Meaning of Life (album) - Misplaced Pages

Meaning of Life is the eighth studio album by American pop singer Kelly Clarkson. It was released on October 27, 2017, by Atlantic Records. Executive produced by Clarkson and Craig Kallman, the album is her debut release for the label after completing her recording contract and leaving previous label, RCA Records, which she had signed after winning the first season of American Idol. Weary of the structure of the previous record deal where she was strictly limited to releasing pop music, Clarkson wanted to pursue a different genre—soul and R&B music, which she had previously wanted to make and had only finally found the opportunity to do so after being signed by Kallman to the label.

Meaning of Life is Clarkson's second foray into soul and R&B music, after her debut single "Miss Independent", departing from the predominant pop and pop rock sound established from her previous studio releases and returning to her multi-genre performances on American Idol. Inspired by the music of the 1990s and prominent singers Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, En Vogue and Bonnie Raitt, Clarkson wanted the album to evoke a music similar to the early works of those artists—with the overall goal of emoting a "soulful" spirit. To achieve this, Clarkson commissioned several collaborators—from previous associates Jesse Shatkin, Greg Kurstin, Mozella and Jason Halbert, to new project partners The Monarch, Mick Schultz, Harlœ and James Morrison. The album's tracks share a cohesive theme of interpersonal connections in life, centered on the subjects of love and living the moment.

Meaning of Life received a generally positive response from music critics, who commended Clarkson's newfound confidence and the cohesiveness of the album. Commercially, the record became her eighth consecutive studio album to debut in the top three of the Billboard 200 chart. Three singles were released to promote the album: "Love So Soft", "I Don't Think About You", and "Heat", the first and last of which topped the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. Meaning of Life received two Grammy Award nominations for Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Pop Solo Performance for "Love So Soft" at the 60th and 61st ceremony. Its supporting concert tour of the same name visited various arenas throughout the United States between January and March 2019.

Background

After releasing her seventh studio album, Piece by Piece (2015), along with its companion remix album in 2016, Kelly Clarkson had completed the terms of her recording contract with RCA Records and 19 Recordings which she had signed as a prize after winning the inaugural season of American Idol in 2002. As opposed to the previous contract structure where 19 held the phonographic rights to the master recordings, RCA executives Peter Edge and Tom Corson revealed their intentions to sign Clarkson directly to the label without 19's involvement. Their renewal offer would include a three-album deal with a US$1 million advance per album, in contrast to the six-album limit from the previous contract with a US$500,000 incentive per record. Corson also admitted that her relationship with Sony Music executive Clive Davis might prove to be a nuance to the offer.

Despite remarking that her relationship with Edge and Corson on the label had proved to be successful, Clarkson had second thoughts about renewing the contract, which she recalled as an "arranged marriage". As a result, her management met with Warner Music Nashville executive John Esposito, who brokered a meeting with Atlantic Records executives Craig Kallman and Julie Greenwald, who in turn offered her a long-term worldwide deal with a larger creative freedom. On June 24, 2016, Warner Music Group announced that Clarkson had signed a long-term worldwide recording contract with Atlantic and would immediately work on a soul and R&B album set to be released the following year. The move to Atlantic also reunited her with Pete Ganbarg, who had previously did A&R work for her fourth studio album All I Ever Wanted (2009). Later that year, Kallman and Ganbarg, who was producing A&R work on a mixtape inspired by the Broadway musical Hamilton, invited Clarkson to record the musical number "It's Quiet Uptown" for the mixtape, making it her debut appearance on an Atlantic record.

Recording and production

Three of Clarkson's producers from Piece by Piece were confirmed to return for Meaning of Life: Greg Kurstin, Jason Halbert, and Jesse Shatkin, whereas first-time collaborators include The Monarch, Nick Ruth, and Mick Schultz. Deviating from the predominant pop rock sound of her previous releases, Clarkson wanted to approach a different genre—soul and R&B music. She revealed that she had previously wanted to record this type of songs but had never found an opportunity to do so, but has found out that Kallman was "dying to make this record" with her and has counted on his full support. She said the new material was reminiscent of the songs she had performed during her tenure on American Idol, and remarked that the album was a "new and fresh thing" for her and made her feel like a "brand new artist again". Recording sessions began after Clarkson's pregnancy in 2016 and continued until 2017.

To avoid making material similar to that of Stronger (2011), Clarkson met with various songwriters and showcased several soulful tracks to them to demonstrate the album's direction. She remarked that her meeting with various writing camps, discussing what kind of songs she wanted from them and rejecting songs that didn't fit the direction of the album was a "different process" for her. Clarkson said that she "wrote a bit", finding inspiration for a song's lyrics in the novel Big Little Lies, but her family life had hindered opportunities for her to contribute more to the writing. Several songwriters such as Ali Tamposi, Mozella, Harlœ, Sebastian Kole, Diztortion, Warren "Oak" Felder have all confirmed to have submitted material to Clarkson in Nashville.

Clarkson and Kallman ultimately executive produced the entire album, with the latter handling the A&R himself. It marked the first time in ten years Clarkson was credited as an executive producer. She described him as "instrumental" in steering the record, but also allowed her to explore the soulful side of her voice that she once displayed on American Idol and in live concerts. She remarked that he helped her understand what an executive producer credit on an album really meant, saying that he would often push the producers who are used to working with other executives in making radio-friendly hits, but that it sometimes tears the spirit and soul out of it. Both invited several performers to play on the album—Kallman personally invited the soul band Earth, Wind & Fire to perform at the recording sessions for the album's two tracks, while Clarkson requested her touring backup singers—Jessi Collins, Nicole Hurst, and Bridget Sarai, to be given a more prominent feature by accompanying her lead vocals, deviating from the usual practice of recording her own background vocals in her previous albums.

Composition

Theme and influences

"I think life is about loving yourself enough so that you can love others. We need to connect, we need to have conversations. Like, why not ask someone 'Hey, I didn't grow up like you did, let's talk about it!' Sharing those moments is what makes us human. If you're always limiting yourself to your own front porch, you'll never truly get to see the rest of the world around you."

—Clarkson on connection being the central theme of the album.

Meaning of Life has a cohesive theme—connection. Lyrical contents of each of the album's tracks center on "love and living, rooted in the past and living in the moment". When asked about what is the "meaning of life" to her, Clarkson remarked that "life is about connection." Clarkson also illustrated the album's logo as a circle to emphasize on life's connection and to indicate that no one is in the middle of it. She added, "This album is not great because of Kelly Clarkson," Kelly admits. "It's great because of all the musicians, all of the singers that are highlighted, all of the engineers, the producers. There are a lot of people that make up an album, and we really wanted to highlight those people." Musically, Clarkson was mainly inspired by the music of the 1990s, along with the early works of vocalists Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, En Vogue and Bonnie Raitt, whose soulful catalogs have inspired a young Clarkson to sing in high school and later embark on a music career. Franklin became the starting point for inspiration, with Clarkson asking, "What if Aretha was born now and made a record today?" as a guiding principle. In turn, Kallman made sure that the record wouldn't sound old, saying that "it's just not nostalgic and a retro experience" but described it as a "modern experience infused with the best of those records we call standards". Critics described Meaning of Life as a mixture of soulful R&B pop; While some designated it as a "soulful pop"/"pop-soul" album, others illustrated it as a soul and R&B record. Raissa Bruner of Time saw its tracks as "soulful anthems mixed with rollicking empowerment pop", while Josh Bell of the Washington Blade characterized it as "more soulful and R&B-influenced than Clarkson's prior work, although it's still very much a pop album."

Meaning of Life is promulgated by Atlantic as the album she was destined to make with the label, a "sensual" pop record and her first documented soul and R&B album; while Clarkson personally described it as the album she had wanted to make since junior high but also a "grown-ass woman's record", explaining that the lyrical content found on the album may not be suitable for her younger self to make. She remarked, "This is a record you make when you've lived (sic)." Unlike her previous releases where she had co-written much of the material, she felt compelled to only pen a few, saying that taking an active role in writing the songs would have taken an expense on her family life. Clarkson then commissioned material that showcases her current state of mind—such as dealing with the rewards and complications that come with connecting with someone emotionally, mentally, physically in a marriage; as well as a mature woman feeling completely comfortable in her own skin after years of withering sexist criticism about her appearance. To discuss these concepts, she invited several collaborators, including Harlœ, whose conversations with Clarkson were used to create some of the album's lyrical content.

Song analysis

"Meaning of Life"

Co-penned by English singer James Morrison for the Piece by Piece album, the titular track 'Meaning of Life" served as a guiding point for other collaborators in creating the soulful sound of the album.

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The album opens with "A Minute (Intro)" as the introductory track. Written and produced by The Monarch with writing input from Jim McCormick and Katie Pearlman, the song is a minute-long anthem for self-care, and was primarily made for Clarkson, whose hectic family and work life have made it hard for her to take a break for a minute for herself. Shatkin, Mozella and Priscilla Renea co-wrote and co-produced the second track "Love So Soft", which is dubbed as a tribute to classic R&B while still sounding contemporary. The Monarch and Mick Schultz produced the third song "Heat", and co-wrote it with Harlœ and Michael Pollack. Clarkson described the song as discussing on giving 100% commitment to one another and as reminiscent of her relationship with her husband. The fourth song and the titular track, "Meaning of Life", was written by British singer James Morrison with Ilsey Juber and Shatkin, who handled its production. Morrison and Shatkin originally presented the song to Clarkson for Piece by Piece, but she felt its theme was unsuitable for the album at the time. She later took a hold on the song and used it as a base point for the other producers in making material for the follow-up album. The fifth, "Move You", was written by Nick Ruth, Amy Kuney, and Molly Kate Kestner. Produced by Ruth, Kuney built the song's framework to bridge the gap between religious and secular music. Clarkson co-wrote the sixth track "Whole Lotta Woman" with Jussifer, Novawav duo Denisia Andrews & Brittany Coney, Fade Majah, and Shatkin. Produced by the latter four, the song is an empowerment anthem for women using metaphors from American Southern culture, primarily with Texan women, whom Clarkson is considered one of. Select members of Earth, Wind & Fire, led by Verdine White, prominently played throughout the number.

Schultz and Harlœ co-wrote and produced the seventh track "Medicine" as a tribute to the '90s with inspiration from Carey's song "Emotions" (1991). The follow-up track "Cruel" was written by The Monarch, Harlœ and Pat Linehan, and was produced by Jason Halbert, which sings of commanding respect from a partner. The Monarch and Shatkin produced the ninth song "Didn't I", which was written by the Davidsons, Audra Mae, and Pearlman. In the song, she bellows at a man for forsaking her after committing herself to him. Based on her experience in witnessing failed relationships of some of her loved ones and asking about a retrospective about it, Clarkson co-wrote the succeeding track "Would You Call that Love" with Greg Kurstin, who produced it. The eleventh song "I Don't Think About You" was written by Harlœ, Michael Pollack, and The Monarch, who handled its production. Requested by Clarkson to write a ballad that showcases her vocals, Harlœ based the song from her past relationship. Ruth, Kuney, and Kestner wrote the twelfth track "Slow Dance", a sultry number which is about a woman demanding a man to take things slowly, instead of falling victim to his advances. Clarkson, Shatkin, and Mozella co-wrote both the album's final two tracks—the penultimate, "Don't You Pretend", is about demanding a man to be honest about his true feelings; and the concluding number "Go High", an anthem which was inspired by former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama's speech at the 2016 Democratic National Convention.

Release and promotion

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
Source	Rating
AnyDecentMusic?	6.7/10
Metacritic	73/100
Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic
Daily Express
Entertainment Weekly	B+
The Guardian
Idolator
Newsday
The Observer
Renowned for Sound
Slant Magazine
The Times

Meaning of Life received a generally positive response from music critics. Consensus from reviews compiled by Gold Derby reveal that the "intimate, R&B-drenched album is full of confidence," describing its emphasis on soul as "euphorically liberated". On the review aggregator site Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 73, based on eight reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews". AllMusic's senior editor Stephen Thomas Erlewine gave the album a four-star rating, calling it one of her most satisfying albums and commending Clarkson for sounding "assured here in a way that differs from her earliest records". Leah Greenblatt of Entertainment Weekly gave it a "B+" rating. Deeming the album as feeling cohesive and self-assured, she considered that it doesn't seem especially interested in reaching the heights of Clarkson's early hit records but "swings low and sweet — a refreshingly real dispatch from an artist expressing exactly what she feels in this moment." Writing for Time, Bruner wrote that the album "finds her as fans prefer: a confident artist with a sense of humor and sass to spare." Shaun Kitchener of the Daily Express rated the album five stars, writing that Clarkson was "in her absolute element" on it, and the album was a "peppier, more playful alternative to Adele's 25".

Glenn Gamboa of Newsday gave Meaning of Life a four-star rating. Praising it as the best album of Clarkson's career, he wrote that it presented a "chance to declare her ambitions and deliver on them" for her "most cohesive album yet". The Boston Globe correspondent Isaac Feldberg commented that Clarkson "has perhaps never sounded as confident or comfortable as she does" on the album, and that she "channels her delight at newfound freedom into songs that, while signaling a new stage in her career, appear to flow directly from both her heart and soul." Mike Nied of Idolator shared a similar sentiment, saying that "returning to her roots had truly opened a wealth of opportunities" for Clarkson. Craig Jenkins of Vulture described the album as "a simmering pot of warm grooves and powerful vocals, a career pivot to the music that Clarkson ought to have been allowed to make right out of the gate." Reviewing for The Observer, Michael Cragg rated the album four stars, comparing its sound to Meghan Trainor and Mariah Carey and crediting its "big, syrupy" ballads for "accentuating Clarkson's undeniably powerful voice, creating a comfort zone that feels genuine."

Some of the critics were also ambivalent on the album: The Guardian's Hannah Davis gave the record a three-star rating, writing that the album had "lots of filler" and notably evoked the records of Christina Aguilera and Trainor, but its "strong, '90s diva-ish mood suits Clarkson's belting vocal style, as she ushers in a more soulful phase with class." Reviewing the album for Spin, Katherine St. Asaph noted that much of it feels "dated, studiously attempting to recreate an era Clarkson's long since transcended", and despite praising her vocal showcase, she was puzzled that after "to hear an album that sounds so much like contractual winner's filler" almost 15 years after winning the competition.

Accolades and honors

Meaning of Life has received nominations for Best Pop Vocal Album at the 61st Grammy Awards and Best Pop Solo Performance for "Love So Soft" at the 60th ceremony. Both nominations earned Clarkson the distinction of being the most-nominated artist in both categories' history, sharing the Best Pop Vocal Album record with Justin Timberlake. In the midst of promoting the album, Clarkson was also honored at various award-giving programs, including the Powerhouse Award at the 2017 Billboard Women in Music event, Icon Award at the 2018 Radio Disney Music Awards, and a Hall of Fame induction at the 2017 Nickelodeon HALO Awards.

Year-end lists

Meaning of Life was included on several publications' year-end lists:

AllMusic, Favorite Pop Albums of 2017
AXS, 10 Best Pop Albums of 2017
BBC, Best Albums of 2017
Billboard, 50 Best Albums of 2017: Critics' Picks
Entertainment Weekly, 25 Best Albums of 2017

Idolator, Best Pop Albums & EPs of 2017
Newsday, Best Albums of 2017
Rolling Stone, 20 Best Pop Albums of 2017
Time, Best Albums of 2017 (commendation)
Us Weekly, Best Albums of 2017

Commercial performance

Meaning of Life debuted on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States at number two with 79,000 album-equivalent units, which account 68,000 copies in traditional album sales. The album's chart debut on the Billboard 200 earned Clarkson her eighth consecutive top three studio album as well her third record to debut at the second spot. Meaning of Life also debuted at the top of the Billboard Digital Albums chart and became her first entry on the Billboard Vinyl Albums chart. Overseas, the album entered the top ten of the Billboard Canadian Albums chart and the Australian ARIA Albums Chart. It also attained a top twenty debut on the Official UK Albums Chart, the Irish IRMA Artist Albums Chart, and the Swiss Hitparade chart; and a top forty entry on the national charts of Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands. The album received a RIAA Gold certification in 2021, selling 500,000 equivalent units in the US.

Track listing

*Meaning of Life* – Standard edition
No.	Title	Writer(s)	Producer(s)	Length
1.	"A Minute (Intro)"	Andre Davidson Sean Davidson Jim McCormick Katie Pearlman	The Monarch	1:08
2.	"Love So Soft"	Jesse Shatkin Priscilla Renea Maureen "Mozella" McDonald	Shatkin Mozella Renea	2:52
3.	"Heat"	A. Davidson S. Davidson Jessica Ashley Karpov Michael Pollack Mick Schultz	The Monarch Schultz Shatkin Karpov	3:10
4.	"Meaning of Life"	Shatkin Ilsey Juber James Morrison Catchpole	Shatkin	3:51
5.	"Move You"	Nick Ruth Amy Kuney Molly Kate Kestner	Ruth	3:22
6.	"Whole Lotta Woman"	Kelly Clarkson Jussi Karvinen Denisia "Blu June" Andrews Brittany "Chi" Coney Evon Barnes Jr. Shatkin	Shatkin Jussifer Nova Wav Fade Majah	2:53
7.	"Medicine"	Schultz Karpov	Schultz Karpov	3:09
8.	"Cruel"	A. Davidson S. Davidson Karpov Pat Linehan	Jason Halbert	3:05
9.	"Didn't I"	A. Davidson S. Davidson Audra Mae Pearlman	The Monarch Shatkin	3:38
10.	"Would You Call That Love"	Clarkson Greg Kurstin	Kurstin	2:58
11.	"I Don't Think About You"	A. Davidson S. Davidson Pollack Karpov	The Monarch Pollack	3:44
12.	"Slow Dance"	Ruth Kuney Kestner	Ruth	3:40
13.	"Don't You Pretend"	Clarkson Shatkin McDonald	Shatkin	3:13
14.	"Go High"	Clarkson Shatkin McDonald	Shatkin	3:25
Total length:				44:08

*Meaning of Life* – Japanese edition
No.	Title	Remix producer	Length
15.	"Love So Soft" (Cash Cash Remix)	Cash Cash	4:16
16.	"Love So Soft" (Ryan Riback Remix)	Ryan Riback	3:07
Total length:			51:31

Notes

signifies a vocal producer
signifies an additional producer

Personnel

Credits adapted from the album's liner notes.

Recorded, engineered, mixed and mastered at

Burbank, California (Glenwood Place Studios)
Hollywood, California (Capitol Studios)
Los Angeles, California (A Studios, Echo Studio, The Ribcage, Vox Recording)
Nashville, Tennessee (Historic RCA Studio A, Ocean Way Studios, Starstruck Studios, St. Izzy's of the East)
New York City, New York (Sterling Sound)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (MilkBoy the Studio)
Tarzana, California (Mick Schultz Studios)
Venice Beach, California (Mac and Milo's Den)
Virginia Beach, Virginia (MixStar Studios)

Personnel

Denisia "Blu June" Andrews (Novawav) – producer (track 6)
Paul Bailey – engineer (tracks 5, 12)
David Barnett – viola (tracks 4–5, 13–14)
Brandon Blackstock – manager
Paul Buckmaster – string arrangement (track 11)
Julian Burg – engineer (track 10)
BTW Productions – music preparation (track 8)
Chris Cerullo – assistant engineer (tracks 2, 4–6, 9, 13)
Jeff Chestek – engineer (tracks 4–5, 13–14)
Joe Cleveland – keyboards (track 1)
Jessi Collins – background vocals (tracks 4–5, 8, 10, 12–13)
Brittany "Chi" Coney (Novawav) – producer (track 6)
Gared Crawford – violin (tracks 4–5, 13–14)
Andre & Sean Davidson (The Monarch) – bass, drum programming, additional programming, keyboards, producer, vocal producer (tracks 1, 3, 8–9, 11)
John DeNosky – additional vocal engineer (track 8)
Samuel Dent – additional engineering (tracks 2, 4–6, 9, 13)
Srdjan Dimitrijevic – guitar (track 6)
Joshua Ditty – assistant engineer (track 13)
Ashley Donovan – makeup
Earth, Wind & Fire Horn Section – horns: (tracks 2, 6)
- Gary Bias – tenor saxophone
- Bobby Burns – trumpet
- Raymond Lee Brown – horn orchestrator, leader, music prep
- Chuck Findley – trumpet
- Reggie Young – trombone
Lester Estelle – drums (track 8)
Aben Eubanks – guitar (track 8)
Peter Filochowski – violin (tracks 4–5, 13–14)
Iain Findlay – assistant engineer (track 2, 13), engineer (track 3)
Glenn Fischbach – cello (tracks 4–5, 13–14)
Henry Flory – violin (tracks 4–5, 13–14)
Andreas Geck – bass (track 8)
Chris Gehringer – mastering
Serban Ghenea – mixer
Greg Gigen's Dad Burke (Gregory Burke) – art direction
Jeff "Gitty" Gitelman – guitar solo (track 12)
Larry Gold – conductor, string arrangement (tracks 4–5, 13–14)
Jason Halbert – Hammond organ (track 8), keyboards (track 8), piano (track 12), piano (tracks 8, 12), engineer, producer, programming (track 8)
John Hanes – mixing engineer
Mark Hill – bass (track 5)
Nicole Hurst – background vocals (tracks 2–13)
Michael Harris – engineer (tracks 4–6, 9, 13)
Bob Horn – vocal producer (tracks 1, 12)
Gena Johnson – assistant engineer (track 12)
Jussi Karvinen (Jussifer) – producer (track 6)
Craig Kallman – A&R, executive producer
Sean Kantrowitz – guitar (tracks 2, 14)
Jessica Karpov (Harlœ) – background vocals (tracks 3, 7), vocal producer (tracks 3, 7)
Jonathan Kim – viola (tracks 4–5, 13–14)
Emma Kummrow – violin (tracks 2, 14)
Greg Kurstin – drums, baritone guitar, bass synth, guitar, keyboards, mbira, piano, engineer, producer (track 10)
Candice Lambert – styling
Trevor Laurence Jr. – drums (tracks 1, 12)
Jennie Lorenzo – cello (tracks 4–5, 13–14)
Evon Barnes Jr. (Fade Majah) – producer (track 6)
Luigi Mazzocchi – violin (tracks 4–5, 13–14)
Maureen McDonald (Mozella) – background vocals (tracks 2, 13), vocal producer (track 2)
Christopher McHugh – drums (track 5)
Joel Metzler – assistant engineer (tracks 4–5, 13–14)
Justin Levy – background vocal arrangement (track 8)
Alex Pasco – engineer (track 10)
Will Quinnell – mastering
Gabriel Noel – bass (track 2)
Priscilla Renea – background vocals (track 2), vocal producer (track 2)
Morris O'Connor – guitar (track 6)
Orchestra members – strings (track 8):
- Jenny Bifano, Maria Conti, Janet Darnell, Conni Ellisor, Aliva Enstrom, Amy Helman, Anthony LaMarchina, Jung-Min Shin, Alan Umstead, Catherine Umstead, Mary Katherine VanOsdale, Bruce Wethey, Karen Winkelmann
John Paris – drums (track 6)
Charles Parker – violin (tracks 4–5, 13–14)
Vincent Peters – photography
Eric Peterson – guitar (tracks 3, 7)
Robert Ramos – hair
The Regiment Horns – horns, (tracks 2, 4–6, 9, 13), brass arrangement (track 5):
- Sean Erick – flugelhorn, trumpet
- Leon Silva – tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone
- Kevin Williams Jr. – trombone, tuba
Shiela Richman – publicity
Craig Rosen – A&R administrator
Buddy Ross – organ (tracks 2, 4, 13), piano (tracks 4, 13)
Nick Ruth – guitar, organ, programming, producer (tracks 5, 12)
Bridget Sarai – background vocals (tracks 2–13)
Brian Schultz – bass (tracks 3, 7)
Mick Schultz – engineer, producer (tracks 3, 7)
Jesse Shatkin – bass, concert bells, drums, drum programming, guitar, organ, piano, synthesizers, additional programming, engineer, producer, vocal producer (tracks 2–4, 6, 9, 13–14)
Jordan Silva – engineer (track 1), assistant engineer (track 12)
Eddie Spear – engineer (track 12)
Nick Spezia – engineer (track 8)
Robert "RAab" Stevenson – background vocal arrangement (track 8)
Todd Tidwell – assistant engineer, engineer (tracks 2–6, 9, 13)
Joann Tominaga – production coordinator (tracks 2, 4–6, 9, 13)
Philip Townes – organ (track 12)
Carolyn Tracey – project manager
Joseph Trapanese – orchestrator, strings conductor (track 8)
Alan Umstead – orchestra contractor (track 8)
Nina Webb – marketing
Carrie West – A&R coordinator
Booker White – music preparation (track 8)
Verdine White – bass (tracks 2, 6)
Shane D. Wilson – engineer (track 8)

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2017–2018)	Peak position
Australian Albums (ARIA)	6
Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria)	27
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)	42
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)	115
Canadian Albums (Billboard)	4
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)	35
French Albums (SNEP)	138
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)	32
Irish Albums (IRMA)	18
Japanese Albums (Oricon)	223
New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)	21
Scottish Albums (OCC)	10
South Korean Albums (Circle)	67
Spanish Albums (PROMUSICAE)	47
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)	19
UK Albums (OCC)	11
US Billboard 200	2
US Top Tastemaker Albums (Billboard)	16

Year-end charts

Chart (2018)	Position
US Top Album Sales (Billboard)	89
US Top Current Albums (Billboard)	79

Certifications


Region	Certification	Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)	Gold	500,000
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Release formats for *Meaning of Life*
Region	Date	Formats	Label	Catalog number
Various	October 27, 2017	CD digital download LP streaming	Atlantic	563941-2
Japan	October 27, 2017	CD digital download LP streaming		WPCR-17920
Various	May 4, 2018	Limited edition LP		567235-2

Notes

On the recording contract Clarkson signed in 2002, 19 Recordings reserves the phonographic rights to the master recordings of Clarkson's winning contract. While Simon Cowell's S Records (a unit of BMG trading as Ronagold Limited) secured the rights to appoint another record label within the BMG family to receive an exclusive license for the masters. For Clarkson's case, S (Ronagold) designated RCA Records as the licensee and the latter subsequently became her primary label for the duration of the deal.
Clarkson's Christmas album Wrapped in Red (2013) is not included in the 19 and RCA agreement pursuant to the six-studio album limit, as RCA retains sole phonographic rights to the album's masters and only considers it as a holiday album.
Clive Davis, then CEO of RCA Music Group, is the executive producer of Clarkson's first two studio albums Thankful (2003) and Breakaway (2004).
Clarkson was credited as an executive producer for her third album My December (2007).

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^ Ganz, Cary (October 19, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson Is Nobody's Puppet". The New York Times. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
Billboard staff (July 28, 2015). "Billboard's 2016 Nashville Power Players List Revealed: Who Rules Music City?". Billboard. Billboard-The Hollywood Reporter Group. Retrieved September 5, 2017.
Biedenharn, Isabella (November 29, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson: Hamilton Mixtape was 'hardest thing I've ever done'". Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc. Retrieved September 13, 2017.
^ Johnston, Maura (October 26, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson: 'I Am a Whole Lot of Woman, and That's OK'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
Thankful (booklet). Kelly Clarkson. RCA Records/19 Recordings/S Records. 2003. 07884-20083-5.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
Breakaway (booklet). Kelly Clarkson. RCA Records/19 Recordings/S Records. 2004. 82876-64491-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^ Blistein, Jon (September 7, 2017). "Hear Kelly Clarkson's Galvanic New Songs 'Love So Soft,' 'Move You'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved September 7, 2017.
^ Biedenharn, Isabella (September 30, 2016). "Kelly Clarkson on her soul album: 'I've wanted to make this record since I was in junior high'". Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc. Retrieved September 5, 2017.
^ Nelson, Jeff (September 30, 2016). "Kelly Clarkson Says Her Next Album Will Not Be "Stronger 2.0": 'I Get to Really Sing on It'". People. Time Inc. Retrieved September 5, 2017.
^ Dresdale, Andrea (October 14, 2016). "Kelly Clarkson Says Recording Soulful New Album Is "Effortless"". ABC News. Retrieved September 5, 2017.
Citations concerning songwriters who had submitted material for Clarkson's eighth studio album:
- Mozella: Kawashima, Dale (April 6, 2016). "Interview with Mozella, Hit Pop Songwriter For Charlie Puth, Miley Cyrus And One Direction". Songwriter Universe. Retrieved September 5, 2017.
- Ali Tamposi: Kawashima, Dale (March 31, 2017). "Pop Songwriter Ali Tamposi Co-Writes The Hits "Let Me Love You" (DJ Snake & Justin Bieber) and "It Ain't Me" (Kygo & Selena Gomez)". Songwriter Universe. Retrieved September 5, 2017.
- Sebastian Kole: Owolabi, Helen (November 17, 2016). "How Sebastian Kole Went From Near Homelessness to Writing for Alessia Cara and Recording 'Soup'". Complex. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
- Harlœ: Brungardt, Leah (July 12, 2017). "An Interview With The Talented Singer-Songwriter Harlœ!". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on September 7, 2017. Retrieved September 5, 2017.
- Oak Felder: Mitchell, Gail (May 23, 2017). "Producer Oak Felder Talks Kelly Clarkson, Khalid and More: 'I Love That I Can Fly Under the Radar'". Billboard. Billboard-The Hollywood Reporter Group. Retrieved September 5, 2017.
My December (booklet). Kelly Clarkson. RCA Records/19 Recordings/S Records. 2007. 88697-32715-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
Feeney, Nolan (October 30, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson's secret weapon on Meaning of Life? Her backup singers". Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
^ Kelly Clarkson explains the title of her new album 'Meaning of Life'. The Today Show. NBCUniversal. September 8, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
^ Cohen, Samantha (September 20, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson Tells Bob & Christine The 'Meaning of Life'". WLTW. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
^ Davis, Arianna (October 27, 2017). "This Simple Advice From Kelly Clarkson Will Blow Your Mind". Refinery29. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas (October 27, 2017). "Meaning of Life – Kelly Clarkson". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
^ Hunt, Chase (September 8, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson goes YouTube live to give 'Meaning of Life' details". AXS. AEG. Archived from the original on June 21, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
Marine, Brooke (January 28, 2018). "How Kelly Clarkson Finally Released the Album She's Wanted to Make Since Junior High". W. Condé Nast. Retrieved July 3, 2018.
^ Kitchener, Shaun (October 27, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson – Meaning of Life Review". Daily Express. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
^ Goldberg, Haley (16 April 2017). "Kelly Clarkson Told Us Why the Lows Are Key to Your Story". Shine Text. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
^ Gamboa, Glenn (October 25, 2017). "'Meaning of Life' review: Kelly Clarkson's soulful stunner". Newsday. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
Bell, Josh (October 26, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson shakes up her approach on 'Meaning of Life'". Las Vegas Weekly. Greenspun Media Group. Retrieved July 3, 2018.
^ Bruner, Raisa (October 26, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson Delivers Soul and Sass to 'Meaning of Life'". Time. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
Gerard, Chris (November 2, 2017). "New Kelly Clarkson album is welcome change". Washington Blade. Brown, Naff, Pitts Omnimedia. Retrieved July 3, 2018.
^ "Multiple Grammy Award-Winning Superstar Kelly Clarkson and Platinum-Selling Singer-Songwriter Brett Eldredge Partner with Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® for "Rocking and Stockings" Performances". Cracker Barrel (Press release). Lebanon, Tennessee: The Globe and Mail. November 15, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
^ Feeney, Nolan (October 27, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson's Meaning of Life: Revisit EW's Fall Music Preview cover story". Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc. Retrieved October 27, 2017.
^ Nied, Mike (October 19, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson Uncovers The "Meaning Of Life" On New Buzz Track". Idolator. Hive Media. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
Feeney, Nolan (September 15, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson Is (Still!) Our Idol In EW's Fall Music Preview". Entertainment Weekly. No. 1481. Time Inc. ISSN 1049-0434. Retrieved September 13, 2017. (subscription required)
^ Feeney, Nolan (September 13, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson played us her new album, Meaning of Life. Here are 7 songs you'll love". Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc. Retrieved September 13, 2017.
Boron, Allison (November 30, 2017). "Kobalt Songwriter Amy Kuney on Writing with Her Own 'American Idol'". Kobalt Music Group. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
^ Nied, Mike (October 27, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson's 'Meaning Of Life': Album Review". Idolator. Hive Media. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
Clott Kanter, Sharon (November 8, 2016). "Kelly Clarkson Plans to Release New Single in April and Album in June: 'We Have a Good Batch of Songs Already'". People. Time Inc. Archived from the original on November 8, 2016. Retrieved September 7, 2017.
^ Garner, George (December 19, 2017). "Since she's been gone: Why Kelly Clarkson is embracing a "new chapter" of her career". Music Week. Retrieved March 3, 2018. (subscription required)
McIntyre, Hugh (September 7, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson Reappears With A Pair Of New Singles, 'Love So Soft' And 'Move You'". Forbes. Retrieved September 7, 2017.
Cook-Wilson, Winston (September 7, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson Releases Singles "Love So Soft" and "Move You", Announces New Album Meaning of Life". Spin. Eldridge Industries. Retrieved September 7, 2017.
Montgomery, Daniel (December 7, 2017). "2018 Grammy predictions: Can Kelly Clarkson win Pop Solo Performance for first time 'Since U Been Gone'?". Gold Derby. PMC. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
Murray, Gordon (November 9, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson's 'Love So Soft' Hits No. 1 on Dance Club Songs Chart". Billboard. Billboard-The Hollywood Reporter Group. Retrieved March 5, 2018.
Hyer, Joe (February 12, 2018). "Kelly Clarkson Reveals "I Don't Think About You" Is The Second Single from 'Meaning of Life'". WNVZ. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
Hunt, Chase (June 9, 2018). "Kelly Clarkson releases 'Heat' as new single". AXS. United States: Anschutz Entertainment Group. Archived from the original on June 15, 2018. Retrieved June 15, 2018.
Roffman, Marisa (February 8, 2018). "Kelly Clarkson Says She's Definitely Going to Win 'The Voice' Season 14". TV Insider. NTVB Media. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
Kreps, Daniel (September 14, 2018). "Kelly Clarkson Maps Out 2019 'Meaning of Life' Tour". Rolling Stone. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
Aswad, Jem (September 7, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson Premieres New Album, 'Meaning of Life,' at Intimate New York Concert". Variety. PMC. Retrieved September 7, 2017.
Kreps, Daniel (September 29, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson Details New Album 'Meaning of Life'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
"Kelly Clarkson Confirmed for iHeartRadio Canada's First Secret Session". iHeartRadio Canada (Press release). Toronto: Bell Media. September 25, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
^ "iHeartMedia Presents the iHeartRadio Album Release Party with Kelly Clarkson, in Partnership with We Are LA". iHeartMedia (Press release). Los Angeles: Business Wire. October 23, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
Levy, Joe (November 30, 2017). "Women in Music 2017: Atlantic Records' Julie Greenwald Named Executive of the Year". Billboard. Billboard-The Hollywood Reporter Group. Retrieved March 5, 2018.
"WATCH: Kelly Clarkson shares the Meaning of Life with SiriusXM... Twice!". Sirius XM Holdings. November 15, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
Citations concerning televised performances of "Love So Soft" at:
- The Today Show: Kaufman, Gil (September 7, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson Announces 'Meaning of Life' Album, Drops Glam 'Love So Soft' Video". Billboard. Billboard-The Hollywood Reporter Group. Retrieved March 5, 2018.
- America's Got Talent: Armstrong, Megan (September 21, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson Performs New Single, 'Love So Soft,' on 'America's Got Talent': Watch". Billboard. Billboard-The Hollywood Reporter Group. Retrieved March 5, 2018.
- The Ellen DeGeneres Show: "Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis & Kathryn Hahn; Kelly Clarkson". The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Season 15. Episode 39. NTVB Media. October 27, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
- The Graham Norton Show: Moloney, Aisling (November 10, 2017). "Who is on Graham Norton tonight? Hugh Grant and Kelly Clarkson among guests". Metro. DMG Media. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
- The Voice Of Germany: Hein, Franziska; Pavetic, B. (December 15, 2017). "The Voice Of Germany Finale 2017: BB Thomaz singt mit Kelly Clarkson". Rheinische Post (in German). Dusseldorf. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
- 10th Annual WE Day: "Host Kelly Clarkson along with Vanessa Hudgens and Shawn Hook, Lilly Singh, Former Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban-Ki Moon [sic] and More Unite at the 10th Annual WE Day Toronto to Celebrate Youth Taking Action on Local and Global Social Issues" (PDF) (pdf). Toronto: WE Charity. September 28, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
- 2017 Invictus Games: "Star-Studded Closing Ceremony Sends Off The 2017 Invictus Games". Forces Network. Services Sound and Vision Corporation. October 1, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
- 2017 American Music Awards: Havens, Lindsey (November 19, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson Soars Through 'Miss Independent,' 'Love So Soft' at the 2017 AMAs". Billboard. Billboard-The Hollywood Reporter Group. Retrieved March 5, 2018.
- The Late Late Show with James Corden: Blistein, Jon (November 30, 2017). "'Carpool Karaoke': See Kelly Clarkson Belt Hits, Rekindle Romance". Rolling Stone. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
"Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis & Kathryn Hahn; Kelly Clarkson". The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Season 15. Episode 144. NTVB Media. April 26, 2018. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
Kaufman (2017).
"Kelly Clarkson: "I Don't Think About You" und "Didn't I" live in der "Today Show"" (in German). Germany: Warner Music Group. February 27, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
Dawn, Randee (June 8, 2018). "Kelly Clarkson turns up the 'Heat' at her TODAY concert". The Today Show. NBCUniversal. Retrieved June 13, 2018.
"Kelly Clarkson Performs at Opening Night Ceremony of 2018 US Open". Billboard. August 28, 2018. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
Cirisano, Tatiana (May 20, 2018). "Kelly Clarkson Shows Off a 'Whole Lotta Woman' in Confident Billboard Music Awards 2018 Performance". Billboard. Billboard-The Hollywood Reporter Group. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
Braca, Nica (February 28, 2018). "Kelly Clarkson Performs 'Didn't I' on 'Late Night,' Discusses Meeting Steve Carell". Billboard. Billboard-The Hollywood Reporter Group. Retrieved March 5, 2018.
Nied, Mike (February 28, 2018). "Kelly Clarkson's 'Meaning Of Life': Album Review". Idolator. Hive Media. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
Dixon, Marcus James (December 19, 2017). "'The Voice' finale: Kelly Clarkson debuts new single 'Medicine' before joining Season 14 as a coach [WATCH]". Gold Derby. PMC. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
Montgomery, Daniel (May 7, 2018). "'The Voice' Top 10: It's 'Challenge Week' so which artists will make it to the Top 8?". Gold Derby. PMC. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
"Meaning of Life by Kelly Clarkson". AnyDecentMusic?. October 27, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
^ "Meaning of Life by Kelly Clarkson". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. October 27, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
^ Greenblatt, Leah (October 26, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson has a new kind of confidence on Meaning of Life: EW review". Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
^ Davies, Hannah J. (October 26, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson: Meaning of Life review – a classier soul diva emerges". The Guardian. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
^ Cragg, Michael (October 29, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson: Meaning of Life review – big melodies with a twist". The Observer. Guardian Media Group. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
Benfield, Haydon (October 24, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson – Meaning of Life". Renowned for Sound. Retrieved 28 February 2019.
Cinquemani, Sal (October 18, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson: Meaning of Life – Album Review". Slant Magazine. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
Hodgkinson, Will (October 27, 2017). "Pop review: Kelly Clarkson: Meaning of Life". The Times. Retrieved March 3, 2018. (subscription required)
Montgomery, Daniel (December 19, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson 'Meaning of Life' reviews: She embraces R&B on her 'euphorically liberated' new album". Gold Derby. PMC. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
Feldberg, Isaac (October 26, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson pours her soul into 'Meaning of Life'". The Boston Globe. Archived from the original on October 29, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
Jenkins, Craig (October 31, 2017). "Review: Sam Smith and Kelly Clarkson". Vulture. New York Media. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
^ Montgomery, Daniel (February 7, 2019). "Kelly Clarkson will make Grammy history this year if she wins Best Pop Album, so take that, Adele!". Gold Derby. PMC. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
^ Montgomery, Daniel (November 29, 2017). "Why Can't Kelly Clarkson Break Through to Big Grammys Categories?". Pop Crush. Townsquare Media. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
Rapkin, Mickey (November 30, 2017). "Billboard Women in Music 'Powerhouse' Kelly Clarkson on Finally Finding Artistic Freedom". Billboard. Billboard-The Hollywood Reporter Group. Retrieved November 30, 2017.
Schnurr, Samantha (14 June 2018). "Kelly Clarkson to Be Honored With Icon Award at 2018 Radio Disney Music Awards". E! News. NBCUniversal. Retrieved June 14, 2018.
Macias, Ernest (October 25, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson, Kelsea Ballerini join forces at Nickelodeon HALO Awards 2017 to honor teens". Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
"Favorite Pop Albums – AllMusic 2017 in Review". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
Hunt, Chase (December 11, 2017). "10 best pop albums of 2017". AXS. AEG. Archived from the original on June 21, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
Haider, Arwa (December 28, 2017). "BBC Culture's best albums of 2017". BBC. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
Billboard staff (December 12, 2017). "Billboard's 50 Best Albums of 2017: Critics' Picks". Billboard. Billboard-The Hollywood Reporter Group. Retrieved March 5, 2018.
Feeney, Nolan (December 6, 2017). "The 25 best albums of 2017". Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc. Archived from the original on August 5, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
Wass, Mike (January 7, 2018). "The Best Pop Albums & EPs Of 2017". Idolator. Hive Media. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
Gamboa, Glenn (December 29, 2017). "Best albums of 2017". Newsday. Archived from the original on June 25, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
Johnston, Maura (December 12, 2017). "20 Best Pop Albums of 2017". Rolling Stone. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
Bruner, Raisa (December 4, 2017). "The Top 10 Albums of 2017". Time. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
Hautman, Nicholas (December 29, 2017). "10 Best Albums of 2017". Us Weekly. Time Inc. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
McIntyre, Hugh (November 6, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson, Chris Brown And Several Rappers Post New Albums Inside The U.S. Top 10". Forbes. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
"Kelly Clarkson's "Meaning of Life" debuts at number two; Kelly and Demi Lovato to perform at AMAs". ABC News. November 6, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
Caufield, Keith (November 1, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson Set for Eighth Top 10 Album on Billboard 200 Chart". Billboard. Billboard-The Hollywood Reporter Group. Retrieved March 5, 2018.
"Billboard Digital Albums: November 18, 2017". Billboard. Billboard-The Hollywood Reporter Group. November 18, 2017. Retrieved March 5, 2018.
"Billboard Vinyl Albums: November 18, 2017". Billboard. Billboard-The Hollywood Reporter Group. November 18, 2017. Retrieved March 5, 2018.
FYI staff (November 5, 2017). "Downie, The Hip, Kelly Clarkson Hot On The Albums Chart This Week". FYI Music News. Retrieved September 5, 2017.
Manning, James (November 6, 2017). "ARIA Charts: Chris Brown, Kelly Clarkson & Hanson land top 10 albums". Mediaweek. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
Myers, Justin (November 3, 2017). "Michael Ball and Alfie Boe score a second Number 1 with Together Again". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
"Official Irish Albums Chart Top 50 – 3 November 2017 – 9 November 2017". IRMA. Official Charts Company. November 3, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
"Schweizer Hitparade – Top 100 Alben – 05.11.2017" (PDF). Schweizer Hitparade (pdf) (in German). GfK Entertainment. November 5, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
"Austria TOP 40 – Alben – 10.11.2017". Ö3 Austria. GfK Entertainment. November 10, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
"Offizielle Deutsche Charts Top 100 Album-Charts – 3 November 2017". Offizielle Deutsche Charts. GfK Entertainment. November 3, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
"Dutch Album Top 100 – 4/11/2017". MegaCharts. November 4, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
^ "American album certifications – Kelly Clarkson – Meaning of Life". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved October 29, 2021.
^ Various citations concerning the October 27, 2017, release of Meaning of Life:
- "Meaning of Life by Kelly Clarkson" (in French). France: Apple Music. October 27, 2017. Retrieved September 7, 2017.
- "Meaning of Life (Vinyl LP) von Kelly Clarkson" (in German). Germany: Amazon.de. October 27, 2017. Retrieved September 7, 2017.
- "Meaning of Life by Kelly Clarkson". United Kingdom: Apple Music. October 27, 2017. Retrieved September 7, 2017.
- "Meaning of Life by Kelly Clarkson". United States: Apple Music. October 27, 2017. Retrieved September 7, 2017.
- "Meaning of Life / ミーニング・オブ・ライフ" (in Japanese). Japan: Warner Music Group. October 27, 2017. Archived from the original on October 3, 2017. Retrieved October 2, 2017.
Meaning of Life (booklet). Kelly Clarkson. Atlantic Records. 2017. 563941-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
"Australiancharts.com – Kelly Clarkson – Meaning of Life". Hung Medien. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
"Austriancharts.at – Kelly Clarkson – Meaning of Life" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
"Ultratop.be – Kelly Clarkson – Meaning of Life" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
"Ultratop.be – Kelly Clarkson – Meaning of Life" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
"Kelly Clarkson Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
"Dutchcharts.nl – Kelly Clarkson – Meaning of Life" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
"Lescharts.com – Kelly Clarkson – Meaning of Life". Hung Medien. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
"Offiziellecharts.de – Kelly Clarkson – Meaning of Life" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
"GFK Chart-Track Albums: Week 44, 2017". Chart-Track. IRMA. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
"Oricon Top 50 Albums: 2017-11-06" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
"Charts.nz – Kelly Clarkson – Meaning of Life". Hung Medien. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
"Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
"South Korea Circle Album Chart". On the page, select "2017.10.29~2015.11.04" to obtain the corresponding chart. Circle Chart Retrieved February 16, 2018.
"Spanishcharts.com – Kelly Clarkson – Meaning of Life". Hung Medien. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
"Swisscharts.com – Kelly Clarkson – Meaning of Life". Hung Medien. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
"Kelly Clarkson | Artist | Official Charts". UK Albums Chart. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
"Kelly Clarkson Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
"Kelly Clarkson Chart History (Top Tastemaker Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
"Top Album Sales – 2018". Billboard. Billboard-The Hollywood Reporter Group. 9 December 2015. Retrieved February 8, 2019. (subscription required)
"Top Current Albums – 2018". Billboard. Billboard-The Hollywood Reporter Group. 2 January 2013. Retrieved February 8, 2019. (subscription required)
Various citations concerning the May 4, 2018, release of Meaning of Life:
- "Kelly Clarkson to Release Meaning of Life on Vinyl Just in Time for Mother's Day". Australia: Warner Music Group. April 11, 2018. Retrieved April 14, 2018.
- "Meaning of Life (Gold Vinyl)". Australia: Warner Music Group. Archived from the original on May 11, 2018. Retrieved April 14, 2018.

External links

Official website

v t e Kelly Clarkson
Discography Videography Awards and nominations Songs recorded Songs written Concert tours Promotional tours
Studio albums	Thankful Breakaway My December All I Ever Wanted Stronger Wrapped in Red Piece by Piece Meaning of Life When Christmas Comes Around... Chemistry
Compilation albums	Greatest Hits – Chapter One
Remix albums	Piece by Piece Remixed
Extended plays	iTunes Session Kellyoke
Video releases	Miss Independent Behind Hazel Eyes
Concert tours	American Idols Live! Tour 2002 Independent Tour The Breakaway Tour Hazel Eyes Tour Addicted Tour My December Tour 2 Worlds 2 Voices Tour All I Ever Wanted Tour Stronger Tour Summer Tour 2012 12th Annual Honda Civic Tour Piece by Piece Tour Meaning of Life Tour Chemistry: An Intimate Evening with Kelly Clarkson
Television	Kelly Clarkson's Cautionary Christmas Music Tale The Kelly Clarkson Show season 1 2 3 4 5 6
Bibliography	River Rose and the Magical Lullaby River Rose and the Magical Christmas
Related articles	Miracle on Broadway Norwegian Encore
Family	Isaiah Rose (ancestor)
Category

Categories: