Billboard, January 31, 2009

KELLY CLARKSON
My Life Would Suck Without You (3:31)
Producer: Ryan Tedder
Writers: M. Martin, L. Gottwald, C. Kelly
RCA
Kelly Clarkson allays trepidation that all the mess surrounding her previous CD, “My December” (melodic missteps, bickering with RCA and a canceled tour), was anything more than an artist growing up and testing creative boundaries. “My Life Would Suck Without You” promises to return America’s pop darling to the top of multiple format charts while regaining the trust of any who felt a tinge of betrayal. With kingpins Max Martin, Dr. Luke and rising talent Claude Kelly at the songwriting helm, the song does everything right, similar to “Since U Been Gone.” In addition to the detonation of percussion and a chorus as intoxicating as absinthe, clever instrumentation—a hint of synths, a spurt of ’80s drums—add a playful wink to the whole production. Add a frisky lyric (“I know that I’ve got issues, but you’re pretty messed up, too/Either way I found out, I’m nothing without you”) and there’s a joyous rush throughout. Blast off! The countdown to No. 1 begins.—CT

ANNIE LENNOX
Shining Light (4:01)
Producers: Mike Stevens, Annie Lennox
Writer: T. Wheeler
Arista
Annie Lennox’s long-awaited fourth solo CD, 2007’s “Songs of Mass Destruction,” was maudlin in theme and execution—simply a depressing sonic affair. So it’s a relief to hear the grand dame glistening on “Shining Light,” one of two new tracks on “The Annie Lennox Collection” (Feb. 24). The song was originally a 2001 Euro top 10 for Northern Irish rock band Ash (2002 Irish Music Awards’ best single) and covered by Coldplay, but its only real exposure in the United States was in the final episode of the sci-fi series “Roswell” in 2002. Lennox says that she fell in love with the song in its prime, and she certainly proffers vocal moxie alongside an exuberant midtempo production, serenading the convoluted but ultimately positive lyrics. Adult top 40 and AC radio have the opportunity to class up the airwaves, if anyone cares. More importantly, “Light” will reignite fans’ passion for a timeless artist who returns to glory.—CT