I used to credit Grey’s Anatomy with it being my longest committed relationship, but I actually think that if we went back to look at my parents’ landline records it would confirm that Kelly Clarkson is my longest committed relationship. I poured myself over her debut album, “Thankful” for months on end. I carried around my portable CD player (what a time to be alive!) for months while I memorized every song on that CD. I have these vivid memories of me sitting in the backseat of my mom’s car listening to Kelly’s voice. Though I was completely enamored with her and her infectious energy, I had no idea then that Kelly’s music would become the soundtrack to my life.
The thing I’ve always loved about Kelly’s music is the fact that it all feels like a very personal gift she gives us. Every song feels intimate and full of vulnerability, yet has enough vague material to make it all wonderfully relatable. Her latest two singles are just an extension of that essence.
Last week Kelly Clarkson released two singles as a preview for her next album, Chemistry, which drops June 23.
“Me” feels like gospel. The song is about rediscovering her strength and finding the healing amidst the heartbreak. The beginning almost feels like it’s being played at a funeral as she says goodbye to her past self. The build up to the chorus feels like a celebration of her healing and her growth. By design, I guarantee that this song will also heal you.
‘Cause I don’t need somebody to scold me
Don’t need somebody that hurts me
Don’t need somebody who feels weak standin’ next to me
I put together my broken
Let go of your hand I’ve been holdin’ (Let go)
Don’t need to need somebody
When I got me
“Mine” scratches a very specific part of my brain. The melody, the tone of her voice and the lyrics that feel like we’re having a late night talk about the shitty men in our life; all make for what could possibly be … my favorite Kelly Clarkson song ever. There is very little production on her vocals, so the first verse really feels like she’s whispering in your ear. There’s an intimacy that explodes into rage during the chorus and the rasp that occasionally escapes Kelly’s voice feels so personal. The melody change during the bridge was a pleasant surprise and cements the idea that this new version of Kelly is not afraid to experiment with her sound.
I hope one day someone will take your heart and hold it tight
Make you feel like you’re invincible deep inside
And right when you think that it’s perfect, they cross a line
And steal your shine like you did mine
Well, after 20 years of this one-sided love affair, You + Me & Chisme will be attending her very special birthday show on April 24th. I can hardly contain my excitement and personally, cannot wait to sob in a room full of strangers.
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