After completing a seven-record contract with RCA signed back in 2002, the original American Idol and vocal powerhouse Kelly Clarkson immediately jumped ship to join Atlantic Records for the upcoming release of The Meaning of Life, her eighth studio album.
Teasing that the new project would be soul and urban inspired compared to her pop-leaning beginnings, Clarkson keeps her promise by sharing the lead single. “Love So Soft” is a strong-willed effort which highlights the artist totting her confidence and devotion as she searches for a romantic partner. Giving her potential suitor gentle warnings about reasonable expectations to remain in her life, Clarkson uses a beautiful vocal range to mimic the predictable ups and downs in a relationship.
Though the production remains upbeat and radio-ready, gone are the rock and dance-leaning elements in exchange for infectious brass and backing vocal layering. “Love So Soft” represents the sound that Clarkson has toyed with on past efforts, hinted was her true calling, but has until now been unable to fully commit to. Supposedly inspired by the likes of Annie Lennox, Whitney Houston and Tina Turner, the artist actually gives Aretha Franklin and Christina Aguilera vibes throughout with soaring notes and full vibrato.
Running with a throwback, Motown-like experience, Clarkson persuades the significant other to relax and give in to the feelings of love and passion. “Let me in, I wanna be closer to you, let you under my skin, if I let you in, you gotta be careful with it,” she sings on the pre-chorus, seeming to push herself into his personal space, whether he likes it or not. The straightforward, slightly cocky, attitude is an intriguing element to the finished product, giving listeners a sense of sass and empowerment.
Critics and fans have already been aware of Clarkson’s vocal talents for years. She was the first artist to win the GRAMMY Award for Best Pop Vocal Album more than once, out of four nominations. However, on “Love So Soft” she truly lets her vocal performance do much of the heavy lifting, showing restraint when need be, exuding comfort, ease and a fearlessness in letting loose. Clarkson is able to emote all the feelings association with new relationship uncertainty in an effortless fashion.
“Love So Soft” comes off as a personal victory for Clarkson, representing the end of a long battle with her former record label, and now an example of the music she always wanted to create. Songwriting, especially at the beginning of the chorus, could have been sharpened, but overall, the new single is a homerun for an immensely talented individual with 15 years of experience under her belt. It’s a fun piece, with an underlying message of romance that should resonate with whoever comes across it.
Also, be sure to watch the colorful, sharp and likely expensive accompanying music video!
To add, not only did Clarkson share one taste of her upcoming The Meaning of Life, she shared two. Listen to the touching love ballad "Move You".
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