My Top 10 of Kelly Clarkson Songs

Since I have so many favorite artists, it is very hard for me to focus exclusively on one. However, due to the nature of this assignment, I have decided to focus on Kelly Clarkson, one of my favorites among the newer pop stars, and a popular contemporary artist, as of the last 6 years. Born April 24, 1982 in Texas, Clarkson is one of few aspiring music professionals who got her start on American Idol, the popular reality talent show on the Fox television network. With her powerful voice somewhat reminiscent of Christina Aguilera, Clarkson brings to her songs a style that combines adult contemporary pop, rock, and even a hint of r & b.

Miss Independent
This song discusses keeping one's distance in love in order to avoid possible rejection and heartbreak. Ironically, the character being described falls in love and ends up contradicting her principles because "she did not want to end up jaded/she did not want to miss out on love..." Clarkson wonders "what[ever] happened to Miss Independent/Miss Keep-Your-Distance/Miss Unafraid/Miss On-Her-Own/Miss Never-Let-Him-In." Letting love in is what happened to Miss Independent. "What is the feeling taking over/Thinking the one could open her door?" This "feeling" is a change of heart, a change of one's mind. It indicates nature taking its course: meeting the right person. How many of us accept being single as a way of life, only to meet a promising love interest? Rejection is in fact a part of life; a risk people need to take in order to develop relationships, even a special relationship. This song is one of my top 10 partly because I can relate to Miss Independent although mostly about being wary of work relationships, and partly because of its catchy, spirited rock tune.