Kelly Clarkson's Breakaway

In 2002, the world was introduced to American Idol and sequentially Kelly Clarkson. Clarkson became not only the first American Idol winner, but she is the reality show’s only genuine hit. Breakaway mirrors the next chapter in her life: Successfully leaving behind her America Idol image and coming into her own identity. In 2003, Clarkson released her first CD Thankful. It seemed to be a melodic thank you note to the people that had helped her reach the world music scene. The songs demonstrated a great deal of potential. Songs, such as  “Miss Independent” become MTV TRL hits. But the real talent was the potential to be a great vocalist with songs, like “Low” and “Beautiful Disaster.” Kelly Clarkson has thrown aside her cheesy American Idol image and has embraced her own talent. What sets Clarkson aside from other wanna be rock stars is her amazing vocal range. This Texan can belt out a tune with the best of them. Breakaway starts out with its self-titled hit “Breakaway” and one can not help but think about Clarkson’s breakaway from ex-cocktail waitress to international music star. The song tugs at the heart strings, because we call all identify with how hard it is to breakaway and take a risk. Clarkson next breaks into her other two pop hits, “Since U Been Gone” and “Behind These Hazel Eyes.” Anyone that has suffered heartache can belt out these songs with Clarkson blaring on their stereo and alleviate their heartache for a few minutes. Clarkson shows her emotional and vocal depth by belting out songs, such as “Because of You” and a live edition of “Beautiful Disaster” Her strong vocals reach a level that few pop artists reach. “Because Of You” reminds us that heartbreak can cause us to fear taking chance. We can hear the actual heartache in Clarkson’s potent vocals. In addition to her emotional pieces and strong vocals the album has another positive advantage in the instrumental melodies. Clarkson recruited former Evanescence members Ben Moody and David Hodges to help write and produce “Breakaway” adding insightful melodic melodies that match her vocals. In the end, “Breakaway” does exactly what it is suppose to, it takes a big step and proves that Clarkson is not just another reality TV star, but a bonafide musical star in her own right.