Credit: PictureGroup
We don't really like to promote album or song leaks, but in the case of Kelly Clarkson, her recent string of leaked demos have been EN FUEGO, so we just have to talk about them for a minute. In case there was any doubt, it sounds like Kelly's back.
Up first we have "What Doesn't Kill You," which is reminiscent of her rumored first single "Let Me Down." I say this not because they're both female empowerment pop-rock songs with urban-tinged verses and booming pop choruses, but because in both records Kelly sounds like Pink. (FYI, we love Pink so that's totally cool by us.) Like "Since U Been Gone," "What Doesn't Kill You" has a super radio-friendly hook, and we're already singing along: "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger/Stand a little taller/Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I’m alone."
In "I Forgive You," Kelly takes a bit of a softer approach and sings her way down memory lane while discussing adolescent relationships that inevitably went sour. She recalls, "We were just a couple of kids trying to figure out how to live, doing it our way/No shame, no blame, 'cause the damage is done/and I forgive you." If you consider the verse a little vanilla, the chorus is is definitely mint chocolate chip, boasting beautifully layered harmonies. Think Kelly's "Breakaway" meets "Already Gone" meets "Behind These Hazel Eyes."
If these "What Doesn't Kill You" and "I Forgive You" are any indication of her forthcoming release, Kelly Clarkson's about to bring it, big time. We're staying tuned.