Artist: Kelly Clarkson

Album: “My December”

Release date: June 26, 2007

Label: RCA

Availability: CD, iTunes, Ruckus

America, you voted for her – here’s Kelly Clarkson’s third State of Her Union address. Before the release of her third album, “My December,” Miss Clarkson was finally proving to be the Miss Independent she promised us four years ago. Sony-BMG bigman Clive Davis was reportedly unhappy with the sound of the new album, but Clarkson kept her resolve and stood by the album’s songs, which she entirely wrote or co-wrote. She was even offered $10 million dollars by Davis to change five songs to more radio-friendly material, but again Clarkson stubbornly refused. That kind of artistic integrity is commendable, and not something you would expect from the winner of TV claptrap “American Idol.” Unfortunately, the freedom Clarkson has been granted may have been best for herself, but not necessarily her audience.

Davis’ main complaint with the album allegedly was that it was too dark. He was certainly right about that – nearly every track describes the depression born out of a disastrous relationship, dripping with venomous words ripped from Clarkson’s diary. Occasionally, this works – the gritty opening track “Never Again” is fueled by spite – but the real problem here is a lack of any good melodies to rescue the largely uninspired lyrics.

Still, Clarkson proves she still has killer pipes that especially shine in “Yeah,” her departure to R&B and funk, and acoustic ballad “Irvine.” The latter succeeds where other ballads on the album fail – her voice has that subtle rasp that makes you believe the pleading lyrics.

The album has its highlights – just don’t expect to hear the best tracks on Top 40 Radio. For Clarkson fans, the album is bound to please, as the songs reveal more than ever before into the pop princess’ inner psyche. For the casual fans or nonconverts, just take Clarkson’s advice on track 5 and Don’t Waste Your Time.