Is The Smoakstack Sessions a good place to start with Kelly Clarkson?

Yes, The Smoakstack Sessions is recommended as a starting point for new Kelly Clarkson listeners. Intimate ballads blend with soulful R&B grooves, highlighting Clarkson's vocal prowess and emotional depth. By 2011, Kelly Clarkson was solidifying her status as a pop powerhouse following her commercial success with 'Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)' in 2011. 'The Smoakstack Sessions' came shortly after, showcasing a more stripped-down, raw approach to her sound as she explored deeper emotional themes through this collection of covers and original songs.

Who is The Smoakstack Sessions for?

The Smoakstack Sessions works well if you're into steady mid-tempo emotional flow, intimate moments of vulnerability and short sessions for reflective moods.

How many songs are on The Smoakstack Sessions?

The Smoakstack Sessions has 6 tracks, running approximately 22 minutes.

Released 15 years ago this October

The Smoakstack Sessions

Kelly Clarkson · 2011

22 min · 6 tracks · contemporary R&B

Intimate ballads blend with soulful R&B grooves, highlighting Clarkson's vocal prowess and emotional depth.

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Top tracks — play these first

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I Can't Make You Love Me — This track stands out for its heart-wrenching delivery, where Clarkson's voice conveys profound vulnerability, making it a centerpiece of the album.
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The War Is Over — Offering a powerful message of resilience, this song features Clarkson's soaring vocals that capture an emotional journey from despair to hope.
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Hello Start here — The opening track sets the tone with its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, showcasing Clarkson's ability to draw listeners into her emotional landscape.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases Clarkson's vocal strength through intimate arrangements, balancing emotional depth with solid craftsmanship.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a soft piano melody that sets a reflective tone, which is maintained throughout the EP.
Vocal harmonies are layered in several tracks, enhancing the emotional weight of Clarkson's delivery.
The last two tracks feature minimal instrumentation, allowing Clarkson's voice to dominate and convey vulnerability.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 emotional flow
intimate moments of vulnerability
short sessions for reflective moods
soulful vocals in quiet settings

Maybe skip if you

prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
seek extended listening experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Features an intimate production style, contrasting with Clarkson's polished pop sound.
Themes: intimate performances· emotional resilience
Career context: By 2011, Kelly Clarkson was solidifying her status as a pop powerhouse following her commercial success with 'Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)' in 2011. 'The Smoakstack Sessions' came shortly after, showcasing a more stripped-down, raw approach to her sound as she explored deeper emotional themes through this collection of covers and original songs.
Stylistic neighbors: Adele· Jessie J· Beyoncé