My December
by Kelly Clarkson
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Jun 26, 2007
User Score
6.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 313 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 214 out of 313
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 313
  3. Negative: 83 out of 313

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  1. danb
    Jun 28, 2007
    10
    Love every song on here; Clarkson has expanded her artistry and created some of the finest music available right now.
  2. AndrikoL.
    Jun 28, 2007
    10
    This album is amazing. Anyone saying that there is a lack of hooks is off his rocker. Sure, there may be less "conventional" songwriting on the album, but the songs nonetheless prove a point.
  3. DavidB.
    Jun 28, 2007
    10
    Kelly has really out done herself. "Yeah" is so addicting to listen to, while ballads such as "Maybe" and "Irvine" get me lost in the hypnotic tone that is also in "Sober."
  4. TriciaM.
    Jun 28, 2007
    10
    This is one of the best CD's I've heard in a very long time. Clarkson is an incredibly gifted songwriter, who knows exactly how to reach her target audience (anyone who has ever had a broken heart). Her vocals range from breathy and sensual, to jazz infused and playful. The disc is eclectic and smart, and most certainly worth having in your collection. Look for
  5. Jamie
    Jun 28, 2007
    10
    I love that every cd Kelly does is different. It makes her unpredictible in a pool of predicitble pop clones.
  6. kelly
    Jun 28, 2007
    10
    amazing cd, best i'be heard in a while
  7. davim.
    Jun 28, 2007
    10
    soooooo good! kelly rocks..she is the best
  8. stevenn.
    Jun 28, 2007
    10
    this album is amazing! perfect from beginning to end!
  9. SeanO
    Jun 28, 2007
    8
    The album is much better than I initially thought it to be. Some of the songs are good and catchy. I think that ballad wise Sober, Be Still, and Maybe are fantastic. They speak of such real things and her vocals are great. I think Judas is horrible. The name i do not understand and they song is just wierd. Overall Kelly still i think is able to shine above this drama that has been The album is much better than I initially thought it to be. Some of the songs are good and catchy. I think that ballad wise Sober, Be Still, and Maybe are fantastic. They speak of such real things and her vocals are great. I think Judas is horrible. The name i do not understand and they song is just wierd. Overall Kelly still i think is able to shine above this drama that has been surrounding her recently. The real lyrics and her attempt at showing everyone she has grown into a true artist is a success. Go Kelly!… Expand
  10. TomásQ.
    Jun 28, 2007
    10
    Definitely Kelly's best CD. I really didn't like it on first listen, but I kept on listening and it grew a lot on me. It's really fabolous, because it's a personal album, Kelly Clarkson was part of the composition of all the songs, she chose the songs of the album. It's Kelly's REAL first album. The best tracks are "Haunted", "Never Again", "Judas" and Definitely Kelly's best CD. I really didn't like it on first listen, but I kept on listening and it grew a lot on me. It's really fabolous, because it's a personal album, Kelly Clarkson was part of the composition of all the songs, she chose the songs of the album. It's Kelly's REAL first album. The best tracks are "Haunted", "Never Again", "Judas" and "Sober". The only ones I don't like are "Irvine" and "Be Still".… Expand
  11. BryanC.
    Jun 29, 2007
    10
    Awesome album. I already like it better than Breakaway and it's still growing on me. Sober and Irvine are definitely the best tracks. They really show off her vocals and Irvine in particular shows her growth and maturity as an artist. Kelly does Radiohead-lite!! No more of that Clive-money-grubbing pop stuff. This is where she should stay and live. Will this make as much money as Awesome album. I already like it better than Breakaway and it's still growing on me. Sober and Irvine are definitely the best tracks. They really show off her vocals and Irvine in particular shows her growth and maturity as an artist. Kelly does Radiohead-lite!! No more of that Clive-money-grubbing pop stuff. This is where she should stay and live. Will this make as much money as Breakaway? Hell no. But who cares? It's her album, it's her music and she's entitled to it. GO KELLY!… Expand
  12. MatheusC.
    Jun 29, 2007
    10
    Kelly put her emotions in the album. And the album has perfect song, it's so good to hear it.
  13. TomB.
    Jun 29, 2007
    10
    I always thought.."What if Kelly Clarkson jumped off the pure pop train and did her own thing...?" Here's the answer...yes, yes some A.I. pop fans may be disappointed but the truth is "My December" is light-years beyond her previous albums on originality and artistry. Awesome disc!
  14. aggiep.
    Jun 29, 2007
    10
    Best of her 3 albums so far.
  15. KrissyR
    Jun 29, 2007
    10
    Love It.Love Kelly
  16. MARCELAA.
    Jul 11, 2007
    10
    I like her last cd´s, but My december rocks, i love it, her music is so real, and she has find her sound, her voice is amazing and now she is a complete artist, singer/songwriter, she has chosen her way and God has guides her, kelly is on the top of the world and her music with her. God blesses her.
  17. CathalW.
    Jul 14, 2007
    8
    Excellent change in direction. Sober is AMAZING.
  18. J.PJ
    Jul 16, 2007
    9
    I am surpsised by many fans and crtics reactions towards this album. I found this album quite refreshing (even if the topics seem to be overused) because each song had a great quality to them. So what if there aren't any hooks, not all songs rely in one to make it great. I think that the public is not letting kelly grow up to the person she wants to be. But i knw that she is breaking I am surpsised by many fans and crtics reactions towards this album. I found this album quite refreshing (even if the topics seem to be overused) because each song had a great quality to them. So what if there aren't any hooks, not all songs rely in one to make it great. I think that the public is not letting kelly grow up to the person she wants to be. But i knw that she is breaking through that. She doesn't want to end up like Tiffany and Cyndi Lauper who's fans kept them from growing up artistically. Its a shame how todays people are actually judging an album by how fun it is, or by how depressing it is. My favourite songs on the album are Sober, Irvine, Judas, Yeah, Chivas, and Hole.… Expand
  19. DaveD
    Jul 18, 2007
    9
    Raw...compelling...and dark. Who says that happy is the only "valid" emotion. So is despair and heartbreak. And hasn't music been the best venue to express it? No immediate catchy hits but I score it high on delivering emotion through song. Anyone can sing about an "Umbrella" (sorry Rihanna) but lets give the girl some credit for having a big set of balls to sing about what Raw...compelling...and dark. Who says that happy is the only "valid" emotion. So is despair and heartbreak. And hasn't music been the best venue to express it? No immediate catchy hits but I score it high on delivering emotion through song. Anyone can sing about an "Umbrella" (sorry Rihanna) but lets give the girl some credit for having a big set of balls to sing about what she's feeling.… Expand
  20. WML
    Jul 23, 2007
    10
    Songs full of emotion written by the Artist herself is a selling point all on its own.
  21. FrankM
    Jul 25, 2007
    10
    This CD will go down in music history as a classic. The songs are well-written, hooky, yet artistic masterpieces. Clarkson needs to be teaching others. No wonder she won the writers' award for song of the year ("Because of You"). This album is simply an extension and edgy twist on "Breakaway." As a matter of fact, there are 6 songs that sound as if they came straight off of her 12 This CD will go down in music history as a classic. The songs are well-written, hooky, yet artistic masterpieces. Clarkson needs to be teaching others. No wonder she won the writers' award for song of the year ("Because of You"). This album is simply an extension and edgy twist on "Breakaway." As a matter of fact, there are 6 songs that sound as if they came straight off of her 12 million selling CD. But, at the same time, there are some tracks that are just plain art and should garner her numerous awards including a few Grammys. Excellent junior effort by Ms. Clarkson! She truly is a singer/songwriter... and a darn good one at that.… Expand
  22. Lisag
    Aug 12, 2007
    9
    I have like Kelly Clarkson since American Idol, but I am not really a pop rock fan either. She has an amazing voice and her previous songs/ albums are very good even if they tend to be more pop rock. I personally like the new direction she is taking with her music - its different than the pop rock crap out there. Are all the songs to my taste - No, but what album has that type of draw? I I have like Kelly Clarkson since American Idol, but I am not really a pop rock fan either. She has an amazing voice and her previous songs/ albums are very good even if they tend to be more pop rock. I personally like the new direction she is taking with her music - its different than the pop rock crap out there. Are all the songs to my taste - No, but what album has that type of draw? I feel that this is her first effort at determining where she wants to go- and the others while extremly good was at the direction of someone else. I think the critics are far to harsh- because after all its the public that buys the CD's let them determine if they like it.… Expand
  23. MikeM
    Jan 14, 2009
    10
    Clarkson uses her real life expieriences, and writes some of the best lyrics ever. In addition to killer lyrics, her voice is haunting [in a good way] and powerful. Rock on Kelly!
  24. DeannaD
    May 15, 2009
    10
    This is an amazing album, however I can understand the label's hesitancy to release it, since all they care about is how much money they can get out of Kelly. This album is not for bubblegum Clarkson fans, this album is for MUSIC fans. This people who don't like this album lack the ability to see inside the song, put themselves in Kelly's shoes as she was writing it, and This is an amazing album, however I can understand the label's hesitancy to release it, since all they care about is how much money they can get out of Kelly. This album is not for bubblegum Clarkson fans, this album is for MUSIC fans. This people who don't like this album lack the ability to see inside the song, put themselves in Kelly's shoes as she was writing it, and see it for the artistry that it is. This album is brutal, honest, and at the same time uptempo and interesting. Kelly Clarkson is a songwriting genius and I pray that she is able to follow her heart and continue writing and releasing music like this.… Expand
  25. radiobenji
    Nov 4, 2011
    10
    If I could give this album an eleven, I would, so will just have to make 10 louder... My December still remains my all-time favourite album from any artist, there's a lot of hoopla about the album not containing any stand out singles but I have to disagree, Can I Have A Kiss is one of the most beautiful songs ever written, Don't Waste Your Time rings true to every friendship known toIf I could give this album an eleven, I would, so will just have to make 10 louder... My December still remains my all-time favourite album from any artist, there's a lot of hoopla about the album not containing any stand out singles but I have to disagree, Can I Have A Kiss is one of the most beautiful songs ever written, Don't Waste Your Time rings true to every friendship known to humanity, One Minute is a hot track that alone exceeds anything on Breakaway, Irvine is heartbreaking, Be Still is mellow and laid back and just darn cool, Never Again is a major step up from Behind These Hazel Eyes, and Sober is just, sublime. But overall, the stand out is Maybe. WOW, what a song. I left out a few tracks which does not devalue their worth to the album, as the record from start to finish flows brilliantly and tells the story of a girl who's lost and maybe a little bit lonely. One of the very few music recommendations I would make. 11/10… Expand
  26. ElieBennet
    Jun 22, 2013
    10
    This is (along with Breakaway) one of the best Kelly albums! Is 2013 now, and still is a master piece. Very personal, dark (even though "BR album" is as dark as this one), rocker and souful. MAYBE is by far a master piece, Irvine, Sober, Haunted, Yeah, Fading are so perfect. I think for the most of people, they have to be in "the mood" for get into it and see its greatness. This album isThis is (along with Breakaway) one of the best Kelly albums! Is 2013 now, and still is a master piece. Very personal, dark (even though "BR album" is as dark as this one), rocker and souful. MAYBE is by far a master piece, Irvine, Sober, Haunted, Yeah, Fading are so perfect. I think for the most of people, they have to be in "the mood" for get into it and see its greatness. This album is the reason that I ended for having respect for Kelly as an artist and not just as another poppy singer out there. Many people were influenced by media and got blinded for appreciate all the beauty about this jewel. And if you add the Clive Davis complot, that's why this album "didn't got well" (fyi this album sold over 1Million in US... So, I don't get the hate) and stopped its potencial to be a huge success as it deserved... Orgullosa de ser fan de una artista y verdadera cantante como Kelly So proud to be her fan!… Expand
  27. diogodelcistia
    Feb 4, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Kelly Clarkson is amazing! This is my "second favorite album" of this amazing singer, behind Breakaway. The hit from the album, "Never Again", is one of the best songs in My December. "One Minute", "Judas" and "Sober" deserved more attention and publicity, but none of it happened by the fight of Clarkson with the label.… Expand
  28. joethealien
    Sep 15, 2017
    9
    an insanely underrated pop rock masterwork.
    there's emotive soft rock (Sober, Maybe), heavy handed power pop (One Minute, Hole) and even a Tragic Kingdom-era new wave throwback (How I Feel). nothing is compromised though, with only slight hints of writer's inhibition on Don't Waste Your Time and Can I Have a Kiss (which is otherwise gentle and warm, reminiscent of a certain track 9 on    an insanely underrated pop rock masterwork.
    there's emotive soft rock (Sober, Maybe), heavy handed power pop (One Minute, Hole) and even a Tragic Kingdom-era new wave throwback (How I Feel). nothing is compromised though, with only slight hints of writer's inhibition on Don't Waste Your Time and Can I Have a Kiss (which is otherwise gentle and warm, reminiscent of a certain track 9 on Breakaway).
    there's intense profundity, which many reviews have neglected to address, instead focusing on a perceived "lack of memorable hooks." the hooks are tighter and require more attention than the poppier, more consistent ones from Breakaway and Thankful did. Irvine is essentially an open letter to a higher power, and Haunted is intense commentary from a sorrowful friend after a close friend's suicide. highlight Sober is an exceptional paean to recovery, filled to the brim with chilling orchestral swells and a timpani heartbeat. My December is Kelly's first whole artistic statement, and it's a damn fine one at that.
    most memorable hooks, for the naysayers: Sober, How I Feel, the P!nkesque rock stomper Judas
    standouts: Sober, Judas, Maybe, Be Still, Irvine
    seriously, don't forget about this one, I'm sure it'll be thought of as an artistic triumph in a few years. Sober has helped depressed kids aplenty (cringy perhaps, but true)    … Expand
  29. pauldiam
    Jun 24, 2018
    9
    This is her darkest album to date. Very risque and artistic. She went against her label and although it didn't pay off with the public response, it is a great album and adds to her pop-rock status.
  30. noahnoah
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Desde do seu lançamento em 2007 My December, foi um marco pontual na carreira de Kelly Clarkson, de maneira ambivalente. A luta por liberdade de expressão dentro do seu contexto profissional e as calgadas amorosas que traziam crescimento emocional e a racionalização dentro de suas letras autorais, mostrando assim uma artista com potencial completo de criação, produção e identidade única.… Expand
  31. pieber
    Mar 22, 2021
    8
    My December is clearly the least beautiful Kelly Clarkson's album but she's my all-time fav singer so I obviously still love it but compared to the others, that are more than amazing, it's undeniably the most boring one. I do love a lot of songs from this album tho: Sober, Yeah, Maybe, Irvine and Chivas are very good and well-written.
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Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Most Discussed Album of 2007
84
#84 Most Shared Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. The Guardian
    60
    She writes in bland generalities... and uses her opulent voice as a battering ram.
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  2. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Kelly Clarkson's darker, more personal, riskier third CD.
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  3. AllMusic
    60
    There are no hooks, nothing to suck in the many adults that liked Clarkson's first two records.
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