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. RichardR
    Jun 26, 2007
    6
    This album severely lacks hooks. Clive was right in saying the album lacks hits. However, its personal and unified and showcases Kelly the artist. Hopefully she'll grow with her next record but untill then, this won't be getting many spins from this huge Kelly fan
  2. 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
  3. jakeK
    Jul 2, 2007
    10
    My december is a strong overall album. Kelly's stunning vocals shine through all 14 tracks.
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. HospitalBryant
    Sep 9, 2017
    0
    A generic pop star trying to be a rock god? Still laughable after all these years.

    Honey, turning the guitars up to 11 won't make your album as rock as the rest.
  10. 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
  11. SusanA
    Jun 26, 2007
    0
    Horrible.
  12. joanem.
    Jul 1, 2007
    1
    Don't like it.
  13. josema
    Jun 26, 2007
    0
    this makes me sick...
  14. Lindaj
    Jun 29, 2007
    3
    Bought this album yesterday. Not impressed. There seems to be something missing. I expected more from Kelly.
  15. JoshK
    Jun 30, 2007
    2
    The only songs on the album worth listening to are Be Still and Irvine. The rest is crap. I wish she would realize that she is not the writer that she thinks she is and get some help next time. She has the chops, but come on, this is embarassing.
  16. CarolynM.
    Jun 30, 2007
    2
    Sounds like a 7th graders diary to me. Kelly really needs to figure out who she is. Pop one minute, wannabe Rocker Chick the next, and now thinking of Country? What's next?
  17. Lisa
    Jul 1, 2007
    1
    it sucked. i was very disappointed.
  18. MarieW
    Jul 1, 2007
    0
    This is not entertaining at all. Singing about yourself and what you want is great, but listeners want things that appeal to them as well. She is not producing a CD for herself so she should remember that. Seems the negative comments are definitely not being posted here.
  19. ChrisH
    Jul 5, 2007
    2
    Artists should grow, not decline. This is terrible; there is no growth, only deteriation. Save yourself the money and avoid it. Save yourself the time and do not download it. And save your ears and change the channel if it ever starts playing.
  20. Erica
    Jul 9, 2007
    5
    I have always been a huge fan of Kelly, but this album was a big dissapointment. In previous albums I have loved how I can relate to the songs and each song had different beat to groove to, but all the songs sounded the same here and I didn't find myself interested in the lyrics. Nevertheless, I like 2 of the songs (though in previous albums I have liked an average of all but 2 of I have always been a huge fan of Kelly, but this album was a big dissapointment. In previous albums I have loved how I can relate to the songs and each song had different beat to groove to, but all the songs sounded the same here and I didn't find myself interested in the lyrics. Nevertheless, I like 2 of the songs (though in previous albums I have liked an average of all but 2 of the songs), and her voice is strong and solid as always. Not complete trash, but I look forward to a hopefully improved next album.… Expand
  21. DonW
    Jun 29, 2007
    0
    Pretty bad with lots of shouting. Dark and gloomy. Just too revengeful and spiteful, yet also childish and immature. Basically a mess.
  22. Jan
    Jun 29, 2007
    1
    I tried to listen to it but they all sounded alike. I just wish she wouldn't scream. I miss the happy Kelly.
  23. SeymourB.
    Jun 29, 2007
    0
    Wow. What happened to you, Kel? You should have listened to Clive. He's going to be even more pissed that he has to send payola checks when he hates the album so much. He will punish you even more than he already has. That's what you get for calling him "dude." Jeez, Kelly, get your head out of your fat keister.
  24. Beckyl.
    Jun 29, 2007
    0
    Breakaway was enjoyable and fun!! But MD is full of tepid lyrics and over the top screaming! This album is full of unforgiveness and revenge.. my 14 and 12 yr old daughters say..let go of the grudge already Kelly..
  25. suezyW
    Jun 29, 2007
    0
    Sorry but I don't like the CD at all. The songs have no real melodies,hooks and the lyrics are just all over the place. I won't be buying it.
  26. ShullyA.
    Jul 1, 2007
    3
    Uneven and unfinished. Too long.
  27. AdamH
    Jul 1, 2007
    0
    Sorry, but it's just an awful CD. I wouldn't buy it.
  28. GingerJ.
    Jul 1, 2007
    4
    I liked a few songs on this CD but for the most part bleh.
  29. tammyp.
    Jul 9, 2007
    1
    Kelly has a great voice, she needs to stay more comtemporary and leave the writing of lyrics to someone else.
  30. JoeyM
    Aug 30, 2007
    4
    I am a huge fan of Kelly's previous work...but I'msorry...she took such a big risk by releasing this album....now she must pay the price its such a vengeful album...though i loved 'yeah' and 'one minute' there the only decent uplifting songs...the rest is a complete misery fest I'm sorry but what a complete letdown 2 breakaway.
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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.
    Read full review
  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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