Customer Reviews

Breakaway

5 star:		(834)
4 star:		(173)
3 star:		(58)
2 star:		(31)
1 star:		(75)

 

 

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.

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

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.

I never purchased "Thankful", Kelly's first album, because I had heard the album over at a friend's house and it didn't sound that fantastic. I was wondering whatever happened to the girl recently when I heard her first single, "Breakaway", on the radio. This song never really got to me. It was nice to hear a couple times but that's all. It wasn't worth buying.

Finally she released a song worth hearing over and over. I heard it on the radio and thought it might be a new pop singer but when the radio announcer said that it was Kelly's new single, "Since U Been Gone", I decided I'd check it out. So the day the cd came out I came to amazon and read the reviews and saw that it was all good so I went to the story and picked up a copy of my own. Now that I have it I just thought I'd give you guys a review of my own, so you can make an informed decision. It always helps to listen to the clips too, since everyone's taste in music is different.

1) Breakaway - This is a nice way to open the album. It has a pretty guitar playing and a catchy bridge. It's really not anything special in my opinion though. 2.5/5

2) Since U Been Gone - Kelly's second single from her second album really lays out the rest of this album. If you haven't noticed already, Kelly's new album is not full of all the "thankful" songs. It's much more of regret, moving on, and sorrow. This single is great, it's a song you can dance to in the car with your girlfriends. 4.5/5

3) Behind These Hazel Eyes - This song has great lyrics, but only to a certain extent. I'm not saying that the lyrics are the deepest you will ever hear but they are very nice. The song is done well and Kelly's vocals are displayed in the bridge nicely. 5/5

4) Because of You - The first lovely ballad on this album. If it wasn't for Kelly's voice this song would've been cheesy and boring, but Kel definitly nails and makes it a powerful song. 4/5

5) Gone - This is probably the most pop song on the CD. It's not my favorite but some of the lyrics are good. I usually skip this one in the car, but occasionally I'll listen. I think once I get used to it, it will be awesome. 4/5

6) Addicted - This seems to be everyone's favorite. I can tell you that if you like Evanescence you're going to love this song. Kelly's vocals are amazing, she can get really dark. I haven't heard this side of her and it's a good one to hear. She needs to to do more songs like this. The bridge is the best part. 4.5/5

7) Where Is Your Heart - Good song, good ballad, good lyrics. Somewhat dull. 3/5

8) Walk Away - This song is so odd. It's like they are mixing country and pop/rock. I don't like it much, but it sounds like something it takes time to warm up to. It sounds like a mix of Shania Twain and Michelle Branch, which I think I should like since I like both of those artists but this song just doesn't really do anything for me. 2.5/5

9) You Found Me - This song is very catchy, but unfortunatly the lyrics are cliche and that immediatly turns me off it. It's still good to listen to though for the music and Kelly's voice. 3/5

10) I Hate Myself For Losing You - Another one that is a mix of Country/Pop/Rock. It's really not that fascinating but a lot better than Walk Away. 3.5/5

11) Hear Me - Ah, this song is awesome. This a great pop/rock song. It's a little similiar to the rest but it doesn't matter because Kelly's voice is completely in sync with the music and it makes a great song. The lyrics are nice as well. 5/5

12) Beautiful Disaster [Live] - I love hearing people who can sing live. Sarah McLachlan reinvents herself repeatedly by doing it live and I love every single song she belts out. Kelly seems to be doing the same for herself when she puts this song on the cd. I'm glad she did. Instead of hearing the added effects and light guitar as was put on the first cd, you hear a lovely piano and Kelly's gentle voice. She should put out a live compliation cd when she's finished touring with this album. 4/5

Overall Kelly has really made a great album with your $13, which is rare from a pop singer. It's refreshing to see a pop singer who can actually SING make an album, unlike the most recent Lindsay Lohan. Kelly deserves every penny she makes from her recording contract, because she not only works her ass off but she also has talent and can actually sing live. If your looking for a good pop/rock CD, put down your pre-ordered copy of Lindsay Lohan or Ashlee Simpson and buy this one.

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!

To start... For sure, nearly any person can safely say that they've heard the song "Since U Been Gone". However, don't be fooled by the guitars and almost shouted chorus; this is definitely pop. In my opinion, "Since U Been Gone" is actually one of the weaker tracks on the album, so those of you who still love it are in for a treat. This review is kind of long, so those who don't want to read it all should just skip down to the second-to-last paragraph.

The very beginning of the album starts with the title song: Breakaway. Kelly gives off a feeling of quiet desperation, thinking that she'll never amount to anything. Avril Lavigne did write this song, yes, but Kelly did an amazing job putting her own emotion into the song.

After the aforementioned two mega-hits (Breakaway and Since U Been Gone) is her lesser hit, Behind These Hazel Eyes. This song is more tragic and powerful than the first two; Kelly is NOT happy with how things are going, and this is the first time in the album we see this side of Kelly: A sadder side, betrayed countless times, that can't get over this most recent disaster. This side comes up numerous times in the album, and each time shows that Kelly is capable of putting enough emotion into a song to rise above the guitars that are used all-too-often. However, Behind These Hazel Eyes is certainly one of the most memorable songs in the album that says that not everything's as happy as they seem in Kelly's world ("No I don't cry on the outside anymore").

By this point, Kelly does not let up on darker lyrics, and the next track is my favorite. Because of You was written about Kelly's divorced parents, and how her mother and father would put her in the middle of it (She helped write this, and most other, songs on the album). It starts with a simple piano, and shows Kelly's true vocal ability. By the end of the bridge, Kelly hits a note that is higher than many other singers can't reach near, and the very end of the song holds some of the most powerful lyrics of the album ("Because of you, I'm ashamed of my life, because it's empty...").

Gone is the next song, which is almost like a companion to Since U Been Gone. They are about the same thing, essentially, a bad relationship that Kelly's gotten over. It is a good song in its own right, but it's nothing you haven't heard before. On the other hand, it has phenomenal energy, rivaled only by Since U Been Gone and a later track, Walk Away. It should also be important to note the very, very end. There is a backup vocal done by Kelly that is higher than anything I have ever heard. I am unsure that Mariah Carey herself could've pulled this vocal track off.

Addicted was written by Ben Moody, who used to be a guitarist in Evanescence. Addicted certainly shows a slight similarity to some Evanescence songs, and Kelly sounds a little bit similar to Amy, which is a good thing. This shows Kelly's sadder side again, but it gives a feeling of building insanity, and the bridge is the highlight of the song, which makes the song almost feel like a spiraling fall into madness.

Where is Your Heart is probably one of the weaker songs on the album, although it may simply be dwarfed by comparison to a similar song, Because of You. This song is good, and gives Kelly another chance to do the slower songs that she is best suited for, but it's emotional ability is very low compared to Because of You. It's a melodic, pretty song, but Kelly seems like she goes into autopilot for a song.

By the next song, the energy level drastically shoots up. Walk Away is a very rhythmic song, almost like Gone with more aggression. This seems like it's about the part of the relationship where it's almost over, Kelly has decided that her man is not passionate enough, or doesn't seem to care about her enough. I'm sure that there's plenty of frustrated people who can relate. It's not one that you'll want to hear over and over, as the melody can get annoying, but rather one that if you just listen to it once in a while, you'll love it.

You Found Me is the happiest song of the album. It starts out in an amazing way, with Kelly perfectly emoting the verse, which can be summed up in the line: "I've become comfortably numb". She sings it unhappily, but you can almost feel that she's given up on love. Her surprise is your surprise as well, when it suddenly shifts to a happy chorus that perfectly portrays her feelings of surprise and joy when she realizes that love isn't so bad after all. And even when it goes back to the verse, you can feel the difference in the way Kelly emotes the lyrics, even though the melody stays the same. This is when Kelly is at her emotional best.

The next track is significantly darker, and I suspect that it may be connected to You Found Me. I Hate Myself for Losing You has a certain sense of shock, and relates quite well to a statement Kelly made about the album: "Just when you think everything's perfect, 'Oh, look, you're with someone else. That's SUPER.'" The placement was done very well, and the song portrays the self-loathing in more places than the title phrase. It holds a certain lyrics that I liked in particular: "What do you do when you look in the mirror and staring at you is why he's not here?" It even makes a very, very, vague reference to suicide, a generally taboo topic in the pop genre.

The next track, Hear Me, is the last new song on the album, but the verses leave much to be desired, both lyrically and emotionally. Coming right after I Hate Myself For Losing You may be the song's own undoing, as this would be another case of being dwarfed by comparison. It isn't a bad song, simply average, and it's placement would likely have been better after Where Is Your Heart?.

The album finally ends after a very satisfying live performance of Beautiful Disaster. Kelly is the sort of artist who is much better live.

As the bottom line, in this sub-genre of the pop industry (similar artists being Ashlee Simpson and Hilary Duff), it can be difficult to trust the realism of the artists. Many fans ended up feeling betrayed after Ashlee's lip-synching incident, or perhaps after a less-than-pleasant live performance by Hilary. And though Kelly doesn't completely write her own songs, she does help write most of them, and this makes her own performances that much better. The emotion in her voice, her impressive (although occassionally faltering) energy level, and her vocal range and singing ability all come together to create one of the best pop albums of the year.

I look forward to Kelly's future work, especially if she writes her own songs. She has plenty of emotion, and I know that she can do even more with it.

Best Tracks:
"Behind These Hazel Eyes"
"Because of You"
"Addicted"
"I Hate Myself For Losing You"
"Beautiful Disaster (Live)"

Yes, you read that correctly, i believe that Kelly Clarkson's "Breakaway" is the best album of the year. Powerful vocals, fearless lyrics and flawless producing have all come together to create a surprisingly strong album from an american idol. I expected Kelly to continue down the simple path to stadom by recording more pop song reminiscent of Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. The simple fact that Avril Lavigne co-wrote "Breakaway" and that Ben Moody (formerly of Evanescense) was involved in the creation of the album, left me hope for something spectacular. Kelly Clarkson did not disappoint. Here is a breakdown of the songs included on "Breakaway"

1) Breakaway- what can i say about this song. I loved it from the first moment i heard it. I noticed that Avril Lavigne co-wrote the song but i this song is perfect for Kelly. The message in the song is beautiful. I live in a large city and still could relate because i am dying to go somewhere other than here. I feel that this song strongly demonstrates that desire to escape your current life.

2) Since U Been Gone- i have listened to this song so many times. It has a rock edge but is still a pop song. I love her voice in this song and her attitude. Before the album came out, i would play the video at my work computer so that i could hear the song. It's a break-up song but a positive break-up song, it show that you can be fine after the break-up.

3) Behind These Hazel Eyes- it's about internal suffering that you don't show the world, especially that person that hurt you. It can be tough to have to pretend to be happy and strong when you don't feel that way. This song is like none that i have heard before. It admits weakness but covers it up so that the person doesn't see the tears. My favorite song on the album.

4) Because of You- a slow song and not a love song that expected based on the title. A surprise. I understood it as a song that goes into a very different kind of relationship, one that is not positive. Whether it refers to someone in your family, a boyfriend or girlfriend, or someone else, i don't know. Amazing song and unlike anything i've heard before.

5) Gone- I love the beat to this song. It's fun and a very impowering song. It's a "breakaway" kind of song about leaving the current situation. Very different feel but similar theme except clearly about a significant other.

6) Addicted- I love this song, it's dark and deep. I once wrote a poem comparing love to a caffeine addiction and this has a very similar concept. It sounds more like addiction than affection and that is something that makes this song stand out. it's not the typcial "i love you , i hate you" kind of song. Her delivery is intense and unbelievable

7) Where is your Heart- not my favorite song. it's pleasant and i listen to it but it's not a song i get excited about. her voice sounds extremely beautiful here .

8) Walk Away - my favorite part is when she sing "I know that you know i know so what's the point in being so". it makes the song worth listening to over and over. i turn it up at that part in the song. it's a break-up kinda song also but so much more fun. there's a lot going on in this song and i recommend listening to it.

9) You Found Me- this is the one strong love song on this album. i love it because the positive feeling erradiates through the speakers. i enjoy this song so much. it starts of slow but it becomes almost like a rock ballad (with a pop edge) with the strong vocals and the music in the background. i love it

10) I Hate Myself For Losing You- i don't know if i would ever hate myself for losing someone but this is still a great song. a slower song which examines the fact that sometimes you are responsible for losing someone and it's hard to deal with.

11) Hear Me- is a plea for someone to listen to her. you can feel the pain in her voice and the need for attention from that person. i love this song, it's a mellow tempo but very intense due to the longing in her voice.

12) Beautiful Disaster (live)- very good song. chances are, if you are a kelly clarkson fan, you probably heard this song when it was originally released in a different format in her debut album. This song is powered by a piano instead of a synthetic beat. Her voice sounds perfect and the song should have been recorded this way originally. I liked the song on the first album but like it so much more in this format.

Overall, this album is spectacular. I recommend it no matter who you are. I am a 23 year old music fan (i love all genre's) and believe this is one of the best albums this year. My mom, who is a metallica fan, also enjoys this album (not her favorite album but she likes it). It's pop with a rock edge that most pop albums do not have. Hope this review is helpful. Bye, Stephanie

The music is innovative, complicated and simple at the same time. Interesting. Infinitely listenable. Both as a whole and within each song--it covers the gammit of rock--country, gothic, pop, funk, punk, alternative, folk--and manages to mix them all in different strengths to produce a sound different than anything you've heard before. Sometimes they grab you immediately, other's are a slower burn--but if you don't come to adore every one, I would be surprised.

Kelly's voice is better then ever and recorded to a quality (both techinically and critically) that I've rarely experienced. She is absolutely amazing. She's surpassed all expectation. It's so much more than runs and riffs and techincal ability.(Though that is ALL there). It's natural talent that manages to skip from discipline to discipline like a world class gymnast, but still establish a style that is unique to Kelly. The power in the most subtle note matches the highest high (and this album has many tracks that take you soaring). She has layered her own backing vocals and the affect is mesmerizing.

The writing is brilliant. Across the board. From lyrics, to arrangements, song construction (I hope they have real violins on tour). The way they all compliment each other to created a mood, a story--emotion. Incredible.

Kelly has managed to produce a sophomore album that will not only permanently seperate her from the flock of American Idols, but the majority of popular music. I would not be surprised to see this become a classic in any music lovers collection.

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.

From American Idol, to American Icon. This sophomore album from Kelly Clarkson, has taken her way beyond the reality talent show winner that she was a few years ago. Breakway breaks boundaries and allows Clarkson to grow and embrace the rock side of her talent, along with showcasing her unbeatable vocal range.

The album is a mix of rock edged pop and soul tinged songs. Each one different in their own way, but the same message runs through the album. This girl is here to stay. This artist has a voice that will be compared to some of the greats.

I believe that Kelly has the best vocal ability in the industry to date. Overtaking even Christina Aguilera. Her crystal clear tones and remarkable range is woven through this album like thread through silk.

The songs are eclectic, ranging from today's pop/rock, to darker songs such as Addicted and Because of You, both co-written by Ben Moody and David Hodges, post Evanescence. They both have Grammy written all over them.

Breakway is going to exceed all expectations, and Miss Kelly Clarkson has just begun the ride to superstardom, and she deserves it.