The Problem With… Kelly Clarkson’s “Mr. Know It All”

My friends tell me that I’m something of a Mr. Know-It-All, jumping into conversations with a nasal “actually” before throwing out a relevant fact and adjusting my glasses.

So, I’m embarrassed to admit I don’t know a lot about Burleson’s Own superstar and original American Idol, Kelly Clarkson. What I’ve gathered from hearing about her through the years is that Kelly has undeniable talent, but that her career is held back by switching between micromanagement and letting others manage her.

Here’s what I do know: The verses in her latest single, “Mr. Know It All,” feature Kelly’s voice over a clutter of instruments — a piano, an acoustic guitar and a heavy pop-R&B beat. The track doesn’t have a clear theme or identity, except the empowering lyrics.

Furthermore, chorus sounds a bit like the one in Bruno Mars’ “Just the Way You Are” and even includes a faint saxophone (or maybe I’m just hearing things).

Flipping through Kelly’s history, I don’t think the chorus’ borrowed sound is her fault. You see, back a couple of years ago, Kelly wasn’t satisfied with the single “Already Gone.” She said that fedora-topped producer Ryan Tedder borrowed from a previous track, Beyoncé’s “Halo” when penning “Gone.” “Mr. Know It All” sounds like Clarkson got sloppy production seconds once again.

She hasn’t said anything about it yet, but the cover for the single (see above) shows Kelly with a slight disapproving look on her hazel eyes. I think it might be a passive-aggressive remark about passing the reins over to others. I guess looking a bit like Jennifer Aniston causes people to subconsciously disregard you.

Then again, what do I know about Kelly Clarkson? Not a thing.