Meaning of Life
Kelly Clarkson · 2017
44 min · 14 tracks · contemporary R&B
A bold blend of contemporary R&B and pop, infused with an empowering spirit and dynamic vocal performances.
Top tracks — play these first
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Love So Soft Start here — This track serves as an infectious introduction to the album's sound, combining a modern pop sensibility with classic soul influences that highlight Clarkson's vocal prowess.
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Meaning of Life — The title track encapsulates the album's central themes of self-discovery and empowerment, featuring a rich arrangement that allows Clarkson's voice to shine.
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Whole Lotta Woman — With its confident lyrics and upbeat tempo, this song exemplifies the empowerment message prevalent throughout the album, showcasing Clarkson’s playful side.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends R&B and pop effectively, showcasing strong vocals and instrumentation but lacks standout depth for lasting impact.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a brief intro track that sets a soulful tone before transitioning into the upbeat lead single, which maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace.
- Several tracks feature prominent brass instrumentation, adding a dynamic layer to the sound, especially in 'Move You' and 'Heat'.
- The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a reflective conclusion to the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo uplifting vibes
- empowerment anthems for self-reflection
- for energetic gatherings
- catchy choruses begging for sing-alongs
- consistent flow for easy listening
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of abrupt energy shifts
- prefer lengthy, sprawling compositions
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Showcases a new direction in sound after Clarkson's transition to Atlantic Records.
- Themes
- self-acceptance journey· empowered resilience· soulful self-discovery
- Career context
- Released on October 27, 2017, 'Meaning of Life' marked Kelly Clarkson's eighth studio album and her first under Atlantic Records after leaving RCA. This album showcased a new direction for Clarkson, emphasizing her soulful roots and deep emotional resonance in a time when she was redefining her artistic identity following years of pop-centric releases.
Tracklist
- 1 A Minute (intro) 1:09
- 2 Love So Soft Start here 2:52
- 3 Heat 3:10
- 4 Meaning of Life 3:51
- 5 Move You 3:22
- 6 Whole Lotta Woman 2:53
- 7 Medicine 3:10
- 8 Cruel 3:05
- 9 Didn’t I 3:39
- 10 Would You Call That Love 2:58
- 11 I Don’t Think About You 3:44
- 12 Slow Dance 3:40
- 13 Don’t You Pretend 3:14
- 14 Go High 3:25
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Here
Alicia Keys
Shares themes of self-acceptance and empowerment with a soulful R&B sound.
Cheers to the Fall
Andra Day
Combines powerful vocals and themes of resilience in personal love and growth.
Cuz I Love You
Lizzo
Focuses on self-love and empowerment, blending pop and R&B with vibrant production.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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