Kelly Clarkson New Songs: “I Can Do Better”, “I Wish I Could Be Lonely Instead” Plus Covers–Patti Griffin, Cranberries, Taylor Swift

Well, I worship at the feet of Patti Griffin. I LOVE everything the woman has ever ever done. The moment I found out Kelly was a fan of Griffin’s a few years ago, my respect for her went up exponentially. This song is one of Griffin’s great songs from her early years and Kelly is a perfect fit for it–I’m not sure she quite captures the almost menacing anger and bitterness that fuels this song. But Kelly sounds great as always. Well done, Kelly. I love the country elements added to the arrangement.

This just proves Taylor Swift has no business being a singer. Let her write songs and let those who can actually carry a tune sing them.

i love the taylor swift cover. oh whatever i love all her songs! poison candy especially. :]

Well, I worship at the feet of Patti Griffin. I LOVE everything the woman has ever ever done.

Ditto for me!!! She has a new album coming in Jan. I always try to go see her whenever she tours through my town. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE her.

I know, DLee, really looking forward to it. I saw her in concert just north of Houston about a year and a half ago. I’m hoping she tours with the new album. I lived in Austin for 6 years and there were far more opportunities to see her there.

LOVE the Taylor Swift cover. I like the original song, but Kelly just adds so much soul to it. If only her next album would include songs like these.

Wow, ton of Kelly Clarkson news lately, it seems. I don’t follow her much but “I Can Do Better” is fantastic. The song has a very acoustic blues/soul sound to it. Love it.

She’s probably gonna end up rising to be my third favorite Idol Winner after Kris and Cook.

Oh Kelly you just murdered “Linger” and not in a nice way. The Cranberries are one of those groups with songs that just shouldn’t be covered. The original is so perfect that it just makes any other singer sound “not as good”. The Cranberries had an “original” sound and it isn’t to be messed with.

Wow, how bout that Taylor Swift cover?? Fabulous!! That’s the only one I listened to – so far. I couldn’t hear everything she was saying that made the crowd laugh but I bet it was hilarious! Agree with the poster up thread – Taylor should write – others sing.

Well, I worship at the feet of Patti Griffin. I LOVE everything the woman has ever ever done. The moment I found out Kelly was a fan of Griffin’s a few years ago, my respect for her went up exponentially.

You’re describing me to a T, houstonrufus23. I’m crazy for Patty, and while I don’t think Kelly has ever actually improved one of her songs, I still love what Kelly does with them — and that she pays Patty such a huge compliment by performing her stuff to a wider audience. Which is why I couldn’t disagree more with this quote:

Oh Kelly you just murdered ‘Linger’  and not in a nice way. The Cranberries are one of those groups with songs that just shouldn’t be covered. The original is so perfect that it just makes any other singer sound ‘not as good’ . The Cranberries had an ‘original’  sound and it isn’t to be messed with.

Sorry, but if folks can cover the Beatles, Led Zeppelin and U2, then the Cranberries are fair game. IMHO, there’s nothing better than a great cover of an iconic song. And I’ve never heard Kelly sound bad on anything.

I agree with Tess.I was excited to listen to Kelly’s version of ”Linger” but that wasn’t a good cover. There was something missing. I think it’s missing the angst or longing in her voice. Dolores’ voice is so unique and distinct and it needed that type of voice in this song. I usually like Kelly’s voice in ballads though but just not in “Linger”.

I think Linger sounds DIFFERENT but not bad, AT ALL.
I’m in love with the Taylor Swift cover!

“i can do better” sounds a little country-ish, and i LOVE it.

i can’t wait for studio recordings of her new material!!!

Thanks MJ, I’m just loving all these fun new Kelly goodies we’ve been getting lately. And yes, the fact that Kelly worships Patty Griffin is all the more reason to adore her. Good stuff.

Kelly does Patty Griffin!! Whoo-hoo!! She does that song serious justice. I love Patty. She’s amazing live. She is one of the many blessings of living in Austin, TX. And I jut love Kelly more and more. She is fast becoming my second favorite singer off Idol.