Kelly Clarkson has spent the better part of the last half-decade trying to recreate the magic of "Since U Been Gone." After the nearly career-ending flop of 2007's dark and angry My December, she has slowly climbed her way back to the top of the charts with a string of power-pop anthems clearly inspired by that Max Martin/Dr. Luke-penned smash. Results have ranged from lackluster copycats ("My Life Would Suck Without You") to spirited reimaginings ("Stronger [What Doesn't Kill You]," a #1 hit earlier this year), but none has reached the euphoric satisfaction of "Gone," which remains one of the best songs of the 2000s.
"Catch My Breath," the first single from Clarkson's forthcoming greatest hits collection, falls toward the latter end of that spectrum. Floating on airy synths, it doesn't invite immediate comparison to the grittier rock edge of "Gone." Then the enormous chorus kicks in. Nominally a reflection on her life since winning American Idol ten years ago, Clarkson's wails of "catching my breath" could just as easily work as another of the feeling good now that you're gone post-breakup kiss-offs that have been her bread and butter. "Breath" is not a bad song, but it's very basic, just going to prove that old adage: Sequels rarely improve upon the original. B
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