The Smoakstack Sessions Vol. 2
Kelly Clarkson · 2012
16 min · 5 tracks · contemporary R&B
Intimate acoustic arrangements highlight Clarkson's powerful vocals, weaving classic country and R&B influences into a modern tapestry.
Top tracks — play these first
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I Never Loved a Man Start here — This cover of Aretha Franklin's classic showcases Clarkson's vocal prowess while infusing a contemporary twist, making it a standout interpretation.
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Your Cheatin' Heart — Clarkson's rendition of this Hank Williams song captures deep emotional resonance, illustrating her ability to convey heartbreak through minimalist instrumentation.
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Walking After Midnight — The choice to cover Patsy Cline emphasizes Clarkson's connection to classic country while allowing her voice to shine against a simple backdrop.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The EP showcases Clarkson's vocal strength through intimate arrangements, balancing R&B and country influences.
What we noticed
- The EP features five tracks, all of which are stripped-down arrangements that emphasize Clarkson's vocal delivery.
- Each song is presented with minimal instrumentation, primarily focusing on acoustic guitar and piano.
- The first three tracks maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the final two tracks introduce a slight shift in dynamics and tempo.
- 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
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
- short bursts of emotional intensity
- sing-along moments with friends
- energetic covers for quick enjoyment
- powerful vocals that captivate
- front-loaded excitement and energy
Maybe skip if you
- preference for longer albums
- need for deep narrative arcs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Showcases a departure from mainstream pop to more acoustic and organic sounds.
- Career context
- By the time Kelly Clarkson released The Smoakstack Sessions Vol. 2 in December 2012, she was transitioning from her pop roots to explore more organic sounds. This album followed her commercial success with Stronger (2011) and marked a creative shift as she sought to experiment with different genres, particularly Americana and country-inflected styles.
Tracklist
- 1 I Never Loved a Man Start here 2:47
- 2 Your Cheatin' Heart 2:49
- 3 Walking After Midnight 4:01
- 4 That I Would Be Good / Use Somebody 3:39
- 5 Lies 3:31
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
21
Adele
Features powerful vocals and emotional depth, reinterpreting personal themes with a soulful touch.
Love in the Future
John Legend
Combines rich vocal performances with soulful reinterpretations of love and relationships.
Come Away with Me
Norah Jones
Offers a blend of influences and heartfelt interpretations, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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