Reviewing track by track..
Mr. Know It All - Mid-tempo, a little understated, but no less powerful than what we have come to expect from Kelly. Her vocals are strong, sassy lyrics, perfect first single to get everyone prepared for the even greater hits to come.
What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger) - The confirmed 2nd single and another empowerment anthem. One of the best tracks on the album, it is reminiscent of Since U Been Gone, it makes you want to sing-along, jump, and dance around as she starts the chorus "You tried to break me but you'll see..what doesn't kill you makes you stronger!"
Dark Side - Another mid-tempo track warning of a darker side of herself and asking the guy to embrace her, flaws and all.
Honestly - A somber ballad, Kelly has kind of an edge of desperation in her voice as she tells the guy to judge her, love her, hate her, whatever, just as long as you've got the guts to do it honestly.
You Love Me - A very intense pop track, it is a little 80's tinged, but not in a bad way. It's lyrics are heartbreaking and breathtaking, it is an immediate standout on the album, and one of my favorites.
Einstein - Fun, kinda childish pop track with the diss "dumb + dumb = you" included.
Standing in Front of You - A slow ballad with country/rock vibes to it, it feels a little lackluster compared to the first six tracks, but it does provide a little bit of a breather from the dark, scorned, vengeful, and intense verses of previous tracks.
I Forgive You - It opens with "I forgive you, I forgive me/Now when do I start to feel again?" suggesting forgiveness may not be as easy as it seems. The stacked vocal harmonies really make the track.
Hello - A great vocal highlight, its a bouncy pop song with hand claps included. The sound of the song is a lot lighter than the lyrics would suggest.
The War is Over - Perhaps my favorite ballad on the album, it is a striking song marked by its pummeling drums and lovely layered vocals. "Already Gone"'s presence is felt.
Let Me Down - Crackling rocky pop with a massive chorus, has definite single potential.
You Can't Win - Another favorite of mine, may come as whiny and self-pitying to some but it comes off as honest and powerful to me. Definite highlight.
Breaking Your Own Heart - A kind of country, soft rock power ballad, it's not my favorite but Kelly sounds lovely on it.
Don't You Wanna Stay - The hit duet from last year, it doesn't really mesh well with the rest of the album, but Kelly shows off her versatility.
Alone - I love this song, one of the best on the album and definitely worth buying the deluxe edition for. The chorus makes me want to get up and shout it out loud along with Kelly "Cause when I'm with you I'm alone!"
Don't Be a Girl About It - A funky pop track that is similar to 'I Do Not Hook Up' with a catchier chorus.
The Sun Will Rise - Moody, midtempo duet with former Idol judge, Kara DioGuardi. Pleasant closing to the album.
Overall this is an awesomely crafted, total Kelly Clarkson experience of an album, it is everything I could have hoped for from her. Her vocals shine, production shines, it is like Breakaway mixed with All I Ever Wanted.
Favorite tracks: What Doesn't Kill You(Stronger), You Love Me, You Can't Win, Alone