Kelly Clarkson: "My December" Producer: Dave Kahne Label: RCA
Release Date: June 26  Despite the tabloid drama surrounding "My
December," what counts here is: Are there hits? The vinegar-and-
pissed-off "Never Again," while a top 10 Billboard Hot 100 hit
on download sales, got a hasty brush-off from top 40. The
reflective but equally fretful "Sober" is just hitting radio,
with the jury out. On the whole, "My December" is melodically,
instrumentally and lyrically combative -- a far cry from
America's embraceable sweetheart. The uptempo "One Minute" is
among the only playful cuts, with its rapid-fire give-and-take
verses, while "Be Still" and "Maybe" offer acoustic relief from
the onslaught more than halfway through the set. No, "My
December" is hardly a scorecard of top 40 hits, but it does
demonstrate an artist eager to spread wings and search for her
own voice against what Clarkson asserts was a heavy corporate
hand over previous efforts. --Chuck Taylor  Questions? Comments?
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