Piece by Piece, Kelly Clarkson’s seventh studio album released on February 27, is a report answering her past questions. Since her debut as a teenager in 2002, Clarkson has constantly been searching for clues in her life, mainly struggling with relationships. In her previous hit songs “Because of You” and “Breakaway,” she expresses her fear and attachment issues due to her abandonment from her father. Thirteen years later, with a stable career, supporting husband and a new-born daughter, Clarkson sings about her triumph over her past traumas.

 

Not only has Clarkson finally found an answer in her life but she has also managed to broaden her musical spectrum in her new album. With her sonorous voice, Clarkson usually sticks to rock-ballad type of songs. Different pop genres, ranging from electro pop, orchestral pop, to electronic dance music are the main rhythm dominating the album. However, she still manages to boast her forte in rock-ballad music in songs such as “Let your Tears Fall,” “Good Goes the Bye,” and “Nostalgic.”

 

Featuring John Legend, Sia and Matthew Koma, the album is produced by world class musicians and producers in the music industry. According to Clarkson, the album aims at sounding like a movie soundtrack. At the same time, she wanted each of the songs to possess the singularity of a single album and fit in “piece by piece” like a complete puzzle to tell a single story. Indeed, all the songs on the track list have a unique vibe of their own. Nevertheless, the album compared to her past ones lacks depth. It is praiseworthy that Kelly Clarkson is not limiting herself to one particular genre, but her powerful and heart ringing voice is better suited for soulful rock ballad tunes.

 

The song, "Piece by Piece," also the name of the album's title, is the best song on the entire album. With candid lyrics that everyone can sympathize with, and a pleasant beat that fits in beautifully with her strong voice, the song is not only easy to listen to but also moving. The metaphorical way of describing her past wounds is excellent as well.

 

 

Nevertheless, her focus on self-empowerment, independence, and overcoming her agonizing family history is rather repetitive. Almost all her previous albums share the same theme differing little in terms of content. This is of course, not downgrading the significance of such topics. The fact that she has finally found peace should certainly be celebrated. But now that she has succeeded in tucking away her dark memories, including a more meaningful and diversified content in her future albums, would be better to exercise her musical prowess.