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music CONCERTS, PROFILES, REVIEWS Clarkson revisits upbeat pop on her latest album wo years ago, Kelly Clarkson kicked pop music to the curb. After her first-season T American Idol victory and two chart-busting albums, she released an angsty, minor chord-heavy album called My December. The shift in sound perplexed her record label and caused some fans who’d flipped over “Since U Been Gone” to get a bit apathetic come time to buy concert tickets. Clarkson proved during that period that she wasn’t afraid to take risks as an artist. But she decided to give pop another chance on All I Ever Wanted, her new album coming out Tuesday. The return to form began last month, when the first single “My Life Would Suck Without You” went blazing up the Billboard Hot 100 chart, claiming the distinction of fastest-ever rise to No. 1. Coupled with a slick photo of a heavily airbrushed Clarkson with a lollipop, the song came off as a tongue-in-cheek ode to the style of music that made her. The catchy choruses and impressive high notes don’t stop there. All I Ever _ Wanted — which was unceremoniously leaked to the Internet a few weeks ago, thanks to a Norwegian iTunes flub — is packed with potential hits. We caught up with the 26-year-old Burleson native via e-mail to ask her about the new album, her Texas haunts and her QuickDFW.com love for the Toadies. Hunter Hauk ● Starstruck Entertainment MARCH 5 - MARCH 11, 2009 18 KellyKelly shinesshineson on music | cover story Q: What was the first thing that went through your mind after you found out “My Life Would Suck Without You” made chart history? Clarkson: I was surprised, because I didn’t think it would jump that high or that fast! You never can tell which songs will hit and which ones won’t, but as long as I like performing them, I don’t mind what number they are on the chart. Q: Whether or not you contribute to the lyrics of every song, you always choose material that applies well to your own life story. Tell me what significance the words of “My Life Would Suck” carry for you. Clarkson: I have friends and family in my life right now that are so crucial. My life would suck if they weren’t there to talk to or hang out with. I have been blessed with some really awesome people in my life. Q: The lollipop photo on the cover of the single was perceived by a lot of folks as a nod to your struggles with the pop-star image. Is that truly what is intended in both the song and the images associated with it? Clarkson: Man, I wish I had some profound and deep reasoning behind the lollipop picture. But, honestly, we just thought it would be cute because it was a sucker and the song title is “My Life Would Suck Without You.” Q: What songs on the new album stick out in your mind as significant or revealing? Clarkson: I love all genres of music, and I love exploring them on every one of my albums, so my favorites aren’t usually the singles. The songs I like most are the ones that push the envelope a bit. One song on this album that definitely stands out is “Whyyawannabringmedown.” It is highly influenced by British punk, and it’s just so much fun to sing! The message is blunt and in your Associated Press face: “Why do you want to bring me down when all I am doing is for you? Why treat me like crap when all I wanted was for you to be happy?” Sadly, I think a lot of people can relate to this message. Q: Who were some of the notable producers and musicians you worked with on the new album, and how did they influence you and the sound of the music? Clarkson: I love No Deliverance! Todd Lewis has such an Clarkson: Howard Benson is a producer I just met on this project. I’m awesome voice! It’s so dirty and worn. The songs are so sexy a big fan of his work, and I love how much he loves music! We cut, but, at the same time, there’s a certain pain to them. I can’t wait _ like, five songs for the record. His production is possibly my favorite to see them tour this album. I will be at as many shows as I can QuickDFW.com that I’ve ever worked with. It just sounds so clean and so crisp, yet get to. Great, great band. The only thing I loved from Texas as captures any and every emotion the song can give. Sam [Watters] and much as I loved the Toadies was Willie Nelson. When I finally got Louis [Biancaniello], I have known for years and have worked with on to see him in concert, I was in heaven! previous albums. But the thing I love about them is that they write and produce for different genres of music, so none of their songs Q: What about newer acts in music today? Are there any ever sound the same. They love music from all genres, and you can that inspire you? tell because they never limit themselves, and they never allow me to More on ‘All I Ever Wanted’ limit myself. [It] makes me better as a writer and vocalist. Clarkson: I like the All-American Rejects. They have great lyrics ● and amazing melodies. I’m also a huge fan of Pink. She’s got one Lots of variety here. There are a few mid-tempo MARCH 5 - MARCH 11, 2009 Q: How often do you get back to Texas, and what are some of of the best voices of my generation. pop-rock ballads co-written by Clarkson and the places that feel like home for you? One Republic’s Ryan Tedder (who’s also written Q: Do you feel that the cultural impact of ‘American Idol’ for Beyoncé). “I Do Not Hook Up” is a highly Clarkson: I get back home a lot! I love my house and my land. is waning, or at least changing? What would you like to infectious girly anthem penned by new Idol Nothing beats Texas. I am as country as it gets, so you can usually see happen on the show to shake things up? judge Kara DioGuardi and Katy Perry. The spot me at Cracker Barrel or some hole-in-the-wall bar that’s way out album’s title track sounds like a rock-heavy in the country that you’ve never heard of. Honestly, though, I don’t go Clarkson: I’ve always been a big believer in “if it’s not broke, cousin of Spoon’s “I Turn My Camera On.” And out a lot. I love just sitting at my house, because I travel so much that don’t fix it.” The show is still one of the highest-rated, and people there’s even an upbeat, Duffy-esque, ’60s I really appreciate the time to hang out with my family, my horses or love it. American Idol will be around for a good while because throwback track in the mix (“I Want You”). my dogs. people love watching it. Hear some of the tracks starting Tuesday at Q: If there’s one thing you wish you’d known six years Q: You grew up in North Texas and found yourself drawn to myspace.com/kellyclarkson. and inspired by the Toadies. What did you think of the ago, what is it? comeback album they put out this past year? Were there Clarkson: To not sweat the small stuff. Life is too short to worry other local bands that caught your attention back in the day? about everything, so take it one disaster at a time. Haha! 19.