REVIEW: Kelly Clarkson "Mr. Know it All"

With all the different sounds the multitude of recent Kelly Clarkson leaks have entailed, you'd be forgiven for being a bit confused as to what genre the first American Idol winner has decided to explore with her upcoming fifth studio album, Stronger, due in stores this October. There was the unrelenting alt-rock beat of "Let Me Down", the bubblegum pop/rock of "I Forgive You", and the soulful indie-pop of "Dark Side". But, at least for the first single off the set "Mr. Know it All", Clarkson has ditched the angst-y pop/rock of her previous three albums for a more mature, soulful approach. At least musically speaking. Lyrically, "Mr. Know it All" has Clarkson doing what she does best; not-so-subtly calling an ex-lover out for doing her wrong. This time, however, the bitter lyrics ("I'm livin' my truth withour your lies/Let's be clear, this is goodbye") contrast nicely with the lush, piano-laden beat, making for an interesting (to say the least) composition: on the surface, it might seem like another saccharine-sweet love song, but dig deeper, and you'll find a brash kiss-off that's as full of attitude as it is soulful, melodic chords. In the vocals department, I think it goes without saying that Kelly is truly one of, if not the best vocalist on mainstream radio at the moment. Although she's known for belting quite the high notes, here, she shows restraint that's somehow full of raw emotion. Kelly Clarkson is a true American Idol. All in all, a true return to form for the "Since U Been Gone" singer.