Kelly Clarkson, “All I Ever Wanted” (Sony BMG) Kelly Clarkson has a voice that makes pop songs glow in the dark, but she also has an independent streak that demands to be seen and heard. “All I Ever Wanted” seems like the sweet, if slightly disappointed, makeup kiss between Clarkson and record mogul Clive Davis after the two battled over the commercial viability of her last album.
And that’s OK, because there are some honest, standout songs on it. And no, I’m not writing about “My Life Would Suck Without You,” the ubiquitous (and ridiculous) single. “Already Gone” almost falls into the big-ballad category, but with some slick urban production (from Denver’s Ryan Tedder), dueling synths and strings and a syrupy chorus, the track is more than listenable and a prominent vehicle for Clarkson’s impressive voice.Ricardo Baca
Soul Daddy, “A Safe Place”(self-released) Denver’s hip-hop scene is not its biggest or its most organized,but you have to give it credit for tenacity. Soul Daddy takes that ethos to heart on new disc “A Safe Place,” all the way down to production from Micah Ortega (Five Iron Frenzy), guest spots from Justin Croft (Hearts of Palm) and folkie Jessica Sonner and layout from the ubiquitous Jonathan Till.
What prevents this disc from matching Denver’s other national-quality output is its shaky tone. Soul Daddy drops intelligent rhymes with ease, but only occasionally do they feel vital and organic (especially when contrasted with guests Jean Grae and Elzhi). These tracks might work well joined with others on a compilation album, but you’ll get a few raised eyebrows if you throw this on at a party. John Wenzel
