Background

Kelly Clarkson’s self-titled debut album put her on my radar. “Breakaway” made me a fan. “Since U Been Gone” converted me into a stan.

“Since U Been Gone” was released in November 2004 as the second single from Kelly Clarkson’s second studio album Breakaway. It was written and produced by Max Martin and Dr. Luke.

It was Cool, but It was All Pretend

Kelly Clarkson was the first ever American Idol. She was already respected as a vocalist. But her artistry was an unknown up until this point. The general public had no visibility on her vision nor how much creative control she exercises.

Kelly, alongside Martin and Dr. Luke, would fight against Clive Davis to make the record a little less pop, and a lot more rock. They thought that the song needed heavier guitars and harder drums. They were right, and I think the public reception confirmed that.

She was also vocal about her disappointment that the record had already been written prior to her arrival in Sweden for the album sessions. According to Clarkson, she was led to believe there were no lyrics, and that she’d take part in their creation. But that’s not what happened, and the incident made her feel like a “fool”. She could have stayed silent. But she decided to speak up.

And in 2004, a lot of pop at that time was sweet or sexy. But she refused to fit into that mould. Instead, she went for angry and powerful.

Those are huge and bold risks to take. Yes, she had a successful debut. But airing out disagreements, and slowly breaking away from her pop persona, do not necessarily invite harmony with record executives and producers. But she didn’t care. And that made the public, including myself, respect her.

Shut Your Mouth, I Just Can’t Take It

Until recently, I went to a karaoke bar weekly. And there are songs that almost, always get selected. “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield takes the gold. But “Since U Been Gone” definitely makes the top ten list.

The verses are relatively calm and quiet. And just right before the chorus, the song stops for a split second. Then, the emotional release happens, and everyone is encouraged to scream at the top of their lungs.

It is a difficult track to sing given Clarkson’s vocal range and talent. But that hasn’t stopped anyone from daring. The song appeals to both professionals who want a challenge, and people who just want to have fun. The energy is more important than hitting the notes. And to no one’s surprise, the angst of a heartbreak is pretty common.

It’s come to a point where I am overexposed to “Since U Been Gone”. But as I’m typing “overexposure”, I start to reflect on whether that’s possible. Or if it is, does it take away from the fact that I’d still join any crowd chanting along to this anthem?

I’m so Movin’ On, Yeah, Yeah

I don’t think anyone ever considered Kelly Clarkson a pop princess. She was the girl next door, but with the edge and power of a rebel. In American idol, she would make great covers of songs from pop and soul divas. Later, during her Kellyokes in The Kelly Clarkson Show, she would basically outshine all artists known to humankind by singing a superior version of their original tracks . But during the mid 2000s, she was possessed with rawness and aggression.

The loud, heavy electric guitars that accompany “Since U Been Gone” either paved the way or was part of the movement that made pop rock for female musicians mainstream again. This was also a departure for producer Max Martin, who prior to this hit, was known for the boy band sound of the Backstreet Boys. Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus would later on heavily blend the two genres during their initial years. And I can’t help but think that Kelly is partially to be thanked for that.

Conclusion

“Since U Been Gone” marked a pivotal moment in Kelly Clarkson’s career. She ascended from her status as a pop idol to a defining voice of my generation.