Remember Kelly Clarkson’s Early Hits? Let’s Take a Trip Down Memory Lane with Her First 7 Songs!

Kelly Clarkson has made an undeniable mark on the music industry ever since she won the inaugural season of American Idol in 2002. Her soulful voice, relatable lyrics, and empowering anthems have resonated with millions of fans around the globe. As we look back on her incredible career, let’s revisit the first seven songs that introduced us to Kelly Clarkson and solidified her place as a pop-rock queen.

1. “A Moment Like This” (2002)

It’s only fitting to begin with the song that started it all. A Moment Like This was Kelly Clarkson’s winning anthem on American Idol, and it skyrocketed her to fame almost overnight. This ballad, which speaks about life-changing moments and dreams coming true, resonated deeply with fans and became an instant classic. It set the tone for Kelly’s career—raw emotion, powerful vocals, and a hint of pop magic.

2. “Miss Independent” (2003)

With her first full-length album Thankful, Kelly Clarkson’s second single Miss Independent was a standout hit. This upbeat, edgy track showed a different side of Kelly—a confident, independent woman who wasn’t afraid to take control of her life. The song was a major commercial success and cemented her reputation as a versatile artist capable of blending pop and rock seamlessly.

3. “Low” (2003)

Following Miss Independent, Low showcased Kelly’s emotional range. This track combines a mixture of rock and soul, with lyrics that speak of heartbreak and vulnerability. Though it didn’t reach the same commercial heights as her earlier singles, Low earned a special place in fans’ hearts for its raw honesty and Kelly’s powerful delivery.

4. “The Trouble with Love Is” (2003)

As the final single from her Thankful album, The Trouble with Love Is explores the complexities and contradictions of love. A soulful ballad with a hint of gospel influence, the song allowed Kelly to flaunt her vocal prowess. It gained additional attention thanks to its inclusion in the holiday film Love Actually, further solidifying Kelly’s role in pop culture.

5. “Since U Been Gone” (2004)

With her second album Breakaway, Kelly took a bold leap into pop-rock territory, and Since U Been Gone became one of her defining hits. The song’s infectious energy and message of empowerment after a breakup resonated with audiences around the world. It became an anthem for anyone moving on from a toxic relationship and helped Kelly cross over to mainstream success in a big way.

6. “Breakaway” (2004)

Breakaway, the title track from her second album, became an anthem for anyone searching for freedom and self-discovery. With lyrics about growing up and breaking free from the constraints of life, this ballad showcased a softer side of Kelly. It was featured in The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement and became one of her signature songs.

7. “Behind These Hazel Eyes” (2005)

This emotionally charged song from her Breakaway album revealed a deeper, more introspective side of Kelly. Behind These Hazel Eyes combines rock influences with heartbreaking lyrics about love and betrayal, creating one of her most relatable and memorable tracks. It was another chart-topping hit, further solidifying Kelly’s dominance on the pop-rock scene.

From her American Idol victory to her breakout hits, Kelly Clarkson’s early songs paved the way for a remarkable career. These first seven tracks not only showcased her vocal range but also introduced her as a powerful storyteller with the ability to connect deeply with her audience. Whether you were singing along to Since U Been Gone or shedding a tear to The Trouble with Love Is, these songs hold a special place in the hearts of Kelly Clarkson fans everywhere.