Piece by Piece
by Kelly Clarkson
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Mar 3, 2015
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
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  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." Makes Vanilla Ice look honest and original.
  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 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"    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 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 ...    … Expand
  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. 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. SoLet 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.… Expand
  4. Nicoswift
    Mar 4, 2015
    5
    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. 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. SoLet 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.… Expand
  5. DUI_
    Mar 14, 2015
    0
    This is her worst album... I really don't know how people can apreciatted this one. Kelly Clarkson can do so many things better cause she has power to do everything, but this? Really? I pass...
  6. screambluemurde
    Mar 3, 2015
    4
    I'm a really huge fan of Kelly, but I hate to admit that this is her worst record to date. Her voice is in perfect form but the songs are forgettable. There are too many ballads. The only highlight is Heartbeat Song.
  7. Dennonyx
    Mar 3, 2015
    9
    The best adjective to describe this album is FRESH. You can hear in it all the powerful and shining Clarkson's vocal expression, enriched by every personal touch given by several great artists (John Legend, Sia, Matthew Coma etc...) and by a fantastic orchestral atmosphere. While the opening single may sound sometimes a bit insistent with its “up-up-up-up all night long”, most of the albumThe best adjective to describe this album is FRESH. You can hear in it all the powerful and shining Clarkson's vocal expression, enriched by every personal touch given by several great artists (John Legend, Sia, Matthew Coma etc...) and by a fantastic orchestral atmosphere. While the opening single may sound sometimes a bit insistent with its “up-up-up-up all night long”, most of the album shows an incredible, essential sincerity. The only question that springs from me is whether the presence of so many different artists might have spread the primary expression of the artist, but the whole album still retains a distinctive spirit of who bears his name.

    'Invincible' and 'Let Your Tears Fall' are my favorites, even if there aren't really better or worse song in the album.

    Multiply the quality of 'PRISM' replacing Katy Perry's voice with a real one.
    Here you are 'Piece By Piece'.    … Expand
  8. handstokindness
    Oct 23, 2015
    7
    She's a very good singer and that means that her album is good, a lot of tracks are good hahaahahahahahahaahahahahahahahahahahahahaahahahahahahaahahahahaahahahahaahahahaahahahaahahahaahahahaahahahaahahaahahaahahahaahahahahaahaahahahaahahahaahahahaahaha lol
  9. MuriloMarcatto
    Oct 17, 2015
    8
    From the catchy "Heartbeat Song", walking through the amazing lyrics of "Piece by Piece" and "I Had a Dream", untill the beats of "War Paint", and the 80's/90's vibe in "Dance With Me" and "Nostalgic", Kelly show us that she still knows to make good music. The delicious balad, "Someone", and the predictable "Invincible" - this one which amazing lyrics by Sia - count on Kelly's powerfullFrom the catchy "Heartbeat Song", walking through the amazing lyrics of "Piece by Piece" and "I Had a Dream", untill the beats of "War Paint", and the 80's/90's vibe in "Dance With Me" and "Nostalgic", Kelly show us that she still knows to make good music. The delicious balad, "Someone", and the predictable "Invincible" - this one which amazing lyrics by Sia - count on Kelly's powerfull and incredible vocals.
    My deepest feelings for "Good Goes The Bye" - I don't think this one has potential to become single, but I'm so addicted to this one since the album release. I loved the lyrics, the beats and the way Kelly leads the melody.
    When it comes to the piano ballads, I really expected more from "Run Run Run" and "Tightrope". As the different and full of effects "Take You High", and the awkward "Second Wind", I would remove them from the album.
    So, as a brazilian huge fan of Kelly, since 2003, I have to admit: she can do albuns way better than this one. "Piece" is miles away from "Stronger", "All I Ever Wanted" and "Breakaway", for instance, but Kelly's voice and talent keep showing people why she became one of the biggest singers of our generation. In the end, I'm waiting for at least one more single ("I Had A Dream", "Good Goes" or "Nostalgic")!!!    … Expand
  10. SoundOfAMan
    Mar 8, 2015
    0
    I really did'nt like this... You know, Kelly is amazing, but... What the f*ck, honey? Where is your potential? Where is your creative mind and power? C'mon...
  11. Sam123
    Mar 3, 2015
    6
    This is a stale CD that comes across as so junior high. The only really memorable song is "Run Run Run." Honestly, I think a better name for this album would have been "Weaker." ;)
  12. MichaelDN
    Mar 3, 2015
    8
    Kelly's vocals are strong here, and the songs are solid. A couple of them go beyond that. I'd say the title song is one of her best ever. This is some light, enjoyable pop, with a few stronger emotional songs. There are some really good hooks on this album as well. It's well worth the listen. I'd say it holds up with her last two original albums, All I Ever Wanted and Stronger. It's aboutKelly's vocals are strong here, and the songs are solid. A couple of them go beyond that. I'd say the title song is one of her best ever. This is some light, enjoyable pop, with a few stronger emotional songs. There are some really good hooks on this album as well. It's well worth the listen. I'd say it holds up with her last two original albums, All I Ever Wanted and Stronger. It's about on that same level.… Expand
  13. DadoCro
    Mar 3, 2015
    10
    One of the pop albums released this year. Kelly worked very hard on this record and she deserves a high scores for it. Highlights: whole album sans Heartbeat Song.
  14. NandaKC
    Mar 4, 2015
    10
    light hearted and powerfull, can't find anything to complain about this album! Amazing voice, amazing lyrics, amazing album! The hormones worked great during the record of this album, soul full and solid
  15. lennah
    Mar 3, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. When I heard 'Heartbeat Song', I was disappointed, but the whole album is kinda amazing! Her vocals are soooooo good! Run Run Run is amazing too, John's vocals sounds so great with Kelly's.… Expand
  16. j1train
    Mar 3, 2015
    8
    She has never made a bad album. She's also never made a great one. But this is her strongest, most mature pop record yet with a more cohesive sound and fewer flops. Like all of them though -- save 'My December' -- the album takes few risks.

    Part of the problem is that she only co-writes three main tracks, leaving the rest of the album to writers obsessed with perfect pop songs. Her own    She has never made a bad album. She's also never made a great one. But this is her strongest, most mature pop record yet with a more cohesive sound and fewer flops. Like all of them though -- save 'My December' -- the album takes few risks.

    Part of the problem is that she only co-writes three main tracks, leaving the rest of the album to writers obsessed with perfect pop songs. Her own writing elicits more honest performances and lyrics. If the self-penned title track is a sign of things to come, then let's hope she drops the arena-anthem hitmakers.

    Her voice has never been the problem. Why her team feel the need to produce each track to a full-bodied aggression that matches and sometimes overpowers her vocals is beyond me. Break some of these tracks down to simpler productions and they might have greater impact.    … Expand
  17. KTX05
    Mar 4, 2015
    6
    What's been bugging me about all of the reviews for this album is that they're so focused on comparing Kelly to other artists. Kelly has, in my opinion, a voice that should be considered one of the all-time greats; she can belt (and out-belt) with the best and she truly -feels- her music.

    That being said, Kelly isn't really an 'artist', per say. "All I Ever Wanted" and "Stronger" felt    What's been bugging me about all of the reviews for this album is that they're so focused on comparing Kelly to other artists. Kelly has, in my opinion, a voice that should be considered one of the all-time greats; she can belt (and out-belt) with the best and she truly -feels- her music.

    That being said, Kelly isn't really an 'artist', per say. "All I Ever Wanted" and "Stronger" felt more like a 'best of' compilation off a season of Idol than actual albums, not to say that there weren't great moment on both of them.

    This fact is what makes "Piece by Piece" so exciting to me. It sounds like Kelly isn't just moving her sound forward, but actually making a cohesive album in the process; all of these songs belong together. Not only that, but Kelly's also making some great leaps forward in 'artistry' as well.

    "Take You High" sound like nothing she's recorded before and for the first time in awhile it sounds like she's trend-setting instead of trend-chasing. The song is a true album and career high. Then right after that comes "Piece by Piece," a track that feels like one of the most genuine moments Kelly's ever record. A few lyrical stumbles here and there, but for the most part the track rings true...and her voice is phenomenal.

    But with all the highs come a few lows: "Run Run Run" is beautifully sung, but a bit sleepy, "I Had a Dream" is a tad too self-important and not quite catchy enough, and "Dance With Me" is a lot of fun, but runs a little long.

    All that being said, though, this is one of Kelly's stronger efforts. "Invincible" and "Someone" could make for great singles, and every track assisted by Sia is, as excepted, strong and well delivered. This isn't Kelly's manifesto (that might have been "Breakaway"...might be an album yet to come) but it shows a performer slowly becoming an artist.    … Expand
  18. spongeswift
    Nov 21, 2017
    6
    Piece By Piece ends up being a below average pop album. Most of the songs were just plastered onto the album with no catchy beats or meaningful lyrics whatsoever, and the only thing keeping me from giving this album an even worse review was the song Piece By Piece. That song was a 10/10 masterpiece. You can just feel the moments conveyed by the song. But sadly the rest of the album is meh.Piece By Piece ends up being a below average pop album. Most of the songs were just plastered onto the album with no catchy beats or meaningful lyrics whatsoever, and the only thing keeping me from giving this album an even worse review was the song Piece By Piece. That song was a 10/10 masterpiece. You can just feel the moments conveyed by the song. But sadly the rest of the album is meh. Not as good as it could have been.… Expand
  19. SoLonely
    Aug 7, 2015
    9
    It's not her best album, but it is still pretty good. The production helps aid in the cinematic style. It does have a good amount of midtempos. I think it just establishes a slower, more somber feel, not drag the album down. The deluxe edition has three good tracks that really pick it up if needed. 8.5/10 as a whole.
    Also the Title Track, Piece by Piece, is just so amazing. It is so    It's not her best album, but it is still pretty good. The production helps aid in the cinematic style. It does have a good amount of midtempos. I think it just establishes a slower, more somber feel, not drag the album down. The deluxe edition has three good tracks that really pick it up if needed. 8.5/10 as a whole.
    Also the Title Track, Piece by Piece, is just so amazing. It is so emotional. The harmonies are great, the production is solid, and the lyrics are honest and powerful. Pop artists don't make music this amazing. 10/10 track.    … Expand
  20. CantUseEmoji
    Dec 11, 2015
    8
    The album is good. Shows some growth in song writing, and she isn't afraid to try something new. But, the biggest complaint I have is the structure. Individually, the songs are fine, but they put too many slow songs after each other. Listen to this on shuffle, it will be more enjoyable.
  21. marin_and
    Dec 1, 2017
    10
    A quite interesting collection of songs, some quite surprising and a bit risky for Kelly but those are the ones where Kelly's big voice shines and pierces through.
  22. pauldiam
    Jun 24, 2018
    8
    This is one of Kelly's poppiest records. It's nice listening to this album because most of the tracks are mainstream and radio-friendly without deep meanings.

    I like this side of Kelly, although we can't deny it lacks the energy and inspiration of her previous efforts. The deluxe edition includes strong tracks so it's worth checking it out.
  23. migueleonef
    Jan 16, 2020
    9
    Após anos ouvir este álbum, me surpreendo pela nota amarela dos usuários. o álbum serve um pop puro e cativante, diferente de tudo o que Kelly já fez em sua carreira. Destaque para a música "Piece By Piece" que sucede a história de "Because Of You" smash hit na voz de Kelly Clarkson.
  24. someonewhocares
    Aug 25, 2022
    4
    Heartbeat Songs is really the only standout track on this album for me. Piece By Piece could've easily been her best ever album but most of the other songs sound like recycled electropop fillers or just simply are bland and quite stiff in its production and sometimes in Kelly's vocal performance.

Awards & Rankings

46
#46 Most Discussed Album of 2015

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. NOW Magazine
    Mar 5, 2015
    60
    Take You High, Dance With Me and Nostalgic find her ceding the floor to a few grating drops, builds and chopped-up vocal samples as well as some trendy 80s synth rhythms. Those diversions aside, this is another Kelly Clarkson album that's all about maximizing her big steamroller of a voice.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
  3. The A.V. Club
    Mar 3, 2015
    50
    Piece By Piece sounds energized during these looser moments; it’s hard to shake the feeling the album would’ve been far better had it taken a few more risks.
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