Collegiate Times

Though different in approach, artists create satisfying, fun and complementary music

Hello. My name is Peter. (Hi, Peter.) And I've been a Kelly Clarkson fan for years.

It feels good to get that off my chest.

While I never saw her on "American Idol," resistance is futile in the face of pop jams such as "Since U Been Gone." As such, reviewing a Kelly Clarkson album is irresistible. Where else can I use inane slang like "natch" (as in "naturally") without being judged by the harsh gaze of my peers?

So how do I maintain what little indie cred I have while also reviewing her latest, "All I Ever Wanted?" Easy. I'm simultaneously reviewing Yeah Yeah Yeahs' latest, "It's Blitz!"

Both CDs were released over spring break and both indicate a morphing identity for their respective artists.

With the electronic-infused "It's Blitz!," YYY continues crafting a niche for their Brooklyn-branded rock while simultaneously honing a more commercially-viable sound. Their fame following the success of the single "Maps" was unexpected, forcing the otherwise distant band into the spotlight. Their strong 2006 follow-up, "Show Your Bones," failed to garner any major hits, but "It's Blitz!" may buck that trend and might end up on several critics' year-end, best-of lists.

Kelly Clarkson marks her return to her star-making confectionary pop following the commercial stagnation that was her 2007 album, "My December." While generally well-received by critics, the introspective and hard-to-market album was a sales disappointment. Thus we have "All I Ever Wanted," henceforth known as Clarkson's artistic compromise with her record label.

The differences between her new and past albums are apparent right from the covers. Whereas "My December" featured a dark and brooding shot of Clarkson in a blood-red gown worthy of an Annie Leibovitz "Vogue" cover shot, "All I Ever Wanted" is aesthetically closer to "Tiger Beat," complete with splashy colors and Photo-shopped sparkle-glints.

Musically, however, Clarkson manages to be fun and memorable. Radio-ready hits pepper the album including the catchy, if unfortunately titled, "My Life Would Suck Without You."

Equally awkward, but even more fun, "I Do Not Hook Up" is poised to be her next hit. Penned by cherry ChapStick-loving Katy Perry and recently added American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi, this gem features such empowering lines as, "I can't cook, no, but I can clean - up the mess she left." You can almost hear the "Since U Been Gone" songwriting gears clicking into place - and there's nothing wrong with a song formula when the formula works this well.

Likewise, the album's title song sets the bar high by featuring a baseline so simple and effective that the Greek god of music Apollo himself must have taken three minutes out of his day to strum it out. Additionally, the upbeat and retro "Ready" is immediately hummable and serves as the best showcase of her vocal prowess.

Clarkson's signature voice - approachably airy, though smartly subdued - has never sounded better. She can belt out the vocal flourishes with the best of them, but unlike some singers (read: Christina Aguilera), Clarkson can effectively restrain herself. Otherwise forgettable and typical ballads like "Cry" and the piano-driven "Save You" are likeable, if only for her strong vocals.

On the YYY's side of things, enigmatic lead singer Karen O largely downplays her screechy and occasionally off-putting voice to allow for a softer and more aurally-pleasing sound. Additionally, glam-rock production values of "It's Blitz!" make it a must-have.

"Zero," the album's stunner of an opener, bubbles with unmatched intensity. Karen O never lets her delicate voice fade behind the thrashing drums and synth-laden melody. Her personality also beams through all the musical theatrics: "You're zero," she belts, "What's your name? / No one's gonna ask you." Zing! Comparisons to vintage Blondie are almost too obvious to make. Almost.

Equally brilliant, "Heads Will Roll" is an engagingly simple dance floor anthem. Initially leaked on Kanye West's music blog (so you know it's good), you can't help but surrender under Karen O's domineering bravado as she commands to "dance, dance, dance till you're dead." If Lady GaGa's "Just Dance" wasn't already insipidly puerile, then it certainly has lost all relevance in the face of Karen O's bombastic declarations to boogie.

Continue Reading: 12 Next »