In 2003, Kelly Clarkson was running out of time. With American Idol, the show that propelled her to stardom, crowning new winners and unleashing singers to the world, she knew the follow-up album to Thankful had to be special, or she’d be just another footnote in music history. She broke with her manager and American Idol producer Simon Fuller as she pursued a Pop-Rock sound for her sophomore album. Breakaway, Clarkson’s resulting collection, was a massive commercial success, reshaping her image, career, and pop music worldwide.
Breakaway kicks off with the smash title track, followed by “Since U Been Gone,” “Behind These Hazel Eyes,” and “Because of You.” The album’s first four singles, undoubtedly some of the most potent pop songs this decade, were enough to send the collection into the multi-platinum club. The fifth single, “Walk Away,” may have been a second thought when Clarkson was negotiating with the record company over what singles to release, yet even that one would be a welcome addition to any artist’s album.
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With Clarkson significantly departing from the sound that defined her on Idol and carried over to her first album, Breakaway is her declaration of Independence. On all eleven tracks, this vibe reverberates as she liberates herself from romantic relationships and personal drama. The songs became anthems for late Gen-X and young Millennial women seeking their own freedom.
The Avril Lavigne penned “Breakaway” perfectly captures the “it isn’t you, it’s me” moment when someone leaves a relationship. Although Clarkson’s soaring soprano vocals were already well-known to pop music fans, her performance on “Breakaway” shows her ability to extend that range. The song has become an inspiration for people who need the courage to move on and gain personal freedom. Clarkson’s performance also emphasizes the empowerment that comes from breaking away. It’s a powerful reminder that you can always start over.
That understated ballad segues into the career-defining smash hit “Since U Been Gone,” an angry song where Ms. Clarkson takes control and exerts some revenge on a former lover. Upon watching the video, you can’t help but think he deserves it. Unlike Breakaway, Kelly is the jilted one on this track. Her powerhouse vocals take center stage while grunge-like guitars make the uninitiated question how such a sweet girl like Kelly has become so damn angsty. But that very sound dragged alternative rockers into the ranks of Clarkson fans.
“Since U Been Gone” was initially written for Pink, but she declined it. The song was then given to Hilary Duff, but she rejected it because she couldn’t sing the higher notes. Ultimately, Clive Davis convinced the writers to give Clarkson the song. As soon as she heard the demo, she felt it would be better served as a straightforward rock song, so she added heavier guitars and more intense drums. Lyrically, the song is written from a woman’s point of view, where she expresses mixed emotions with the end of her troubled relationship.
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If “Behind These Hazel Eyes” hadn’t been the follow-up to “Since U Been Gone,” it might have earned its own legacy. It is one of the album’s darker tracks, partly due to Aaron Moody’s production. Clarkson’s collaboration with Moody, guitarist of Evanescence, is obviously the catalyst for Kelly’s new-found edginess. Yet “Eyes” doesn’t sink into revenge too far, keeping a perfect balance between it and heartbreak. The song is pure pop, but her unrelenting intensity in the final chorus makes Clarkson’s vocal performance one of the best on the album.
In “Because Of You,” Clarkson delivers a classic ballad with serious messaging. Clarkson wrote this when she was 16 as she struggled to cope with her parent’s bitter divorce. The song is a powerful tribute to the resilience of those who have been through traumatic family situations. Clarkson’s heartfelt lyrics and strong vocals convey the emotional depth of the song.
Overall, Breakaway is an excellent album from an artist at the top of her game. Clarkson’s powerful voice, thoughtful songwriting, and high-quality production make this album a must-listen. Whether you’re a pop or rock fan, this album is sure to please.
