2015 Mini-Reviews part 2, featuring Ashley Monroe, Halsey, Ellie Goulding and Alex G. (see Part 1 here).

Carly Rae Jepsen’s had a tough time in the spotlight since the release of her breakout 2012 single, Call Me Maybe. Along with all the obligatory “one hit wonder!!!” comments following Call Me Maybe, music critics have done their job in criticizing her debut Kiss, which is likely why she’s striving for critical acclaim on her third album. Oh, and of course, there was that whole pawn shop rumor, too. Although Emotion has a large number of co-writers, similar to Kiss, it doesn’t seem nearly as all manufactured, and has substantial lyrics now, similar to lyrics from her debut, Tug of War, and the original version of Tiny Little Bows or even Curiosity. If that’s what it takes for an album to be considered indie, then okay. But in my opinion, Emotion is a pop album, and a fantastic, substantial varied one at that. This is the kind of music Jepsen seems at home with — and for that matter, a sound that’s a lot more appropriate for her age that only occasionally falters.

Piece by Piece is Kelly Clarkson's first album of only original songs since Stronger in 2011, which had Billboard-top 10 singles Mr. Know It All and Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You). It's also the last American Idol contractually obligated album for her. The lead single, Heartbeat Song, didn't do nearly as well as many of her other singles, lead or not. So, the stakes are high.