Listen: Kelly Clarkson's Future Smash
WHO: Kelly Clarkson
WHAT: "Ready" (demo)
WHY: Of the four stripped-down Kelly demos mysteriously leaked to the net this week, this is the one with the most potential. Backed by a lilting acoustic guitar and a piano, Clarkson moans about being frozen in an unfulfilling relationship: "I sit so patiently drenched in all of the s*** I can't escape." But, as the chorus attests, there's hope. "I'm ready now! Come get me!" she sings, open throated — it's a monster hook built for belting. With minor polishing, the song could be a Lilith Fair-style smash. Or, add some loud guitars and a fat back beat, and it's another triumphant girl-power screed. However you cut it, the song is already there. (Note to the producer of Kelly's next album: don't screw this one up.)
WHERE: Listen to the demo here.
