Posted by Katherine St Asaph on 10/05/2011 at 10:29 AM Videos

The Popdust Files: albums, kelly clarkson, leaks, mr. know it all, stronger

Two ways of responding to a leak, both demonstrated by Kelly Clarkson:

a) “I’m so tired of disrespecting, lying, sneaky little trolls that pretend to be human.”
b) “Hey ya’ll – I heard that some versions of “What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger)” started showing up online. My new album Stronger is out in 3 weeks (Oct 24) and I want you to hear the real thing!”

Which is better? Well, a) has much more personality, is infinitely quotable (not just about leaks! try it!) and just all-around great. But b) comes with a new Kelly Clarkson track that’s much better than the single, so it’s a toss-up.

“What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger)” is still radio-friendly, if that rubbery synth and “Because of You” message are any indication. But unlike “Mr. Know It All”–which is growing on us, but still–”Stronger” sounds like a Kelly Clarkson track and not something shopped around to six other artists first. We’re going to go out on a limb–particular since Clarkson decided to release this one early with the same reasoning that could apply to any of the other leaked tracks and say this’ll be a single at some point. Preferably soon.