Kelly Clarkson, 'All I Ever Wanted'

The buzz: Kelly Clarkson fought for creative control on 2007’s “My December”—an album that was gloomier, less accessible and more personal than its predecessors. Label boss Clive Davis reacted like she’d just plopped “Metal Machine Music” on his desk, and promoted it accordingly. After an embarrassing tour cancellation and relatively lackluster sales, Clarkson is back with a bigger, brighter pop-rock album that could be subtitled “Sorry, Uncle Clive!”

The verdict: Clarkson’s pipes are among the most powerful in the pop business, and they’re well showcased and stretched on “All I Ever Wanted,” from the goody-goody bubblegum pop of “I Do Not Hook Up” to the somber shades of her ballads to—her specialty—the dramatic “boy done me wrong” rockers. Clarkson's dynamo voice alone can’t save an overproduced clunker, and there are several, including the grating power-pop anthem “Long Shot,” and the gooey, string-laden closer “If No One Will Listen.” Mostly, though, there are abundant hooks, along with some pleasant stylistic surprises (“I Want You”). Even when saddled with the lamest of lyrics (“Every lie reveals the truth!”), Clarkson reliably sings the lines like she’s ripping them out of her chest. The star is back. Or maybe she never left.

Did you know? Leaving little to chance, Clarkson called in the hitmakers to co-write and co-produce this one, including Katy Perry (who contributes one highlight and one lowlight), new “Idol” judge Kara DioGuardi and “Since U Been Gone” creators Max Martin and Dr. Luke.

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