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. R.L.Powell
    Jul 10, 2007
    7
    Not a failure by any means. After the unqualified success, and strident uniformity, of Breakaway (which I did love, though not for it's overwhelming artistic merit), My December is a excellent move forward for a songsmith who is pushing her boundaries. There is a distinct impression of her exploring, not only the grief of a ruined relationship, but the range of emotions and musical Not a failure by any means. After the unqualified success, and strident uniformity, of Breakaway (which I did love, though not for it's overwhelming artistic merit), My December is a excellent move forward for a songsmith who is pushing her boundaries. There is a distinct impression of her exploring, not only the grief of a ruined relationship, but the range of emotions and musical language she uses to describe it. Some truly charming and engaging surprises, along with some ham-fisted fumbles, but "Irvine" and "Chivas" are some damn fine pieces of performance. Kelly, I have a special place in my heart for ya, but I had no idea that you were capable of nuance. Keep this up and I may have to take off my hat to you sometime in the very near future.… Expand
  2. jakeK
    Jul 2, 2007
    10
    My december is a strong overall album. Kelly's stunning vocals shine through all 14 tracks.
  3. MarkV
    Jul 6, 2007
    8
    Anyone who listens to this album and can't cheer Kelly Clarkson, I say "Whaaaa" These are Kelly's most strongest vocals and lyrics yet. And yes, it is bitter in parts, but seriously do you always want the same churned out music from your artists? I applaud Kelly for standing her ground to make this album. Her Album!! Rremember, even though her past work was great, it was not Anyone who listens to this album and can't cheer Kelly Clarkson, I say "Whaaaa" These are Kelly's most strongest vocals and lyrics yet. And yes, it is bitter in parts, but seriously do you always want the same churned out music from your artists? I applaud Kelly for standing her ground to make this album. Her Album!! Rremember, even though her past work was great, it was not hers. Kelly owns this record and I love it. Don't get stuck in a rut with music. Art is form and content..… Expand
  4. AustinC
    Jun 8, 2009
    10
    Kelly Clarkson has became known as the girl who does incredibly addicting and catchy pop music. Her sophomore album, 'Breakaway,' was all about that. Yes, it was fantastic, and probably one of 2004's best albums. However, 'My December' is much better. At first, it's a shock to hear this deeper, more raw side of Clarkson, but listen closely. Give the album two Kelly Clarkson has became known as the girl who does incredibly addicting and catchy pop music. Her sophomore album, 'Breakaway,' was all about that. Yes, it was fantastic, and probably one of 2004's best albums. However, 'My December' is much better. At first, it's a shock to hear this deeper, more raw side of Clarkson, but listen closely. Give the album two or three more tries. You'll soon see that 'My December' is easily Kelly Clarkson's best album to date. The lyrics are strong and deep meaningful. Some standouts in the lyrics definitely belong to "Sober." Just check out the first verse: "And I don't know/This could break my heart or save me/Nothing's real/Until you let go completely/So here I ho with all my thoughts/I've been saving/So here I go with all my fear/Weighing on me". Not only are the lyrics simply amazing, but the instrumentals to all the songs are a mature pop/rockers bliss. Some of the best instrumentals can be heard in "Never Again," "Haunted," and "Judas." All have spine-tingling strings and the drums are outstanding. It's raw and real. It's an album you can sit and listen to all the way through without skipping a single track. It's is depressing that the album lacked promo and especially lacked in singles. "Never Again" and "Sober" were the US singles. "One Minute" and "Don't Waste My Time" were international singles, but didn't have very good promo at all. You can thank Clive Davis for that. There were many hits on this album, it's just that people needed time to get used to this side of Clarkson that they weren't used to seeing.… Expand
  5. 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
  6. 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.
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. MatthewT.
    Jun 29, 2007
    10
    A wonderful album that speaks of troubles of life. I think this album exceeds any expectations I had on it. It showed Kelly Clarkson's talent as a songwriter and though it doesn't have its infectious pop tunes like Breakaway, artistically, it soars. Great Job Kelly
  10. MilesD.
    Jul 4, 2007
    9
    If you don't like this album, you don't like Kelly Clarkson. Period. This is by far her best work to date -- and it is HER work, what she has to say in the way she wants to say it. It is emotional, sometimes immature, often touching, stirring, beautiful. It is rock, not pop, with plenty of cool riffs, muscular guitars and growling bass. Clarkson doesn't use her vocal If you don't like this album, you don't like Kelly Clarkson. Period. This is by far her best work to date -- and it is HER work, what she has to say in the way she wants to say it. It is emotional, sometimes immature, often touching, stirring, beautiful. It is rock, not pop, with plenty of cool riffs, muscular guitars and growling bass. Clarkson doesn't use her vocal talents to show off -- which she could be excused for doing, given her astounding treasure-chest of tone, control, power and expression. Instead, there's a straightforwardness about her performances, with the raw and honest lyrics dictating her delivery. There are plenty of great moments on My December, but Clarkson's point here is the whole, not its various parts. This is an album that stands up to repeated listening, and one that will age much better than her previous two flashier hit-making outings. My only complaint? Several of the songs cry out for head-turning guitar solos that never happen. Maybe next album. Overall, My December is proof that Kelly is here for the long haul, and it's going to be a great ride.… Expand
  11. HarryU.
    Aug 20, 2007
    10
    I still wonder why most of the comments sent by the public are so annoying. Kelly, your album is extremely awesome. Everything people tend to say is not true. For me, your album is always the best. Futhermore, it is much better than any other female artists like the thin Avril or the disgusting Nelly Furtado. And of course far better than the 'talking rather than singing" Fergie. A I still wonder why most of the comments sent by the public are so annoying. Kelly, your album is extremely awesome. Everything people tend to say is not true. For me, your album is always the best. Futhermore, it is much better than any other female artists like the thin Avril or the disgusting Nelly Furtado. And of course far better than the 'talking rather than singing" Fergie. A huge appreciation from me for publishing this overwhelming CD. I really love Never Again. It's so rebellious and sincere. Just one more thing Kelly, i would like to affirm that Simon was absolutely right about you. I was not strong enough to deny it.… Expand
  12. noahS.
    Jul 1, 2007
    10
    She made a CD that is about love and the hurt and pursuit. She is 25 and so am I , I understand what it is like to have my heart broken everytime. This is a stepping stone to the next album. I love My december and think you just need to stop expecting a pop princess and listen to "maybe" or "yeah"........you have to listen to it to hear the story.
  13. ElizabethT
    Jul 1, 2007
    9
    This album is less poppy, and it harder to find classic "Kelly Clarkson singles" like in breakaway. Kelly's amazing vocals and lyrics that sound like they're coming from the heart, make this her best record yet.
  14. PatrickY.
    Jul 1, 2007
    10
    The BEST ALBUM EVER~!!!!!! Her voice is as angelic as her beautiful body
  15. ZonieZen
    Sep 20, 2007
    8
    Fine album. although breakaway was much much better.
  16. Annie
    Dec 1, 2008
    10
    I didn't like this album at first, but gradually, i found myself addicted to it, can't stop listening to it. All songs are great.
  17. AndrewL
    Jun 26, 2007
    10
    Kelly out does herself! Who cares if it's not "Breakway Part II"--this is way better!
  18. TimT
    Jun 26, 2007
    9
    I know I'm one of a very few, but I wasn't an immediate fan of Kelly's last album, "Breakaway." So I'm probably one of a very few again in that I loved "My December" on first listen. Sure, there are a couple of songs that I consider "filler," but I hear a lot of hook-y, radio friendly fare ("One Minute," "Can I Have a Kiss," ) and some great concert anthems ("Hole," I know I'm one of a very few, but I wasn't an immediate fan of Kelly's last album, "Breakaway." So I'm probably one of a very few again in that I loved "My December" on first listen. Sure, there are a couple of songs that I consider "filler," but I hear a lot of hook-y, radio friendly fare ("One Minute," "Can I Have a Kiss," ) and some great concert anthems ("Hole," and "Yeah,"). Clive Davis can bite me... Kelly's here to stay!… Expand
  19. IsraelP.
    Jun 26, 2007
    9
    Finally some real music, Thank God she didnt go all bubblegum teeny bopper stuff!!
  20. LukasX
    Jun 26, 2007
    8
    First things first, yes, there's no "Since U Been Gone Part 2" on My December. What it does have is a pop singer growing into a legitemate artist. Although there are some misfires ("Judas"), it's worth it for the many moments of brilliance (the new wave-y "How I Feel", the sexy and subtle "Be Still", the heartwrenching "Sober" and "Irvine"). If you're looking for a pretty First things first, yes, there's no "Since U Been Gone Part 2" on My December. What it does have is a pop singer growing into a legitemate artist. Although there are some misfires ("Judas"), it's worth it for the many moments of brilliance (the new wave-y "How I Feel", the sexy and subtle "Be Still", the heartwrenching "Sober" and "Irvine"). If you're looking for a pretty singer singing pretty songs written by middle-aged men, don't get this album. If you're looking for honesty, growth, and good music, go get it.… Expand
  21. RobertW
    Jun 26, 2007
    10
    On this, Kelly Clarkson's third album, she has become a true star. I have always liked Kelly, but now I am a full-blown convert. The song "Sober" is heartbreaking..."How I Feel" is fun and peppy..."Irvine" is dark and sad. Ms. Clarkson has come into her own and the musical landscape is richer for it.
  22. [Anonymous]
    Jun 26, 2007
    9
    Kelly's third album displays the artist's writing and vocal talent at its best. Every song is ingrained with intense emotion and feeling. The album is indeed much darker, though that isn't a bad thing in this case. Most of the songs aren't your traditional verse-chorus songs--which will hinder the album's radio play--but are more creative and artful. If you are Kelly's third album displays the artist's writing and vocal talent at its best. Every song is ingrained with intense emotion and feeling. The album is indeed much darker, though that isn't a bad thing in this case. Most of the songs aren't your traditional verse-chorus songs--which will hinder the album's radio play--but are more creative and artful. If you are expecting another "Breakaway," this album isn't for you. But if you want to hear what Kelly Clarkson is truly all about, then go out and buy this album. Then again, who wants another "Breakaway" anyway?… Expand
  23. MarissaG
    Jun 26, 2007
    10
    This album is full of emotion and vocal ranges that surpass any "artist" out right now. It isn't that much of a change in direction but people might stray because they are only used to formula music.
  24. kenm.
    Jun 27, 2007
    9
    Great album!! Give it a chance! It grows on you. Granted, there aren't any bubblegum hits here, but there is a lot of great music, and isn't that what it's all about? Americans are missing out on a lot of great female music! Madonna, PINK, Xtina Aguilera, all released really good albums, which have been massive hits around the world, except in the US? I don't get it. Great album!! Give it a chance! It grows on you. Granted, there aren't any bubblegum hits here, but there is a lot of great music, and isn't that what it's all about? Americans are missing out on a lot of great female music! Madonna, PINK, Xtina Aguilera, all released really good albums, which have been massive hits around the world, except in the US? I don't get it. Are Americans only into RAP and easy bubble gum pop?… Expand
  25. GGDR
    Jun 27, 2007
    9
    Strong album, with a diverse sound that overall portrays an ominous tone . She favors her established rock sound and explores different tonalities in that range -- delving deeper and more into her psyche and personalizes these songs more than any of her previous material. Beyond the established single 'Never Again,' 'Haunted' and 'Sober' were two Strong album, with a diverse sound that overall portrays an ominous tone . She favors her established rock sound and explores different tonalities in that range -- delving deeper and more into her psyche and personalizes these songs more than any of her previous material. Beyond the established single 'Never Again,' 'Haunted' and 'Sober' were two highlights... Like 'Breakaway' before it, this is not a one-pass CD that one hears and likes anything and everything instantly. After a few listens, the songs and sounds and emotions start to seep in... It's like a fine wine -- with time the flavors of the album start to truly come out beyond the initial shock of deepness that Kelly has presented. Bubblegum pop like 'Thankful' and half of 'Breakaway' can quickly lose its flavor; this is a much bolder taste that will take some getting used to for some listeners.… Expand
  26. BrandonH
    Jun 27, 2007
    9
    As most have said, this isn't a complete departure from kelly's previous work, but it is something new. The songs are heavier (even the most radio friendly "Never Again") and more personal. Kelly continues growing as an artist, this is proven with "My December".
  27. bruce
    Jun 27, 2007
    8
    This album is actually pretty solid, and definitely a giant leap forward for Ms. Clarkson artistically. Sober and Irvine make it wortht he proce of admission alone.
  28. wellinton
    Jun 28, 2007
    10
    This album with certainty came to revolutionize pop/rock, with led strong but also with ballads very produced well
  29. ROBERTOJ.
    Jun 28, 2007
    10
    PERFECT ALBUM, IM TOTALLY ADDICTED TO IT, CANT STOPPING LISTEING! SOBER, MAYBE AND CHIVAS ARE THE BEST, BUT MY FAV ONE EVER IS HAUNTED!
  30. Maurice
    Jun 28, 2007
    8
    A consistent personal statement from an artist. There are two or three singles on this record - "How I Feel" and "One Minute" come to mind. Are they number one songs or big time pop-rock hook songs, in a word, no. Just let this record be a Kelly release. She can hopefully get some long term fans that care about her music and will follow her releases. She can do a smaller tour, get back in A consistent personal statement from an artist. There are two or three singles on this record - "How I Feel" and "One Minute" come to mind. Are they number one songs or big time pop-rock hook songs, in a word, no. Just let this record be a Kelly release. She can hopefully get some long term fans that care about her music and will follow her releases. She can do a smaller tour, get back in the studio and do one for the label and pop world. Why must every record be bigger than the last or more of the same? Why must every release match the so-called best record of the artist's career? Alansi never made a record that captured the magic of her breakthrough, but made some great records along the way. Kelly is on a nice journey and has a great voice. I like this record, not as much as Breakaway, but I like it. I am looking forward to hearing what she does next. I am sure that John Shanks or Max Martin or Glen Ballard or some hitmaker will get a nice pay day to write the hits that make the cash registers sing.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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.
    Read full review
  3. AllMusic
    60
    There are no hooks, nothing to suck in the many adults that liked Clarkson's first two records.
    Read full review
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