STARS: 4/5
From its album cover to the roaring lyrics of nearly every track on her eighth album, “Meaning Of Life,” Kelly Clarkson makes it known that she’s in one of the best moments of her career.
The 35-year-old singer brings her signature vocal power to the forefront throughout the Aretha Franklin-style 14-track record.  
“Meaning Of Life” kicks off with a minute-long intro appropriately titled, “A Minute.” The intro sets the tone of the album with an unapologetic Clarkson crooning, “Sometimes I need a minute just to breathe,” showing listeners how she’s feeling.
The next few tracks, “Love So Soft,” “Heat” and “Meaning of Life” are upbeat tracks speaking to the type of relationship the singer means to have. Despite being happily married, the lyrics humanize her. Singing “I need more heat from you, baby. Make me feel weak for you, baby,” she pleads for more out of the relationship, a feeling many can relate to.
In the titular track, Clarkson’s vocals overshadow the band for the first time on the album since “A Minute.”Her happiness exudes through the lyrics as she sings about finding love and happiness that gives her life meaning.
The pace changes for a moment with “Move You” but picks up steadily again with the roaring sixth track “Whole Lotta Woman.” The singer collaborated with Earth, Wind and Fire for the song — with her whooping in the background lyrics like, “ I ain’t no girl, I’m a boss with orders,” the sometimes seemingly un-confident Clarkson of the past is gone, and it is more than evident in this track.
The second half of the album kicks off with pop-infused “Medicine” and changes pace again with “Cruel,” highlighting Clarkson’s vocals.
“Didn’t I,” “Would You Call That Love” and “I Don’t Think About You” bring heartache into the power-packed project. Clarkson sings about how she’s been burned in previous relationships, taking a moment to once more connect with the audience through dynamic vocals singing about love and loss.
Track 12 brings a slow vibe appropriately fitting the title of “Slow Dance.” “Don’t You Pretend” is another smooth song featuring her vocal prowess, but is admittedly close to more of the same after hearing her other tracks in a similar style on this album.
Clarkson ends the fiercely vocal package with “Go High.” A pop beat with confident lyrics, Clarkson leaves the audience with a sense of hope as she sings about not giving up in times of struggle.
“Meaning Of Life” brings Clarkson back the minds of listeners. The wife and mother of two has clearly turned a new leaf in her confidence as a singer and as a person. The album reflects her growth with a massive punch — although it can sometimes seem repetitive, listeners just can’t get enough of her vocal power and soulful songs.
Listen to “Meaning of Life” below.