Kelly Clarkson’s Newest Album is All About Chemistry

Kelly Clarkson returns with the complete album titled, chemistry. The tracklist is a compilation of songs that have been released as singles since earlier this year. It’s about time!

Having chemistry with someone is an incredible, and overwhelming, feeling. It’s like you have no choice in the matter. You are just drawn to each other. This can be good and bad. This album takes you down every path that chemistry could lead you down.

– Kelly Clarkson

Clarkson starts off the album in a solemn way. “skip this part” is a song that allows her voice to fill and reverberate throughout a space. The mature vocals tell a rather young kind of heartbreak anyone might experience, in a slow and steady manner.

“mine” starts off in a similar way. Clarkson’s voice comes on alone, but then is accompanied by a rhythm that sways. Her lyrics rhyme, imitating poetry as she carefully selects certain words. As the chorus approaches, emotions explode as she sings of sadness, and sometimes, grief. With the bridge, the song changes the time signature, losing the gentle sway to fully convey anger.

Go ahead and break my heart, that’s fine

So unkind

Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind

Oh, love is blind

Why am I missin’ you tonight?

Was it all a lie?

– “mine”

“high road” is introduced with an enchanting piano, sounding closer to a wind-chime. The lyrics are confessional and anecdotal as the singer shares about the times she has tried to do her best and do what’s right.

For her next song, Clarkson chooses to fill every verse with self-affirmations. “me” is uplifting and empowering, and listeners will find it to be the perfect pick-me-up tune. The chorus is strong, and thanks to the backup singers, there is a sense of fullness and warmth.

“down to you” goes from heartbreak to retribution. Clarkson’s strong vocals convey the song’s strong message of not stooping low for another person. While the lyrics express regret, an important lesson has been learned, and she’s determined to move on.

“chemistry” returns to a slower beat and is very acoustic. The track achieves the dreamy feeling that comes with falling in love, especially with someone who really understands.

Things pick up with “favorite kind of high,” with a driving beat and lots of momentum. The lyrics are straightforward, even more so with Clarkson’s powerful delivery. She’s not going to waste her time or play hard-to-get— she’s not afraid to express her feelings.

“magic” exudes hope and uplift. The sentiment echoes throughout the verses, reassuring both the subject of the song and the listeners. It’s not the same strength Clarkson is known for, but she shares a sense of certainty and faith in magic in an airy way.

“lighthouse” is slower and more mellow. As the title implies, this song is all about seeing someone as a guiding light. The artist uses a lot of imagery and metaphors to describe how love and security are flickering.

“rock hudson” is the title of Clarkson’s next song, but it’s also the name of a well-known actor in Hollywood. Hudson was named a heartthrob during his time, both popular and good-looking. Kelly Clarkson once had her own “Rock Hudson”, someone who made her life feel like a movie. But times have changed, and she now understands that she’s the main character.

The next song on the album takes listeners back. “my mistake” gives older pop music vibes that stylishly convey the after-effects and consequences of a relationship. There’s no blaming, but the artist has a moment of clarity. She accepts everything and moves on.

“red flag collector” begins with a whistle. Immediately, fans will be reminded of an Old Western. This image is further evoked with a rougher, rock sound featuring electric guitar and heavy vibrations. Clarkson’s cowboy blames her, acts tough and doesn’t treat her right.

“i hate love” mixes country and pop, with a banjo that leads a fun and playful melody. Guess what? It’s Steve Martin! His name is also referenced in the song that discusses the expectations and unrealistic scenarios shown in movies. Clarkson finds it overrated and chooses a down-to-earth kind of love like Martin instead.

Clarkson includes another collaboration. “that’s right” incorporates Sheila E’s percussion and musicality. The strong sense of rhythm parallels confidence, knowing her likes and dislikes without compromise.

chemistry ends the album on a high note, positive and looking forward to the new things that might come after having let go. Good things are coming indeed! Kelly Clarkson will gift fans with a night filled with music for chemistry…an intimate night with Kelly Clarkson as she performs her many hits. She will also perform at the Today Show’s 2023 Citi Summer Concert Series and iHeartRadio Music Festival in the fall. Get ready by following the artist on Instagram and listening to her discography on Spotify.