Kelly Clarkson
Meaning of Life (Atlantic Records)
Soulful, sensual and brutally honest, the original American Idol’s eighth release is nothing less than a brash attempt to craft masterful R&B-influenced pop. Inspired heavily by old school hip-hop and soul music of the ‘60s and ’70s, The Meaning of Life pits Clarkson’s blast-furnace vocals against a decidedly more contemporary palette of beats and rhythms — resulting in a pile of roadtrip-ready singalongs. Case in point: the album’s closer “Go High” — which is both uplifting and hopeful — was inspired by Michelle Obama’s “when they go low, we go high” quote from the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Elsewhere on “Move You,” Kelly sings,“Like a sunrise on a mountain, I wanna move you like that.” If she’s referring to her listeners, that’s a lofty ambition indeed. Clarkson will serve as a coach on the next season of The Voice, set to premiere in February. See kellyclarkson.com for international tour dates as they’re announced.
Last modified: July 24, 2019
