Snap Judgment: Kelly Clarkson's "Never Again"

Aldie Tue, May 15, 2007 at 04:52 PM EST

Harkening back to an earlier post, it's improbable that we are all listening to the same song? The melody is weak and not remotely catchy. While I love all of Kelly's earlier singles [except "Breakaway"], this latest track is an ill-fated curve ball.

Deirdre Wed, Apr 25, 2007 at 07:32 AM EST

I liked this song better when Alanis Morissette did it and it was called "You Oughta Know."

nylilhotman Wed, Apr 25, 2007 at 05:48 AM EST

'since u been gone' is one of the best songs of the decade so, once i listened to this as a different song, her vocals rock. this song is pretty fierce. she sounds older and, turns out, she's a good songwriter. no matter what we think, this song will be unavoidable this summer along with 'umbrella' by rihanna. these are the facts, folks, haha.

George Alex Sun, Apr 22, 2007 at 11:06 AM EST

This song is AWESOME!!
I can see why some are disappointed, though. It's because these people expect sweet bubblegum, manufactured poo poo pop that other wannabe "can't sing" girls sing *cough *hilary duff *cough *paris hilton *cough *Lindsay Lohan *cough. They expected light and sweet pop from Kelly because she is about their age and also began her career from American Idol's contractual pop-py CD. So because of this, they have a tough time taking in this awesome, more rockish song coming from Kelly's heart and awesome voice. That's all.
I absolutely love it.
I absolutely love how Kelly's growing and using her amazing voice to take her where she wants to go.
This is real stuff. Good stuff. GREAT stuff.

Sun, Apr 22, 2007 at 10:47 AM EST

absolutely LOVE it!!
I'll admit I wasn't hooked at first because I was expecting a sweeter Kelly,
but after you pay attention to the lyrics,
it's as catchy as her sweet awesome personality!!
Love you Kelly!! :D

Sergio Sat, Apr 21, 2007 at 03:26 PM EST

I want to like the song. I've heard it 5 or 6 times now... I just don't. I mean, it's okay, not BAD, but not good either. Since You've Beeen Gone was soooo much better as was most of the Breakaway CD. There has been a lot of positive hype for this CD so I'm hoping the strategy is for the next singles to get better and better.

Wed, Apr 18, 2007 at 02:03 PM EST

wow, there's a lot of males posting on here! lol. yeah, this song wasn't off the bat catchy for me, guess i was expecting something lighter. i hope it's a hit, though!!

mjsmoke Wed, Apr 18, 2007 at 09:51 AM EST

this song is kinda weak...it's a chick tune and Kelly does in fact have one of the BETTER voices of her generation, I just wish she wouldn't waste it on s*it like this...she will sell a butt-load of records though!

Ken Wed, Apr 18, 2007 at 09:33 AM EST

No hook? No melody? Are you people serious? Are we even listening to the same song?

I love the transition to the bridge. It kind of comes of nowhere, graps your attention, and reconnects the listener to the song. It's excellent. I hope "Never Again" is huge. Go Kelly!

johnathan Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 10:14 PM EST

seems like a BIG "You Oughta Know" knockoff to me. "I hope when you're in bed with her you think of me" Less biting, and not impressed.

Ken Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 09:56 PM EST

I love how a "forgettable" song has generated so many comments...

It's a great track period!

Chimo Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 09:10 PM EST

Song of the summer? Hardly. Forgettable is more like it. I think one of Mika's fun tunes will most likely rule the radio this summer.

beb Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 08:10 PM EST

I like the song, although the transition to the bridge is a little awkward. The Dave Aude mix is much MUCH better, in my opinion.

anon Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 07:06 PM EST

Whether I like it does not matter since I have feeling it will be all over the radio.

Jonathan Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 06:45 PM EST

"compare this to "Girlfriend" and Avril looks like a child."

exactly.

Christina Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 05:38 PM EST

For a lead single this stinks. It's got no memorable hook, clunky lyrics, and an odd transfer into the bridge. To me it's just a big mess. This song didn't test well on my local radio station either. It got beaten 90% to 10% on its first night. Seems like I'm not the only one who doesn't like it.

Plus it's about the 3rd or 4th song that Kelly has wrote about this guy. Who knew a 3 month relationship, 2+ years ago would be producing so much angst today. I would really like to hear something else from Kelly.

The other factor is that Kelly is probably going to blow her voice after two performances of this song. Her voice just can't hold up to these type of songs. If your buying tickets to her concerts don't be disappointed if your concert gets cancelled. It's bound to happen over and over again with songs like these.

As for the song of the summer, Maroon 5 is winning that title by a large margin right now with "Makes Me Wonder"

Jenny Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 05:36 PM EST

Wow, that is a stinker. Kelly should leave the songwriting to people who are actually good at that sort of thing. There's nothing wrong with just singing pretty, but she's too greedy to let the royalties go to other people.

Gaby Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 05:31 PM EST

Meh...but im sure once its overplayed enough to stick in my head it will end up being the lesser of the pop evils this summer

Jessie Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 05:11 PM EST

Well, I like this better than "Since U Been Gone." But that's not saying much, since I hated SUBG.

Not exactly the kind of music I think Kelly should be singing though. She should stick to doing what she does best, which in my opinion is kinda old-school Mariah type songs. Songs like "Vision of Love" or "If It's Over" would be perfect for Kelly.

Ed Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 04:51 PM EST

I love the song. I don't understand why people say it doesn't have a chorus nor a hook. I listened to it a few hours ago and the chorus has been on loop in my head ever since. I love it (though, I do hope that upcoming songs will have a happier vibe. Her last five songs, though good, have been emotional downers.)

mill Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 04:25 PM EST

And the snap judgement is....it stinks. But this is the music industry...that doesn't mean it won't sell.

Chris Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 03:09 PM EST

I think the song is great. I can see many women blasting this song, singing it in their car at the top of their lungs!

She filling the void Alanis left when she became happy. Sometimes you just need a song to vent to!

Michael Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 02:56 PM EST

My theory is that Kelly is (or at least seems) so grounded and happy in real life because she get's it all out in these incredible ragey songs.
Breakaway was the soundtrack to my divorce (there's a progression there people - Breakaway - Since U Been Gone - Behind These Hazel Eyes - Because of You. If you've been through a break up you know these steps)
And Never Again is the next step.
Keep rocking Kelly

anon Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 02:54 PM EST

Why is she so unhappy?

Jonathan Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 02:53 PM EST

great track, she's got another huge it on her hands

Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 02:29 PM EST

I love me some Kelly but I gotta agree. It's not a chorus that sticks in the head, the melody is lacking, and she said about it you can't expect everything she does to be "bubble gum." Huh? Alas, I miss Max Martin, Dr. Luke or any other producer with a sense of melody and a pop sensibility. Since You Been Gone? Not even close.

Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 02:13 PM EST

Give me Kelly over Avril any day. At least Kelly's playing the wronged woman angle. Avril's just channeling her inner brat.

krazy_kat Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 01:51 PM EST

OH my god GOB what are you talking about. You said that you cant stand Kellys personality. I dont know what youve heard about her but Kelly is one of the nicest celebs ive ever met. Ive been to a few of her concerts and had a chance to meet her during a meet and greet session, She was so goofy, dorky and down to earth. Shes a real goof ball and shes very talkative. Kelly is was voted one of the nicest celebs in Hollywood. Shes not stuck-up at all.

It took me some time to get used to Kellys new single "Never Again" but now i like it. IT finally grew on me. Kelly is really good at doing the angry angsty songs. This song is already getting major requests on the radio stations across the country even in Canada as well. Another #1 smash hit for Kelly. GO Kelly girl you Rock!!!!

d squared frm a squared Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 01:32 PM EST

Like Kelly, meh on the song. How long is she going to keep whining about David Hodges -- a guy she dated for a few months in 2004? I fully expect another song about him on the next CD and the one after that. Kinda "Never Again Till My Next CD"

Slezak's Stalker Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 01:21 PM EST

Heard it for the first time last week while I was working... I immediately connected to her whole vibe. Wished I could have turned it up louder. She has the voice of a scorn woman and she should use it for all it's worth.

Bobby Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 01:07 PM EST

People complaining that this song lacks a hook or melody clearly don't know what there talking about...the chorus has one of the catchiest one's on radio currently. And when does sounding smiliar to Pat Benatar become a bad thing?

Carter Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 12:48 PM EST

This song's not really at all like 'Since U Been Gone' - unless, of course, you've never paid attention to the lyrics of either of them and just assumed, but anyway...

I love me some Kelly (HUGE fan, but not HUGE fanatic) and I DO like this song, but I agree with some others about the song not having a hook. It'll be a hit because it's Kelly, but it might have a harder time with radio either getting there or staying there due to the lack of hook or melody.

Mike Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 12:47 PM EST

Amazing song, I predict this will be the next big hit from Kelly Clarkson. It is different but not different enough for mainstream radio. It is a breath of fresh air. I mean, seriously, compare this to "Girlfriend" and Avril looks like a child.

BC Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 12:40 PM EST

Compared to songs like "Don't Matter," "Glamorous," and "Girlfriend," the lyrics here are raw and deeply personal. This song is a step in the right direction for today's music scene.

Idol Thoughts Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 12:36 PM EST

Kelly is back and better than ever! Love the song!

Idol Thoughts
www.americanidolamericanidol.blogspot.com

Where Y'at, Dawlin'? Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 12:35 PM EST

It's the same as "Since U Been Gone", only this time they called it "Never Again".

Charles Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 12:25 PM EST

I don't like it.

Linda Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 12:17 PM EST

Of course it's going to be a big hit. Payola is already flying around, and the song is rapidly climbing up the charts. But that does not mean it is any good.

Jesse Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 12:08 PM EST

Great song, great emotion, GO KELLY!! Definitely a BIG hit again for her ;o)

monee Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 12:06 PM EST

Girlfriend isn't angry. At all. It's bubblegum pop punk to the max. Yeah, this song lacks the same quality hook at Since U been Gone, but have you heard the bridge? Amazing. She doesn't need the hook, the rest of the song is gold.

Jason Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 12:01 PM EST

BC - What is deep about the lyrics?

Lisa Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 11:57 AM EST

This song sucks. What is she, 12? I know high-school kids who can write better than this.

No wonder Clive Davis said that Chris Daughtry is the only Idol who can write good songs on his own. Kelly had lots and lots of help on Breakaway, and this song shows you why.

Roman Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 11:56 AM EST

Thank you Slezak! I was hoping you would review this one, and you did not disappoint. I completely agree with you: definitely the Song of Summer 2007.

FLGrl Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 11:33 AM EST

I thought the song was pretty intense, but not carefree enough to be Song of the Summer 2007.
This honor should go to Pink's "U + UR Hand," which is edgy but also hilarious.

Luke Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 11:28 AM EST

Sorry, this song has no hook at all and the melody sounds lacking. I like Kelly so hopefully her other songs will be good.

Ben Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 11:26 AM EST

The song totally has a hook, what are some of you talking about? And just because it doesn't sound just like something off of Breakaway doesn't mean its not good. I've been listening to it since Friday and trust me when I say this will be one of the big songs of the summer.

Stephen Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 11:22 AM EST

I hated "Since U Been Gone" the first time I heard it, but after a little time it became one of my 25 Top Played on my ipod. I'm sure this song will do the same.

hey GOB Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 11:21 AM EST

I like "Girlfriend" but to call it a better song than this one doesn't make sense to me. (Please don't hate me). The lyrics "she's like, so whatever"....deep

hey GOB Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 11:21 AM EST

I like "Girlfriend" but to call it a better song than this one doesn't make sense to me. (Please don't hate me). The lyrics "she's like, so whatever"....deep

hey GOB Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 11:20 AM EST

I like "Girlfriend" but to call it a better song than this one doesn't make sense to me. (Please don't hate me). The lyrics "she's like, so whatever"....deep

Paul U. Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 11:12 AM EST

exactly, Mark...that's just what I thought when I heard it this weekend...mediocre Pat Benatar.

Myles Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 11:10 AM EST

The problem here is that, as many comments have noted, there's nothing fun here. Since U Been Gone is a lot of fun to sing along to, and has a sense of real empowerment...this song just sounds bitter and resentful in comparison. Clarkson is a true talent, but this single just isn't going to cut it.

That being said, Avril Lavigne's 'Girlfriend' is even more derivative, and while it's catchy it's also not smart in the least.

I think the song of the summer thus far is Maroon 5's 'Makes Me Wonder.' It's catchy without being moronic, which is what a real summer song should be.

Scott Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 11:05 AM EST

The criticism made by a few posters about the lack of hook or melody is quite right. Never Again certainly tries to be as good as her last album, but, completely falls apart in the chorus and never gets there. Sorry Kelly. You sound great and I'm sure this song will be a "hit". But, that doesn't mean its any good.

Dave Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 11:03 AM EST

Has anyone heard Michael Buble's "Everything" yet? Because it should be in the running for American's Next Top Song of Summer 2007.

GOB Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 10:58 AM EST

Sorry, but this song blows. As much as I can't stand her personality, I would aruge that Avril Lavigne's "Girlfriend" is the front-runner for Song of Summer 2007. Just as angry, but a lot more fun.

Darryl Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 10:56 AM EST

Best single released in 2007 so far.

Kyle Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 10:54 AM EST

I'm so glad you caught on to this song, Michael. I absolutely LOVE it! What a set of pipes this girl has...she is a true talent.

Mark Schweber Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 10:48 AM EST

Sounds like a 1980's Pat Benatar song.

Dillon Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 10:46 AM EST

this song is the crap...enough said!
Plus, I can really relate.. lol

JJ Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 10:41 AM EST

I'm disappointed in the song. There's no hook, no melody and the lyrics are beyond lame. I hope the rest of the album is better.

BrandonP Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 10:35 AM EST

The Savior of Top 40 radio has returned. This song is a welcome respite from the desert of endless emo-pop, bland hip-hop, and faux-grunge. If her new album is even half as good as this single, then she just might break some of her own records.

Jenn Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 10:24 AM EST

I don't like this song. I'm really hoping Kelly has much better on her new CD.

aramis Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 10:22 AM EST

Ooh, he wrote her a letter and ended it? That's like one step up from a no-no Text Message Breakup...loser. Kelly totally rips this cheating lover a new one. This song totally rocks! She rules as the angsty angry queen of bitter (which makes me wonder if she would rock as much if she were writing love songs about relationships that work, hrmmmm). I HEART YOU KELLY!

fredric Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 10:19 AM EST

Nick, I think you're onto something there. What IS the next creative step, once you've exposed yourself so vulnerably into a successful record? Alanis with Jagged Little Pill, Pink with M!ssundaztood, Avril with Let Go, even Xtina with Stripped... the follow ups to these are arguably less "successful" by some standards (although creatively I think they're all pretty great). I'm not really fond of the new Kelly track (it's too familiar, too soon, and she did it better the first time), but I'm hoping she's got a lot of great stuff on its heels.

Mozz Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 10:14 AM EST

Angry Kelly makes me giddy. Great song.

NineDaves Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 10:07 AM EST

maybe some of us there still feel really really bad about their love lifes and need a little kelly clarkson to hold onto. maybe, after almost three years since their last relationship, they still really hold a little bit of resentment towards him. and maybe, kelly clarkson makes them feel really better, and they've been streaming this song on repeat all weekend (and all day today).

i mean, not that i know of anyone like that or anything. but still...

Nick Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 09:43 AM EST

I love Kelly, but I have to say she needs to find a good relationship or something. :-) I know Alanis never really went anywhere after she got over her angry girl phase, but I hope Kelly can actually find a good song that is not about bad men or emotional anguish!

With that being said, I still think it is a good song. I just hate to see her in a thematic rut!

Fubb Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 09:36 AM EST

Anyone that wants to hear the song of the summer (or club anthem) should hear the DAVE AUDE Remix of this song!! Fire!!

BC Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 09:35 AM EST

I LOVE angry Kelly! The lyrics here are so much deeper than almost every other pop song out there. And the guitars rock! You've got another hit on your hands, Kelly!

Ben Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 09:30 AM EST

Hell yeah, this song kicks ass!

KJ Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 09:20 AM EST

Not my favorite Kelly Clarkson song, but still a good one. It surely will make it's way to my iPod.

Jason Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 09:15 AM EST

Shouldn't the song of summer at least have a melody? This song doesn't. And the lyrics are fairly teenage diary. Next single, please!

Mariah Carey Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 09:08 AM EST

Yah right... the song of summer 2007. whoa...

Juju Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 09:07 AM EST

Heard it on the radio and loved it. Kelly is here to stay.