When I first heard chemistry, it wasn't love at first listen, but through countless spins, it has become one of my favorite Kelly Clarkson albums. Now that we've had the album for a few months, I'm curious to see your thoughts. Here are some of mine:
Vocally, Kelly is unmatched on this album. She has only continued to sound better and better over the years. The vocal production has never sounded better or more authentic to how she sounds live. A big thank you to Jason Halbert!
Kelly's songwriting stands out. For many years, fans have been yearning for an album with more content written by Kelly herself, and it really works on the album. She's is just telling us how she feels. Many of the lyrics (lighthouse) feel like lines taken out of a diary. Her songwriting has really grown over the years, and it shows on chemistry.
Amid the sadness, bitterness, and anger a lot of this album carries, Kelly isn't afraid to have some fun. At first, the the ending of the album seems a bit odd - i hate love, red flag collector, and that's right. These songs are almost jarring upon the first few listens because they are so left of center compared to the rest of the album, but in the end, it's what helps bring the album together. In these songs, she is almost joking about what a dumpster fire her life has been. The lyric You can keep Gosling. i'll Keep Steve Martin" comes to mind. These closing songs give a nice, new perspective to the central theme of the album.
Our discussion comes just in time for the release of chemistry deluxe on September 22nd and roses (first single from the deluxe album) this Friday!