Kelly Clarkson - "Stronger" - Oct. 24

[Peaches. [Ch, r. is]]

I was looking at a copyright link that Freakshow gave me and I saw that "With a Little Bit of Luck" was just copyrighted this year. I'm not sure what that means, if anything, but here's the (2007-2008?) demo.

[Illusions]

LOVE With A Little Bit of Luck! <3

[Deleted]

Really? Oh sweet. I agree with Sober, I love that song.

[themagic]

Jul 17, 2011 12:20:08 GMT -5 neally said:

I came across this video on youtube: I didn't realize just how HUGE of a fan of Kelly that Demi Lovato is :o :

Lol she seems to always mention kelly in all her interviews.

Hope Demi gets to Duet with her someday. Doesn't have to be recorded can just be on stage one time.

[dbhmr]

Alright, cracking. I've had the rest of the leaks in my possession for 24 hours and I've ultimately decided that I want to hear them. I shall report back later.

[jessayli]

Jul 18, 2011 1:57:14 GMT -5 dbhmr said:

Alright, cracking. I've had the rest of the leaks in my possession for 24 hours and I've ultimately decided that I want to hear them. I shall report back later.

Looking forward to your response. :)

[neally]

Jul 18, 2011 3:10:03 GMT -5 jessayli said:

Jul 18, 2011 1:57:14 GMT -5 dbhmr said:

Alright, cracking. I've had the rest of the leaks in my possession for 24 hours and I've ultimately decided that I want to hear them. I shall report back later.

Looking forward to your response. :)

+1 and please be as detailed as possible (especially about vocals if anything stands out to you) if you don't mind !

[KelesbianEricka]

Jul 17, 2011 20:14:05 GMT -5 dbhmr said:

Kelly is in the center if EW's Bullseye this week for LMD. It says, "Leak of the Kelly Clarkson track Let Me Down does anything but. It's amazing."

I was surprised when they hadn't covered it at all online as they did with WRR.

ETA: They used an awesome picture, too--she looks great. Finally stopped using that AMA one.

Link please?

[dbhmr]

Detailed thoughts on the leaks forthcoming--just want to listen more.

Here's a quick scan I did of the EW Bullseye.

[wallace]

Jul 16, 2011 20:21:41 GMT -5 slayZ said:

Obviously, I'm going to get hated for this, but at this point, the most logical thing to do would be to push the album back to spring and have Kelly record more (radio friendly) songs. The leaks are a mess. The fact that the first single isn't even out and yet half of the record is already out is REALLY discouraging. Also, some of these are okay but I'm not sure how they're planning on selling this project without any major hits.

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Too many delays is how she ended up in this position in the first place.

ETA: Today's Pop update, still pretty much the same:

155 145 KELLY CLARKSON Let Me Down 20 15 5 0.035

[kylecburke]

I can't believe we still have no news...this is freaking insane....like if the single is coming out soon (I thought next month)...should we not have a title, or something..Anything....*sigh* im going crazy!

[dbhmr]

My resolve left me this weekend and I listened to the fresh batch of leaks. Here are my complete, boring, overly analytical thoughts on all nine, listed in order of preference. And don't bother with the "tl, dr," because I already know that. This is what comes of not wanting to work...

1. Dark Side: This is superb. It's musically both haunting and inviting, which complements the lyrics and her vocal delivery perfectly. Reserved at first, and then more yearning and desperate. This could either be a killer album track like "Addicted," but I think it's catchy and accessible enough to work as a down-the-line single. And her voice is as on point here as it's ever been. She sings notes straight and holds off on the vibrato, which really makes the notes pierce through. And the bridge? Perfection. This song is so Kelly Clarkson--it's like it explains every single she's ever had, from "Miss Independent" to "Behind These Hazel Eyes" to "Because of You" to "Already Gone." Also, I was afraid that this song was going to be a stand-in for "Don't Ever Give Up On Me," but I actually think they complement each other really well and would bring real cohesion to the album.

2. Let Me Down: This is the kind of power pop/rock Kelly needs to be doing if she wants to stick with this genre. It's progressive, aggressive, and lyrically interesting. It's very wordy, which I actually like--there are no pauses where a "yeah, yeah" needs to be thrown in. Her vocals on this are off the charts, too, and she sounds down-right sexy on the low, slithery verses. I'm beginning to think more and more this would be the perfect lead single. Something in her comfort zone, but on the high end of it, then move on to the You Can't Win-esque stuff (as opposed to starting with a song like that, then going "backward" to a song like this).

3. You're Breaking Your Own Heart: The first two lines of this song are completely arresting. Her vocals sound so exhausted and drained here, in the best way. Lyrically, this is in line with "Save You," but I think it takes it a step further, something more specific and interesting. I don't want the production to change a bit. Her voice just owns this. A very mature ballad for her full of emotion. Also, it's so relaxing, that I think it can hold its own against the more up-tempo tracks and not feel like it doesn't belong. It totally works as a respite for the other tracks, and thematically works with this new, more mature Kelly Clarkson--the one who owns to her own insecurities and recognizes and accepts faults in others (she shows this side on a number of the leaks over the last two years).

4. Tell Me A Lie: Gives me "My Life Would Suck Without You" vibes in that it's light, airy, and fun. It's a classic jump-up-and-down Kelly song, but as with many of these songs, her venom as switched from totally anti-guy to something more introspective and vulnerable, whether it's begging for a lie, or afraid to show her dark side, or convinced she'll be let down, or even offering forgiveness. This is one of the biggest ear worms of the bunch, and even though the bridge is dull lyrically, I love how it builds up to the last, long note that you know will just bring the house down live.

5. Don't Be A Girl About It: I completely understand everyone's concerns with the lyrics, particularly because Kelly has consistently provided great "girl power" anthems for the new millennium. But this song is so damn fun. I love the way the notes creep up and down in the verses ("this metamorphosis is just too much," which is also such a great line). The word play and her attitude here come through so well over one of the most infectious pieces of music to leak. If she changed "girl" to "boy" or "jerk" or "dick" (...she probably wouldn't do that), I'd campaign for this to be a single, but I'd love for Kelly to get through this era with as little controversy as possible, so I'd be okay with this as an album track. Also, random, useless aside, I was playing all the songs this morning as my boyfriend was getting ready for work, and this was the only one he commented on about how good it sounded (I've since made him really listen to "Dark Side" and that's his favorite).

6. What Doesn't Kill You: I think this has really great potential, but needs some work to me to make it the killer, dance-floor anthem it could and should be. The lyrics are there, but it lacks that oomph to me right now. She really adapts her voice to this genre with the increased vibrato and quick note changes. Still, something about this leaves me less excited than I anticipated being, but it also sounds the most "demo-ish" of the leaks, so considering how she's lifted demos before, I can see this becoming single potential.

7. I Forgive You: This was the most underwhelming to me at first. I still think that, while it sounds like a Kelly song, it's the most generic of the 2011 leaks. But it's still nice to hear Kelly grow, and I think this song would fit really nicely in her single discography when mapping them all out--after years of blame-game anthems, this is a nice change of pace. Musically not as cool as "Dumb + Dumb = You," but the lyrics hold this just barely above it.

8. Dumb + Dumb = You: This is a wasted opportunity. This is the pop/R&B track I was looking for in terms of vocals and production--it's such a jam. But...a math equation? About love? That is Disney fodder, through and through. Also, the chorus is just so cheap. Dumb + dumb? If you're going to do an equation, at least make it more interesting (sort of like the first verse, I guess). But to take such a lame word like "dumb" and simply use it twice? What is that even trying to say? That being said, I've had the track long enough that its melody has buried itself in my brain and I love listening to it, but she will get rightly criticized for singing something so juvenile if it's on the album. I really want to hear her explanation regarding this. But, again, her vocals are perfect--only Kelly could make a song like this still sound soulful.

9. I Wish I Could Be Lonely Instead: The beginning definitely sounds like "Be Still," and while I do like this song, it doesn't completely keep my attention for the full four-and-a-half minutes. She sounds great, though--I love the sudden high notes in that first verse (pre-chorus?) with "foolishly traded." Again, really nice and mature lyrically--more introspection again. I just find that more appropriate. Unless Kelly has been in relationships in total secret, this type of song seems to be more authentic.

---

So, with all that in mind, here's a more overall ranking of 12 demos that we have for this in order of preference for them making the album (which doesn't just factor in song quality, but the kind of theme/voice I think would work well for this album):

1. You Can't Win
2. Dark Side
3. Don't Ever Give Up On Me
4. Let Me Down
5. You're Breaking Your Own Heart
6. What Doesn't Kill You
7. Tell Me A Lie
8. I Forgive You
9. Lover Stay
10. Standing In Front Of You
11. Shut Your Pretty Face
12. Don't Be A Girl About It

I really, really want the first four to be on the album no matter what. There are plenty of others I like, but I feel like these 12 are my favorites and go in an interesting direction while providing plenty of hit potential. "Wash, Rinse, Repeat" would be #5 or #6, but Kelly's all but confirmed that won't be on the album anyway. Still really excited to hear a bunch of the stuff that hasn't leaked and hope those get a shot, particularly "Break the Silence."

[New Evolution]

So I was able to download all of the Kelly songs that have leaked in the past year and I have picked my favorites already. Unfortunately, I know some of them will not end up on her album.

1. Standing In Front Of You - Still the best leak of them all. It definitely has the 80's retro vibe and with her soft vocals, it's reminiscent of a child between "Be Still" and "Already Gone" which are my two favorite songs from her previous two albums. I know this won't end up on her cd, but it's still my favorite!

2. Wash, Rinse, Repeat - This song is self-explanatory. Kelly slayed... period!

3. Dark Side - The vocals on this song are sublime. The ending adlibs almost reckon back to her "American Idol" days.

4. You're Breaking Your Own Heart - Absolutely stunning! It's got a country flare to it, without being over the top. Kelly can literally sing ANYTHING!

5. What Doesn't Kill You - Needs to end up on the album! It's got the catchiest hook out of all of the leaks in my opinion. It's also a nice contrast to the overwhelming amount of leaked ballads from this era.

I also love "Let Me Down" of course, "Dumb + Dumb = You," and "I Forgive You" as well. Even if none of these songs make the album, I'm just happy we got to hear them!

[r.enato]

Loved your thoughts, dbhmr!

[ClevelandRox]

Whoever makes the EW Bullseye must stan hard for Kelly, they mentioned Naked Eye back in the day too.

As much as I love a lot of them, I'm hoping a lot of the leaks don't make the album. I hated that when Blackout was coming out and we had like 30 leaked demos, ten were from the actual album.

Naked Eye for sure for me, I haven't heard Dark Side yet. :/ I love W,W,R and DBAGAI but definitely not for the new album.

[neally]

Jul 18, 2011 13:11:24 GMT -5 dbhmr said:

My resolve left me this weekend and I listened to the fresh batch of leaks. Here are my complete, boring, overly analytical thoughts on all nine, listed in order of preference. And don't bother with the "tl, dr," because I already know that. This is what comes of not wanting to work...
****

So, with all that in mind, here's a more overall ranking of 12 demos that we have for this in order of preference for them making the album (which doesn't just factor in song quality, but the kind of theme/voice I think would work well for this album):

1. You Can't Win
2. Dark Side
3. Don't Ever Give Up On Me
4. Let Me Down
5. You're Breaking Your Own Heart
6. What Doesn't Kill You
7. Tell Me A Lie
8. I Forgive You
9. Lover Stay
10. Standing In Front Of You
11. Shut Your Pretty Face
12. Don't Be A Girl About It

Thank you very much for your detailed, well-written analysis. I love reading other folks' interpretations of lyrics, vocals, and final track rankings. I have to say that your taste is eerily similar to mine. I would only have ranked 'Kill' higher than you but other than that, I have the EXACT same ranking.

I am still obsessed with 'Rinse' and hope (and can actually see) that Kelly performs this song at her live shows, as a crowd pleaser to her biggest fans and a big 'ole FU to whichever label suits, folks like Tedder, and anyone else whom she feels has done her wrong.

Question for y'all: Of the top 5 that dbhmr listed, which were written by Kelly ? I would only replace 'Kill' for 'Let Me Down', neither of which were written by Kelly, but it seems at least 3 of those 5 were written by Kelly, no ?

If some of these great songs are used for the upcoming record, this may end up being my favourite record of hers to date.

[jessayli]

Jul 18, 2011 13:53:57 GMT -5 r.enato said:

Loved your thoughts, dbhmr!

Yes, that was beautiful. :'(

[pyrates]

I still haven't listened to the leaks, but I'm like thisclose to cracking.

[neally]

Jul 18, 2011 15:07:07 GMT -5 pyrates said:

I still haven't listened to the leaks, but I'm like thisclose to cracking.

Do it ! If you do, please post a detailed review of the songs if you don't mind. ;)

[Au$tin]

So many leaks from Kelly & JoJo lately. I'm going to have to just take the time and sit down and listen to them all.

[KelesbianEricka]

Jul 18, 2011 10:21:15 GMT -5 dbhmr said:

Detailed thoughts on the leaks forthcoming--just want to listen more.

Here's a quick scan I did of the EW Bullseye.

It was in a magazine.. I am such a dummy... Sorries dbhmr. I did not know..

[Hook]

Jul 18, 2011 14:03:21 GMT -5 ClevelandRox said:

As much as I love a lot of them, I'm hoping a lot of the leaks don't make the album. I hated that when Blackout was coming out and we had like 30 leaked demos, ten were from the actual album.

I'm hoping a number of them will make the standard album and others will be used at least on a deluxe edition or as bonus tracks at various retailers. Most of the leaked songs are really good, so I hope we get finished versions of them in some way.

Dark Side and Let Me Down must be on the standard main album.

[dbhmr]

neally - Let Me Down may still be written by Kelly. The earlier writers we had, I believe, have confirmed to be a different song, as one of the writers said she didn't write on Kelly's LMD.

Also, after listening to I Forgive You more, I wouldn't be unhappy at the thought of that being a lead single. It isn't my favorite, but if they could punch it up a bit, I think it would open the era really well. Based on some of the songs we have, Kelly's perspective is a more mature, introspective place (there's still some fun stuff like SYPF and DBAGAI, but these are the minority). This song has a good sentiment for that kind of narrative. Also, the lines about "coming back with a brand new attitude" in both verses serve as a nice era opener. Just a thought.

[clarksonnumber1]

I hear a lot of references to What Doesn't Kill You being a dance song. It sounds a lot more pop than dance to me. Maybe a remix would be more dance but I don't understand the dance references at all.

[beach1]

Jul 18, 2011 18:06:29 GMT -5 clarksonnumber1 said:

I hear a lot of references to What Doesn't Kill You being a dance song. It sounds a lot more pop than dance to me. Maybe a remix would be more dance but I don't understand the dance references at all.

I think it could be classified as a dance-pop song, with the 4x4 beats and some of the sound fx. Although, you're right, the dance influences is very light in it.

[clarksodi]

Jul 18, 2011 18:06:29 GMT -5 clarksonnumber1 said:

I hear a lot of references to What Doesn't Kill You being a dance song. It sounds a lot more pop than dance to me. Maybe a remix would be more dance but I don't understand the dance references at all.

"dance" by 70s/80s standards, not 2011 "dance" standard. At least, that is how I think about it.

[franklin]

Jul 18, 2011 16:07:32 GMT -5 dbhmr said:

Also, after listening to I Forgive You more, I wouldn't be unhappy at the thought of that being a lead single. It isn't my favorite, but if they could punch it up a bit, I think it would open the era really well. Based on some of the songs we have, Kelly's perspective is a more mature, introspective place (there's still some fun stuff like SYPF and DBAGAI, but these are the minority). This song has a good sentiment for that kind of narrative. Also, the lines about "coming back with a brand new attitude" in both verses serve as a nice era opener. Just a thought.

I have been thinking the same thing about I Forgive You. I personally think it is insanely catchy, has been in my head for days.
I really enjoy the fact that it is not a typical Kelly boy-bashing song. It's sweet & fun~ it really gives me Teenage Dream (the song) vibes. It could be huge.
All it really needs is one more punch in the production and it's golden.

[Jack]

I just realized Dumb + Dumb = You is amazing. The only part of it that is terrible is the titular line. Get rid of that, replace it with something else, keep the awesome vocals, cool melody, great production and you've got yourself a great song.

[repentyourself]

Jul 18, 2011 19:47:17 GMT -5 Jack said:

I just realized Dumb + Dumb = You is amazing. The only part of it that is terrible is the titular line. Get rid of that, replace it with something else, keep the awesome vocals, cool melody, great production and you've got yourself a great song.

Yaaasssssss, finally someone gets it.

[ƒreakshow]

Jul 18, 2011 19:12:46 GMT -5 franklin said:

I have been thinking the same thing about I Forgive You. I personally think it is insanely catchy, has been in my head for days.
I really enjoy the fact that it is not a typical Kelly boy-bashing song. It's sweet & fun~ it really gives me Teenage Dream (the song) vibes. It could be huge.

Completely agree, I'm obsessed with IFY. It's my most-played song of all the leaks and it's always in my head. In fact, from the moment I first listened to it I thought it would make a perfect single...even more so than Let Me Down, which many seem to want. It's got a great hook with the right production and sound for today's pop radio. I can see why people might not like it and think it's filler and what not, but I think it would smash if given the chance.