"Dark Side" Kelly Clarkson

Earlier this year, Kelly Clarkson saw an unexpected career rejuvenation when anthemic single "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" became her biggest hit since the similarly turbo-charged "Since U Been Gone." Now she's attempting to build on the momentum with a gig on ABC's new singing competition, Duets, and follow-up single, "Dark Side," a soaring midtempo ballad (would Kelly have it any other way?) about loving someone despite their flaws. Featuring a twinkling music box melody and no pounding dance beats, it may not have the sound to be a summer smash. But its stirring chorus—which explodes into a truly gorgeous middle eight—and the sentimental, if a little overly earnest, message should help "Dark" make plenty of headway on adult contemporary radio. B+