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. NickyS
    Jun 28, 2007
    8
    This is Kelly's best album, by far, but the songs come off as a bit childish.
  2. HaleyGina
    Jun 28, 2007
    10
    I think this is Kelly's best album yet. I love all the songs, but my most favorite are Hole, Sober, How I Feel, Maybe, Chivas, Never Again, Yeah and Judas. Good for Kelly! I'm glad she fought the good fight.
  3. Aaron
    Jun 28, 2007
    10
    My December is an obvious transition from Breakaway. This is a true ALBUM, not just 8 songs packed in with 4 top ten hits. Each and every song on this album is a masterpiece; they all work together to tell a really heartbreaking story. For those who say there are no hits on this album, they are dead wrong. Never Again, the lead single for this album, has already become a top ten hit, My December is an obvious transition from Breakaway. This is a true ALBUM, not just 8 songs packed in with 4 top ten hits. Each and every song on this album is a masterpiece; they all work together to tell a really heartbreaking story. For those who say there are no hits on this album, they are dead wrong. Never Again, the lead single for this album, has already become a top ten hit, though admittedly not as catchy as Since You Been Gone; but this album has songs on it that I believe could be bigger hits than Since You Been Gone. One Minute could easily go no. 1 on the Hot 100 and become Kelly's biggest pop hit yet. Sober will probably become a top ten hit and reach the top of the Adult Contemporary charts. Maybe and Can I Have a Kiss could also become major hits for Kelly. This album is definitely worth purchasing and I can't wait to hear what else Ms. Clarkson has in store for us.… Expand
  4. KennyH.
    Jun 28, 2007
    10
    this is an amazing album! can't understand the bad reviews of some.. listen the album a couple times and you won't stop playing it anymore! I did!
  5. JasonS.
    Jun 28, 2007
    10
    This album is amazing! Kelly has one of the best voices of our time and people who do not think so are crazy! :)
  6. PerryR.
    Jun 28, 2007
    10
    Great album!!!!!
  7. MichaelA
    Jun 29, 2007
    10
    My December is Clarkson's best record to date. Although label execs worried over the lack of radio-friendly material, the album contains enough pop-rock to please Clarkson's old fans, and it also showcases her versatility to draw in new listeners. With raw acoustic ballads, powerful guitar-driven tracks, and both intimate and playful lyrics, My December brings a much-needed My December is Clarkson's best record to date. Although label execs worried over the lack of radio-friendly material, the album contains enough pop-rock to please Clarkson's old fans, and it also showcases her versatility to draw in new listeners. With raw acoustic ballads, powerful guitar-driven tracks, and both intimate and playful lyrics, My December brings a much-needed refreshment to music.… Expand
  8. DonnaG.
    Jun 29, 2007
    9
    So it's not a pop bubble gum, hooky, anthemy album. It's shows Kelly's range and willingness to take risks. We know that it's coming from a personal place not from a label's song list.
  9. ChantelJ.
    Jun 29, 2007
    1
    I loved Kelly's last CD but this one is just awful. It's jdown right depressing. I've listened to it a couple of times and I don't think I'll be listening anymore. I sure don't like this new direction she has taken. Please bring back the "real" Kelly.
  10. heywoodyablowme
    Jun 29, 2007
    9
    Good album
  11. DCh
    Jun 29, 2007
    10
    at last something fresh and true in this artificial poppy world!
  12. MichaelP.
    Jun 29, 2007
    9
    v good, but not as good as breakaway.
  13. KarmaBitess
    Jun 29, 2007
    0
    What a downer.... after all the great things that have happened to this chick in the last couple of years, all she can think about is "poor me"? Go to Uganda, Kelly, & find out what true misery is. This CD is a self-absorbed mess!
  14. LindaC.
    Jun 29, 2007
    3
    I thought that the lyrics were juvenile at best and the songs sounded more like a childs version of Jagged Little Pill, with Never Again trying to be like U Oughta Know - except it isn't near as good. Too bad, cause I liked Kelly, but now she just seems like a bitter person who can't get over a breakup.
  15. alfredom
    Jun 29, 2007
    4
    Her worst album. She has a fantastic voice, but the songs sucked!!!!!!!!!!!
  16. BonnieR.
    Jun 29, 2007
    1
    Hard to believe that someone who got everything she dreamed of could be so miserable. Listening to this dreck could ruin anyones day.
  17. nickc.
    Jun 30, 2007
    1
    Awful. Just awful. God I hate this woman. And to rip off a song title from Linkin Park of all people? Hahahaha! This record, like all adult-alternative--is good for a laugh, and that's about it.
  18. ClarkClark
    Jun 30, 2007
    1
    What was she thinking? This is not the Kelly I have loved since AI. Terrible!!
  19. MattD.
    Jul 10, 2007
    9
    Kelly was right, and Clive was wrong! This album has rock hooks, majestic ballads that give her voice room to emote, and even some fun in "How I Feel" and the power poppy "Can I Have a Kiss." The only song I didn't like was "Yeah."
  20. JBB.
    Jul 10, 2007
    10
    Kelly Clarkson is back, and better then ever. If you don't like Kelly Clarkson then you haven't listened with your sole. She is a personal as can get, and she will be here for a long long time! Kelly Clarkson RULES!
  21. BetsyD.
    Jul 1, 2007
    0
    Why did Kelly do this CD??? It's not good, at all. I'm very disappointed because I've been a huge Kelly fan but I'll pass on this CD. Sorry......
  22. Mary
    Jul 1, 2007
    3
    This album has a couple of good songs, but Never Again is not one of them. I think Kelly proved her point. Let's move on.
  23. qeemyphantom
    Jul 11, 2007
    10
    Best album ever from Kelly Clarkson.Breakaway is the best too but i think this album shows that Kelly is really versatile and have a variety in music.
  24. MMC
    Jul 11, 2007
    10
    This is a great CD. Very relatable to anyone who has had past realationships that were ambiguous and at a crossroads. Took a few listens be cause I was trying to hear Breakaway. Much growth. Who needs catchy hooks in every song. Tell me a story I can relate to and jam on with meaning. That's what Kelly has done. "Maybe" is a very well written. I think probably the best track.
  25. GraceC
    Jul 2, 2007
    0
    Terrible album. Such a let down from her last two. None of the songs have melodys or hooks. She sings mostly on one note, or back and forth between two notes, before jumping into medicore choruses. This is what happens when a good vocalist thinks she is capable of writing a pop hit, when its very apparent two tracks into the CD that people like Max Martin are the only reason she puts out hits.
  26. BigAl
    Jul 25, 2007
    10
    Clarkson wrote most if not all of this album herself, which is probably why some critics hate it; they would rather hear a second version of regurgitated "Breakaway" songs than watch Kelly grow as a legitimate artist. It doesn't matter to me how catchy the songs are. I listen to music to hear real emotions written by real musicians, not professional songwriters hired by Clive Davis. Clarkson wrote most if not all of this album herself, which is probably why some critics hate it; they would rather hear a second version of regurgitated "Breakaway" songs than watch Kelly grow as a legitimate artist. It doesn't matter to me how catchy the songs are. I listen to music to hear real emotions written by real musicians, not professional songwriters hired by Clive Davis. Leave that kind of music to the 'tweeners and let Kelly perform for the grown adults. I look forward to hearing more of her original material.… Expand
  27. JessicaM
    Jul 28, 2007
    8
    I have to admit that the songs on this CD aren't as catchy as the songs on her "Breakaway" album, but you can't expect an artist to just pull out hit albums from their butt all the time. With that said, I don't think that this album is in any way a failure either. I feel that Kelly made a more raw personal album with more emotion and a little more substance than some of the I have to admit that the songs on this CD aren't as catchy as the songs on her "Breakaway" album, but you can't expect an artist to just pull out hit albums from their butt all the time. With that said, I don't think that this album is in any way a failure either. I feel that Kelly made a more raw personal album with more emotion and a little more substance than some of the cookie cutter songs that she's done in her previous album. Also I feel bad that her record sales weren't as good as previous ones for whatever reason, and I hope she doesn't take it as a failure. Making an album isn't only about record sales...it's about the love of music and the passion of singing and expressing yourself. To me doing what you love is more important than just the sales.… Expand
  28. anonimousehatesyou
    Jul 4, 2007
    5
    At its best, this is a fairly neat little mash-up of Amy Lee and Alanis Morrisette. At its worst, it's almost unlistenable. Good for Clarkson to stand her ground and put out the kind of music she wanted to, but other than "Can I Have A Kiss" and "How I Feel" there's nothing that stands up to more than a few listens.
  29. LaurenceH.
    Jul 6, 2007
    7
    Not a fan of Clarkson's other work, I might say I am pretty thrilled with her latest outing. 'My December' may just look like your typical rock-chick screamout album, and I can understand some are seriously doubtful after the very bland 'Breakaway', but this one has a distinct truthfulness and edginess that raises it well-above the usual pop-crap album. I can now Not a fan of Clarkson's other work, I might say I am pretty thrilled with her latest outing. 'My December' may just look like your typical rock-chick screamout album, and I can understand some are seriously doubtful after the very bland 'Breakaway', but this one has a distinct truthfulness and edginess that raises it well-above the usual pop-crap album. I can now officially say Clarkson is now very far off from American Idol territory, and that talentless airhead Carrie Underwood & her lame ballads can crawl back under a rock after they hear 'Hole', 'Irvine' and 'Judas'.… Expand
  30. Tori
    Aug 1, 2007
    2
    I did like "Breakaway" but I still can't recognize her voice when I hear it. This CD is self-indulgent. I guess she figures she deserves it. Whatever.
  31. AngieB.
    Aug 3, 2007
    10
    I thoroughly enjoyed this CD and all of the songs on it. The first time I listened through it I wasn't impressed... but the more that I listen to it, the more real it is! She is showing her true heart and the lyrics in many of the songs have touched me to the core (especially Don't Waste Your Time and Maybe!). Love it, Kelly!
  32. RobertF.
    Sep 13, 2007
    10
    I have to admit I was a bit weary of this album due to the controversy surrounding it. That being said I love this album. The change in musical direction is obvious although not a complete 180. This album is one of the best this year. The songs are deep, personal and reflect Kelly at the crossroads in her life/career she is at and allows us to glimpse a little more of Kelly as a person I have to admit I was a bit weary of this album due to the controversy surrounding it. That being said I love this album. The change in musical direction is obvious although not a complete 180. This album is one of the best this year. The songs are deep, personal and reflect Kelly at the crossroads in her life/career she is at and allows us to glimpse a little more of Kelly as a person and artist. Her voice is undeniably powerful and it also makes these songs stand out. Songs like One Minute/Judas and Don't Waste Your Time are reminiscent if not a progression from Since You Been Gone and Behind These Hazel Eyes. Sober is a powerful ballad that is sung to perfection. Other standouts are the funky Yeah, The haunting Be Still. At the end of the day Kelly is a great song writer. If you were expecting this to be another Breakaway you may be shocked. This is less pop and more Kelly. Her passion and emotion is so evident in her songs. She is honest and true to her self and her music. This album is a shining jem in the over produced music world we are living in at the moment. This album will carry Kelly to new heights that nobody may ever have expected!! This album deserves huge success.… Expand
  33. A.T
    Sep 2, 2007
    10
    I think this album is really a piece of art, i mean it's really a wonderful parade of emotions and depth, people just think that music is all about hits and fun things like " oh i like you boy i want you mine " or crap like that they forget that music is also a way of dealing with serious issues and this album is really great, i mean Kelly Clarkson has the most I think this album is really a piece of art, i mean it's really a wonderful parade of emotions and depth, people just think that music is all about hits and fun things like " oh i like you boy i want you mine " or crap like that they forget that music is also a way of dealing with serious issues and this album is really great, i mean Kelly Clarkson has the most wonderful/powerful/deep voice I've ever listened to! this girl is gifted and she's the best! keep on the good work I'm glad that we have someone like you who knows what's life and not like all the bimbo celebrities! i really love her ! you're an idol for everyone!your kindness and your smile! how you're so down to earth and how beautiful you are!you're a the one to look up to!… Expand
  34. KenyZ
    Aug 8, 2008
    10
    This album is not amazing... it is amaz-zing.
  35. Ameliaw
    Feb 10, 2009
    10
    Wonderful album! Since when is an album a joke because it has meaningful lyrics? You go Kelly! We love you!
  36. CarlosD
    Jun 26, 2007
    9
    a KICK-ASS album by kelly, this is an ALBUM not just songs by different producers on a cd like her previous efforts, here she writes on EVERY song. The songs are great, maybe 1 or 2 that really do not work, but overall they are excellent, she shows great range. I praise her for actually being an artist, meaning that she just doesn't wait for the songs to be written for her, she goes a KICK-ASS album by kelly, this is an ALBUM not just songs by different producers on a cd like her previous efforts, here she writes on EVERY song. The songs are great, maybe 1 or 2 that really do not work, but overall they are excellent, she shows great range. I praise her for actually being an artist, meaning that she just doesn't wait for the songs to be written for her, she goes and makes her OWN music. My highligts for the cd are: Never Again, Irvine, Maybe, Can I have a kiss, Haunted, Sober and One Minute. Yes, its not anywhere near as catchy as "Since you've been gone" but what is?… Expand
  37. Jr.F.
    Jun 26, 2007
    8
    The album is bursting with artistic growth, and even though, yes, the lyrics at times are juvenile there are occasional bursts of real maturity that suggest the things to come from Clarkson in the future ("I could crash and burn, but maybe, at the end of this road I might catch a glimpse of me"). This is most evident on the extremely affecting tracks "Sober" and "Irvine", two of the The album is bursting with artistic growth, and even though, yes, the lyrics at times are juvenile there are occasional bursts of real maturity that suggest the things to come from Clarkson in the future ("I could crash and burn, but maybe, at the end of this road I might catch a glimpse of me"). This is most evident on the extremely affecting tracks "Sober" and "Irvine", two of the album's best. There are one or two not-so-appealing songs, but for the most part it is a great record. Clarkson's voice is at times overly shrieky ("Haunted"), but it is also her voice that drives the record. From the bluesy calmess of "Be Still" to the soulful funk of "Yeah", and the agressiveness of "Never Again" to the fun confidence of "How I Feel", it's her voice that keeps you listening. This is not to say the band is unsatisfying, because this is the best group Clarkson has ever had backing her, they had even more to the blistering excitement of the rock tracks. No, there aren't a lot of obvious hooks as "Since U Been Gone", but this music is better- better than the formulaic pop of Breakaway. This is Kelly Clarkson the artist, not Kelly Clarkson the pop tart.… Expand
  38. jasong
    Jun 26, 2007
    0
    Belly made one hell of a dud album.
  39. caladoniak.
    Jun 26, 2007
    10
    Good stuff. This album really demonstrates her growth as an artist.
  40. katym.
    Jun 26, 2007
    10
    This is an amazing album. Kelly goes in a different direction but it pays off, her voice is spot on!
  41. Tony
    Jun 27, 2007
    9
    A great album! Better than Thankful but not as good as Breakaway!
  42. DanielS.
    Jun 27, 2007
    10
    Kelly Clarkson will eventually be considered one of the best females singers-songwriters of all time. This album shows her weight as an artist and I am truly surprised. Just like the first time I heard Radiohead's Ok Computer I know this is the album that will defined her career. "Irvin" is just a masterpiece.
  43. ChrisW.
    Jun 27, 2007
    2
    Dear Kelly, Please stop screaming on your records! What are you so angry about?
  44. EliseS.
    Jun 27, 2007
    10
    A fabulous album from a fabulous performer. Highlight's include hidden track "Chivas," "Maybe" "Can I Have a Kiss," and "Sober."
  45. craigm
    Jun 27, 2007
    9
    This album wont be her most popular album but It is in fact her best. Kelly the singer has gone, we now have an artist. The hook factor is cut in half but the material is still solid. Whereas her last cd was merely a haphazard collection of songs, this album is very cohesive and has virtually no filler. I hope it sells because this album should most definitely be heard.
  46. 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.
  47. 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.
  48. 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."
  49. 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
  50. 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.
  51. kelly
    Jun 28, 2007
    10
    amazing cd, best i'be heard in a while
  52. davim.
    Jun 28, 2007
    10
    soooooo good! kelly rocks..she is the best
  53. SandraM
    Jun 28, 2007
    1
    Horrible disappointment. Kelly is known for her catchy melodies and great hooks, and for music that is simply fun - fun to dance to and to sing along to. This CD has none of that. There are no good melodies, no catchy choruses and no fun factor. This is like reading the diary of a bitter 13 y/o after her boyfriend broke up with her, set to bad (not to mention boring) background music. Not Horrible disappointment. Kelly is known for her catchy melodies and great hooks, and for music that is simply fun - fun to dance to and to sing along to. This CD has none of that. There are no good melodies, no catchy choruses and no fun factor. This is like reading the diary of a bitter 13 y/o after her boyfriend broke up with her, set to bad (not to mention boring) background music. Not even Kelly's voice can save these crappy songs.… Expand
  54. stevenn.
    Jun 28, 2007
    10
    this album is amazing! perfect from beginning to end!
  55. 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
  56. 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
  57. Sue
    Jun 28, 2007
    1
    I lke Kelly, but I won't be buying this CD. The songs seriously lack any real melody, and have no hook. The lyrics are just awful. It's a dreary CD full of nothing but he done me wrong songs.
  58. PhatG.
    Jun 28, 2007
    5
    Screaming.
  59. PatQ.
    Jun 28, 2007
    3
    I enjoy Kelly's voice when she's not screaming and liked her first two CD's for the most part. This one, not so much. I found the lyrics crude and boring at the same time and too much screaming in place of real emotion. When she emotes in the quieter moments, I really enjoy it. But, not, I will not be buying this CD.
  60. RickC.
    Jun 28, 2007
    1
    After listening to this album for two days, I have to say that I agree with Clive Davis. I still don't get what she is trying to say, it is all over the place. I don't see any hit singles coming off this album. Still looking forward to the next one.
  61. 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
  62. 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.
  63. 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!
  64. aggiep.
    Jun 29, 2007
    10
    Best of her 3 albums so far.
  65. KrissyR
    Jun 29, 2007
    10
    Love It.Love Kelly
  66. RickS
    Jun 29, 2007
    0
    Easily the best candidate for the worst cd of the year. There's nothing fun or interesting in listening to this cd. Sad juvenile, repetitive lyrics and songs with no real melodies or hook just bring the listener down. I couldn't wait till the end of the cd and I'll never listen to it again. It went in my circular file.
  67. 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.
  68. CathalW.
    Jul 14, 2007
    8
    Excellent change in direction. Sober is AMAZING.
  69. 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
  70. 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
  71. WML
    Jul 23, 2007
    10
    Songs full of emotion written by the Artist herself is a selling point all on its own.
  72. 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
  73. 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
  74. 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!
  75. 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
  76. 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
  77. marchighman
    Sep 22, 2017
    0
    The fact that Kelly Clarkson deemed this as an experimental record proves that she is really a pop-punk poseur, just like her fellow contemporary Avril Lavigne. Kelly really fought Clive Davis over this?
  78. commorancy
    Nov 3, 2021
    3
    Clearly, this isn't one of Kelly's better efforts. From what I'd read up to this point in her musical career, Kelly had been disenchanted by her own involvement in the creation of the musical material, particularly in the handling of her first album. As of her second album, Breakaway, aptly titled, she had "broken away" from that R&B sound that drove her first album. You know, we all haveClearly, this isn't one of Kelly's better efforts. From what I'd read up to this point in her musical career, Kelly had been disenchanted by her own involvement in the creation of the musical material, particularly in the handling of her first album. As of her second album, Breakaway, aptly titled, she had "broken away" from that R&B sound that drove her first album. You know, we all have to take baby steps. Yet, it seems she still wasn't happy with the final product of the second album in terms of her own contributions. Taking Breakaway's lead, this led into her third, more self-indulgent 'My December' album.

    While Kelly may have had more artistic freedom to create what SHE wanted, the final product is overall underwhelming and average. This is what happens when you let a vocalist, who isn't yet a songwriter, attempt to drive a commercial music product.

    The problem? My December ends up far too grunge and garage band for her vocal style. Her voice is fairly malleable in terms of most genres, but only to a point. It's clear, Kelly is way out of her element here. It also seems Kelly may have been attempting an Alanis Morrissette 'Jagged Little Pill' type musical maneuver. It might have even worked had she enlisted Glen Ballard. Instead, she enlisted David Kahne, Jason Halbert and Jimmy Messer. These three were also clearly out of their element in terms of songwriting.

    The songs are, at best, average to below average. There's nothing outstanding here. Kelly's vocals are spot on as usual, but the songs themselves don't congeal into solid, well written and, most importantly, listenable material. As other reviewers have pointed out, the songs also lack solid hooks, but that's only part of the problem with these songs. The production is mostly fine, but nothing special... with the exception of the guitar's sonics.

    Clive was correct, this was the wrong product at the wrong time. Kelly should have shelved this release. Then, pulled one or two songs from this project and released them as bonus tracks on a more radio friendly release. No, this album is not at all radio friendly. The song 'Hole' basically sums up the entire album... with its discordant melodies, 70s sounding crunchy rock guitar and crash cymbal driven drums. Further, the guitars over the entire album are sonically problematic. The guitars simply don't sound professional nor does the sound work most of the time.

    If the album had produced even one song similar to Alanis's 'You Oughta Know' or 'Ironic', the album might have been better received. It's fine to be self-indulgent and personal in songwriting, but not to the point of damaging the final product. If anything, My December proves that both melody and hook still matter in music... meaning... when it's absent, such as on My December, it's quite noticeable.    … Expand
  79. 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
  80. 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

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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