I just finished listening to Kelly Clarkson’s album Breakaway. For those who don’t know her, she was the first American Idol.

I think she really found her genre; pop/alternative bordering on rock… sorta what like Pink does. In fact, if the songs go “heavier” she can even pull of an Evanescence-ish angle.

Well, whatever it is she’s trying to do, her voice and style fit it perfectly. One song that particularly caught my attention was “Because of You” – I can probably think of a bunch of people who could claim that this is their song. One of the better sawi-songs if you will.

I I will not make the same mistakes that you did I will not let myself Cause my heart so much misery I will not break the way you did, You fell so hard I’ve learned the hard way To never let it get that far

CHORUS: Because of you – I never stray too far from the sidewalk Because of you – I learned to play on the safe side so I don’t get hurt Because of you – I find it hard to trust not only me, but everyone around me Because of you… I am afraid

II I lose my way And it’s not too long before you point it out I cannot cry Because you know that’s weakness in your eyes I’m forced to fake A smile, a laugh everyday of my life My heart can’t possibly break When it wasn’t even whole to start with (CHORUS)

BRIDGE: I watched you die I heard you cry every night in your sleep I was so young You should have known better than to lean on me You never thought of anyone else You just saw your pain And now I cry in the middle of the night For the same damn thing

CHORUS EXTENSION: Because of you – I try my hardest just to forget everything Because of you – I don’t know how to let anyone else in Because of you – I’m ashamed of my life because it’s empty Because of you… I am afraid

Because of you

I never would consider buying Reuben’s album, nor Fantasia, nor Carrie’s… but I must say that Kelly’s is very promising. As much as the AI winners are really good performers, their songs always end up crappy, which doesn’t do their talents justice. Fortunately for Kelly, her songs do have substance… naturally since they’re predominantly angsty… and everybody can relate to that.

Speaking of angst, I thought I give Alanis’ old “Jagged Little Pill” album a listen after I found it while rummaging through my album list. I must say that it is an excellent album too :)