| "Be Still" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Kelly Clarkson | |
| from the album My December | |
| Recorded | 2006 |
| Studio | Mower Studios (Pasadena, California), Village Recorders (Santa Monica, California), SeeSquaredStudios (New York City), and Clinton Studios (New York City) |
| Genre | Folk blues |
| Length | 3:19 |
| Label | RCA |
| Songwriter(s) |
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| Producer(s) | David Kahne |
"Be Still" is a song by American recording artist Kelly Clarkson, from her third studio album, My December (2007). Written by Clarkson and her guitarist Aben Eubanks, and produced by David Kahne, "Be Still" is an acoustic folk blues ballad set moderately slow acoustic and electric guitars. Clarkson wrote the song as an introspective ballad based on her exhaustive experience from touring and promoting her second studio album, Breakaway (2004). Inspired by one of her favorite Bible verses, Psalm 46:10 ("Be still, and know that I am God"), the song is about taking a break from everyday things and taking a moment to appreciate one's life. [ citation needed ]
"Be Still" has received positive critical reception from music critics, who praised it as one of the album's highlights. Clarkson has included the song in the set list of her My December Tour (2007–08) and 2 Worlds 2 Voices Tour (2008).
Due to the pressure from the music executives and heavy work schedule, Clarkson began to have erratic experiences while performing in her Breakaway World Tour. [1] She recalled,
"Everything caught up with me in a bad way. My body was wearing down, and my emotions were wearing down. I was trying to get over someone. I hadn't seen my friends and family for a while, and it was becoming a nuisance [to see them] because I was so busy. I was traveling, and then there was more added to the schedule. It just got chaotic. I was 24, and that is pretty young to be the boss of so much. And it caught up with me. I couldn't smile. I couldn't do anything. I broke down. I cried so much I couldn't speak. I was that tired. I was drained. I didn't want to act, didn't want to smile -- I didn't want to pretend. I just broke. ... It was the lowest point of my life and my career." [1]
During this period of time, She began to write tracks with her band members for a potential studio album, calling it "free therapy". One of these songs, "Be Still", was co-written with her guitarist Aben Eubanks, and was included in her third studio album, My December , which was ultimately released in 2007.
Written in the key of D major, [2] "Be Still" is a folk blues ballad. [3] Clarkson's vocal range in the song spans from D4 to B4. [2] In this song she tells a lover to just be still and enjoy the moment. The song is named after one of her favorite Bible verses: Psalm 46:10 ("Be still, and know that I am God"). [3] Clarkson explained, "It's all about stopping things, slowing down to appreciate life. Everything just goes so fast, especially in this business. There's just no time to be alone for a moment of quiet. That's why I don't live in Los Angeles and have always lived in Texas. It's about getting away from the rat race and carving out a space for yourself." She compared the song to tracks recorded by Sarah McLachlan, Norah Jones and Bonnie Raitt, and Christine McVie. [3]
"Be Still" has received generally positive reviews from music critics. Bill Lamb of About.com praised it as "one of the most gorgeous ballads Kelly Clarkson has yet recorded." [4] Matt Richenthal of TV Fanatic described it as "a gentle, almost jazzy lullaby whose lyrical phrasing echoes Edie Brickell, of all people." [5] Sean Paul Mahoney of Blogcritics described it as "heart-wrenching". [6] Gil Kaufman of MTV wrote in his review, "The spare ballad "Be Still" is about getting a new start. Over a trip hop beat, subtle acoustic guitars and some glitchy-sounding electronics, a wounded Clarkson sensuously croons about being strong and picking yourself up when you fall down." [7] Chuck Taylor of Billboard remarked that "Be Still" "offers acoustic relief from the onslaught more than halfway through the (My December) set." [8] Spence D. of IGN referred to it as a "standard issue balladry", adding: "acoustic guitars and Clarkson's mellifluous vocals lilting with a sense of melancholic serenity." But also became critical about the song's transition from "Haunted". He remarked, "The fact that she continues to smash an angry number right next to a quiet one is a transitional mistake that creates a somewhat jarring sensibility." [9] Roger Friedman of Fox News wrote that "Be Still" "is an effective ballad. But the lyrics deteriorate pretty quickly into an accusatory tone that permeates the album." [10]
Credits adapted from My December liner notes. [11]
Personnel
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Kelly Brianne, known professionally as Kelly Clarkson, is an American singer, songwriter, and television personality. She rose to fame after winning the first season of American Idol in 2002, which earned her a record deal with RCA Records. Her debut single, "A Moment Like This", topped the US Billboard Hot 100, and became the country's best-selling single of 2002. It was included on her debut studio album, Thankful (2003), which entered the Billboard 200 at number one, and also yielded the top-10 single "Miss Independent". Trying to reinvent her image, Clarkson parted ways with Idol management and shifted genres to pop rock for her second studio album, Breakaway (2004). Supported by four US top-ten singles–the title track, "Since U Been Gone", "Behind These Hazel Eyes", and "Because of You" – Breakaway sold over 12 million copies worldwide and won two Grammy Awards.
"Since U Been Gone" is a song recorded by American singer Kelly Clarkson from her second studio album, Breakaway (2004). The song, which was written and produced by Max Martin and Lukasz "Dr. Luke" Gottwald, was released as the lead single from Breakaway two weeks before the album was released. It is an uptempo pop rock and power pop power ballad that infuses electronic sounds with a mixture of a soft and loud pop rock sound. Martin originally wrote "Since U Been Gone" with Pink in mind, but she turned it down. It was then given to Hilary Duff, but she rejected the song because she could not reach its higher notes. The song was finally given to Clarkson after Clive Davis convinced the writers to give it to her. Clarkson decided to add heavier guitars and harder drums to the song after noticing that the demo had an obvious pop sound. Lyrically, the song is written from a woman's point of view where she expresses her sense of relief with the end of her troubled relationship.
"Behind These Hazel Eyes" is a song by American singer Kelly Clarkson for her second studio album, Breakaway (2004). It was written by Clarkson with the song's producers Max Martin and Dr. Luke. The song was released on April 12, 2005, as the second single from the album. Clarkson considered "Behind These Hazel Eyes" as one of her favorite songs and she once intended to name Breakaway after the song. "Behind These Hazel Eyes" is an uptempo song that incorporates crunchy guitars which are pulsated with driving beats and anthemic choruses; it narrates Clarkson's broken relationship with her ex-boyfriend.
"Because of You" is a song recorded by American pop singer Kelly Clarkson for her second studio album, Breakaway (2004). It was written by Clarkson along with its producers David Hodges and Ben Moody, both from Evanescence. It was released on August 16, 2005, by RCA Records, as the third single from Breakaway. Clarkson originally wrote "Because of You" when she was 16 years old to cope with the emotional distress caused by her parents' divorce. She wanted the song to be included on her debut studio album, Thankful (2003), but her record label rejected the song. She then polished the song with Hodges and Moody before successfully convincing her label to include it on Breakaway.
"Walk Away" is a song by American pop singer Kelly Clarkson for her second studio album, Breakaway (2004). The song was written and produced by Chantal Kreviazuk, Raine Maida, and Kara DioGuardi, with additional writing from Clarkson. The song focuses on a relationship that is not working out; Clarkson wants a lover who will support her, not disappear when she needs him the most.
"Sober" is a song recorded by American recording artist Kelly Clarkson taken from her third studio album, My December (2007). The song served as the album's second single on June 12, 2007, through 19 Recordings and RCA Records. Clarkson wrote it after her friend Calamity McEntire, who receives a songwriting credit, gave her the line "pick her weeds and keep the flowers", with additional writing by Aben Eubanks and Jimmy Messer, production by David Kahne, and co-production by Messer and Jason Halbert. "Sober" is an alternative rock song, with lyrics that use addiction as a metaphor for a relationship, evolving around the line "Three months and I'm still sober".
My December is the third studio album by American singer Kelly Clarkson. The album was released on June 22, 2007, through RCA Records. Clarkson confirmed the name of the album in her journal on her fanclub website on February 27, 2007.
"Never Again" is a song recorded by American singer Kelly Clarkson for her third studio album, My December (2007). Clarkson co-wrote the song with Jimmy Messer, which was produced by American producer and musician David Kahne. Clarkson stated that the song was written as a counterpart to the songs from her second studio album, Breakaway (2004), and was almost removed because of its harsh lyrical nature. RCA Records serviced the song to mainstream radio in the United States on April 24, 2007, which was Clarkson's 25th birthday. "Never Again" features a stronger rock sound than Clarkson's previous releases, but maintains some pop undertones. It relies on strings, guitar riffs and drums and is centered on angry, abrasive lyrics.
The My December Tour was the fourth headlining concert tour by American pop rock recording artist Kelly Clarkson, and followed the release Clarkson's third studio album, My December (2007). Originally a large-scale summer tour timed to coincide with the June 2007 availability of the album, public career battles and poor ticket sales in North America led Clarkson to cancel it before it began. A considerably smaller-scale tour commenced in September 2007 and ran to April 2008, with the international legs in Europe and Australia remaining at arena venues.
All I Ever Wanted is the fourth studio album by American singer Kelly Clarkson, released on March 6, 2009, by RCA Records. After the controversies that surrounded her previous studio album, My December (2007), which was seen as much darker than her two previous albums, Clarkson went on to record a more pop-oriented album. In order to do so, she enlisted her previous collaborators Max Martin, Dr. Luke,, Sam Watters and Louis Biancaniello, and new collaborators, Ryan Tedder, Howard Benson and Dre & Vidal.
Stronger is the fifth studio album by American singer Kelly Clarkson, released on October 21, 2011, by RCA Records. The thirteen-song track-list features Clarkson collaborating with various new producers as well as with Howard Benson, whom she collaborated with on her previous album, All I Ever Wanted (2009). Wanting to stray away sonically from her previous albums, Clarkson's main objective was to record her vocal performances as it is heard in her live sets, and used as little auto-tune processing as possible. The album also marked the first release by Clarkson that did not cause a conflict with RCA; her previous records, most notably My December (2007), were released amidst conflict and controversy.
"Save You" is a song by American recording artist Kelly Clarkson, from her fourth studio album, All I Ever Wanted (2009). Written by Ryan Tedder and Aimée Proal, and produced by Tedder, "Save You" is a rock ballad that about a someone's desire to save someone from a self-destructive behaviour. The song, set in the key of E major features an experimental piano bridge based on Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's works.
"The War Is Over" is a song by American recording artist Kelly Clarkson, from her fifth studio album, Stronger (2011). Written by Toby Gad and Olivia Waithe, and produced by Gad, "The War Is Over" is a ballad that tells of a resolute ending to a relationship between lovers, in which the woman, after seeing that their relationship is turbulent beyond repair, decides to walk away.
Wrapped in Red is the sixth studio album by American singer Kelly Clarkson, released on October 25, 2013, by RCA Records. The album is a follow-up to her first greatest hits album, Greatest Hits – Chapter One, and its companion extended play, The Smoakstack Sessions Vol. 2. Produced by Greg Kurstin, it is her first Christmas album and her only record to be solely released by RCA. Wrapped in Red consists of sixteen tracks, featuring five original songs co-penned with Kurstin and eleven cover versions of Christmas standards and carols, two of which are duets featuring singers Ronnie Dunn, Reba McEntire and Trisha Yearwood.
"Wrapped in Red" is a song by American pop singer Kelly Clarkson. It is the titular song and the opening track from her sixth studio album of the same name. Written by Clarkson, Ashley Arrison, Aben Eubanks, and Shane McAnally, the song is produced by Greg Kurstin, who recorded the track using the Wall of Sound production technique developed by Phil Spector. A soul-pop ballad, "Wrapped in Red" is a Christmas song about unrequited love in the holidays, in which the color red is used as metaphorical device to express someone's truthful feelings, apart from being a quintessential holiday color. "Wrapped in Red" was serviced by RCA Records to Adult Contemporary radio stations as the second single from the album on November 25, 2014.
"Winter Dreams " is a song by American recording artist Kelly Clarkson, from her sixth studio album, Wrapped in Red (2013). Produced by Greg Kurstin, Clarkson co-wrote the song with Ashley Arrison and Aben Eubanks for her then-fiancé, Brandon Blackstock, stepson of American recording artist Reba McEntire. A slow-tempo Christmas neo-jazz pop song, "Winter Dreams" features a 50-piece chamber orchestra conducted and arranged by film composer Joseph Trapanese. Its lyrical theme mainly depicts love and escapism during the holidays, in which Clarkson sings about spending her first holiday with Blackstock, to whom the song is also dedicated. Unlike the deep lyrical themes of "Every Christmas", in which she refers to her life before meeting Blackstock, Clarkson had described "Winter Dreams" with a lighter fare, referring to it as her holiday life after meeting him.
"Under the Mistletoe" is a duet by American singers Kelly Clarkson and Brett Eldredge. It was written by Clarkson and Aben Eubanks, who co-produced it with Jesse Shatkin. "Under the Mistletoe" was first issued by Atlantic Records on October 28, 2020. The song is also included on Clarkson's second Christmas album When Christmas Comes Around... (2021).
When Christmas Comes Around... is the ninth studio album by American singer Kelly Clarkson, released on October 15, 2021, through Atlantic Records. Produced by Jesse Shatkin, Jason Halbert, Joseph Trapanese and Aben Eubanks, it is her second Christmas album after Wrapped in Red (2013) and a follow-up to her eighth studio album Meaning of Life (2017). Featuring cover versions of Christmas songs, as well as original co-penned tracks and duets with Chris Stapleton, Ariana Grande and Brett Eldredge, its release was preceded by the singles "Christmas Isn't Canceled " and "Santa, Can't You Hear Me". It also includes previously released singles "Christmas Eve", "All I Want for Christmas Is You", and "Under the Mistletoe" as bonus tracks. The album was nominated for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards.
"Santa, Can't You Hear Me" is a duet by American singers Kelly Clarkson and Ariana Grande. It is the second single from Clarkson's ninth studio album and second Christmas album, When Christmas Comes Around... (2021). The song was written by Clarkson with Aben Eubanks, with the song's track recording was produced by Jason Halbert.
Aben Eubanks is an American Grammy-nominated musician, songwriter, and producer. Eubanks began his career as a guitarist for Matt Nathanson in 2004 and for Graham Colton in 2005. In 2006, Eubanks joined Kelly Clarkson's band and together co-wrote several songs including "Sober" from the My December album, "Under the Mistletoe" a duet with Brett Eldredge, "Santa, Can't You Hear Me", a duet with Ariana Grande, both songs charted on the Billboard Holiday Hot 100. and appeared on the album When Christmas Comes Around which was nominated for a 2023 Grammy for the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. Eubanks also co-wrote "Broken Hearts" with Shane McAnally and Ashley Arrison, which Chevel Shepherd performed on the fifteenth season of The Voice, which reached number one on the Billboard Country Digital Songs Sales Chart. "Lighthouse", cowritten by Eubanks, is the first 2024 single from Kelly Clarkson's Chemistry album.
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