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

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  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
Page:

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.
    Read full review
  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
See all critic reviews »