Meaning of Life
by Kelly Clarkson
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Oct 27, 2017
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
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  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Oct 26, 2017
    83
    As cohesive and self-assured as this collection feels, Meaning doesn’t seem especially interested in scaling the heights of early smashes like “Since U Been Gone” or “Because of You.” Instead, it swings low and sweet--a refreshingly real dispatch from an artist expressing exactly what she feels in this moment, and nothing less.
  2. The Observer (UK)
    Oct 30, 2017
    80
    Go High closes the album on a surprisingly experimental note. The big, syrupy ballads, meanwhile, accentuate Clarkson’s undeniably powerful voice, creating a comfort zone that feels genuine.
  3. AllMusic
    Oct 27, 2017
    80
    Meaning of Life is one of her most satisfying albums: it feels like not just a collection of good tunes, but a statement of purpose.
  5. Boston Globe
    Oct 26, 2017
    80
    Meaning of Life has few weak links, unfolding instead as an album-long emancipation for one of our best female vocalists, released from pesky contractual obligations and channeling her delight at that newfound freedom into songs that, while signaling a new stage in her career, appear to flow directly from both heart and soul.
  6. Slant Magazine
    Oct 26, 2017
    70
    Meaning of Life doesn't reinvent the genre, nor does it try to, but it portrays an artist continuing to redefine herself—in the process, solidifying her position as one of her generation's greatest singers.

Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Most Discussed Album of 2017
77
#77 Most Shared Album of 2017

User Reviews

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User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 215 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 160 out of 215
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 215
  3. Negative: 47 out of 215
  1. ChristgauWannab
    Nov 20, 2017
    0
    The album itself is appropriately titled, if one considers the meaning of life to refer to stealing and appropriating black music. FormThe album itself is appropriately titled, if one considers the meaning of life to refer to stealing and appropriating black music. Form hearing Kelly enunciate the chorus of "Love So Soft" like she's Rihanna to using Michelle Obama's quote in "Go High," it's interesting to see her act like a half-assed caricature of a black woman. Yet at the same time, she couldn't care less about civil rights issues pertaining to African Americans, as she vies to be the prime R&B star for Trump's America.

    During a time when urban music is especially more creative, with artists like Kendrick Lamar, Frank Ocean, SZA, Solange Knowles, et al. releasing compelling records, Kelly Clarkson instead mixes Breakaway and Piece By Piece into a blender and then adding R&B beats to it to sound innovative. That proves that when it comes to her essence (or lack thereof), little has changed from her American Idol machine days. A change in record label company won't change that sentiment.    … Full Review »
  2. javimm3
    Oct 27, 2017
    10
    Kelly Clarkson's voice sounds better than ever. This is an album full of life and power. No doubt Kelly and Atlantic records have given us oneKelly Clarkson's voice sounds better than ever. This is an album full of life and power. No doubt Kelly and Atlantic records have given us one of the records of the year. Ready for Gammy's 2018?… Full Review »
  3. BlackBambino
    Feb 4, 2019
    0
    How anyone can still support Kelly Clarkson even after she admits to physically assaulting her own children is beyond me.
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