After this disappointingly safe Heartbeat Song, Kelly Clarkson brings her A-game on new single Invincible. Co-written by Sia, "Invincible" sounds like classic Sia as well as a heavier yet more upbeat Already Gone.
Starting off with strings and piano, Invincible sets up its power ballad framework from the very beginning unlike other Kelly songs like Catch My Breath. Lyrically, it's not classic Clarkson but the new one. It's not a break-up anthem ala Stronger or Since U Been Gone, it's much more like older brother Heartbeat Song with lyrics discussing strength found in love (hence Invincible). Drums come crashing down in the chorus, with the strings taking on Coldplay style riffs. For the second verse, a chori can be heard backing up Clarkson's soaring voice. The bridge brings in some solid C5 belts and noticeably changed F5. This belt was placed closer to Clarkson's nasal cavity to sustain the note and vibrato, as opposed to the openness one would expect from her upper belts in the past. However, Clarkson can't disappoint her audience, so she throws in some glorious C6 falsettos to make the final chorus massive.
It's clear why Invincible was saved for a later release, as it is a darker sound for Clarkson. If this is a sign for where Piece By Piece is taking her, expect a My December / Stronger hybrid. Overall the song is still ever-so-slightly safe, lyrically it does seem like a Sia leftover as opposed to one of her stronger songwriting jobs. That being said, Kelly sells it with her phrasing and power she makes you believe the lyrics, she sounds fierce, and blows recent empowerment anthems like Roar out of the water. It's a beautiful track overall, the live performances of this monster will hopefully be just as incredible. If her album maintains this quality, she'll be in good standing.
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Overall: 8/10