By Elyssa A. Goldstein
The original “American Idol,” Kelly Clarkson, returns with her sophomore effort, appropriately titled Breakaway. Clarkson indeed “breaks away” from her other Idol counterparts, shying away from the pop image that made her a star, and getting back to the rock roots she grew up with. Clarkson was also way more involved with the production aspects this time around, co-writing half the album’s tracks, and presenting her new style and image to pop-production legend, Clive Davis. Along with Davis, Avril Lavigne, Chantal Kreviazuk and former Evanescence guitarist, Ben Moody, were brought on to the project to help Clarkson achieve the more mature, credible sound she sought hard to achieve.
The first single from the album was the title track, a classic pop-rock ballad with Clarkson bringing another round of her amazing range and power contained within her tiny Texan frame. The second single off the record, “Since U Been Gone,” is where the fun begins. The track is a catchy rock anthem for surviving the demise of a rather suffocating relationship.
Clarkson rocks out with passion making one may wonder if she herself is suffering from a broken heart. More rock numbers, like “Behind These Hazel Eyes,” “Gone,” “Walk Away” and “You Found Me,” are scattered throughout the album. Each number is delivered with a pop sensibility, making for a successful sophomore disc. There are noticeable stylistic changes in Clarkson’s music, yet she still manages to appeal to her former audience with clever hooks and striking ballads that first made her famous, such as “Because Of You” and “Where Is Your Heart.”
The final track on the album is a live acoustic version of “Beautiful Disaster,” an almost 1980s-Police’s “Every Breath You Take” influenced track. The song has been rearranged and turned into a ballad exquisitely performed by Clarkson during her Independent tour with Clay Aiken last spring. This track is a hidden highlight on the album, and one that was surely included for its stunning simplicity and not for a lack of new material. Another important piece of information about the production of this album is that Clarkson herself sang each and every vocal part. This practice of being your own back-up singer has been gaining increasing popularity lately, but only with artists that truly have the talent and dedication to sing a wide range of parts. If you are among the growing number of “American Idol” skeptics, this album from the original winner may make you think twice about giving up on the Idol phenomenon forever.

The Chronicle gives ´Breakway´ by Kelly Clarkson four out of five stars.