All You Ever Wanted Out of Kelly? - Music Review

Back to basics.

In some ways it's easier to examine a Kelly Clarkson album than, say, your average new release. It's not that I'm not grading Ms. Clarkson on a curve; it's just that I don't think she's trying to be anything she's not. Not bigger than she is, not more profound than is tolerable, not more edgy than is believable.

She's had some stuff to sort out, sure, but for the most part she's remained true to the big vocal pop sound that has made her a favorite of ladies aged five to 55. And after a brief and much critiqued hiatus (My December), Kelly has come belting back with that shout-out-loud spirit that's downright infectious.

All I Ever Wanted is similar in sound and singability to Kelly's hugely successful Breakaway. "My Life Would Suck Without You," the first single off the album, is almost like a "Since You've Been Gone" part two - complete with an anthem that lends itself more to shouting than screaming (and I mean that in the best possible way).

The album manages to cover the pop spectrum - from the dance club remix ready, "If I Can't Have You," to the lay on my bed and feel sorry for myself, "Already Gone," to the proud proclamation, "I Do Not Hook Up".

There are moments where it falters. The rock song "Whyyawannabringmedown" sounds more like you're standing under a jet than listening to Joan Jett. "All I Ever Wanted" has a funky bass line, but it never really manages to gather its full force.

On the whole, though, All I Ever Wanted is all you'd ever want out of a Kelly Clarkson album - fun, forceful, strong, sassy and full of that incredible voice.