Kelly Clarkson’s 10 Best Songs, Ranked

From the moment Kelly Clarkson first graced the music scene as the inaugural American Idol, her powerful voice and relatable lyrics have captivated audiences. Spanning over two decades, her career has not merely endured but flourished, consistently delivering hit after hit, securing her place in the hearts of fans worldwide.

Clarkson’s repertoire boasts a diverse range, from empowering pop anthems to soul-stirring ballads, all carried by one of the most remarkable voices of the 21st century. Join us as we delve into the very best songs that define Kelly Clarkson’s illustrious career and explore why each holds a special place in the pantheon of pop music.

1. Heartbeat Song

Kelly Clarkson – Heartbeat Song

“Heartbeat Song,” a vibrant, up-tempo track from her seventh studio album, Piece by Piece (2015), bursts with energy. Co-written by Clarkson, Kara DioGuardi, Jason Evigan, and Audra Mae, this song signifies a return to Clarkson’s pop roots. Its infectious melody and uplifting lyrics celebrate new love and fresh beginnings.

Notably, the song’s signature heartbeat sound effect at the beginning originates from a recording of Clarkson’s own daughter, River Rose’s heartbeat, captured while she was still in the womb, adding an extra layer of personal significance to the track.

2. Beautiful Disaster

Kelly Clarkson – Beautiful Disaster

“Beautiful Disaster” graces both her debut album, Thankful (2003), and her second album, Breakaway, in a captivating live acoustic rendition. Penned by Matthew Wilder and Rebekah Jordan, “Beautiful Disaster” delves into the intricate dynamics of a troubled relationship, exploring the contrasting elements of beauty and chaos that coexist within it.

The stripped-down arrangement of the live acoustic version, recorded during Clarkson’s AOL Sessions, beautifully emphasizes the raw emotion in her vocal delivery. While not released as a single, “Beautiful Disaster” has become a beloved fan favorite and a staple in Clarkson’s live performances.

3. I Hate Love

“I Hate Love,” a pop-punk anthem from her 2023 album Chemistry, takes listeners on an emotional rollercoaster. Reflecting on the complexities of love, the song draws from Clarkson’s personal experiences, showcasing both the exhilarating highs and the gut-wrenching lows.

Adding a unique touch, the track features a banjo performance by none other than actor Steve Martin, inspired by Clarkson’s appreciation for his music, which blossomed during the early days of the pandemic.

4. Breakaway

Kelly Clarkson – Breakaway (VIDEO)

“Breakaway” was initially intended for Avril Lavigne’s debut album but found its perfect home with Clarkson’s powerful vocals. Serving as the title track for her second studio album, Breakaway, marked a pivotal moment in Clarkson’s career, solidifying her versatility as an artist capable of delivering both heartfelt ballads and energetic pop-rock anthems.

“Breakaway” peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and enjoyed an impressive 46-week run on the chart. The song also graced the soundtrack of the film The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, further amplifying its popularity.

Co-written by Lavigne, the lyrics resonate with the universal theme of breaking free from constraints and pursuing one’s dreams. Interestingly, Avril’s original version eventually saw the light of day in 2023 as part of her 20th-anniversary edition of Let Go.

5. Stronger

Kelly Clarkson – Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You) [Official Video]

Released in 2011 from her fifth studio album, Stronger, “Stronger” is a powerful anthem of resilience and empowerment. The song quickly gained commercial success and garnered critical acclaim for its uplifting message and Clarkson’s dynamic vocal performance, ultimately earning her a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album in 2013.

The song’s full title, “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You),” draws inspiration from Friedrich Nietzsche’s famous quote, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” This empowering track became Clarkson’s third number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, resonating with listeners who embraced its catchy chorus and motivating lyrics, making it a popular choice for fitness playlists and motivational events.

6. Underneath the Tree

Kelly Clarkson – Underneath the Tree (Official Video)

In 2013, Kelly Clarkson achieved a rare feat: creating a brand new Christmas anthem that has become a modern classic. “Underneath the Tree,” featured on her first Christmas album, Wrapped in Red, perfectly captures the spirit of the season.

Co-written by Clarkson and Greg Kurstin, who also lent his talent to its production, the song bursts with an upbeat tempo and lyrics that exude joy. It garnered critical acclaim for its catchy melody and festive arrangement, drawing comparisons to Mariah Carey’s iconic “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”

7. Behind These Hazel Eyes

Kelly Clarkson – Behind These Hazel Eyes (VIDEO)

“Behind These Hazel Eyes” is a powerful pop-rock ballad from Clarkson’s 2004 album, Breakaway. Co-written by Clarkson, Max Martin, and Dr. Luke, the song explores themes of heartbreak and resilience, drawing inspiration from Clarkson’s own experiences with a difficult breakup.

The song is believed to be about Clarkson’s ex-boyfriend, who ended their relationship and married someone else just a month later. “Behind These Hazel Eyes” quickly climbed the charts upon its release in 2005, peaking at number six on the Billboard Hot 100.

8. My Life Would Suck Without You

Kelly Clarkson – My Life Would Suck Without You

“My Life Would Suck Without You,” released in 2009, is a high-energy pop-rock track that instantly resonated with listeners. Serving as the lead single from her fourth studio album, All I Ever Wanted, it marked a triumphant return to Clarkson’s signature upbeat style. The song made history by achieving the largest leap to number one on the Billboard Hot 100, skyrocketing from 97th to the top spot in a single week.

The lyrics celebrate the rollercoaster of a tumultuous relationship, a theme mirrored in the music video’s playful and humorous scenes depicting a couple’s daily life.

9. Since U Been Gone

Kelly Clarkson – Since U Been Gone (VIDEO)

“Since U Been Gone,” a standout track from Kelly’s second album, Breakaway, is an iconic pop-rock anthem that propelled her to international stardom. Crafted by renowned hitmakers Max Martin and Dr. Luke, the song was initially offered to Pink and later Hilary Duff, both of whom declined.

Thankfully, it found its perfect match with Clarkson. Her powerhouse vocals and the track’s infectious energy struck a chord with audiences, making it a massive hit. The song’s success played a key role in transforming Clarkson’s image from pop idol to rock-infused pop star, topping the Billboard Pop 100 and reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100. It also earned Clarkson a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

The accompanying music video, featuring Clarkson gleefully trashing an ex-lover’s apartment, has become a cultural touchstone. “Since U Been Gone” continues to be celebrated for its explosive chorus and relatable theme of post-breakup empowerment.

10. Because of You

Kelly Clarkson – Because Of You (VIDEO)

“Because of You” is a poignant ballad from Kelly’s second studio album, Breakaway. Co-written by Clarkson, the song draws inspiration from her personal experiences with a difficult family life, laying bare deep emotional pain.

Released in 2005, “Because of You” became one of her most successful singles, reaching the top ten in numerous countries and garnering multiple award nominations. The music video, directed by Vadim Perelman, is a powerful depiction of a family unraveling, mirroring Clarkson’s own childhood struggles.

Remarkably, Clarkson initially wrote the song at the young age of 16. It wasn’t until she gained more creative control in her career that she was able to include it on an album. “Because of You” stands as a testament to the power of vulnerability and the enduring impact of personal storytelling in music.