The original American Idol once sang that what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. It appears she is still living by her own words on her latest Piece By Piece single, the Sia-penned "Invincible", which found its way onto the web Sunday evening. The "Heartbeat Song" follow up is a powerhouse ballad, in line with many of Clarkson's past hits.
"Invincible" is the perfect pairing of Sia's narrative songwriting skills and Clarkson's impressive vocal range as the "Dark Side" artist belts out empowering lyrics over gorgeous strings and drums. After the more subtle, Jimmy Eat World-inspired "Heartbeat Song", which definitely deserves to be a bigger hit than it currently is, it sounds like Clarkson is returning to her hitmaking formula. Nothing wrong with a strong ballad done right.
The song wastes no time at using the artist's impressive vocals to its advantage, but the true shining moment may lie in its lyrical content. "I was hiding from the world, I was so afraid, I was so unsure, now I am invincible and I'm a perfect storm," she sings on the radio-ready chorus as she looks back on a unhealthy relationship.
We know Clarkson is the go-to empowerment ballad girl. She's racked up hits such as "Breakaway", "Because Of You", "Already Gone" and "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" because she finds a way to let the words and her performance convey real emotion and meaning. The new single is no different. The current star power of Sia only adds to the impact.
Clarkson's seventh studio album is set for release in the U.S. on March 3 (Europe and Australia get it early on Feb. 27) and it sounds like the project is shaping up to be a solid collection of pop tunes that the artist can add to her already-full successful catalog. "Invincible" does not necessarily break new ground for Kelly, however, when all the pieces fall together perfectly, what's not to love?
UPDATE #2: Clarkson just released another cut off her upcoming seventh studio album, a beautiful cover of Tokio Hotel's recent "Run, Run, Run", now featuring the additional vocals of John Legend. Clarkson and Legend handle the song perfectly, but would love Tokio Hotel to get deserved credit for the somber ballad.
UPDATE #3: Today (Feb. 26) we saw the release of two more Piece By Piece tracks. For those keeping count, that's six new songs from Clarkson's upcoming March 3 album. First, the gospel-like "Take You High" puts the artist's vocals to the forefront with support from some experimental, electronic beats. It's a different sound for Clarkson, but works in a way.
Fans were also treated to another Sia-penned number, the encouraging "Let Your Tears Fall", where we see Clarkson in her inspiring, nurturing motherly role. Songwriting and vocals go hand-in-hand for an uplifting pop moment that could succeed at radio.
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