Stronger | ||||
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Studio album by Kelly Clarkson | ||||
Released | October 21, 2011 | |||
Recorded | 2010–11 | |||
Genre | Pop rock | |||
Length | 47:29 | |||
Label | ||||
Producer |
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Kelly Clarkson chronology | ||||
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Singles from Stronger | ||||
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Professional ratings | |
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Aggregate scores | |
Source | Rating |
Metacritic | 62/100 |
Review scores | |
Source | Rating |
AllMusic | |
The A.V. Club | C |
Entertainment Weekly | B+ |
The Independent | |
Newsday | A– |
Now | 3/5 |
Rolling Stone | |
Slant Magazine | |
Spin | 7/10 |
Sputnikmusic | 2/5 |
Stronger is the fifth studio album by American singer Kelly Clarkson. RCA Records released it on October 21, 2011. The thirteen-song track-list (seventeen songs on the deluxe edition) features Clarkson collaborating with new producers Greg Kurstin, Steve Jordan, Darkchild, Toby Gad, Brian Kennedy and Ester Dean, as well as recording with Howard Benson whom she collaborated with on her previous album, All I Ever Wanted (2009). Wanting to stray away sonically from her previous albums, Clarkson's main objective was to record her vocal performances as it is heard in her live sets, and used as little auto-tune processing as possible. The album also marked the first release by Clarkson that did not cause a conflict with RCA; her previous records, including My December, were released amidst conflict and controversy.
Clarkson began writing new material for the album in November 2009 while touring and finished recording in February 2011. For the recording sessions, Clarkson drew inspiration from Tina Turner, Prince, Radiohead, and Sheryl Crow, among others. Clarkson also mixed R&B, country, urban, dance-pop and soul with her established pop rock character to develop a more diverse pop music material. The album's lyrical content mainly explores themes about heartbreak, vengeance, forgiveness and empowerment using metaphors about Clarkson's relationships around people.