Posted April 22, 2015

By SIYUAN TONG

Two years after her last album “Wrapped in Red,” Kelly Clarkson has returned with another awesome one with “Piece by Piece.”

Being a young singer and writer, she came into national popularity after winning the first season of American idol. Later her debut single “A Moment like this” soon topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and broke the record for the biggest jump to No.1 in the chart’s history and she became the runner-up of World Idol the following year.

Influenced by soul musicians such as Aretha Franklin and Mariah Carey, rock musicians Radiohead and Garbage, Clarkson’s music has a unique mixture of styles.

The new album “Piece by Piece” is another pop album. To make it more interesting and attractive, she made the album with great varieties—several music styles are included. Songs are in different tempos and some electronic music elements are mixed in. Clarkson’s vocal performance is amazing and her voice sounds dynamic, robust and emotive. Even those often critical of her work should feel satisfied by the new album.

Its lead single “Heartbeat Song ” was released prior to the whole album on Jan. 12, 2015, and quickly became a Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, which brought more attention to the album. Following that, with the release of the album’s partial track listing and partial lyrics of those songs, Clarkson gradually unveiled the whole album on Feb. 26.

Being in the industry for 13 years, Kelly Clarkson as a 32-year-old experienced singer has become more sophisticated with this new album. “Piece by Piece,” as her seventh studio album, appears to be pretty well done—her voice in the album seems to be more controlled in a nice and confident way.

The content and lyrics of the album are also nicely composed and deliver an uplifting theme as a whole. With “Invincible,” “Run Run Run” and “I Had a Dream,” you get the feel what some of the songs are like just through their names. While you feel defeated, these songs will just bring you an incredible inner strength in your heart and give you courage to keep going.

“You know I was broke down; I had hit the ground … now I am invincible; no, I ain’t a scared little girl no more,” the lyric of “Invincible” with its well-fit melody is really inspiring. It feels like someone is whispering to you while you are frustrated. Someone is telling you, “It is okay. I have been in the pit before. Just stand up and grow up. You will become as invincible as me.”

Unlike those inspiring lyrics, lyric of “Let Your Tears Fall” is another style, which brings comfort to the audience. “Make the seas calm; tell you in my arms, you cry; let your tears fall…” a sense of relief will rise up while you listening to the song. It is like mom saying, “just cry out, do not feel ashamed.”

Awesome lyrics, nice melody and stunning performance make the whole album sounds just perfect. If you like pop music, if you are a Kelly Clarkson fan, if you need some uplifting songs to help you out, or even if you just want a nice album to enjoy during an afternoon, “Piece by Piece” is what you will want to consider. It will not let you down.

• Title: “Piece by Piece”
• Artist: Kelly Clarkson
• Tracks: 13
• Prices: $10.38 – $13.96 depending on sellers
• Album release: Feb. 26, 2015
• Produced by: RCA Records
• Availability: Amazon, available for download on iTunes and Google Play, record stores