New Kelly Clarkson – My Life Would Suck Without You

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As the silly artwork suggest, ’s new single, “My Life Would Suck Without You,” not only makes a U-Turn to Kelly’s pop roots, but somehow misses the “Since U Been Gone” destination completely and ends up at this weird synth-driven, girl-Nickelback rest stop. I really don’t see why anybody thought this was the right direction for Kelly. Yes, it is true that her last self-penned album was some awful ode to Evanscence, but this new single is just insulting to anyone that jammed out to Kelly’s sophomore album in 2004/05.

I figured the best way incorporate Kelly Clarkson’ rough edges and Clide Davis’ pop ear was to manufacture an album that sounds more P!nk than, say, Lady GaGa. C’mon, admit it, you’d love it if it were Kelly Clarkson singing “So What” and “U + UR Hand.”

I don’t think this single is any catchier than her failed “Never Again” single. Let’s see what radio does with this…

Kelly Clarkson – My Life Would Suck Without You

{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }

Rick January 13, 2009 at 3:43 pm

Haha, wow. This sucks. Sucks a lot.

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Anonymous January 13, 2009 at 3:45 pm

I remember liking Since U Been Gone and Behind These Hazel Eyes a few years ago, but that was before I discovered music blogs and tons of the cool artists I listen to now.

But I dont even know if I’d like this back then when I was a Top 40 droid.

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George. January 13, 2009 at 3:47 pm

You’re totally right on with the Nickelback reference. When I first heard this song, Nickelback’s “Gotta Be Somebody” came to mind instantly.

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Anonymous January 13, 2009 at 3:49 pm

My god, that artwork is horrible. The song isn’t any better.

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Anonymous January 13, 2009 at 3:49 pm

Wait I take that back, with repeated listens (like 4), the song gets enjoyable and the beat sinks in.

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Jennifer January 13, 2009 at 3:50 pm

Ugh, yeah. It’s one of those beats that doesn’t really click at first, but once it sinks in, it won’t leave you alone. The beat isn’t even that good. Neither is this song. But I can tell it’s going to haunt us all spring long.

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Anonymous January 13, 2009 at 3:52 pm

She’s still not pretty.

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Anonymous January 13, 2009 at 4:18 pm

I think the expectations of Kelly were high given she was the ORIGINAL American Idol. I also think she’s been given bad career advice. Too bad — she does have talent and when she’s not bleaching her hair, she’s cute!

Find your real self again, Kelly. That’s who America made an “idol.”

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Kelly Fan January 13, 2009 at 4:25 pm

While this may be a song that doesn’t match everyone’s expectations, one has to admit this woman has a tremendously powerful voice.

Also remember this — She’s recording. Lots of artists never get that chance!

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Justin January 13, 2009 at 4:32 pm

I’m going to be the dissenter here and say I absolutely LOVE IT. I’m loving this electro/rock trend Dr. Luke and Max Martin are on right now. So yeah…totally love it, can’t wait for the album.

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Nate January 13, 2009 at 4:52 pm

Songs sucks, but I’d still hit it.

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PT January 13, 2009 at 5:06 pm

I love it… I think it’s great!!…. Heard a snippet about a week ago and got all excited cause it sounded more like her second album…. This made my day today when I first heard it…. She’s got a great voice, and her last album had potential, but didn’t quite make it… I’m looking forward to hearing what the rest sounds like.

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Rob J January 13, 2009 at 5:10 pm

I love it. Granted, it’s an überpoppy rehash of SUBG, but it’s pretty much on par with what I wanted from her. Radio will eat this up; it’s a perfectly crafted Pop #1. Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if she got her first Hot 100 #1 since “Miss Independent” with this.

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Luis Tovar January 13, 2009 at 5:18 pm

I actually wouldn’t be surprised either, given that she has little competition at the moment. Lady Gaga (Just Dance) and Beyonce (Single Ladies) maybe… but those songs are already months old. People love the new stuff.

Though Kanye’s “Heartless” and All American Reject’s “Gives You Hell” have been hot on iTunes as well…

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JP January 13, 2009 at 6:26 pm

this song is definitely a grower. The first time I listened to it I hated it, but after the second an third listens, I am stuck on repeat. This will be a BIG dance hit and a big pop hit as well

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Nate (again) January 13, 2009 at 7:29 pm

…am I the only one that started humming the melody for “Since You Been Gone” the split second the guitar strummed those four power chords at the beginning?

I mean, I know it’s a tad fast, but cmon people.

I’m sure she’ll make a ton of money of the single, anyway.

Moral of the story is Top 40 eats your soul. :)

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Pete January 13, 2009 at 7:31 pm

jesus, that cover art is sad.

I’ve seen better airbrushing on those t-shirts you get from the seedy beach-side gift shops.

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Kip January 13, 2009 at 9:15 pm

I really like this. I predict radio and fans of the old Kelly will flock to it. If this any indication of her new album, it’s going to be a good listen.

Digging For Days

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Kip January 13, 2009 at 9:16 pm
Anonymous January 14, 2009 at 8:42 am

It’s catchy. I like it.

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Michael W. January 14, 2009 at 8:54 am

I’m really into the whole electro-pop thing going on recently. I think this has got a “Hot N Cold” feel to it, and I know my friends will jam out to this song like crazy in the car while driving. Good stuff in my opinion :)

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Sam Field January 14, 2009 at 2:05 pm

I actually really like this! It’s instantly likable and perfect pop! Sure to catch on with it’s anthem like danceable Top 40/Club Hit status! Great to see her back and hoping that this song takes off like it should!

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jen January 16, 2009 at 10:29 am

the cover could be cute… but its totally not kelly clarkson.
very weird

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Lucy January 17, 2009 at 5:47 pm

Hey, I’ve just read an article, sorry for not providing the source (I’ve closed the window and don’t remember the link…):

She said in her blog about the cover of this single:

“Clarkson blogged, its very colorful and they have definitely photo-shopped the crap out of me but i dont care haha! whoever she is, she looks great.”

LOL I had to laugh!! XD

And I guess the last phrase could be my answer to all of you over here:

Whoever she is… She looks great. And SOUND great.
As I’ve read in the same article, “Like it or not, you must admit that Kelly vocals sound great in this song”.

This song is very very catchy. Can’t believe someone didn’t like this song, but I’ve learn that people REALLY got different tastes (it’s not so obvious as people think)…
So yeah, pity many of you didn’t like it, but while you’re moaning “ooh this is horrible, this is poppy-crappy and this is not the Kelly I know and blablabla”, I’m putting my high-quality sound earphones and this song to the max volume and having a lot of fun!!

*good head/earphones are expensive… but worth the money.

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Lucy January 17, 2009 at 5:54 pm

@Nate (again):

No, you’re not the only, me too!! XD But I prefer this one than Since you’ve been gone.

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dj Tim a January 22, 2009 at 9:47 pm

I am glad pop music is making a comeback. I am tired of ghetto rap and Nirvana wannabees dominating the airwaves and blogs. Thank god for our dance clubs where we can always have our fun music!

Pop music is “pop” for a reason. We chew it up like bubble gum and move on to the next piece when the flavor runs out. This track will top the charts, no doubt, and quickly. Yes, its a piece of bubble gum; blow your bubble, pop it, and move on!

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