Breakaway [Content/Copy-Protected CD]

Kelly Clarkson | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 30, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Content/Copy-Protected CD
• Label: RCA
• ASIN: B00064ADRK
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1,231 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,020 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #68 in Music > Pop > Teen Pop

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Kelly Clarkson could have played her American Idol-propelled career much differently, languishing in the role of dippy ingénue or shunting her musical development by leaning too heavily on overnight stardom. Instead she dug in her heels and allowed good sense (or a good manager) to steer, and somewhere Simon Fuller and the rest of the TV gang ought to be smiling. Credit Breakaway, which couldn't be more aptly titled--the sophomore effort represents a seismic split from the thin if pretty debut, Thankful. Here we encounter Clarkson as superstar, with the humility that made her likable on the first disc tucked tightly under her arm. First single and leadoff track "Breakaway" topped the pop charts on arrival, and its rock-friendly thumps, dips, and rolls don't wear out their welcome. Instead,they blend into the firestorm of beats and guitars that is "Since U Been Gone," another shout-it-out rocker. Those songs set the tone for the rest of the disc in all its fury: The innocence is long gone, "Addicted" and "Hear Me" say. The big, expressive voice ringed by the occasional high-pitch trill--the one that prompted millions to get behind her on Idol--doesn't dip entirely off the radar, though. On "Where Is Your Heart" and the stunning live closer "Beautiful Disaster," it's there in full force--a hint, maybe, that despite the wide, smart career step Breakaway represents, her fans come first. -Tammy La Gorce

Product Description

As Kelly prepares the worldwide release of her new album, she's riding another hit single and video, 'Breakaway,' which is quickly becoming one of the hottest songs at radio for the fall of 2004, as well as the setup track for this new record. With contributions from some of the biggest producers in music today (John Shanks, Max Martin, Clif Magness, Ben Moody), Kelly's new record will further broaden her base as a worldwide pop star. The publicity campaign surrounding the launch of this album, one of the most anticipated pop events of the year, will see Kelly everywhere leading into this holiday season.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

452 of 496 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Awfully hard to top this one December 12, 2004

By Marcus T. Brody

Format:Audio CD

I'll admit, my first impression of this album upon listening the first time around wasn't that good. I'll tell you why... I saw too many Avril Lavigne similarities. Especially the "woah... oh oh" sounds Avril has made popular. However, I did not let that deter me from listening to the album with an open mind.

Upon listening to the album 3 or 4 times, I concluded that this is one of the better rock/pop albums I've ever heard; especially by a solo female artist. On Kelly's debut album, she didn't use her voice like she should have. But on this new album, all I can say is, "Wow!". Hands down, Kelly Clarkson has the best singing voice in the music industry today, and hearing her hit some of the notes she hits on this album send chills up and down my body.

There are about 5 or 6 songs on this album that will likely receive radio play, as top singles. "Behind These Hazel Eyes" is Kelly's best song to date, in my opinion. "Because of You" is another fantasic song, as well as "Addicted", and "Hear Me". Let's not forget the smash hit "Breakaway".

With this album, Kelly sort of detached herself from the American Idol label that she's been sporting for the last few years. This is far beyond and cheesy bubble gum pop. This is legit, and Kelly is going to make a huge splash in this industry for years to come.

264 of 307 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Now That's What I Call Idol! December 15, 2004

By Amanda Richards HALL OF FAMETOP 500 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

This is the best album to come out of the American Idol show in recent history. Conspicuously short of filler material, every song sounds like airplay material. "Breakaway" launches the album with a mighty kick and it never stops going from there, the grand finale "Beautiful Disaster" being anything but a disaster.

It's not hard to detect a little influence of Avril Lavigne on "Since U Been Gone" and "Behind These Hazel Eyes", and there's also a bit of Amy Lee, especially on "Addicted" and "Hear me" thrown in, but this impressive follow-up pushes Clarkson into the running for the best female pop album of the year.

Highly recommended for pop/rock fans.

Amanda Richards, December 14, 2004

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars An Admirable Move Forward December 4, 2004

By Chris S.

Format:Audio CD

Veering away somewhat from the more pop-centric slickness of the still admirable THANKFUL, Kelly Clarkson returns seemingly ready to replace Avril Lavigne as pop's new "angst" girl with the appropriately titled BREAKAWAY. While the title track is a lovely and fairly understated vocal affair, it's not the indicative setup for the rest of the disc, which addresses the current state of pop as defined by the likes of Lavigne and lesser talents like Hilary Duff and lip-syncher du jour Ashlee Simpson. That said, Clarkson fairs significantly better than others who've gone this route(take note Ashlee), thanks in part because she comes off far more convincing than the others, not to mention the fact that she's light years ahead of the rest vocally. New single "Since U Been Gone" is a far better indicator of the project--somewhat new wave, but with a strong yet subtle rock undercurrent. That rock "undercurrent" is in fact present throughout much of the disc, highlighted by "Behind Those Hazel Eyes", "Gone", and "Walk Away". And while there's probably no chance in hell she could get away with releasing an album without a few ballads, the slower tunes, while polished, don't cater to the slick, overproduced sound that alot of adult contemporary records cling to("Where Is Your Heart" actually sounds not unlike Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful"). Overall, BREAKAWAY stands not only as a more consistently flowing record, but one that should advance Clarkson to the forefront of pop's top ranks.

40 of 47 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive! November 30, 2004

By Coopie Doop

Format:Audio CD

I was shocked by the honesty of Kelly's writing on this album.

She really put herself out there on songs like Because Of You. I thought this would be another syrupy ballad, but my heart was ripped out when I listened to it. It had me at a stand still.

Kelly uses her voice in so many amazing ways on this album. Where Is Your Heart is another great example of Kelly's raw vocal talent.

It was pure joy hearing how she changed it up throughout.

And I must also comment on the background vocals, which were ALL done by Kelly. I find myself listening to them as much as the foreground vocals.

I didn't want to skip any of the songs while listening - yes, it was that good. I especially loved Behind These Hazel Eyes, Addicted, Because Of You and Hear Me.

If Kelly doesn't get nominated for another Grammy, I will be shocked.

This cd is 150 times better than Kelly's first album "Thankful".

Great work!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Kelly's amazing! April 7, 2006

By Part-Time Dreamer

Format:Audio CD

The album is packed with songs by great producers, great songwriters and lead by Kelly's amazing voice. It feels like a young woman's diary, filled with pain, pleasure and touch of cynicism that feels just right. This album shows how versatile her voice is, and her complete control & wonderful range of her exquisite vocals. Glancing at the liner notes, we find that Clarkson is credited as either the main writer or as a smaller contributor on several tracks. Looking further, we find she provides all vocals (including all background vocals) throughout the entire disc. Amazing. Nope, no silly posturing, no gratuitous self-promotion, no flashy studio trickery here. Just great, great music from a great artist. This album deserves to become a classic.

'Breakaway', the first song, was written by Avril Lavigne (among others) and Kelly Clarkson does it perfect justice. It's a medium slow one with some fantastic vocals in the chorus and the last verse.

'Since U Been Gone' has an incredibly catchy bridge and chorus, and is a more up-beat contrast to the first song. This song will gets you up and movin' in your seats.

'Behind These Hazel Eyes' has some great guitar, and is similar in structure to 'Since U Been Gone'; a slightly quieter verse compared to a loud-ish chorus. Kelly also co-wrote this song. You'll find yourself singing after you listened to it. Just great

'Because of You' is probably the most powerful ballad on this album, and was again co-written by Clarkson herself. While the vocals are still excellent and she makes good use of her range, her voice is kept gentle to match the style of the song and changes accordingly with it; this song really reflects the immense talent she has.

'Gone' is an uptempo number, but it works perfectly!... It's so catchy, very cool chorus & verses. One word: FUN!

'Addicted' is a mid-tempo/dark feel track but combines guitar and other instruments with it! The lyrics are well-written, and it's so haunting! This is definitely one of the best tracks of this album, and you will be `addicted' to it!

'Where Is Your Heart' is another ballad. Kelly really makes you feel emotions through the song very well.

'Walk Away' is quite a funky song, with a really good rhythm. It's hard to stop wiggling away to it in your chair while listening!

'You Found Me' is very easy to listen to, and the chorus is fast paced. The way she sings the verses is good and suits the melody perfectly.

'I Hate Myself For Losing You' is another fantastic song. It quakes with emotion. It soothes. It enchants. Kelly is a masterful & passionate storyteller.

'Hear Me' is another dark power ballad. It starts slowly but explodes at the chorus. The piano is brilliant and the guitar in the chorus is amazing. Another fabulous display of her lyrical ability and her amazing vocal!

`Beautiful Disaster (Live)', this live version, captures the quietness of the song perfectly and it's so beautiful. Kelly's vocal really soar in this song.

All in all, this album is brilliant; the vocals are amazing, and there is a good range of music style from the American Idol winner. Kelly also shows that her talent is in writing music as well; she has co-written a number of songs from the album, all of different varieties. The songs are well written and the vocals are phenomenal she has surpassed American Idol; she's a diva and a force to be reckoned with. Kelly is unstoppable. Read more ›