The original American Idol Kelly Clarkson shot to major superstardom after a certain movie (um, shall I say `The Princess Diaries 2') used her song `Breakaway' as their theme song. While `Breakaway' is, dare I say, the weakest track on the album, it is, by all means, pure radio bliss. `Breakaway' made her a household name and the album bearing it's name made her a superstar. Sure, she was already mildly popular. Her debut album `Thankful' was decent and tracks like `Miss Independent' and `A Moment Like This' made their rounds on radio station after radio station but it wasn't until `Breakaway' that the general public embraced this songstress and realized that her talent exceeded some crazy TV show.

`Breakaway' the album spurned single after single. `Since You've Been Gone', her sophomore answer to `Miss Independent' blazed the pop charts and proved that Clarkson had spunk to accompany that voice and would later pave the way for her misunderstood and ill-received third album `My December'. `Behind These Hazel Eyes' was by far (in my humble opinion) the best of the singles released off this album. It's such a complete pop song and is the pure definition of memorable. `Because of You' was very well received (and have you seen that music video!?!?!) and rightfully so. It's a beautiful song. It's too band she allowed Reba to destroy it. Then we have `Walk Away', the fifth single off the album. This song has grown on my so much since it's started receiving loads of airtime. It's a very fun song that demands your accompanying vocals. In other words, be prepared to sing along.

`Gone' follows the format of pop track. It's bouncy and catchy and serves as a nice canvas for Clarkson's strong vocals. It's a very carefree track that will induce plenty of smiles. One of my favorite tracks on the album would have to be `You Found Me' which opens so gracefully and elegant before breaking into a wonderfully constructed chorus bent on getting stuck in your head.

`I Hate Myself for Losing You' would probably be the best way to describe where Kelly Clarkson was headed. `Since You've Been Gone' proved she could handle pop/rock well but `I Hate Myself for Losing You' proved that she needed to keep the pop an essential part of her music. When you strip away the pop appeal you have a song that appears somewhat misplaced and incomplete. `I Hate Myself for Losing You' is just that, misplaced and incomplete.

There are three tracks on this album that solidify Kelly Clarkson as a force to be reckoned with in my eyes. The first of these is `Where is You're Heart'. The song is a beautifully constructed ballad that showcases Kelly's impressive `contest winning' vocals, showing off her control and temperance as well as her power. The second of these is `Addicted', which is quite frankly my favorite track on the album. It's seductive and (I can't help it) addictive. I would listen to this song over and over without hesitation. The third song is the closing track `Hear Me', a song that embellishes Clarkson's fragility and delicacy and is, in the end, so infectious and memorable that it moves the listener to start the musical journey all over again. I talk a lot about the importance of the closing track, how it has the ability to either make you want to listen to the album all over again or make you glad it's finally over. `Hear Me' is a perfect example of how to select the perfect closing track. Yes, I know, `Beautiful Disaster' is actually the closing track (the live version that is) and it too is a splendid way to close this album out, but I consider `Hear Me' the actual `closing' track since it is an original track as apposed to a live cut.

`Breakaway' is a near perfect pop album. Sure, it has one snafu found in one misplaced song but that one snafu is barely a reason to complain. This is Clarkson's shining moment, a moment where she finally broke away from the restraints of a certain singing contest and proved that she is more than just some girl who won a title but a girl who deserves the title. The magnificent Carrie Underwood aside (who, in my opinion trumps Clarkson...but marginally) Kelly Clarkson can feel confident that she is one of the only `rightful' winners of the American Idol crown, and she has proven that her talent is far bigger than the show from which she spawned.

I waited too long to buy this CD. At this point, I have already heard almost all of the songs TOO many times on the radio. Nothing sounded fresh, you know? Kind of a disappointment...

This is one of the best CD I have ever owned. Every song is excellent!!

This is an amazing CD. The first 10 could easily have been singles. She puts in some of her best vocals for this one. I absolutely adore this CD. There is not a bad song on this CD.

Besides the wonderful singles my favorite is Addicted.

Hugely recommended.

Also:
Thankful
My December

It is hard to find a albumn where every song on it is good,but this albumn could be it. You could almost call it "Her Greatest Hits Albumn".

I let my husband off the hook early on in our relationship and told him that I would buy all my own birthday gifts so that I would get exactly what I wanted and he wouldn't have to shop. Well the element of surprise this year was that I bought this CD for my birthday and I was even more surprised how much I wished I had bought it much earlier. I didn't plan on buying this CD any more than buying any other American Idol winner's CD but its good and that is enough reason for me. Life is short; listen to music you like.

Its been a long time since I have bought a c.d. where I liked more than two songs. I really like every song.

It's funny that, as big of an American Idol fan as I am, I had never bought a CD from an American Idol until now (though I had been given Clay Aiken's first CD as a gift and LOVED it). I'm so glad I bought this one.

We all know Kelly has a powerhouse voice, but this CD shows that her talent has staying power. I have only listened to the CD all the way through 2 or 3 times so far, but I have liked nearly everything I have heard, and I like that there is some variety in the tempo.

it's nothing like breakaway...in my december kelly shows it's not just about the over done poppy tunes but it's about emotions and the music. its a must buy!!

The problem is not so much Kelly Clarkson, it's the record BUSINESS. What happens to people who win a singing competiton, doing songs their OWN way and singing the type of material they do best, is that record executives like Clive Davis tell them, "you've got to sing this in order to sell records." He did it to Fantasia Barrino and I suspect he'll do the same to Jennifer Hudson.

Poor Kelly is yelling her head off about nothing. I've heard that recently, she is fighting back. Good for her. Kelly realizes that if she continues in this vein, she'll look up 25 years from now and realize she has recorded a lot of junk that nobody cares about.

Look at artists like Aretha Franklin. She can proudly look at her discography and find countless gems that have become standards; people are still dancing to "Respect" and other singers are covering "Daydreaming," "Natural Woman," "Until You Come Back To Me," etc. Take Motown. Over 40 years later, everybody, even young people know "Dancing in the Street, " "Come See About Me," "Please Mr. Postman," etc.

Is there anything coming out of today's music that will last more than three months? Kelly needs to sing power ballads and NOT urged to sound like other singers. THIS IS HER CAREER. She wants to make a mark, not just be another girl singer who made some bad records.

I find that this CD is pretty good. It's really catchy but her first was a bit better because there was more soul in her voice and R&B songs.

*The Good*

Breakaway
Since U Been Gone
Because Of You
Gone
Addicted
Where Is Your Heart
Walk Away
You Found Me
I Hate Myself For Losing You

*Doesn't Hurt Or Help*

Behind These Hazel Eyes
Hear Me
Beautiful Disaster (Live) (The version on her first CD is far superior. And for some strange reason, Kelly changes some of the original lyrics)

*The Filler*

Nothing really.

if you have heard any of her singles, then you already know that you should have brought this album already. the whole album is great and the singles arent even the best on the album. my favorite being addicted.

I really thought that this cd would suck but I was wrong!!!!
My friend got me this cd for my birthday and it has became one of my favorite cds.
There is a lot of emotion in her voice which you can feel which some people mistaken for "yelling" but to me it's not.
My favorite tracks on this cd are-
1.Addicted
2.Where Is Your Heart
3.Hear Me
4.(and my top favorite)-Beautiful Disaster

All tracks are good but the ones above are the best. JMO!

Go out and buy this cd I promise you won't be disappointed.

I was surprised at the number of songs on this album that have made it to radio. Great CD.

There are some great songs on this one- "Since you've been gone" is a very upbeat, angst-driven, song. There there are ballads like beautiful disaster, and breakaway.
There is definitely some great music here. Although, it must be said- that a lot of the songs are victimized, lover-spurned ballads in which Kelly yells the song. Next time, lets have atleast one positive....Behind there hazel eyes....the list goes on. Kelly has a beautiful voice and should not have to scream to be heard. It's still a great record- I am just looking for a little more from her, and hope the next album shows more variety.

To put it kindly, Kelly Clarkson sucks! She blows like Katrina in the worst way! Who ever told this cellophane child she could sing is nuts!!!
She is a 4th rate Avril Lavigne wannabe, and who in their right mind wants to be her!?!?!? She (Clarkson) should go back to McDonald's, or KFC, or anywhere there ISN'T a microphone!!!! SHE STINKS!!!!!!!!!!!

This is a GREAT album full of rock,pop,soul and just awesome tracks. I find it funny when I read reviews who give this album 1 star saying "it's not my kind of music, so therefore it's terrible" Umm well if it's not your kind of music then why are u even wasting your negative energy to review it or even listen to it and then calling it terrible because you're board? I guess you're deaf.
Kelly is an amazing singer who can sing the freakin' dictionary and make it sound good. Nothing she sings sounds bad so stop the hatin' and clean those ears up. I feel for you because you're missing out on an amazing singer. She blows all the idols away and she's about to do it again with her new album MY DECEMBER COMING OUT JUNE 26!!! LOVE IT!!!

Kelly Clarkson as a rocker is just as hot as Kelly Clarkson as a pop princess. She should continue with this kind of music

I am a big fan of kelly clarkson. i have owned this album for about a year and a half and i still love it. her new song "never again" was premiered today on the radio and it is the best song that i have ever heard. but her old songs, rated by yours truly, are as follows:

1. Breakaway- i have not always liked this song. it is okay. i never payed much attention to it when it came out, but it is still a good song. 3/5

2. Since U Been Gone- 2nd single. great work! one of my favorites. it has always been a good song. i think that this song should have been her first single. 5/5

3 Behind These Hazel Eyes- 3rd single. pretty good. it is a little overplayed, but i'm used to it. 5/5

4. Because Of You- 4th single. this song is the reason i bought the album. this song also has a great video. after fighting with her husband, her 6-year-old self helps her flash back to her childhood and shows her how her parents broke up. and after she sees it, she runs back to her husband and gives him a hug. 5/5

5. Gone- I think that this song was almost a single. it was played on sirius radio, but i didn't hear it anywhere else. i guess it must have failed, which it shouldn't have because it is a great song. 5/5

6. Addicted- i don't really like this song. the lyrics make it sound like she's on drugs. either she is, she knows someone who was, or she just knows a lot about drugs. 2/5

7. Where Is Your Heart- 3/5

8. Walk Away- the best song ever!!!!! it was her 5th single and it is one catchy jingle (hey that rhymes). the video is hilarious. she is singing for a radio station and the entire city starts dancing to the song. my favorite part is when a guy is dancing in the bathroom and another guy comes out of a cubicle and the other guy leaves; then the guy that came out of the cubicle starts dancing. if you don't like this song, you don't have a pulse!!!!!!! 10000000000000000000000000000000/5

9. You Found Me- 4/5

10. I Hate Myself For Losing You-4/5

11. Hear Me- 5/5

12. Beautiful Disaser (Live)- great song. the original version is featured on her old album. i like this version better because she sounds better singing this song live. 5/5

i can't wait for her new album to come out. i don't know the title, but i
know it is going to be just as good as this album. kelly clarkson never disappoints.

I love the CD by Kelly Clarkson. I would recomend it to everyone!

Out of all the American Idol stars, Kelly Clarkson is now proven to be the most successful, and one of the best of them all, if not the best female artist.
"Breakaway" was a fantastic CD. Kelly's voice is strong and unmatchable;her songs are fabulous, and great soundtracks to "pump you up" for any big event, whether it be sports [my case] or some other activity demanding strength. You can listen to her songs all day, and never grow tired of her rocking out in "Walk Away", or how she shows off her great voice and control in "Since U Be Gone". This soundtrack is definetly worth the money, and is all-around a true keeper if you enjoy pop music and Kelly's amazing voice.

Singer / songwriter Kelly Clarkson's sophomore album, "Breakaway", is a great Pop/Rock album - the songwriting is sharp, the subject matter is universal, Kelly's vocals are emotional and powerful, the production is energetic and the hooks and downright irresistible. More importantly, "Breakaway" accomplishes its purpose and much more - to create a bridge between Kelly Clarkson's "American Idol"-bound past and her own artistic avenue. And trust me, not many (if any) other ex-"American Idol" contestants can say they've done that.

Without a doubt, the 4 lead singles are the best songs on the whole album. Kelly's spiteful vocals and rebellious energy are backed by crunching guitars as she celebrates liberation from a relationship with a lousy boyfriend on "Since U Been Gone"; "Because Of You" takes the typical semi-orchestral approach, using violins and pianos for the production as Kelly Clarkson sorrowfully expresses the pains that came with a fatherless childhood through touching lyrics and emotional vocals; "Behind These Hazel Eyes" is easily the most captivating track on the album - as the song progresses, Kelly explores feelings of heartbreak, regret, strength and liberation over more fantastic guitar/percussion work; and the title track, co-written by fellow Pop/Rock singer / songwriter Avril Lavigne, is one of the album's deeper moments as Kelly Clarkson dreams of a bigger and better life over soothing acoustic guitar. Another highlight would be "Addicted", a haunting, semi-orchestral ode about a dark addiction towards an anonymous lover.

Surprisingly, there are only 2 filler tracks to be found here - "Where Is Your Heart", a typical ballad that lacks the energy and feeling of the album's other tracks; and "I Hate Myself For Loving You", which sounds oddly contrived in comparison to the rest of the album material. Nonetheless, Kelly Clarkson has a very good thing going for her. Under no circumstances is this some kind of Pop/Rock classic, but if you can take it for what it is, you'll enjoy this album very much. 4 stars!

5 Best Tracks (IMO) (In No Order):
"Behind These Hazel Eyes"
"Since U Been Gone"
"Breakaway"
"Because Of You"
"Addicted"

This is one of the best albums of all time..( I have heard it all my little friends..). If she goes full Rock then we are in for possibly the best female lead singer of a Rock Band ever!

Please.... Kelly more Rock and hard core singing like this . Thank you- C

Good. Still needs to learn how to sing instead of shout which only occurred on a few songs. Worth the money.

Her first album was a MUCH better example of her vocal abilities. This one is not a good album for her. Too screamy, rock-like, not the true Kelly or her voice.

:(

I didn't think I would really get into this album, I guess it is my guilty pleasure...I really enjoy every song on this album. A true winner

Yeah, I liked Kelly Clarkson on American Idol. And yes, I liked her first few singles and sang along with them on the radio. Now I find that I just love this CD. Every song is a hit and every song is sing-along-able -- my measure of a great pop song!! Can't wait to see what she releases next and how she matures as an artist.

Love It!!!

Breakaway 10/10- Fantastic vocals
Since U Been Gone 10/10- Groovy beat
Behind These Hazel Eyes 10/10- Best song ever
Because Of You 9/10- Nice soul
Gone 10/10- I love that song
Addicted 10/10- One of my favorites
Where Is Your Heart 2/10- Hated It
Walk Away 10/10- Danceable
You Found Me 10/10- I love it
I Hate Myself For Loosing You 10/10- Nice beat
Hear Me 6/10- Forgetable
Beautiful Disaster (Live) 10/10- Beautiful

This album is so cool. It's fun to dance to and it has great tracks. This is a definate 5 star album. I wish I could give it 100 stars. I love the songs, You found me, Behind theese hazel eyes, Since U Been Gone, Because of you, Addicted, and I hate myself for loosing you. You have to buy this album. I read it has sold over 7 million copies worlwide. Go to the store and buy it now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kelly Clarkson did excellent this time around. She sounds much better than being so teeny-popper. She makes you want to break up everything an ex-boyfriend house for doing you wrong. Sometimes me of Avril Lavinge cause her first album definitely made me feel that way. This is not a filler album, so if you don't already have the album its definitely recommended. Can't wait for the next disc.

It wasn't easy for me to admit to enjoying this CD, since I always thought only female fans would admit to being Kelly Clarkson fans. But, she has enough good tunes on this CD for me to actually listen to it without feeling embarassed. "Breakaway" and "Since You've Been Gone" are popular hits that all Kelly fans enjoy, and "Behind Those Hazel Eyes" is another popular hit that you would have heard if you've turned on a radio within the past decade. But, surprisingly, I found her ballad, "Because Of You" my favorite on this CD. Her hit, "A Moment Like This", from her previous album seemed too commercialized and overplayed, so I was quite surprised at how often I chose to listen to "Because Of You". I'm not quite into the other songs on this album, but I find that if you can enjoy at least 4 songs on a CD, it's worth buying to keep.

Kelly is a sucess!!! I only got this cd for the song Behind These Hazel Eyes, but the rest are my dream too! Best songs are;

Breakaway
Behind these hazel eyes
Gone
Addicted
Walk away
Beautiful disaster

I recommed this cd to... well everyone!

This is one of the greatest pop/rock albums ever. The music is great, and Kelly's singing is awesome too. Superb voice. There's not a lame track on here. All are good and a number are great, such as "Since You've Been Gone." Can't wait for Kelly's 3rd album.

OK listen, I have no idea what the f**k people see in pop rock!!!!!! What's so special about it??!! They're barely fast or let the guitarist show what they got! But this album has got to be the worst pop album in the world! It's completely boring, she doesn'y have the hype and the media only shows the good songs! (Not that i like those songs) And when she ever gonna make a new album?! This album is like 3 years ago! She hasn't even started! DON'T GET THIS!! Consider this your warning.

No problems. Arrived on time and without any issue. CD was in new condition.