, get back in A consistent personal statement from an artist. There are two or three singles on this record - "How I Feel" and "One Minute" come to mind. Are they number one songs or big time pop-rock hook songs, in a word, no. Just let this record be a Kelly release. She can hopefully get some long term fans that care about her music and will follow her releases. She can do a smaller tour, get back in the studio and do one for the label and pop world. Why must every record be bigger than the last or more of the same? Why must every release match the so-called best record of the artist's career? Alansi never made a record that captured the magic of her breakthrough, but made some great records along the way. Kelly is on a nice journey and has a great voice. I like this record, not as much as Breakaway, but I like it. I am looking forward to hearing what she does next. I am sure that John Shanks or Max Martin or Glen Ballard or some hitmaker will get a nice pay day to write the hits that make the cash registers sing.… Expand
  21. migueld
    Jul 4, 2007
    8
    I really like this album.
  22. JD
    Jun 26, 2007
    8
    For the record this is the first Kelly Clarkson CD I ever bought. It seemed there was no need to buy her previous 2 since they were played CONSTANTLY on the radio. I am actually hoping this CD doesn't do as well as those 2 since I generally enjoy the majority of these songs and don't want them to saturate the airwaves. Sure it's a little grittier, a little darker, but For the record this is the first Kelly Clarkson CD I ever bought. It seemed there was no need to buy her previous 2 since they were played CONSTANTLY on the radio. I am actually hoping this CD doesn't do as well as those 2 since I generally enjoy the majority of these songs and don't want them to saturate the airwaves. Sure it's a little grittier, a little darker, but it's not Marilyn Manson or anything (who I actually like a lot). Without a doubt Kelly has a great voice and is starting to take some risks with her music. For that I comment her and wish her success with this very decent CD.… Expand
  23. AbrahamS.
    Jun 27, 2007
    8
    kelly is amazing i think she has one of the best voices ever and with this new material she show eveyone
  24. NickyS
    Jun 28, 2007
    8
    This is Kelly's best album, by far, but the songs come off as a bit childish.
  25. JessicaM
    Jul 28, 2007
    8
    I have to admit that the songs on this CD aren't as catchy as the songs on her "Breakaway" album, but you can't expect an artist to just pull out hit albums from their butt all the time. With that said, I don't think that this album is in any way a failure either. I feel that Kelly made a more raw personal album with more emotion and a little more substance than some of the I have to admit that the songs on this CD aren't as catchy as the songs on her "Breakaway" album, but you can't expect an artist to just pull out hit albums from their butt all the time. With that said, I don't think that this album is in any way a failure either. I feel that Kelly made a more raw personal album with more emotion and a little more substance than some of the cookie cutter songs that she's done in her previous album. Also I feel bad that her record sales weren't as good as previous ones for whatever reason, and I hope she doesn't take it as a failure. Making an album isn't only about record sales...it's about the love of music and the passion of singing and expressing yourself. To me doing what you love is more important than just the sales.… Expand
  26. Jr.F.
    Jun 26, 2007
    8
    The album is bursting with artistic growth, and even though, yes, the lyrics at times are juvenile there are occasional bursts of real maturity that suggest the things to come from Clarkson in the future ("I could crash and burn, but maybe, at the end of this road I might catch a glimpse of me"). This is most evident on the extremely affecting tracks "Sober" and "Irvine", two of the The album is bursting with artistic growth, and even though, yes, the lyrics at times are juvenile there are occasional bursts of real maturity that suggest the things to come from Clarkson in the future ("I could crash and burn, but maybe, at the end of this road I might catch a glimpse of me"). This is most evident on the extremely affecting tracks "Sober" and "Irvine", two of the album's best. There are one or two not-so-appealing songs, but for the most part it is a great record. Clarkson's voice is at times overly shrieky ("Haunted"), but it is also her voice that drives the record. From the bluesy calmess of "Be Still" to the soulful funk of "Yeah", and the agressiveness of "Never Again" to the fun confidence of "How I Feel", it's her voice that keeps you listening. This is not to say the band is unsatisfying, because this is the best group Clarkson has ever had backing her, they had even more to the blistering excitement of the rock tracks. No, there aren't a lot of obvious hooks as "Since U Been Gone", but this music is better- better than the formulaic pop of Breakaway. This is Kelly Clarkson the artist, not Kelly Clarkson the pop tart.… Expand
  27. SeanO
    Jun 28, 2007
    8
    The album is much better than I initially thought it to be. Some of the songs are good and catchy. I think that ballad wise Sober, Be Still, and Maybe are fantastic. They speak of such real things and her vocals are great. I think Judas is horrible. The name i do not understand and they song is just wierd. Overall Kelly still i think is able to shine above this drama that has been The album is much better than I initially thought it to be. Some of the songs are good and catchy. I think that ballad wise Sober, Be Still, and Maybe are fantastic. They speak of such real things and her vocals are great. I think Judas is horrible. The name i do not understand and they song is just wierd. Overall Kelly still i think is able to shine above this drama that has been surrounding her recently. The real lyrics and her attempt at showing everyone she has grown into a true artist is a success. Go Kelly!… Expand
  28. CathalW.
    Jul 14, 2007
    8
    Excellent change in direction. Sober is AMAZING.
  29. pieber
    Mar 22, 2021
    8
    My December is clearly the least beautiful Kelly Clarkson's album but she's my all-time fav singer so I obviously still love it but compared to the others, that are more than amazing, it's undeniably the most boring one. I do love a lot of songs from this album tho: Sober, Yeah, Maybe, Irvine and Chivas are very good and well-written.
  30. R.L.Powell
    Jul 10, 2007
    7
    Not a failure by any means. After the unqualified success, and strident uniformity, of Breakaway (which I did love, though not for it's overwhelming artistic merit), My December is a excellent move forward for a songsmith who is pushing her boundaries. There is a distinct impression of her exploring, not only the grief of a ruined relationship, but the range of emotions and musical Not a failure by any means. After the unqualified success, and strident uniformity, of Breakaway (which I did love, though not for it's overwhelming artistic merit), My December is a excellent move forward for a songsmith who is pushing her boundaries. There is a distinct impression of her exploring, not only the grief of a ruined relationship, but the range of emotions and musical language she uses to describe it. Some truly charming and engaging surprises, along with some ham-fisted fumbles, but "Irvine" and "Chivas" are some damn fine pieces of performance. Kelly, I have a special place in my heart for ya, but I had no idea that you were capable of nuance. Keep this up and I may have to take off my hat to you sometime in the very near future.… Expand
  31. LaurenceH.
    Jul 6, 2007
    7
    Not a fan of Clarkson's other work, I might say I am pretty thrilled with her latest outing. 'My December' may just look like your typical rock-chick screamout album, and I can understand some are seriously doubtful after the very bland 'Breakaway', but this one has a distinct truthfulness and edginess that raises it well-above the usual pop-crap album. I can now Not a fan of Clarkson's other work, I might say I am pretty thrilled with her latest outing. 'My December' may just look like your typical rock-chick screamout album, and I can understand some are seriously doubtful after the very bland 'Breakaway', but this one has a distinct truthfulness and edginess that raises it well-above the usual pop-crap album. I can now officially say Clarkson is now very far off from American Idol territory, and that talentless airhead Carrie Underwood & her lame ballads can crawl back under a rock after they hear 'Hole', 'Irvine' and 'Judas'.… Expand
  32. RichardR
    Jun 26, 2007
    6
    This album severely lacks hooks. Clive was right in saying the album lacks hits. However, its personal and unified and showcases Kelly the artist. Hopefully she'll grow with her next record but untill then, this won't be getting many spins from this huge Kelly fan
  33. Erica
    Jul 9, 2007
    5
    I have always been a huge fan of Kelly, but this album was a big dissapointment. In previous albums I have loved how I can relate to the songs and each song had different beat to groove to, but all the songs sounded the same here and I didn't find myself interested in the lyrics. Nevertheless, I like 2 of the songs (though in previous albums I have liked an average of all but 2 of I have always been a huge fan of Kelly, but this album was a big dissapointment. In previous albums I have loved how I can relate to the songs and each song had different beat to groove to, but all the songs sounded the same here and I didn't find myself interested in the lyrics. Nevertheless, I like 2 of the songs (though in previous albums I have liked an average of all but 2 of the songs), and her voice is strong and solid as always. Not complete trash, but I look forward to a hopefully improved next album.… Expand
  34. anonimousehatesyou
    Jul 4, 2007
    5
    At its best, this is a fairly neat little mash-up of Amy Lee and Alanis Morrisette. At its worst, it's almost unlistenable. Good for Clarkson to stand her ground and put out the kind of music she wanted to, but other than "Can I Have A Kiss" and "How I Feel" there's nothing that stands up to more than a few listens.
  35. PhatG.
    Jun 28, 2007
    5
    Screaming.
  36. Glitter
    Aug 30, 2013
    5
    Perhaps over acclaimed at the time of its release, My December has aged poorly. With tracks sounding more unpolished than ever before, Clarkson's usually superb vocals are squandered in a debris of noise. The track listing is heavily flawed, with poor progression and little attempt at sounding like an album by one of pop's most famous artists of the mid-2000's. Following in the footsteps,Perhaps over acclaimed at the time of its release, My December has aged poorly. With tracks sounding more unpolished than ever before, Clarkson's usually superb vocals are squandered in a debris of noise. The track listing is heavily flawed, with poor progression and little attempt at sounding like an album by one of pop's most famous artists of the mid-2000's. Following in the footsteps, or rather shadow, of Breakaway, My December struggles to categorize itself as more than Clarkson's "dark period", with divinely written Be Still, Maybe, Can I Have A Kiss, Sober, and Irvine, all being ensnared by crude production and poor lyricism in Judas, Haunted, One Minute, and the shrill delivery of Don't Waste Your Time. Perhaps best remembered as the album where a pop star dared to defy her management, it works best at proving that pop stars don't always don't best.… Expand
  37. GingerJ.
    Jul 1, 2007
    4
    I liked a few songs on this CD but for the most part bleh.
  38. JoeyM
    Aug 30, 2007
    4
    I am a huge fan of Kelly's previous work...but I'msorry...she took such a big risk by releasing this album....now she must pay the price its such a vengeful album...though i loved 'yeah' and 'one minute' there the only decent uplifting songs...the rest is a complete misery fest I'm sorry but what a complete letdown 2 breakaway.
  39. DonnaD
    Jun 26, 2007
    4
    There isn't much to feel happy about in this angst ridden cd.
  40. alfredom
    Jun 29, 2007
    4
    Her worst album. She has a fantastic voice, but the songs sucked!!!!!!!!!!!
  41. Lindaj
    Jun 29, 2007
    3
    Bought this album yesterday. Not impressed. There seems to be something missing. I expected more from Kelly.
  42. ShullyA.
    Jul 1, 2007
    3
    Uneven and unfinished. Too long.
  43. CO.
    Sep 22, 2007
    3
    I didn't bother to buy it after hearing clips off the internet. I was so looking forward to another Kelly Album. I wonder if she will get another chance to make a CD. Kelly, lay off the happy cookies.
  44. BradB.
    Jun 26, 2007
    3
    I give her props for trying her hand at song writing. The songs aren't very good though. She is in serious need of some melodies. The album is also depressing. A few decent tracks, but I won't be listening much.
  45. BenW
    Jun 26, 2007
    3
    I think most reviewers are giving Clarkson extra brownie points (and higher scores) just for fighting the big, bad label. The album is just not that good! It needs a lot of spit and polish, and melodies for one thing.
  46. LindaC.
    Jun 29, 2007
    3
    I thought that the lyrics were juvenile at best and the songs sounded more like a childs version of Jagged Little Pill, with Never Again trying to be like U Oughta Know - except it isn't near as good. Too bad, cause I liked Kelly, but now she just seems like a bitter person who can't get over a breakup.
  47. Mary
    Jul 1, 2007
    3
    This album has a couple of good songs, but Never Again is not one of them. I think Kelly proved her point. Let's move on.
  48. PatQ.
    Jun 28, 2007
    3
    I enjoy Kelly's voice when she's not screaming and liked her first two CD's for the most part. This one, not so much. I found the lyrics crude and boring at the same time and too much screaming in place of real emotion. When she emotes in the quieter moments, I really enjoy it. But, not, I will not be buying this CD.
  49. commorancy
    Nov 3, 2021
    3
    Clearly, this isn't one of Kelly's better efforts. From what I'd read up to this point in her musical career, Kelly had been disenchanted by her own involvement in the creation of the musical material, particularly in the handling of her first album. As of her second album, Breakaway, aptly titled, she had "broken away" from that R&B sound that drove her first album. You know, we all haveClearly, this isn't one of Kelly's better efforts. From what I'd read up to this point in her musical career, Kelly had been disenchanted by her own involvement in the creation of the musical material, particularly in the handling of her first album. As of her second album, Breakaway, aptly titled, she had "broken away" from that R&B sound that drove her first album. You know, we all have to take baby steps. Yet, it seems she still wasn't happy with the final product of the second album in terms of her own contributions. Taking Breakaway's lead, this led into her third, more self-indulgent 'My December' album.

    While Kelly may have had more artistic freedom to create what SHE wanted, the final product is overall underwhelming and average. This is what happens when you let a vocalist, who isn't yet a songwriter, attempt to drive a commercial music product.

    The problem? My December ends up far too grunge and garage band for her vocal style. Her voice is fairly malleable in terms of most genres, but only to a point. It's clear, Kelly is way out of her element here. It also seems Kelly may have been attempting an Alanis Morrissette 'Jagged Little Pill' type musical maneuver. It might have even worked had she enlisted Glen Ballard. Instead, she enlisted David Kahne, Jason Halbert and Jimmy Messer. These three were also clearly out of their element in terms of songwriting.

    The songs are, at best, average to below average. There's nothing outstanding here. Kelly's vocals are spot on as usual, but the songs themselves don't congeal into solid, well written and, most importantly, listenable material. As other reviewers have pointed out, the songs also lack solid hooks, but that's only part of the problem with these songs. The production is mostly fine, but nothing special... with the exception of the guitar's sonics.

    Clive was correct, this was the wrong product at the wrong time. Kelly should have shelved this release. Then, pulled one or two songs from this project and released them as bonus tracks on a more radio friendly release. No, this album is not at all radio friendly. The song 'Hole' basically sums up the entire album... with its discordant melodies, 70s sounding crunchy rock guitar and crash cymbal driven drums. Further, the guitars over the entire album are sonically problematic. The guitars simply don't sound professional nor does the sound work most of the time.

    If the album had produced even one song similar to Alanis's 'You Oughta Know' or 'Ironic', the album might have been better received. It's fine to be self-indulgent and personal in songwriting, but not to the point of damaging the final product. If anything, My December proves that both melody and hook still matter in music... meaning... when it's absent, such as on My December, it's quite noticeable.    … Expand
  50. JoshK
    Jun 30, 2007
    2
    The only songs on the album worth listening to are Be Still and Irvine. The rest is crap. I wish she would realize that she is not the writer that she thinks she is and get some help next time. She has the chops, but come on, this is embarassing.
  51. CarolynM.
    Jun 30, 2007
    2
    Sounds like a 7th graders diary to me. Kelly really needs to figure out who she is. Pop one minute, wannabe Rocker Chick the next, and now thinking of Country? What's next?
  52. ChrisH
    Jul 5, 2007
    2
    Artists should grow, not decline. This is terrible; there is no growth, only deteriation. Save yourself the money and avoid it. Save yourself the time and do not download it. And save your ears and change the channel if it ever starts playing.
  53. Tori
    Aug 1, 2007
    2
    I did like "Breakaway" but I still can't recognize her voice when I hear it. This CD is self-indulgent. I guess she figures she deserves it. Whatever.
  54. ChrisW.
    Jun 27, 2007
    2
    Dear Kelly, Please stop screaming on your records! What are you so angry about?
  55. joanem.
    Jul 1, 2007
    1
    Don't like it.
  56. Lisa
    Jul 1, 2007
    1
    it sucked. i was very disappointed.
  57. Jan
    Jun 29, 2007
    1
    I tried to listen to it but they all sounded alike. I just wish she wouldn't scream. I miss the happy Kelly.
  58. tammyp.
    Jul 9, 2007
    1
    Kelly has a great voice, she needs to stay more comtemporary and leave the writing of lyrics to someone else.
  59. ChantelJ.
    Jun 29, 2007
    1
    I loved Kelly's last CD but this one is just awful. It's jdown right depressing. I've listened to it a couple of times and I don't think I'll be listening anymore. I sure don't like this new direction she has taken. Please bring back the "real" Kelly.
  60. BonnieR.
    Jun 29, 2007
    1
    Hard to believe that someone who got everything she dreamed of could be so miserable. Listening to this dreck could ruin anyones day.
  61. nickc.
    Jun 30, 2007
    1
    Awful. Just awful. God I hate this woman. And to rip off a song title from Linkin Park of all people? Hahahaha! This record, like all adult-alternative--is good for a laugh, and that's about it.
  62. ClarkClark
    Jun 30, 2007
    1
    What was she thinking? This is not the Kelly I have loved since AI. Terrible!!
  63. SandraM
    Jun 28, 2007
    1
    Horrible disappointment. Kelly is known for her catchy melodies and great hooks, and for music that is simply fun - fun to dance to and to sing along to. This CD has none of that. There are no good melodies, no catchy choruses and no fun factor. This is like reading the diary of a bitter 13 y/o after her boyfriend broke up with her, set to bad (not to mention boring) background music. Not Horrible disappointment. Kelly is known for her catchy melodies and great hooks, and for music that is simply fun - fun to dance to and to sing along to. This CD has none of that. There are no good melodies, no catchy choruses and no fun factor. This is like reading the diary of a bitter 13 y/o after her boyfriend broke up with her, set to bad (not to mention boring) background music. Not even Kelly's voice can save these crappy songs.… Expand
  64. Sue
    Jun 28, 2007
    1
    I lke Kelly, but I won't be buying this CD. The songs seriously lack any real melody, and have no hook. The lyrics are just awful. It's a dreary CD full of nothing but he done me wrong songs.
  65. RickC.
    Jun 28, 2007
    1
    After listening to this album for two days, I have to say that I agree with Clive Davis. I still don't get what she is trying to say, it is all over the place. I don't see any hit singles coming off this album. Still looking forward to the next one.
  66. josema
    Jun 26, 2007
    0
    this makes me sick...
  67. MarieW
    Jul 1, 2007
    0
    This is not entertaining at all. Singing about yourself and what you want is great, but listeners want things that appeal to them as well. She is not producing a CD for herself so she should remember that. Seems the negative comments are definitely not being posted here.
  68. DonW
    Jun 29, 2007
    0
    Pretty bad with lots of shouting. Dark and gloomy. Just too revengeful and spiteful, yet also childish and immature. Basically a mess.
  69. SeymourB.
    Jun 29, 2007
    0
    Wow. What happened to you, Kel? You should have listened to Clive. He's going to be even more pissed that he has to send payola checks when he hates the album so much. He will punish you even more than he already has. That's what you get for calling him "dude." Jeez, Kelly, get your head out of your fat keister.
  70. Beckyl.
    Jun 29, 2007
    0
    Breakaway was enjoyable and fun!! But MD is full of tepid lyrics and over the top screaming! This album is full of unforgiveness and revenge.. my 14 and 12 yr old daughters say..let go of the grudge already Kelly..
  71. suezyW
    Jun 29, 2007
    0
    Sorry but I don't like the CD at all. The songs have no real melodies,hooks and the lyrics are just all over the place. I won't be buying it.
  72. AdamH
    Jul 1, 2007
    0
    Sorry, but it's just an awful CD. I wouldn't buy it.
  73. KarmaBitess
    Jun 29, 2007
    0
    What a downer.... after all the great things that have happened to this chick in the last couple of years, all she can think about is "poor me"? Go to Uganda, Kelly, & find out what true misery is. This CD is a self-absorbed mess!
  74. BetsyD.
    Jul 1, 2007
    0
    Why did Kelly do this CD??? It's not good, at all. I'm very disappointed because I've been a huge Kelly fan but I'll pass on this CD. Sorry......
  75. GraceC
    Jul 2, 2007
    0
    Terrible album. Such a let down from her last two. None of the songs have melodys or hooks. She sings mostly on one note, or back and forth between two notes, before jumping into medicore choruses. This is what happens when a good vocalist thinks she is capable of writing a pop hit, when its very apparent two tracks into the CD that people like Max Martin are the only reason she puts out hits.
  76. SusanA
    Jun 26, 2007
    0
    Horrible.
  77. jasong
    Jun 26, 2007
    0
    Belly made one hell of a dud album.
  78. RickS
    Jun 29, 2007
    0
    Easily the best candidate for the worst cd of the year. There's nothing fun or interesting in listening to this cd. Sad juvenile, repetitive lyrics and songs with no real melodies or hook just bring the listener down. I couldn't wait till the end of the cd and I'll never listen to it again. It went in my circular file.
  79. HospitalBryant
    Sep 9, 2017
    0
    A generic pop star trying to be a rock god? Still laughable after all these years.

    Honey, turning the guitars up to 11 won't make your album as rock as the rest.
  80. marchighman
    Sep 22, 2017
    0
    The fact that Kelly Clarkson deemed this as an experimental record proves that she is really a pop-punk poseur, just like her fellow contemporary Avril Lavigne. Kelly really fought Clive Davis over this?
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Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Most Discussed Album of 2007
84
#84 Most Shared Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. The Guardian
    60
    She writes in bland generalities... and uses her opulent voice as a battering ram.
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  2. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Kelly Clarkson's darker, more personal, riskier third CD.
    Read full review
  3. AllMusic
    60
    There are no hooks, nothing to suck in the many adults that liked Clarkson's first two records.
    Read full review
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