Blog by Sean Gehon, Wednesday, May 09, 2007
We go through life attempting to find that perfect relationship. From the moment we enter this planet, we experience our first relationship. The loving, tender, protecting embrace of a parent is perhaps one of the most delicate relationships we can have. They want us to stay small and scared forever, but we want to grow up and be able to stand on our own. After our parents have instilled in us the proper morals and have raised us to be upstanding individuals, we move on to the desire for a boyfriend or girlfriend. At a certain age we all get to the point where our heart flutters, the boys and girls start to look more appealing and we lose our fear of cooties, and we just wait for that very first, very special kiss. And then, there is perhaps the most delicate balance of all, the one between a boss and his employees. One wants to grow and prove she can do it on her own, the other knows from years of experience that Kelly Clarkson may very well be making the biggest mistake of her post idol career.
Rumours have surfaced recently about the volatile relationship between American Idol champion Kelly Clarkson, and one of the most respected men in the music industry, Clive Davis. Clive Davis is responsible for launching the careers of some of the most distinct voices in music today. Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera, and Alicia Keys are among the superstar talents that Clive works with and oversees. Currently Clive Davis is masterminding the release of Kelly’s third album My December, which is set for release this summer. According to reports circling the internet, Clive isn’t the least bit happy with the album that Kelly herself wrote/co-wrote. Kelly, however, is battling back against the music mogul, making it very clear that she intends to leave the album the way she recorded it.
Clive Davis is one of the most successful, influential, and well known non-performers in the music industry. Clive’s career spans several decades, countless chart topping hits, and millions upon millions of dollars made not only for himself but for those who put their faith in him. Perhaps Clive’s most well known discovery is the quintessential Diva herself, Whitney Houston. Houston’s career has earned her several Grammy Awards, millions of dollars, and of course several hit singles (I Will Always Love You anyone?). If Clive has what it takes to last his entire career in the music industry, should Kelly Clarkson listen to him?
I can only imagine the balance that happens between an artist and her label. On one hand, the artist wants to stay true to who they are and release music they’re proud to have their name attached to. The opposite side of the spectrum is the desire for any human being and any company to make money. Perhaps the question should be which is more important? Is it even possible to have a happy compromise? To some extent Clive Davis himself is an artist. Clive may not sing, he may not dance, and he may not directly sell millions of albums, but he knows a good voice and a good record when he hears one. Ever since winning American Idol, Kelly Clarkson has done her best to separate from the pack and prove that she has what it takes to be a lasting talent and artist in this industry. In order to do so, Kelly has changed her image, taken on a more rock influenced sound, and even gone on to take a more hands-on approach in writing and recording her own album.
Kelly Clarkson’s last album Breakaway was her chance to show what she’s really made of, and it definitely paid off. Breakaway earned Kelly Clarkson four hit singles, a couple of Grammys, and was certified six times platinum. The success of Breakaway was still guided by other writers and producers, even though Kelly did take more of an active role in sound and writing. Time will tell if Miss Clarkson can do it again.
Frankly, I don’t see what all the hubbub is about. Never Again, the lead single from My December is awesome. When I first her the song I thought it was high energy, a great song to drive to, and really just fun. In my opinion, Never Again has all the makings of a hit single and a great lead in to what I hope will be an amazing pop rock album. Time will only tell whether Clive Davis or Kelly Clarkson will get their way, who knows… maybe Clive already has. Whatever the reason for the albums failure or success, Kelly should be happy that this latest controversy is getting people talking about her turn to the charts. I for one will probably end up buying the album, even if it’s not up to Clive Davis’ liking.
Sean (The Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2Dz6UMqwdE )
