đ¨ Initial thoughts on 'chemistry (deluxe)'
The deluxe version of Kelly Clarkson's critically acclaimed album comes with 5 new tracks, 2 remixes and a live version of "mine."
Hey fellow Clarkstan! đ Welcome to NOTHING BUT CLARKSON â a newsletter all about Emmy and Grammy winner (and rad human) Kelly Clarkson. This week, we got a new podcast interviewâand, more importantly, a new song!
Kelly Clarkson releases deluxe version of âchemistryâ
On Friday, September 22, Kelly Clarkson released the deluxe version of her critically acclaimed album (and Grammy contender) âchemistry.â
This expanded version includes 5 new tracks (including the previously released ârosesâ), 2 remixes and a live version of her Hot AC Top 10 hit âmine.â
The standard version of âchemistryâ is nothing short of excellent, so how does the deluxe version stack up?
IMO, itâs pretty good. In the bonus tracks, we see Kelly experimenting with different sounds and melodies, and although it doesnât always work, itâs interesting nonetheless.
My favorite out of the new songs is âgoodbye,â a collaboration with Kellyâs music director Jason Halbert. It combines RnB influences and an ethereal sound, and Kelly does some great stuff with her vocals in the bridge. âgoodbyeâ could have easily been in the standard edition of the album, although given that itâs a bit different from the rest of the album sonically, I understand why it was left out. ârosesâ is in the same boat.
âi wonât give upâ has an interesting mix of an EDM-ish vibe as well as some 80s rock influence. The self-empowerment lyrics are very reminiscent of Kellyâs biggest hits. On first listen, this felt a bit generic to me, but it did connect with me after a few listens.
Of all the new songs from âchemistry (deluxe)',â âdid you knowâ could be the most polarizing. Some production choices have been made here, especially the jarring intro. On the other hand, this song has some specific personal references that fans will love. The chorus is very catchy â with a few tweaks, this could work as a future single.
Outside of the Kelly Clarkson fandom, âyou donât make me cryâ will probably generate the most buzz because it features River Rose, Kellyâs daughter. Itâs very cool how they incorporated Riverâs auto-tuned voice here. This is the most melodic of all the new songs, and I can see the sassy lyrics helping make this song go viral.
The new album also includes previously released remixes from David Guetta and Ty Sunderland.
The âchemistryâ era showcases Kelly Clarkson growth as a person and an artist.
Overall, Iâm happy with how the deluxe version has turned out. Whatâs most interesting to me is that Kelly is playing with new sounds, melodies and production. It doesnât always work, especially in some songs produced by Jesse Shatkin. Her collaborations with Jason Halbert (âred flag collectorâ and âskip this partâ for instance) are more successful and memorable.
The âchemistryâ era showcases Kelly Clarkson growth as a person and an artist. As a long-time fan, it makes me proudâand it makes me anticipate whatâs next. If this album cycle is an indication of whatâs to come, then weâre really just starting to see what Kelly Clarkson is truly capable of.
WHATâS NEW, CLARKSON?
Notable mentions and news about our queen.
Kelly closed off The Today Showâs Summer Concert series, performing âSince U Been Gone,â âmine,â âlighthouseâ and âfavorite kind of high.â
During an IG Live, Kelly hinted of an upcoming project that may involve some previously âunreleased stuff.â
Kelly also performed in the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Vegas, where casually announced âlighthouseâ as her newest single.
Kellyâs interaction with a busker in Vegas went viral. She really is THE best human. đĽş
WHAT IâM LIKING
An awesome post from social media, but without the $1000 cheque. đ
We are all Hoda. Hoda is all of us.
Video via @defnotthanos on Twitter/X.
ONE LAST THINGâŚ
Go stream âchemistryâ using this link from Atlantic Records and pre-save or pre-order Chemistry deluxe here.