Meaning of Life
by Kelly Clarkson
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Oct 27, 2017
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
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  1. DCMusicFan
    Oct 3, 2018
    0
    This sad attempt at soul music, made by a warbler from the middle of nowhere, never received support from the R&B/Hip-Hop radio stations here in Washington, DC. And she still won't. Because people know that this is BS.
  2. EzekielLewisCEO
    Oct 31, 2018
    0
    Never patronize music made from a racist and anti-Semitic person. She supported racist and anti-Semitic Ron Paul back in late 2011, remember? Even worse, her album sales went up because of that. Racism isn't cool, okay?
  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.
  4. 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. 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 civilThe 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.    … Expand
  5. desantis34
    Oct 20, 2018
    0
    Kelly Clarkson has once again released a generic flyover-pop album. The only thing missing are the mullets.

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. Spin
    Nov 8, 2017
    50
    There are light nods to the times—single “Love So Soft” lightly updates Thankful’s Christina Aguilera-penned “Miss Independent” and Breakaway’s “Walk Away” with a half-time chorus, and tracks like “Didn’t I” and “Heat” recalls Adele’s collaborations with Max Martin. But the rest is stubbornly old-fashioned: sloughing off the flakiness of the millennial male while extolling the virtues of taking it slow and pushing for commitment.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
  3. Los Angeles Times
    Oct 27, 2017
    50
    Yet for an album that promises revelation, Meaning of Life is full of generalities.
    Read full review
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