5 Of The Best Kelly Clarkson Songs That Fans Love Most

An “American Idol” and Grammy winner with her own talk show? We must be talking about the one and only Kelly Clarkson — a pop star who has undoubtedly made a significant impact on the entertainment industry. From her humble beginnings in Texas to achieving commercial success with hit songs such as “Behind These Hazel Eyes,” Clarkson has proven her talent and versatility as a singer over and over again. And the success doesn’t stop there! In 2019, the entertainer even got her own talk show, “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” where her infectious personality entertains millions of households weekly. Her ability to connect with her fans personally is a testament to her authenticity and down-to-earth nature. That’s why StudyFinds has compiled a list of the best Kelly Clarkson songs that are a must-listen for any music fan.

Clarkson is multi-talented, and her music speaks to so many it seems like there is a Kelly song for almost every emotion you’re feeling. Mad at your dad? “Because of You.” Feeling ready for a change? “Breakaway.” But what about the inconsolable heartache? According to a recent study, where people were surveyed on what songs they listen to following a breakup, people had a wide array of answers, including Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone.”

Music not only has the ability to empower us, it can also help relieve stress. A recent study from the University of Vienna found listening to music greatly improved mood, adding to evidence that our favorite tunes are a great antidote for anxiety. Music can serve as a powerful tool for managing stress and promoting overall well-being. 

With all that being said, it’s time we take a trip down memory lane with the most popular Kelly Clarkson songs. Thanks to the recommendations of ten music critics, we have put together a list of the best Clarkson songs to listen to today. Don’t agree with our list? No worries! We would love to hear from you in the comments below! Now, onto that list. 

Best Kelly Clarkson Songs to Listen to Next

1. “Since U Been Gone” (2004)

The time Kelly Clarkson decided at like 6 AM to hit the high note in Since U Been Gone for the first time in 10 years… pic.twitter.com/y7za5oL601

— Zoe🍷💔☀️ (@ClearClarkson) September 27, 2023

We can’t stop singing it, you can’t stop singing it, probably the cast of “Pitch Perfect” can’t stop singing it. “Since U Been Gone” may not be the song that made Kelly Clarkson a star, but it did make her an icon in her own right. BuzzFeed describes it as an “infectious anthem” with a “now-iconic guitar riff” ad “sky-high choruses.” 

“Since U Been Gone” is the first song that jumps to mind when most people think of the pop superstar. It wasn’t her first hit but gave us a true introduction to what she can do. Surprisingly, the song was rejected by both Pink and Hilary Duff before Clarkson made it a classic. WatchMojo points out that it reached number one on both the Pop 100 and the Mainstream Top 40 Billboard charts, which is not surprising.

The song showcases Clarkson’s powerhouse vocals and energy. The 2004 pop-rock anthem tells the story of a person realizing their independence after a difficult breakup.

2. “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” (2011)

Next up on our ranking goes to “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You),” the title track of Kelly’s fifth studio album. The popular song became an anthem for anyone who’s ever been put down and the lyrics about overcoming adversity speaks to many people. WatchMojo even goes as far to say that the hit turned Friedrich Nietzsche’s philosophical thoughts into a pop anthem.

With “Stronger,” Clarkson turned a recent heartbreak into a confidence boost for both herself and her fans. It’s very similar to “Behind These Hazel Eyes.” “It’s not just the lyrics of ‘Stronger’ that make the message resonate — the anthemic, blood-pumping beat carries the song to a level that goes beyond dealing with a broken heart, helping any downtrodden listener feel ready to take on the world,” notes Billboard.

The song reached the top of the charts and earned Clarkson a Grammy nomination. With its catchy melody and uplifting lyrics, “Stronger” resonated with fans across the globe. “Whether you’re hitting the gym, going through a breakup, or just need a pick-me-up, this song is sure to inspire you to keep going and come out stronger on the other side,” comments Singersroom.

3. “Piece by Piece” (2015)

The third spot on our list goes to Clarkson’s heartbreaking 2015 ballad, “Piece by Piece,” which follows her on a journey of healing. In the song, Clarkson was able the process the heartache of her father abandoning her family while she was young. “She takes her father to task: ‘I made something of myself, and now you wanna come back,'” says Holler.

The song broke many hearts when it was released in 2015. American Songwriter says this song is the best example of the singer’s emotional power as an artist.

“Piece by Piece” shows how honest Clarkson was while singing about her father. “Clarkson herself has described it as a bookend to ‘Because of You’ — with a happier ending as it reveals her mission as a mother: ‘She will never have to wonder her worth/Because unlike you I’m gonna put her first,'” quotes Parade. 

4. “Because of You” (2005)

Kelly Clarkson singing Because of You during her divorce hits different now pic.twitter.com/fvJdYqHFd3

— gɑb ≠🍷💔☀️ (@owndeceiver) September 28, 2023

“Because of You” is next up for your quintessential Clarkson listening. The song’s lyrics and powerful vocals narrate the story of an individual who has been deeply affected by trauma. An emotional and heartfelt ballad, the 2005 song was a departure from Clarkson’s upbeat pop hits, but it still became a fan favorite. The lyrics about a broken relationship and impacting one’s self-worth struck a chord with listeners.

American Songwriter called the song a “devastating piano ballad” since the lyrics invoked Clarkson’s childhood wounds about her father leaving the family when she was just six years old.

The song takes fans on a heart-wrenching journey, with Clarkson painting a picture of her shattered soul rebuilding itself. She’s able to convey raw emotion and capture the pain of a broken heart. “The lyrics delve into the complexities of a toxic relationship, exploring the lasting effects it can have on an individual’s self-esteem and sense of self-worth,” adds MidderMusic.

5. “My Life Would Suck Without You” (2009)

This list sure would suck without this song. “My Life Would Suck Without You” is a powerful pop anthem that captures the rollercoaster of emotions experienced in a tumultuous relationship. Clarkson was able to craft a breakup song that doubled as a best friends anthem.

“My Life Would Suck Without Your” became a huge pop single after “My December” underperformed commercially. The song is an “ultra-catchy slice of sugar-sweet pop flawlessness,” and hit number one on Hot 100 charts, according to PopCrush.

The song became an instant hit after being released in 2009, earning Clarkson a second Grammy nomination. It’s been a fan favorite for over a decade because of its catchy melody and relatable lyrics about how relationships can be take your emotions through insane highs and lows. “My Life Would Suck Without You” is a fantastic song to dance and sing along to. “Whether you’re in the midst of a tumultuous relationship or just looking to let loose and have fun, this song is sure to get you moving and lift your spirits,” concludes Singersroom.

You might be interested in:

• Best Miley Cyrus Songs
• Best Carrie Underwood Songs
• Best Dolly Parton Songs
• Best Britney Spears Songs
• Best Beyoncè Songs

Sources:

• Old Time Music
• BuzzFeed
• WatchMojo
• Billboard
• Singer’s Room
• PopCrush
• American Songwriter
• MidderMusic
• Holler
• Parade

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.