You might get the wrong impression from the lead single and opening track of the disc, the title track Breakaway. It sound a lot like much of Kelly's previous stuff. It's a good song, but it just doesn't have that extra something that wows you. Do not fret, however. This track is very misleading to the rest of the disc. Tracks like Gone and You Found Me have a definite edge to them that is at first surprising but then impressive. They allow for the hope that Clarkson has turned a new leaf and been able to do something atypical of an American Idol musically and lyrically, but especially musically.
These songs are definitely the songs that give the better impression of this disc. Great tracks like Behind These Hazel Eyes and Since U Been Gone also bring a much needed edginess to this disc. But what is more impressive is the maturity shown in these lyrics when compared to Kelly's debut disc. A few years down the road, Kelly has definitely been doing some growing, and it is paying off by giving her some truly great songs.
It's tough to find anything to really pick on with this disc. Each track, from I Hate Myself For Losing You to Where Is Your Heart go through a wide array of emotional transitions. You can go from a track like Since U Been Gone that basically tells of being a better person because you're no longer held down to a track like You Found Me which is a track that shows thankfulness for that person being there. But Clarkson manages to do these songs so well that it doesn't seem like a schizophrenic disc, and that has to be a major plus.
But the best tracks on the disc haven't even been covered yet, and they also continue the wide array of emotional mindsets. Addicted compares a guy to a drug and how she simply cannot get enough. The song is done in an extremely tasteful way lyrically, which is tough to do with a track like this. And musically it is probably the hardest track on the disc, teetering on the edge of being able to take over the rock radio stations nationwide. Behind These Hazel Eyes also has a nice rock bit to it musically, and lyrically it's just totally solid. But arguably the best track on the disc is a live version of a track from Kelly's previous disc. On Beautiful Disaster (Live), Kelly shows off everything she's got. This is truly the "it" factor song. Rather than sticking with the studio version that's has a slight hint of rock mixed with a lot of pop, Clarkson completely strips it down live, going with only the piano. The lyrics speak for themselves and grab at your heartstrings. And Kelly shows off her vocal abilities on this live track as well. It is truly stunning.
Overall, even if you're not a fan of American Idol, it is hard to deny this disc it's just dues. Kelly Clarkson has come a long way from Thankful. Breakaway is almost like a re-introduction to the world for Kelly. She may always be stuck with the stigma of competing on American Idol, but she seems to be living with it just fine and bucking the trends, doing her own thing and continuing to come out on top of the music world.