Kelly Clarkson returns today with All I Ever Wanted, an album Rolling Stone’s Jody Rosen notes heralds her return to the safety of Swedish songwriter Max Martin (the man behind “Since U Been Gone” is responsible for this album’s perky “My Life Would Suck Without You”). Clarkson took control on 2007’s My December, a gloomy declaration of independence, and here she’s belting her dissatisfaction with the men who treat her badly. Had she relied more on Martin and less on OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder, the album would have been stronger than three stars.
• Kelly Clarkson - All I Ever Wanted
If you haven’t heard of The-Dream, you’ve heard his work. The man born Terius Nash is responsible for Rihanna’s smash “Umbrella” and Beyoncé’s hit “Single Ladies.” On his second album, Jody Rosen writes that The-Dream jumps into another league, turning R&B subject matter (sex of all varieties) but the songcraft and killer production are so effective, there isn’t a weak track on the LP.
The less said about Chris Cornell’s collaboration with Timbaland the better. Christian Hoard writes that Timbaland lays the beats on thick, and the onetime Soundgarden singer’s voice never feels at home feeling its way through the unfamiliar terrain. Luckily, Chris is ready for the backlash.