Kelly Clarkson's new album is missing some pieces [Review]
It's impossible not to be happy for Kelly Clarkson - after talking about heart break multiple times in Because of You and Mr Know It All, she's now enjoying a blissful marriage and motherhood. Her joy clearly shows in her seventh studio album, Piece by Piece.
The title track is powerful both musically and lyrically, with catchy hooks and Clarkson's powerhouse vocals - her voice continues to go from strength to strength.
Heartbeat Song proves Clarkson can still deliver sticks-in-your-head pop. Unfortunately, though, when she sings "Been so long I forgot how to turn it up, up up up …" it's true.
While the album is solid, some songs just aren't memorable or effective. Dance With Me doesn't make you want to dance at all.
However, there is Take You High, which is slightly darker dance music mixed with an orchestral backing. And there's Run Run Run, a Clarkson and John Legend collaboration that brings out the best from both of them.
Settle down with life, Kelly, but don't stop striving in your music.