"Because of You" is one of my favorites. It was written by Kelly when she was about 16 or 17. David Hodges and Ben Moody helped her polish it up for inclusion in the album. The three of them also collaborated to write my favorite song from the album, "Addicted." According to info on the Kelly fan boards I frequent, "Because of You" might be the next single released from the album.
With the exception of "Breakaway" and "You Found Me," the lyrics on the album are dark. And I agree that it would be great to see her do something brighter. But I think the idea was for her to literally break totally away from the bubble gum pop junk of the Britney Spears type (and the glorified karaoke of AI), and establish Kelly as a serious musical artist. So they went light rock with very edgy lyrics -- and wound up with a smash hit album.
"Breakaway," the song, is the big surprise to me. It was an Avril Lavigne throwaway -- too sweet for what she was about musically.
Disney was looking for various young female singers to do the music for their "Princess Diaries 2." Someone recommended Kelly to them, and somehow Kelly and the song were put together. It's only one of several songs used for the film, only the chorus is used, and only once in the film. But that, and Kelly's voice, was all it took. It's the only song on the PD2 soundtrack to become a hit. And what a hit. Wow! I think it was released last July. Last summer, anyway. Here we are nearly a year later, and the song is still high on the charts, is still being played a lot on radio, and seems on its way to becoming a standard.
The interesting thing about "Breakaway," the song, is that it goes totally against what's happening in contemporary music.
So does Kelly, herself, for that matter. Although she's a pretty girl, she's certainly not a classic beauty. She's a down-to-earth young woman who is sort of the antithesis of the modern pop tarts and princesses. She certainly isn't a superstar, yet. But if she can get a Grammy nod or two, and follow this album up with another good album, she might make it to that level.
Bringing this conversation full circle back to AI, the strange thing is that the producers and judges never wanted Kelly to win. Their favorite that year was Tamyra Gray, and it was a big to-do when Tamyra only made it to the #4 spot. There were charges of racism and similar nonsense. Simon has said many times that he didn't really notice Kelly until about mid way through the final weeks. The ones they did want in the first three seasons -- Tamyra, Ruben and Fantasia -- haven't achieved anywhere near the success of that young woman from Burleson, TX.
I think Carrie and Bo have the potential to become successful, each in their own genre. Even with the boost from AI, it's still a tough, cold business. Kelly has shown the way, which is to make music that really suits what they are about musically. I'm hoping for the best for both of them.
Why do you think this is?
Not much of a Kelly fan are ya?
;)
IMHO she's OK. But nowadays, OK translates into Great because the landscape is so bleak.
Mine too. I also really like "Since U Been Gone", "Behind These Hazel Eyes" and "Gone". "Addicted" is starting to grow on me, too.
But I think the idea was for her to literally break totally away from the bubble gum pop junk of the Britney Spears type (and the glorified karaoke of AI), and establish Kelly as a serious musical artist.
Well I certainly can't fault her for that. Anything she can do to put distance between herself and the Spears/Aguilerra crowd is okay with me. (She's infinitely more talented than those two, anyway.) I just wish she would smile more--Kelly has a beautiful smile.
I think Carrie and Bo have the potential to become successful, each in their own genre. Even with the boost from AI, it's still a tough, cold business. Kelly has shown the way, which is to make music that really suits what they are about musically. I'm hoping for the best for both of them.
Sounds like you're warming up to Carrie :)
Like you, I've been watching AI from the beginning, but this is the first year that I'm actually looking forward to the obligatory CDs. I have high hopes for both Carrie and Bo. It's great that they each already have found their own musical niche--that, plus their AI exposure will go a long way in establishing a fan base.
(PS: I hope that Bo is able to include the live AI performance of "In A Dream" on his CD. It would be a crime not to, IMO.)