Piece by Piece
by Kelly Clarkson
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Mar 3, 2015
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
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  1. The Observer (UK)
    Mar 2, 2015
    80
    Only the didactic, Jessie J-esque I Had a Dream mars an album loaded with laser-guided, heartfelt pop.
  2. Boston Globe
    Mar 3, 2015
    70
    Clarkson can, of course, sell all of this and sounds great doing it. But the cumulative effect of all that bigness can be wearing by album’s end.
  3. Billboard.com
    Mar 2, 2015
    70
    When Clarkson forges a real emotional connection--like on the raw, personal title track, another standout vocal showcase--the album transcends the hammier, more hackneyed moments in between.
  5. PopMatters
    Mar 2, 2015
    70
    Each time she’s up to bat on Piece By Piece, she gets on base, sometimes even knocking it out of the park.

Awards & Rankings

46
#46 Most Discussed Album of 2015

User Reviews

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User Score
5.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 160 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 84 out of 160
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 160
  3. Negative: 56 out of 160
  1. HospitalBryant
    Sep 9, 2017
    0
    I cannot believe Jimmy Eat World didn't sue Kelly Clarkson after Kelly blatantly ripped off "The Middle" in her song "Heartbeat Song." MakesI cannot believe Jimmy Eat World didn't sue Kelly Clarkson after Kelly blatantly ripped off "The Middle" in her song "Heartbeat Song." Makes Vanilla Ice look honest and original.… Full Review »
  2. thaleslucas
    Mar 8, 2015
    4
    First, I don't hate Clarkson or anything like that. She's a great artist and singer, but there is time on this album that makes it very boringFirst, I don't hate Clarkson or anything like that. She's a great artist and singer, but there is time on this album that makes it very boring and not very dynamic. Honestly, this album has many weaknesses to be considered better than previous Kelly or their evolution ...

    The album starts with all potential with songs like "Heartbeat Song", "Someone", "Take You High" and "Run, Run, Run" - with the amazing John Legend - all standing out in a unique way. But from "I Had a Dream" everything is repetitive, as if I was playing the same music from the middle to the end of the album.

    It's undeniable that the compositions of Kelly, and the others that have helped the album, become more welcoming to hear, but still didn't show much evolution from "Stronger".

    Oh, of course! I cannot forget that "Dance With Me," "Tightrope" and "Bad Reputation" are great tracks that reduce the pressure to be hearing the same thing. They gave a more fun and special tone to the album.

    Anyway, that's it ...    … Full Review »
  3. longjetty7
    Mar 4, 2015
    4
    Let me preface this by saying that I'm not a hater at all. I've seen Kelly live and her voice is just as amazing now as it was then. ThatLet me preface this by saying that I'm not a hater at all. I've seen Kelly live and her voice is just as amazing now as it was then. That being said, this album is painfully bland. At least half the songs have the same I V vi IV chord progression, the production is pretty uniform throughout, and her lyrics are just as happy and dull as you'd expect from someone who just had a baby. So basically, you'll either love it all or hate it all. To be fair, there's nothing here that's downright bad, per se, but there's also nothing edgy or creative (except the vocal sampling in Take You High, perhaps), and an hour of songs that sound like countless others you've heard before is just tiresome.… Full Review »
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